Hasselblad X1 (Imacon)

[Doug Dolde]

Has anyone seen or used the new Hasselblad X1 scanner? Bitec.com is selling these for $10,995. Cheaper than an 848 but with similar specifications. These will handle 4x5 and 4x10 with a custom film holder.

[Ted Harris]

Doug, they are just starting to become available. Hasselblad has promised me one for evaluation sometime next month.

[Doug Dolde]

I asked Ken Caddell of Hasselblad about these.

"Question: are the X1 and X5 just repackaged 848 and 949 models or do they actually offer better performance and/or operation?"

His response:

"The new scanners have updated gearboxes, electronics and firmware, as well as redesigned shells. The X1 is actually slower than a FT848 but faster than a FT646. The X5 is 50% faster than a FT949, also it has a different light source for improved scanning at the higher speed."

[Ted Harris]

Doug, also important is that the others will be phased out when the X1 anad X5 are fully available.

BTW, I can test either the X1 or the X5 and perhaps both. My inclination has been to test the X1 because it is closer to a price that most here would find approachable.

[Brian Ellis]

I asked Ken Caddell of Hasselblad about these.

"Question: are the X1 and X5 just repackaged 848 and 949 models or do they actually offer better performance and/or operation?"

His response:

"The new scanners have updated gearboxes, electronics and firmware, as well as redesigned shells. The X1 is actually slower than a FT848 but faster than a FT646. The X5 is 50% faster than a FT949, also it has a different light source for improved scanning at the higher speed."

Did you really expect the Hasselblad rep to tell you that the X1 and X5 were just repackaged 848/949s that didn't offer any better performance and/or operation?

[Doug Dolde]

I agree that testing an X1 makes more sense.