B&H reports shipping a lens on Oct. 23.
Awesome news. When did you place your order?
I called earlier today and they said they hadn't yet received any, and apparently have taken down their expected Oct 24 delivery date ...
As of Tuesday evening, Oct 24, B&H changed their ETA to "coming soon."
So what's new? This has been standard operational procedure for everything related to the X system. >:( >:( >:( >:(
In all candor, I don't know where B&H came up with the ETA of Oct 24, but Hasselblad has had "Autumn 2017" posted on their site for a while now. Which will, technically, give them a couple more months yet to be considered "on time."
"On time," at least, from their current posted ETA. ;D ;D ;D
Ted - did you receive the lens? If so, your impressions?
I have not ordered the 120mm lens due to the size and weight, (of the lens, not me). B&H related to me that they had shipped one lens only on 23 oct. 2017. I also was told by Camera West they they had received only one lens so far.
Australian importer has updated their date to Nov 30.
Gordon
Quote from: tedtrimmer on November 04, 2017, 08:51:46 AM
I have not ordered the 120mm lens due to the size and weight, (of the lens, not me). B&H related to me that they had shipped one lens only on 23 oct. 2017. I also was told by Camera West they they had received only one lens so far.
Thanks Ted.
I am amazed that BH would confirm shipment of any item and in particular actually tell you how many items were shipped. Any time I ask such a question I get the standard "not allowed to give out that information." Anyway, what I was shocked that Hasselblad would put out an email saying that were going to expand the lens line to 9 by the end of 2018. That's at least 4 or 5 new lenses in 14 months. They can't get one lens out in at least 9 months (the 120) so how are they going to do it? Any thoughts? By the way, I've been waiting for my 120 mm since April.
Quote from: Snuffels on November 05, 2017, 04:50:35 AM
I am amazed that BH would confirm shipment of any item and in particular actually tell you how many items were shipped. Any time I ask such a question I get the standard "not allowed to give out that information." Anyway, what I was shocked that Hasselblad would put out an email saying that were going to expand the lens line to 9 by the end of 2018. That's at least 4 or 5 new lenses in 14 months. They can't get one lens out in at least 9 months (the 120) so how are they going to do it? Any thoughts? By the way, I've been waiting for my 120 mm since April.
We don't know why the 120mm has been delayed. I suppose it is possible that Hasselblad was not happy with the optical performance of the prototypes and has been tinkering with the design with Nittoh, the Japanese manufacturer.
Quote from: hcubell on November 05, 2017, 11:34:22 AM
We don't know why the 120mm has been delayed. I suppose it is possible that Hasselblad was not happy with the optical performance of the prototypes and has been tinkering with the design with Nittoh, the Japanese manufacturer.
I doubt that it has something to do with optical performance (MTFs are out for a while now), but maybe with electro-mechanical performance. The long focus throw could be a problem for the AF-motor(s) and the AF mechanism as such.
I used the Leica S Macro 120mm for a while, a wonderful lens, by the way, which I consider a optical benchmark. But it hunted quite a lot and using AF for macro work was not such a pleasure. I also wonder whether the focus-by-wire is appropriate for macro work, especially for stacking (at least the Leica S lenses are not focus-by-wire if used manually). The Hasselblad implementation of focus-by-wire is not bad, but still miles away from a good manual focus lens. Maybe Hasselblad should implement a focus stacking automatism, like P1 and now Nikon (D850) has.
Anyway, once a Leica R-X1D Adapter is released, I plan to use the Leica R Apo-Macro-Elmarit 100mm, which covers about 60mm-diagonal, so enough for the 33x44mm sensor of the X1D. Will be interesting to compare these two lenses and see whether Hasselblad beats it.
Makes sense. Yes, an automated focus stacking mechanisms like P1 and others now have would arguably remove a big disadvantage of focus by wire. Unsure, but I bet it could be a relatively easy firmware upgrade. It seems an increasing number of people are becoming tuned in to the advantages stacking can bring to IQ and new/different types of shots, particularly with macro but also in landscape, architecture and throughout lens ranges.
I would attribute any delays on lens releases to fiscal and not to optical problems. Hasselblad has been tasked to pay as they go to avoid previously experienced financial situations.
