"The Painter's Mirror, The Poet's Dream: A Journey of Medium Format Charm with the Hasselblad X2D"

August 4, 2023

“The Painter’s Mirror, The Poet’s Dream: A Journey of Medium Format Charm with the Hasselblad X2D”

"Capture Reality, Leave an Eternal Mark: Hasselblad X2D, Your Timeless Camera."

The introduction of the Hasselblad X2D undoubtedly became one of the most talked-about cameras in the first half of 2023. However, the global lens shortage has disappointed many Hasselblad enthusiasts. Fortunately, photographer Daran was able to get his hands on the X2D, with the 38v and 55v lenses, and has been extensively using the Hasselblad X2D over the past six months. So, let's take a look at the charm of the Hasselblad X2D and the new V lenses through Daran's photographs.

作者：Daran Wu

中文版本

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日本語版本

Introduction

In the world of photography, every captured image is a unique moment. Today, I want to share with you an elegant camera that captivates the senses - the Hasselblad X2D. As a long-time user of Hasselblad cameras and fortunate enough to have obtained the X2D with the 38V/55V lenses early on, I deeply appreciate the experience this camera brings. It's not just about the advancements in technology, but also the emotions it stirs within photographers. In this article, I will share the photos taken with the Hasselblad X2D in various countries over the past few months, as well as my personal thoughts and impressions.

Hasselblad X2D 100C sample / review | Snow-capped Mount Fuji seen across a lake, with cherry blossom branches hanging into the top of the frame

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The unexpected start of a losing streak.

When the Hasselblad X2D was first announced, I was initially thinking that the Hasselblad X1D2 was just alright. The image quality was good, even though it had "only" 50 megapixels, which was still sufficient. It didn't have image stabilization, but I had been shooting without it for the past three or four years. So, I didn't really think I needed to upgrade to the X2D. However, when I visited a store and actually held the X2D in my hands, there was a sense of elegance and beauty that continuously transmitted from my hands to my mind. My eyes couldn't help but stay fixated on this camera. That's when I realized that the world of indulgence had changed, and the only thing I wanted to do was...

Just take this camera and go out on an adventure...

Hasselblad X2D 100C sample / review | Vintage Contax film cameras on display in a camera shop, each with a price tag in yen

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Trigger

I have enjoyed photography for many years and have unintentionally accumulated quite a collection of interesting cameras and lenses. I deeply understand the decision to purchase a cherished piece of equipment.

Relying on it is not just rational analysis or data, but more of that inner emotional fragment.

Hasselblad X2D 100C sample / review | Two pedestrian silhouettes at a crosswalk in Tokyo, in front of a wall of real estate advertisements

Like when we were young and in love, you would cherish their beauty and overlook their imperfections, and your mind would be flooded with memories of moments shared with them. In this moment, all you can think of is having them by your side, or perhaps...

"I want to own this camera."

Hasselblad X2D 100C sample / review | A woman looking back over her shoulder by a railing, with cherry blossoms lining both banks of the river behind her

When faced with the Hasselblad X2D, I think I also have this kind of feeling. I know it doesn't have high-speed autofocus tracking or fast continuous shooting response. Those many useful features are missing.

However, the Hasselblad X2D fills me with anticipation, looking forward to the moment of owning it; looking forward to taking it with me on trips, and looking forward to capturing the scenery that meets my eyes through it.

Hasselblad X2D 100C sample / review | Snow-capped Mount Fuji seen across a lake through reeds in the foreground

To me, the Hasselblad X2D brings about a sense of "enjoyment," relishing the delight in capturing images and the satisfaction that comes with creating high-quality visuals. With Hasselblad, I particularly appreciate its devoted focus on elegant design and exceptional image quality. There are already plenty of convenient and advanced cameras out there, but with Hasselblad, it's about capturing moments with finesse.

I want a camera that can make people change.

Hasselblad X2D 100C sample / review | A black dog lying on the grass with its tongue out, looking up at the camera

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New Design: The Perfect Fusion of Classic and Modern

The design of the Hasselblad X2D is visually striking. While maintaining a traditional and classic appearance, it incorporates modern design elements, making it more refined and stylish overall. The body is made of premium metal material, offering excellent tactile sensation and a high-quality feel. The aesthetics of this camera not only represent an art but also showcase the personality of photographers.

