Medium Format Camera News

Hasselblad kicked off the photokina 2016 show with a bang today, announcing two new snazzy-looking medium format cameras. The new Hasseblad V1D 4116 is just a “concept” camera, at this point, but it sure looks enticing. It’s an updated version of Hasselblad’s classic Hasselblad V camera, with a modular design and a 75-megapixel, square-format image sensor.

Hasselblad also announced the H1D 4116 edition, which is a special, all-black version of its X1D mirrroless medium format camera first unveiled in June 2016.

Both cameras are part of Hasselblad’s “4116 Collection,” which has been created to commemorate the company’s 75^th anniversary. (The 4116 Collection also includes this Hasselblad collaboration with Motorola to bring the company’s imaging chops – and Raw image shooting and zoom -- to smartphones.) Hasselblad also announced a new 30mm XCD lens for the X1D today. 

Here’s a breakdown of the two new Hasselblad models and the lens, based on the limited amount of info the company released today at photokina.

Hasselblad V1D
According to Hasselblad, the V1D’s modular-style camera body “is more or less a black box, carefully machined out of a solid block of aluminum, carrying fixings for modules on four sides. “

The top and back surface of the V1D provide areas to attach various camera modules such as displays, a viewfinder, and holders for accessories. Meanwhile, the left and right hand surfaces on the V1D have round fittings to attach controls and grips.

“The photographer can choose where to place the display – or if needed it is possible to have two displays,” Hasseblad said in a press announcement. “Users can have a viewfinder on the top and a display at the back. The camera can be used with the robust, but generic grip or held like a classic V Camera to reach the exposure button in the front.”

One of the benefits of the V1D being modular is that left-handed photographers can configure the camera to fit their shooting needs. For instance, rotary dial controls for aperture and shutter speed can be placed on either the left or ride hand side of the camera body.

“All in all, there are many ways to personalize the V1D,” Hasselblad said. “The proportions of the body have been carefully developed to find the perfect blend between a modern product expression and the classic Hasselblad silhouette.”

Hasselblad offered no word, however, on when the V1D would come to market or how much it would cost. (And knowing the Swedish company’s previous offerings, don’t expect it to be cheap!)

Hasselblad X1D 4116 Edition
The Hasselblad X1D 4116 Edition is the follow-up to the X1D, which was launched in June 2016 and received quite a buzz from photographers. (News about the medium format mirrorless camera became one of Shutterbug.com’s most popular stories that month.)

The X1D weighs just over 1.5 pounds (725 grams), and is fitted with a 50MP CMOS medium format sensor, which the company says delivers “up to 14 stops of dynamic range.” Hasselblad has also announced a new line of dedicated XCD autofocus lenses (45mm f/3.5 and 90mm f/3.2 lenses available at launch) for the X1D mirrorless camera, which offer a range of shutter speeds and full flash sync at up to 1/2000th of second.

The X1D, with the help of an adapter, will be compatible with all 12 lenses and lens accessories from the Hasselblad professional H System. Other features include HD video, Wi-Fi, and built in GPS. The key differences with the X1D 4116 Edition are its all-black camera body, extended warranty, and leather hand strap. The X1D 4116 Edition and XCD 45mm lens come in a “unique ‘4116 edition’ box,” Hasselblad said.

XCD 30mm Lens
The new Hasselblad XCD 30mm lens is part of a new family of dedicated autofocus lenses, developed to support optical quality and portability, offering a wide range of shutter speeds and full flash synchronization up to 1/2000 second, Hasselblad said about the new glass for the X1D.  Hasselblad now offers the following XCD lenses for the X1D: 30mm, 45mm and 90mm, in addition to all 12 HC/HCD lenses.