Photographers often view their equipment as a toolbox, filled with various lenses for different situations. However, the introduction of the Hasselblad XCD 38V challenges this notion by promoting a minimalist approach. By working with a single lens, photographers can slow down and focus more deliberately on their compositions. This philosophy was at the forefront of my long-term testing of the XCD 38V, a compact and lightweight lens with a 30mm equivalent focal length that aims to replace multiple lenses in a photographer’s kit.
To understand the significance of the 38V, it’s essential to recognize the broader design philosophy behind the XCD line. Hasselblad has built this series around consistency, featuring compact bodies, faster autofocus motors, and a uniform maximum aperture of f/2.5 across all models. The lineup currently consists of several lenses, each sharing the same diameter, focus ring, and 72mm filter thread. This uniformity facilitates an effortless transition when switching between lenses, although the customizable control ring may not meet all users’ expectations due to its sensitivity.
Weighing in at just 350 grams, the 38V stands out as the lightest lens in the XCD collection. Its design incorporates elements reminiscent of vintage lenses, such as engravings on the focus scale and depth of field markings. The push-pull focus clutch allows for swift switching to manual focus, enhancing the user experience. Photographers will appreciate the 100% focus magnifier that simplifies focusing, similar to using a Leica rangefinder. This intuitive handling allows for a more thoughtful approach to photography.
The performance of the XCD 38V speaks for itself. Users can achieve high-contrast, detail-rich images that invite exploration of textures. While some visible vignetting occurs, many photographers embrace this as part of the lens’s character, easily correctable in post-processing. The lens excels in low-light conditions, with the f/2.5 aperture and the X2D’s ISO performance allowing for stunning night photography. This combination has enabled me to capture starlit photographs that were previously unattainable.
With its 30mm full frame equivalent focal length, the 38V strikes a balance between the classic 28mm and 35mm fields of view. This versatility makes it suitable for a variety of photographic styles, including environmental portraits, landscapes, street photography, and still life. The high-resolution 100 MP files also allow for effective cropping, similar to digital zooming techniques utilized by brands like Leica and Fujifilm. For expansive scenes, I often prefer stitching together panoramas rather than opting for an ultra-wide lens, resulting in landscapes with exceptional detail and a natural sense of compression.
In addition to technical capabilities, the XCD 38V has a unique narrative quality that enhances storytelling in photography. During a recent trip to Andalusia, I discovered a gas station illuminated in the night. This moment, inspired by the work of Jason Kummerfeldt, led to a project capturing the transient nature of gas stations along the Mediterranean coast. The lens’s ability to maintain visual cohesion throughout the project was invaluable, allowing subjects to resonate within their environments while preserving their essence.
For me, the XCD 38V has become an indispensable tool on the Hasselblad X2D. It balances portability, speed, and image quality, making it an ideal choice for a one-lens setup. While I still occasionally reach for other lenses when seeking greater compression and isolation, the 38V stands out as a recommended starting point for anyone entering the Hasselblad X system. It functions as a larger-scale version of the Leica Q or Fujifilm X100, encouraging photographers to see more intentionally and produce images that are consistent, timeless, and deeply considered.
As a Hasselblad Master, educator, and architectural photographer, I value the unique approach that the XCD 38V brings to my work. It not only enhances my photography but also transforms how I engage with the world around me, making it a vital part of my creative journey.