Even taking a photo together with the Hasselblad X2D will be a wonderful experience.

Hasselblad X2D 100C sample / review | A couple dining across from each other at a table by a bright cafe window

Hasselblad X2D 100C sample / review | A Japanese shopping street at dusk, with cyclists crossing a zebra crossing under glowing shop signs

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Improved response speed: Capturing the ever-changing landscape

Photography is about capturing fleeting moments of beauty, and the Hasselblad X2D has undoubtedly made significant progress compared to the X1DII in this regard, but don't expect it to be as fast as Japanese cameras. The startup time is approximately 1-2 seconds, and in standby mode, it can be awakened from sleep immediately for shooting, which allows me to better seize the moment when street photography.

How to enter sleep mode:
In the powered-on state, quickly press the power button once (if held down, it will shut down instead), and X2D will enter sleep mode; pressing it again quickly will return to normal power-on mode. This method is suitable for street photography or situations requiring multiple subjects, as sleep mode can significantly save battery consumption.

Hasselblad X2D 100C sample / review | Black and white photo of the rear of a city bus, with passengers visible through the back window

Hasselblad X2D 100C sample / review | A woman in a yellow dress walking down an alley while looking at her phone, passing a family with a stroller

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Image Stabilization Technology: The Key to Stable Images

very photographer knows the importance of image stabilization technology for the quality of their photos. The introduction of image stabilization technology in the Hasselblad X2D is a significant breakthrough (for Hasselblad, anyway) that enables the camera to maintain a stable image even in low-light environments or when the shutter speed is not fast enough. This means that we can take photos in more situations without being troubled by camera shake, and you may not need to bring an extra tripod with you anymore (although a tripod can significantly enhance the quality of your work).

Hasselblad X2D 100C sample / review | Looking up at light reflecting on a dark ceiling inside a building, with a man standing on an escalator in the lower corner

The anti-shake technology of Hasselblad X2D is particularly important in medium format cameras. When the pixel count reaches 100 million, even slight vibrations can be amplified and affect the photo. In addition, because the aperture value of medium format lenses is relatively small, it is rare to reach F1.4 like full-frame cameras. Therefore, the shutter speed is often slower, and the anti-shake function can bring a higher success rate for shooting.

The anti-shake effect of Hasselblad X2D is quite remarkable, and there is a high probability of completing a shot even with a shutter speed of 1/4 or even 1 second.

Hasselblad X2D 100C sample / review | A man in a suit raising his phone to take a photo while riding up an escalator with glass balustrades

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Improvement in focus speed: Capturing stories through the lens

Hasselblad has never been known for fast focus speed, but the good news is that if the Hasselblad camera is in perfect focus, the accuracy is good. The new Hasselblad X2D has added phase detection for focusing and, when paired with the new V-series lenses, has increased focus speed by 50% to 100% (different lenses have different focus performance); even when using the old XCD lenses, there is still a noticeable improvement of around 30% to 50% in speed.

Hasselblad X2D 100C sample / review | People walking on a gravel path shaded by green trees, as a man in a suit pulling a suitcase walks toward the camera

Phase detection added is one of the major reasons why I would like to purchase the Hasselblad X2D (the other one being anti-shake feature). Will there be a face detection feature in the future? The manufacturer has not said no, so maybe we just need to give them some time to develop it.

Hasselblad X2D 100C sample / review | A bald man riding a small folding bicycle past a dark building wall and utility boxes

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XCD 2,5/55V

A standard lens that feels as comfortable as air.

The 55V is one of the most popular lenses, with the longest waiting list. Its 43mm equivalent field of view is closer to human eyes, making it suitable for both portrait and documentary photography. In fact, the 55V is also my favorite lens. In addition to the new lens body design, which is captivating, I am also a photographer who likes the 50mm standard focal length. The 43mm equivalent field of view is like stepping back one step from 50mm, so the difference is not too great. The 55V has a smaller and lighter body than the XCD 65 F2.8, and its aperture of f/2.5 also brings better bokeh effects. With the new V lenses, vignetting has been significantly reduced (although it may still occur in low light conditions).