Ted - do you have a source on that, or are you trying like we all are to piece things together? I googled for clues and looked at DJI's stock price and I'm unsure, but I think DJI's capital raising ability might have tailed a bit over the last year. That could help explain things a bit if true.
Anyhoo, I believe in people. And I believe in my X1D. If DJI wants to raise cash and spin off its H investment into the public sphere, I would be among the first at the door to buy stock. There is an internet rumor even about Sony. At least from what I can see and feel, the X1D is a well planned, Gothenburg-inspired revival that I'm sure the namesake of the company would be proud to see today. And I'm absolutely sure there is an excellent group of people there. I have some faith in them, and faith I guess it is.
Seems that the next batch of the xcd 120 was rolled out. Received my copy today from Foto Max Nürnberg, Germany, yeah! It feels fantastic.
My order for the 120mm Macro is also being shipped by B&H as we speak. FINALLY!
Just called B&H and my May 22 order was not part of the current delivery. They confirmed that some lenses had shipped out, and said I was close, possibly able to receive it during their next shipment "depending on how big it is". I guess that's some comfort. So Galoubet, I'm in your camp.
Howard if you're still there, congrats. Let us know what it's like. For those of us still waiting at B&H, if you could let us know when did you placed your order it would be appreciated.
My order was placed on April 3, same as Joe.
I ordered on April 3 and it's on the UPS truck for delivery today, November 27. It gets dark early this time of year so no outdoor shots until tomorrow.
Joe
I received my 120mm Macro yesterday. I have not had a chance to shoot with it yet, but one thing I noticed that is quite interesting is that the sound of the leaf shutter in this lens is VERY different. As we all know, there is a distinctive, metallic-type sound from the leaf shutter in the existing XCD lenses. The 120mm shutter sounds much more "solid" and the shutter itself seems damped. Another thing I noticed is that the lens is heavier than its size would indicate. It's quite a bit smaller than the Fuji GFX 120mm Macro yet they weigh close to the same. Interesting how Fuji is keeping the weight of its GFX lenses down.
Precision Camera in Austin, TX has one in stock at the moment. http://www.precision-camera.com/hasselblad-xcd-120mm-f-3-5-macro-lens/ or call them and ask for Sarah Hoffman in their online sales department.
Feel free to let her know I referred you.
Thanks!
Alex
Awesome. On the phone with them now. One copy only, but it looks like I'm getting it. If I could give you more likes, I would!!!
;-) Glad to help!
Try Fotocare in NYC.
Got it today about 6 hours ago. I ran it through my somewhat makeshift new lens chart tests and I'm confident it's a good copy. Thanks again for the tip Alex.
Initial comments: Very sharp. Excellent detail. Very flat field. I believe the MPF charts though didn't conduct those measurements - detail just about the same in the center and four corners. Wide open the focus plane cuts like a blade through warm butter. At least with a few quick handheld shots in the garden (it's raining, cloudy and windy today), rendition seems pretty exciting and I can't wait to shoot it more. I do wish it came in a 1:1 version, but otherwise difficult to complain at the moment. I'll take some more shots and write up a brief review a bit later since there's very little out there yet.
I wonder if it would be possible to have a Hasselblad macro adapter, ( along the same lines as the Leica M macro-adapter), and then use it with mid-range Hasselblad X lenses. While I enjoyed the Leica S 120mm Macro Lens it was too glassy and difficult to focus.
Quote from: tedtrimmer on December 11, 2017, 10:09:30 AM
I wonder if it would be possible to have a Hasselblad macro adapter, ( along the same lines as the Leica M macro-adapter), and then use it with mid-range Hasselblad X lenses. While I enjoyed the Leica S 120mm Macro Lens it was too glassy and difficult to focus.
A bellows unit or extension tubes would do exactly what you want. I would not hold my breath for a dedicated XCD version though. Instead, I recently bought a Kipon Hass-to-X1D adapter. Then I bought a used Hasselblad auto bellows off Ebay, along with a CF 135 Makro Planar lens. Goes 1:1. But the REAL beauty here is that ANY C or FE lens can now be mounted to the front of the bellows, yielding an instant "macro" lens for any focal length that Zeiss ever made. And for the cheap prices of Hass/Zeiss lenses these days, I may quickly purchase a CF 250 lens, which will yield a 1:2 mag ratio mounted to the bellows.
At last!!
