Mumei Speaks | Unforgivable Yet Irreplaceable | Hasselblad 907X & CFV 100C | Knowledge #449

Creators who are passionate about photography share their stories of cameras and the narratives behind them. The presence of a “beloved camera” reflects each individual’s philosophy and values. In this installment, we feature Mumei, an avid user of the Hasselblad 907X & CFV 100C.

While perplexed by specifications that are far from a “rational choice,” there is still something that makes it impossible to let go. Why does it have to be this one camera? Amidst the demands of parenting, there are quiet moments for spontaneous street photography. And then, the subtle fluctuations of light and color captured by 100 megapixels. We slowly explore the allure that lies beneath the surface.

This is a mirrorless camera equipped with a 100-megapixel (approximately 102 million pixels) medium format CMOS sensor, released in 2024. Hasselblad’s proprietary color reproduction technology, the Hasselblad Natural Colour Solution (HNCS), offers meticulous color management that faithfully renders the true colors of the subject, captivating many creators.

I can’t forgive this camera. It has no grip. No viewfinder. No video capability. The autofocus is far too weak. No image stabilization. While it’s light for a medium format camera, it’s still a bit tiring to hold one-handed for long periods. And the price—over one million yen for the body alone.

Why do I continue to use a camera with specs that seem unthinkable for a 2024 release? As someone raising three children, I take street snaps whenever I can find the time and enjoy photography.

I think those with children will relate—free time is truly scarce during parenting. Of course, photographing my children is precious and irreplaceable, and I consider it a luxury.

But just as precious to me is walking alone with just my camera, waiting for the perfect shot on instinct. This, too, is an indispensable luxury in my life.

After using the Hasselblad 907X & CFV 100C for about a year, I’ve come to feel that it is the ultimate camera for elevating those luxurious moments.

As I mentioned at the start, it’s a camera whose specs could be called the embodiment of inconvenience, but its design, reminiscent of classic film cameras, naturally encourages you to cradle it with both hands and take your time composing each shot.

The act of pausing, steadying your breath to avoid camera shake, and pressing the shutter creates the illusion of synchronizing your breathing with this inanimate object. While I’ve voiced many complaints about its operability, the resulting photographs are truly beyond words.

First, the resolution: 100 megapixels. While that alone is impressive, I personally believe that the real appeal of Hasselblad lies in its proprietary color management system, the Hasselblad Natural Colour Solution, which is truly exceptional.

Thanks to this system, you can “vacuum-pack” the colors you see with your own eyes (though I’m not fond of that expression) into a photograph. The impact and beauty of the colors when viewed on a large monitor are so striking that I can’t help but whisper, “Amazing…”

It’s genuinely frustrating that, even though I want to convey the true allure of these photographs, sharing them on platforms like social media inevitably compresses and diminishes their quality.

There aren’t many cameras with such clearly defined strengths and weaknesses. Honestly, if you asked me whether it’s worth spending a million yen on, I’d hesitate to say yes.

With that budget, you could get a high-end full-frame camera and several lenses, expanding your shooting comfort and focal length options, and thus broadening your photographic horizons.

However, once you discover the charm of this camera, it’s incredibly hard to escape its allure—something anyone who has handled it will surely understand.

I can’t forgive this camera. Because, even though I find it inconvenient, it has shown me a beauty in photography that no other equipment can offer, making it impossible for me to look at any other camera.