The Hasselblad 907X & CFV 100C represents something nearly extinct in modern photography: a camera designed primarily for waist-level shooting. This approach to image-making defined an entire era of street and documentary photography, yet virtually no manufacturers make cameras optimized for this shooting style today.
Coming to you from Shane Taylor and John Edgoose of Framelines, this thoughtful video explores the Hasselblad 907X & CFV 100C medium format mirrorless camera through the lens of photographic heritage. Taylor draws direct connections between this modern camera and the legendary photographers who shaped visual storytelling through waist-level finders, including Vivian Maier, Gordon Parks, and Diane Arbus. His personal connection runs deep, as his first book was shot entirely with waist-level finder cameras, inspired by Maier's documentary work. The 907X's tilting screen operates at both 40° and 90°, with Taylor preferring the full 90° position for that authentic waist-level experience where you look straight down into the viewfinder.
Key Specs
- 100-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor (43.8 x 32.9 mm)
- ISO range: 64-25,600
- 15 stops of dynamic range
- 1 TB internal storage
- Single CFexpress Type B card slot
- 3.2" tilting touchscreen LCD (1024 x 768)
- 294 phase detection autofocus points
- Hasselblad X lens mount
- Wi-Fi connectivity with iOS app support
- 16-bit raw capture in proprietary format
- Electronic shutter: 1/6,000 to 68 minutes
- Mechanical shutter: 1/4,000 to 68 minutes
- Weight: 1.4 lb (620 g) body only
What makes this camera compelling extends far beyond nostalgia. The 100-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor captures an extraordinary amount of information, with Taylor noting he's never encountered a camera that records more detail. The 15 stops of dynamic range translate into raw files that behave predictably in Lightroom, requiring minimal adjustment to achieve pleasing results. Taylor specifically praises how the files respond to his usual presets, describing them as the most satisfying raw files he's worked with. For critical color accuracy, Hasselblad's Phocus software provides access to their Natural Color Solution, which Taylor compares to receiving a perfectly color-corrected scan from a premium film lab.
The camera's modular design initially seemed problematic to Taylor, who purchased the optional grip expecting ergonomic issues. After weeks of use, however, he rarely attaches the grip, preferring the camera in its most compact form. The 1 TB of internal storage eliminates the anxiety of forgotten memory cards, while the XCD lenses deliver exceptional sharpness and character. Taylor emphasizes the manual focus clutch on the 55mm for zone focusing, and notes that autofocus performance exceeds expectations given the large sensor size. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Taylor.
1 Comment
At a stretch, you could just use any camera with a flip up screen at waist level. I love the idea of the 907X but for the cost, not needing 100mp and the large, heavy lenses, this camera would be overkill for my photography. I do love that it focuses purely on photography and offers something different plus a bit of nostalgia but still catering for the modern digital era.