DOCUMENTARY/
PORTRAIT

NATURAL PERSPECTIVE
FOR EASIER COMPOSITION

SHALLOW DOF

Hasselblad X2D 100C sample / review | Close-up of a tulip field with pink, orange, red and white blossoms

Another new feature of the V lenses is that the function ring can be pushed forward to switch between manual and autofocus (similar to the Leica series). This is very useful and provides flexibility during the shooting process. In addition, there is a second customizable function ring on the lens body.

However, the new V lenses do exhibit noticeable vignetting, especially at f/2.5. In some cases, this can add to the atmosphere of the photo. If you are someone who pursues image quality, you can improve the vignetting issue by stopping down the aperture or using lens correction in post-processing software such as Lightroom or Phocus.

Hasselblad X2D 100C sample / review | A bride and groom standing under a balcony and lanterns of a white Western-style house covered in red bougainvillea

I think the new Hasselblad lenses are designed to make sacrifices in optics in order to be more lightweight and have a large aperture. If we want to make real physical improvements, the size and weight of the lenses would likely increase significantly.

Hasselblad X2D 100C sample / review | A man wearing a blue lucha libre wrestling mask standing by a seaside railing, with the sea and a distant skyline behind him

Hasselblad X2D 100C sample / review | A black dog wearing a blue collar and harness sitting on the grass and looking to the side, with blurred cars behind

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XCD 2,5/38V

A wide-angle lens that extends the field of vision.

The 38V is the second choice among the current V lenses, with an equivalent field of view of 30mm, which is roughly the same as the focal length of a smartphone lens (28mm). This is a very compact wide-angle lens that pays homage to the classic Biogon 38mm used in the SWC. It is well-suited for travel or street photography. In addition, with a close focusing distance of just 30cm, the 38V is also great for shooting close-up subjects.

MINIMUM
FOCUSING DISTANCE

PORTABLE

LIGHTWEIGHT

Hasselblad X2D 100C sample / review | Black and white photo from behind a leashed black dog looking down an alley lined with scooters and cars

Although I am someone who likes standard focal lengths, sometimes I also want to have a wider range of expressions, and the 38V is my go-to choice. I often bring this lens when I am walking my two black dogs. Its equivalent 30mm field of view is just right for capturing scenes of me interacting with the dogs. Moreover, being a wide-angle lens, its focusing speed is faster. The depth of field may not be as obvious as that of the 55V, but by getting closer and opening up the aperture to f/2.5, the wide-angle bokeh effect becomes more pronounced. And of course, by stopping down the aperture a bit, the overall image quality is improved.

Hasselblad X2D 100C sample / review | Looking down at two leashed black dogs standing in the street, with long shadows cast on the pavement

If you are a landscape or travel photographer, this lens may be more suitable for capturing wider scenes. The vignetting issue is still similar to that of the 55V, but it is not a problem as long as you know how to correct it.

Hasselblad X2D 100C sample / review | Snow-capped Mount Fuji reflected in a calm lake, with a quiet town along the shore

In landscape photography, a wide-angle lens can help showcase different elements of the scenery and convey a sense of vastness in the image.

Hasselblad X2D 100C sample / review | Looking down at intersecting roads under an overpass in strong light and shadow, with a lone pedestrian by the road markings

Hasselblad X2D 100C sample / review | Cherry trees in full bloom in a park under a blue sky, with benches on the grass and houses behind

Hasselblad X2D 100C sample / review | A wide sea stretching to the horizon under low white clouds

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Capturing the beauty of moments in time.

During my travels, the X2D has become my best companion. Its lightweight design allows me to carry it easily, and its improved camera response and focusing speed allow me to capture many surprising moments during my journey. I also feel more relaxed and comfortable, and what used to be a difficult task in the past now seems like a piece of cake.

Hasselblad X2D 100C sample / review | A woman crouching by a harbor railing looking at her phone, with a city skyline and wind turbines across the water

Medium format also has a unique ability to capture details, and the lenses can present extraordinary capturing capabilities, making the moment when the shutter is pressed feel profound and touching.

