Hasselblad’s Modular 907X Camera and 100MP CFV 100C Digital Back Revive Vintage Camera Gear
Hasselblad unveiled the 907X camera body in 2019 alongside the CFV II 50C digital back. Hasselblad has today unveiled the CFV 100C digital back. The 907X and CFV 100C combine to offer what Hasselblad calls “the most versatile medium format camera” in the industry.
The 907X camera body and CFV 100C digital back are compatible with Hasselblad’s XCD, HC/HCD, V System, and Xpan lenses.
The digital back can connect to Hasselblad V System film camera bodies like the Hasselblad 500 and 200 series bodies. Only manual focus is supported when affixed to a V System film camera. The CFV 100C digital back can also work with technical cameras, where the user is likewise limited to manual focus.
When used on the 907X, the CFV 100C delivers phase-detect autofocus (PDAF) and face-detection AF. The back has 294 autofocus points that cover 97% of the image area, promising the same autofocus speed and performance as the Hasselblad X2D 100C.
The back also includes 1TB of built-in SSD storage, meaning photographers don’t necessarily have to use a memory card. The camera also has a CFexpress Type B card slot (just the one), which supports cards up to 512GB in capacity.
Beyond the autofocus system and 1TB SSD, other similarities exist between the CFV 100C and the X2D 100C, including the maximum shooting speed (3.3 frames per second at 14-bit) and the 100-megapixel image sensor. The backside-illuminated CMOS sensor offers an 11,656 x 8,742 resolution and 3.76-micron pixel size. 2019’s CFV 50C back, on the other hand, as its name suggests, incorporates a 50-megapixel sensor.
Like the Hasselblad X1D and X2D cameras and the Fujifilm GFX system cameras, the CFV 100C’s sensor is 43.8 x 32.9 millimeters, resulting in a 0.78x crop factor compared to a full-frame camera.
Although the CFV 100C must shoot at 14-bit RAW to max its speed, the camera can shoot 16-bit RAW files in single-shot drive mode. At its optimal settings (16-bit RAW and base ISO, which is 64), the camera promises 15 stops of dynamic range. Concerning ISO, the maximum ISO setting is 25,600.
The CFV 100C body includes a 3.2-inch TFT type, 24-bit full-color tilting display with 2.36 million dots. The display offers two tilting angles, 40 and 90 degrees, different from the 40 and 70-degree tilt angles provided by the X2D 100C’s larger 3.6-inch display.
The camera uses a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that supports internal charging via USB-C. The CIPA rating is 420 shots, although photographers should expect better performance than that during real-world use.
Regarding dimensions, the situation is a bit complicated given that the 907 X camera and CFV 100C digital back can be separated, like more traditional medium-format cameras, but unlike the X1D and X2D cameras. The 907X itself is built using machined aluminum and weighs just 160 grams. It is 102 x 91 x 28 millimeters.
The CFV 100C weighs 460 grams without its battery or a memory card and is 91 x 92 x 61 millimeters. Combined, the body and back weigh 620 grams, and its dimensions are 102 x 92 x 84 millimeters. This combination is 120 grams lighter than the 907X and CFV 50C, making the 907X/CFV 100C the smallest and lightest high-resolution medium format camera available.
Given that the 907X/CFV 100C works with various types of Hasselblad lenses, which sport leaf shutters, the shutter speed range depends on the lens. In the case of XCD lenses, the shutter speed range is 68 minutes to 1/4000s. With HC/HCD lenses, the fastest shutter speed is up to 1/800s or 1/2000s. The camera also has an electronic shutter, which tops out at 1/6000s, faster than any of Hasselblad’s physical shutters.
A great aspect of leaf shutters comes down to flash sync speed. In the case of the CFV 100C, which has a new hot shoe adapter, flash can be used at all mechanical shutter speeds. The camera is compatible with Nikon and Profoto flashes, including the Nikon SB-700 and SB-5000 and the Profoto A10 and A1.
While there is a lot of overlap between the 907X/CFV 100C and the X2D 100C, it is worth noting that there are some things the 907X and CFV 100C combo doesn’t offer. The 907X doesn’t have in-body image stabilization, for example, and it also lacks a viewfinder. Photographers can attach an optional 907X optical viewfinder, which has a wide field of view and markings for XCD 28, 38, and 55mm lenses and features a center cross for an autofocus point.
The camera also works with an optional 907X control grip, which enables quick adjustment of aperture, shutter speed, and autofocus point selection. There are also also customizable function buttons. Without this, users will need to work through the digital back.
So, while there are some potential drawbacks, many exciting features are on offer. Beyond dripping in vintage style, the 907X and CFV 100C walk the walk, too, and allow many Hasselblad lenses and cameras from past eras to be used in the modern digital age. All Hasselblad V System cameras and lenses released since 1957, except for the original SWC, are compatible. That is undoubtedly very cool and unlike what is seen with most modern digital camera systems.
Pricing and Availability
The Hasselblad 907X and CFV 100C is available to order now for $8,200 and is shipping immediately.
Image credits: Hasselblad
