We try out the new HassleVlad X1D
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This is Vladimir. He’s a developer. More importantly to us, he’s the newest member of the DPReview team. We’re always excited when we get new things in the office.
We try out the new HassleVlad X1D
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This is another new thing in the office.* What a happy coincidence that we get the perfect camera at the same time we welcome our new teammate.
*Not really. That’s not a real camera. That’s an edited image of a Hasselblad X1D**.
**Which, incidentally, is the camera we used to take all of the photos for this slideshow.
We try out the new HassleVlad X1D
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Vlad wears noise-canceling headphones to block the sound of the demolition of the building next door. Unfortunately, the headphones do not cancel out the sound of the HassleVlad’s shutter.
We try out the new HassleVlad X1D
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Vlad is an avid photographer as well as a developer. This means he has quickly adopted the habit of taking photos out of our office windows. We hope that he will be as quick to accept being the subject of many of our photos.
We try out the new HassleVlad X1D
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The HassleVlad’s leisurely startup time and satisfying yet conspicuously loud shutter mean we cannot sneak up on Vlad.
We try out the new HassleVlad X1D
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Here, Vlad knows that as long as he keeps walking, it is unlikely that I will be able to turn on the HassleVlad, set the AF point, and capture focus before he gets to me. He’s mostly right; the image is a bit soft. I am not deterred.
We try out the new HassleVlad X1D
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Vlad seems happy about our team trip to photograph the University of Washington cherry blossoms even as he tries to ignore me.
We try out the new HassleVlad X1D
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The cherry blossoms are beautiful and the HassleVlad does a fine job retaining the highlights of Vlad’s trip.
We try out the new HassleVlad X1D
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Although Vlad does not take any selfies, the HassleVlad ensures his morning is well-documented.
We try out the new HassleVlad X1D
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Medium format has a reputation for not performing well in low light, but we find the HassleVlad is quite competent in low Vlad situations.
We try out the new HassleVlad X1D
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Yes, Vlad is sharp in the corners too.
We try out the new HassleVlad X1D
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Vlad continues to try to avoid me, but I’m nothing if I’m not persistent. And I am determined to get the most out of the HassleVlad while I can.
We try out the new HassleVlad X1D
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With a minimum focus distance of 27″ (70 cm) on the XCD 90mm F3.2, this is as close as I can get to Vlad. He is happy a macro lens has not been released for the HassleVlad.
We try out the new HassleVlad X1D
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Vlad has proven to be a patient subject; he simply ignores me as I follow him and take photos. I have been Mildly Inconveniencing Vlad, so it is time for bolder measures: I am now standing directly in his line of sight.
We try out the new HassleVlad X1D
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Success! The HassleVlad works. We definitely recommend this camera for the Vlad in your life. (And welcome to the team to the Vlad in our life!)
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)