Hasselblad X2D 100C sample / review | Children playing with a blue ball on a street in front of apartment buildings with an outdoor staircase

When I work with the Hasselblad X2D, I can appreciate the benefits of using a high-quality system, such as its anti-shake feature and extremely high image resolution. I can be confident that the quality of the photos is excellent. However, I don't use the Hasselblad X2D to capture all types of images. Instead of taking random photos, I prefer to use the Hasselblad camera to capture impactful images for my clients under the best lighting and conditions.

Hasselblad X2D 100C sample / review | An elegant hall with a high ceiling and tall arched windows, with a bride and groom standing on a stone balustrade balcony

Hasselblad X2D 100C sample / review | A groom in a suit and a bride in a white gown holding hands and smiling at each other in a green garden

Hasselblad X2D 100C sample / review | Four people standing between the tall columns of a white classical colonnade

Hasselblad X2D 100C sample / review | A family sitting and laughing on golden grass, with the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance behind them

Hasselblad X2D 100C sample / review | Studio wedding portrait of a groom in a black tuxedo with a bow tie and a bride in a satin gown against a light gray backdrop

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A slight imperfection in an otherwise beautiful product.

If I have to point out something that is not good about the Hasselblad X2D, the first thing that comes to mind is its surface treatment. It is too easy to get scratched and leave marks, even though the grip feels great. No matter how careful I am, it's inevitable that the camera will get scratched if it is used frequently. Applying a protective coating or using a protective case can reduce this issue. However, the original appearance of the camera is so beautiful that I don't mind normal signs of wear and tear. After all, they are marks of my experiences with this camera.

Hasselblad X2D 100C sample / review | A family of four posing for a photo by a stone railing on a bridge, with green trees and a street behind them

To be honest, compared to the previous generation X1DII, the battery life of the X2D has increased slightly, and it doesn't get too hot too quickly. However, by today's camera standards, the battery life is still not sufficient, so I recommend bringing two batteries for safety. It's still okay to shoot for a day of travel with two batteries.

Hasselblad X2D 100C sample / review | Children running and playing soccer in a park plaza, with cherry trees in bloom and people relaxing in the background

In addition, I strongly recommend not using third-party battery chargers, as they may damage the batteries. Reducing the frequency of charging the camera battery can also extend the lifespan of the camera's circuit board.

Hasselblad X2D 100C sample / review | A woman holding a leash on a street while her black dog lies flat on the ground refusing to move

Hasselblad X2D 100C sample / review | A crowd waiting at the Shibuya scramble crossing in Tokyo, with high-rise buildings, a construction crane and billboards behind

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My Thoughts

With the introduction of the V lenses, Hasselblad has incorporated new technologies into the XCD lenses, resulting in smaller and lighter lenses with faster focusing, quieter operation, and larger apertures. This represents Hasselblad's willingness to listen and improve. In my past experiences, I have definitely needed these types of lenses, as size and weight are major reasons why I hesitate to bring my camera on trips. I remember when I went to Korea with my family in early 2023, I brought the XCD 80mm f/1.9 and XCD 45mm f/3.5, but the XCD 80mm f/1.9 was quite heavy, making me reluctant to take it out of my backpack. As a result, I only took less than 30 photos during the entire five-day trip. This experience made me realize that my working mode and travel mode are completely different. While I am willing to carry the heavy XCD 80mm f/1.9 for wedding and pre-wedding shoots, it is a different story for travel.

Hasselblad X2D 100C sample / review | A large black and white passenger ferry moored on the water at a harbor under a blue sky

Hasselblad X2D 100C sample / review | A couple in light formal wear sitting on a rock under a large tree in a park, looking down at pages in their hands

What I'm looking forward to is the facial recognition feature that Hasselblad will hopefully support in the future. This is why I want to fully switch to X2D and V lenses. The hardware is already equipped, and now it's just a matter of waiting for the manufacturer to open up this feature.

Hasselblad X2D 100C sample / review | Reflection of a photographer holding a camera in a shop window, with the store interior visible through the glass

Overall, the Hasselblad X2D is an excellent medium format camera that allows me to freely express my photography ideas, creativity, and joy in travel, life, and work. As someone who loves photography deeply, I sincerely love the Hasselblad X2D, a camera that changes people.