Hasselblad

For decades, Hasselblad has been the epitome of the highest quality and innovation in the field of medium format photography. The Swedish company was founded in 1841 by Fritz Viktor Hasselblad as a trading company in Gothenburg, but it did not enter camera production until 1941 under the leadership of Victor Hasselblad, the founder's grandson. A passionate photographer, Victor's vision was to create the best camera in the world - a goal that Hasselblad impressively achieved with the introduction of the first medium format camera, the 1600F, in 1948. This camera, with its modular design and impressive image quality, laid the foundation for the company's legendary reputation.
The history of Hasselblad is inextricably linked to milestones in photography. The brand became particularly famous for its role in space travel: in 1969, NASA took Hasselblad cameras on the Apollo 11 mission, and the iconic images of the moon landing were shot with a Hasselblad 500EL. This moment cemented the company's status as the gold standard for professional photographers worldwide. Over the decades, Hasselblad continued to develop its technology, for example with the introduction of the 500 series, valued for its mechanical precision and versatility, or the H series, which marked the transition to digital medium format photography from 2002 onwards.
Today, Hasselblad offers a range of medium format cameras such as the X2D 100C or the H6D, which set new standards with sensors of up to 100 megapixels and an exceptional dynamic range. The cameras are known for their detailed image quality, natural color reproduction and robust yet elegant design - ideal for studio photographers, landscape photographers and anyone who places the highest demands on their equipment. The system is complemented by high-quality lenses from the XCD and HC series, which are specifically tailored to the requirements of medium format.
A new phase in the company's history began in 2017 when the Chinese drone manufacturer DJI took over the majority stake in Hasselblad. This partnership brought with it a significant boost in innovation. DJI, itself a technology leader in aerial photography and videography, invested in the further development of Hasselblad's portfolio and enabled the integration of cutting-edge technologies. An example of this is the X1D II 50C, released in 2019, which represents a more compact, affordable medium format option without compromising on quality. The collaboration is also evident in products such as the Hasselblad camera on DJI drones, such as the Mavic 2 Enterprise, which brings professional image quality into the air.
For us at Optik Foto Rutz, Hasselblad embodies the perfect combination of tradition and future. The acquisition by DJI has not only brought financial stability to the company, but also a boost in innovation, allowing Hasselblad to consolidate its position as a leading manufacturer of medium format cameras. Whether for artistic projects or technical applications, Hasselblad remains a guarantee of unparalleled image results and a tool for the most demanding photographers worldwide.