Hasselblad Announces 907X & CFV 100C Medium Format System

Hasselblad has announced its latest medium format camera, the 907X & CFV 100C. Or, more specifically, today’s announcement is all about the CFV 100C digital back—a 100MP-sensor-imbued update to the brand’s line of V-system interface digital backs, which are compatible with three separate camera platforms for tremendous versatility. Like its 50MP predecessor, the CFV 100C is a uniquely modular imaging system that borrows from the traditions of Hasselblad while also being very forward-thinking with the inclusion of an ultra-high-resolution sensor.

CFV 100C

The CFV 100C is the cornerstone of this modular camera platform. This new digital back shares the same lines and much of the internal workings as its sibling, the CFV 50C II, but uses the 44 x 33mm 100MP BSI CMOS sensor from the newer X2D camera. The increase in resolution surely brings greater detail, but this sensor also captures a wider 15-stop dynamic range with 16-bit color depth, Hasselblad Natural Color Solution, and a lower base sensitivity of ISO 64; this is the sensor for recording phenomenally lifelike image quality with smooth tones and natural color transitions.

Beyond resolution, the other key update the new 100MP sensor brings is speed. Especially when compared to the older 50MP sensor in the previous CFV with contrast-detection AF, this new 100MP sensor has phase-detection AF that covers 94% of the image area for faster, more responsive, and more accurate AF performance. Hasselblad states AF performance is the same as that in the X2D, which was a noticeable upgrade from the X1D platform, and enables face detection for more accurate focusing with portraiture.

Among other updates ported over from the X2D, the CFV 100C also now incorporates a 1TB SSD for reliable, always-available storage with fast 2370MB/s write and 2850MB/s read speeds. And, transitioning away from the dual SD slots, the CFV 100C now features a single CFexpress Type B port for additional, removable file storage. The USB-C port has been upgraded to 3.1 Gen 2 speeds and wireless has been upgraded to Wi-Fi 6.

Physically, the back still features a tilting 3.2" 2.36m-dot touchscreen with detents at 40° for low-level shooting and 90° for waist-level shooting. The slight reworking of the memory configuration and updated sensor result in a camera body that is 1mm narrower and impressively 2.8 oz lighter than the CFV 50C II (1 lb vs 1.2 lb). And one final, but important update, the camera system now includes a Hot Shoe Adapter that attaches at the top interface between the back and the 907X for using shoe-mounted flashes. This was one of those most-requested features from the previous generation and is great to see how Hasselblad was able to include a hot shoe without affecting the classic configuration of the back.

907X System

Technically, the 907X camera body, paired with the CFV 100C, is a lighter, updated version of the one from the previous generation that sheds another 1.4 oz in weight. Besides this, the 907X body remains the same ultra-sleek interface that merely serves to release the shutter and to connect the CFV 100C digital back to the autofocus XCD lens system, or to other Hasselblad lens systems, like the H, V, or XPan, via optional adapters.

The 907X also offers compatibility with some of the key accessories of the system, including the new 907X Optical Viewfinder, which has been updated with frame lines for 28, 38, and 55mm lenses. There is still the former 907X Optical Viewfinder, too, which has frame lines for 21, 30, and 45mm lenses—choosing between the two will depend on which lenses you have or with which you are planning to work. There’s also the 907X Control Grip, a handy righthand grip that connects via the base and offers a dedicated shutter button plus control dials and other settings buttons, for easier control.

V System Modularity

The 907X is a great platform, but one of the main reasons to get the CFV 100C is to use it on one of Hasselblad’s 500- or 200-series film bodies. It’s no coincidence the CFV 100C looks just like an A12 back from the film days; this digital back can be right at home on the back of your old 501C. Framing will be slightly different, because the sensor isn’t quite the classic 6 x 6cm, but a focusing screen mask is included for making accurate compositions using your old waist-level or prism finders.

Beyond 500-series cameras, the V interface also means the CFV 100C is compatible with a huge array of technical and view cameras via a V System interface plate. For architecture and product photographers especially, this can be a huge benefit since the 100MP resolution and sleek form factor come in handy when used in conjunction with a view camera.

The biggest benefit, though, is the modularity and versatility to use the digital back on any of these systems. You can use it as a walk-around travel camera with the 907X body and a wide autofocus XCD lens; take a trip down memory lane with the back on a 500-series body; or step up to the rigors of technical photography with the CFV 100C and your 4 x 5" monorail camera body.

For more information about the new medium format camera, including additional features, specs, and highlights, be sure to check out the detailed product page for the 907X & CFV 100C. Or drop us a line below, and we’ll do our best to reply to your comments and questions.