neilaberdeenphoto
New Member
- Joined
- Nov 5, 2025
- Messages
- 2
My career as a professional photographer began in June 1977, and for the first half — 24 of my 48 years behind the camera — I worked exclusively with medium-format film Hasselblads, including the 500CM, 500 ELM, and SWC models. Those cameras defined precision and quality in an era when every frame truly mattered.
In 1998, we began experimenting with digital photography using Kodak’s early DCS cameras, which were built in collaboration with both Nikon and Fuji. While the convenience was revolutionary, the image quality simply wasn’t there yet.
By 2001, digital technology had advanced enough for us to make the leap fully — leaving film, and our beloved Hasselblads, behind. Since then, I’ve worked with every Nikon DSLR from the D1 through to the D6, before moving to mirrorless. Today, I shoot with two Nikon Z9s and an extensive range of lenses from 10mm to 600mm. The Z9 remains the finest full-frame camera available, and I’ll continue to use it whenever it’s the best tool for the job.
Then, last year, at a trade show, I saw the Hasselblad X2D — and it was love at first sight. With rumours of a new model on the horizon, I decided to wait — and pre-ordered the X2D II 100C. I was fortunate to receive one of the first units in the UK, along with two of the superb new E-series lenses.
Now, 48 years after I first picked up a Hasselblad, I’ve come full circle. I’m once again working with this iconic brand — and beyond the stunning image quality, it’s simply a joy to use. A perfect companion for the next and final chapter of my photographic journey.
In 1998, we began experimenting with digital photography using Kodak’s early DCS cameras, which were built in collaboration with both Nikon and Fuji. While the convenience was revolutionary, the image quality simply wasn’t there yet.
By 2001, digital technology had advanced enough for us to make the leap fully — leaving film, and our beloved Hasselblads, behind. Since then, I’ve worked with every Nikon DSLR from the D1 through to the D6, before moving to mirrorless. Today, I shoot with two Nikon Z9s and an extensive range of lenses from 10mm to 600mm. The Z9 remains the finest full-frame camera available, and I’ll continue to use it whenever it’s the best tool for the job.
Then, last year, at a trade show, I saw the Hasselblad X2D — and it was love at first sight. With rumours of a new model on the horizon, I decided to wait — and pre-ordered the X2D II 100C. I was fortunate to receive one of the first units in the UK, along with two of the superb new E-series lenses.
Now, 48 years after I first picked up a Hasselblad, I’ve come full circle. I’m once again working with this iconic brand — and beyond the stunning image quality, it’s simply a joy to use. A perfect companion for the next and final chapter of my photographic journey.