First in Sweden 8)
Seems that the waiting list has not been that long at all. As of today, the lens is already in stock at B&H.
>:( Still have to wait in NL, i'll be the first in 2018 they promised...
Found One in Stock Today at Precision Camera in Austin TX.
Almost can't believe it, as local NY dealers were quoting as much as 3 months to get.
Photographs taken with the 120mm lens would be gratefully viewed on our website.
Here's one:
(https://www.hasselbladdigitalforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.joecolson.com%2Fphotos%2FColson_171226_B1021956-Edit-FrameShop_1.jpg&hash=f86dc219ededacc4e355c0ea9fa378edb5369133)
Joe
Hello, can someone tell me (example in support) what is worth this 120 mm landscape. thank you all
(excuse English google translate) :-[
In the hands of an eminently qualified professional photographer like Joel Colson, this lens will allow the creation of great closeup photographs. of course that assumes that the autofocus mechanism continues to work..... The product reviews at B&H are not great.
Still no signs of delivery in NL... >:(
hello,
if I understand correctly, the 120 mm is purely macro, and is not excellent in general photo?
+1
Quote from: galoubet on January 28, 2018, 02:59:21 AM
Quote from: hugenoot on January 27, 2018, 09:14:47 PM
Still no signs of delivery in NL... >:(
Where are you looking? I see Calumet Netherlands has 3 lenses in stock (€ 4.719,00) - a new best seller! And Calumet Deutschland has 2 lenses (€ 4.599,00).
Thanks for this tip, Transcontinenta told me still no deliveries in NL...
I finally hold the 120mm but once on the camera I get: lens is not properly attached. The firmware is up to date, any solutions?
I get this with the H adaptor sometimes. Clean the lens contacts. And then wiggle the lens in the lens mount a bit and it usually comes good.
Gordon
Quote from: flash on February 15, 2018, 09:57:43 AM
I get this with the H adaptor sometimes. Clean the lens contacts. And then wiggle the lens in the lens mount a bit and it usually comes good.
Gordon
Thanks, removed the battery, cleaned it and try another lens and put it back on again. No errors... :)
Quick question to the group. Has anyone used the lens for portraits? Also, since the firmware update for the lens, has anyone had problems? Part of my dilemma is whether to step out and purchase the 120, or wait for the 135. If anyone has some solid rumors on the timing for the 135, would greatly appreciate a note.
Quote from: galoubet on March 12, 2018, 08:46:39 PM
Quote from: JST on March 12, 2018, 12:30:52 PM
Has anyone used the lens for portraits? Also, since the firmware update for the lens, has anyone had problems?
Yes, super sharp. Very impressed. I used the 90mm before and that's good too but I prefer a lens around 150mm for portraits but the 120mm will have to do for now (and probably forever). I did some tests a while back and the 120mm is a lot sharper than my old V-series 150mm sonnar.
No problems apart from the odd quirk that if you set the 120mm to near or far and change the lens to, say, 30mm it won't focus at all. But that's a camera firmware problem, not a lens problem. In any case assigning the c1 and c2 functions on the dial to these settings solves the problem handsomely.
Thanks Galoubet. I was using the 70-200 2.8 Canon for portrait work, and tended to use the 150-200 range. I think I need to log onto my B&H account and pick one up, and give it a try. Thanks for the c1, c2 suggestion. I had forgotten all about the focus problem one encounters with changing lenses.
@JST FYI, The Zeiss APO T* 2/135 works wonderfully on the X1D, incredibly sharp, with only minimal vignetting.
Alex
Quote from: rent on March 13, 2018, 07:19:13 AM
@JST FYI, The Zeiss APO T* 2/135 works wonderfully on the X1D, incredibly sharp, with only minimal vignetting.
Alex
Thanks Alex, I will. It would certainly save a bundle of money. So how do you find working with the electronic shutter? My only concern there has been with the comments around objects that may be moving, leaves in the wind, hair, and so on. Have you had to make many adjustments to how you shoot with the Zeiss?
@JST I have to remind myself to hold the camera steady for about a half second after the viewfinder black-out starts. If I lower the camera too quickly, then I get the wavy rolling shutter effect. For portraits, small, involuntary, movements on the part of the subject are typically no issue. I suspect those small movements translate into too small area on the sensor to matter.