You may be aware that earlier this year, I visited the headquarters of two companies in the camera and drone spaces: this was of course part of a greater plan. I’ve also been a little quiet on the picture-making front because behind the scenes, there’s been a lot of work going on that’s much closer to my previous profession in nature: operations and corporate strategy. I’ve recently returned from Gothenburg with a new business card and a tag to open the doors of a place I’d only imagined not so long ago. In short: I’ve been appointed the new Chief of Strategy for Hasselblad. What does this mean in practical terms – for the site, for my own work, and more importantly, for Hasselblad? I’ll attempt to answer those after the jump, along with my rationale behind accepting the offer.
Quick update: I’ve been seriously overwhelmed by the amount of positivity and support in the last couple of hours. Thank you all so much!
Firstly: the site continues pretty much as-is. I will continue to write and post (though obviously, my personal reviews will continue to be limited, as there would be a serious conflict of interest if otherwise) and most importantly – make images. The frequency of my postings is likely to decrease slightly, though we are in the process of finalizing some arrangements that will see a new (and very well known) contributor joining mingthein.com in the next couple of months. And yes: other reviews will be back. I already receive so much feedback and traffic regarding cameras, desires, wants, thoughts on Hasselblad etc. that it makes logical sense to both continue being the receptacle for that, but with a big difference: I will now be in a position to do something proactive with it.
I announced at the end of last year that I would be curtailing teaching activities and workshops in order to spend more time at home; that’s true as my position is both part time and can be performed for the most part remotely via email and over the phone. This is a nice bridge to keep things interesting. Commercial work continues, though I now have the luxury to be a little more discerning and only take the most interesting jobs. Variety is still the key to keeping yourself creatively motivated and able to apply insights from other situations; plus it’s important I stay in sync with the industry. I still have new bags in the works – yes, the smaller mirrorless bag and a few other surprises – which will be announced in the coming months; we’re currently in the final stages of prototyping.
For Hasselblad, things are a little different. My role is a very broad-based one: ostensibly, it’s about ensuring the correct customer experience that’s in line with the brand and the kind of expectations one has when spending several orders of magnitude on anything past ‘sufficient’. Where can we innovate with product offerings, and how do we create emotional design that’s both functional and just downright beautiful? Yes: this means I will in my new role have some influence over the product roadmap, and no, I obviously can’t say what’s coming up or comment on rumors. But sufficient to say that we will have something very, very interesting coming later this year.
The final question left to answer is why: I think this is perhaps the simplest of them all. 15 years ago – a digital camera of any kind was a dream to me. Ten years ago, medium format digital was not just a dream, but the kind of thing on par with being myopic and selected for an astronaut program. To be part of the Hasselblad team and have the chance to shape the future of one of the most significant names in photography, at a time when they are an unwritten book of possibilities – who could possibly say no? In the meantime: you know how to get hold of me, but for Hasselblad-related thoughts/ enquiries/ comments/ suggestions/ where to buy etc., please use my new (official) email address. MT
And now that that’s all done – have you watched the H6D-100c Thaipusam video yet?
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Ming Thein | Photographer 
Very exciting, Ming, and well deserved I’m certain. It’s great to see that a corporate position is going to benefit from the talents of someone who not only understands that world, but who also understand the trials and tribulations that a working photographer must go through to get the shot, or make a living.
They’ll profit from your expertise on multiple fronts, I’ve no doubt.
Thanks Robert!
Ming, Congratulations! Initially a win-win for both parties, subsequently add another win to the equation for the customer. My first post seems to have gotten lost … Hope this one fairs better.
Cheers,
Richard P.
Thanks Richard!
Congratulations, Ming! That’s an amazing opportunity. Exciting times ahead. Cheers!
Thank you!
Way to go, man! Let me know when you’re hiring 😀 I think this will be one of your most interesting adventures, bridging your previous experiences like that. Well deserved, too.
Thanks! 😉
Wow, congratulations! Hope Nikon are taking notes….
I think they have been asleep for the last few years…
Congratulations, not just a pretty face…
From preview.com
Hasselblad has announced that commercial photographer and blogger Ming Thein has been appointed its Chief of Strategy. Thein is known for his popular blog, and is no stranger to Hasselblad as a former ambassador for the company. In addition to his photography chops, Thein brings a degree in Physics from Oxford and years of experience working in finance and private equity firms to Hasselblad. Plus, we think he’s got some good ideas about how cameras should function.
Hasselblad has been going through a transitional period lately – the company never denied reports that DJI became a majority stakeholder, and recently announced the departure of CEO Perry Oosting. Certainly Oosting had a hand in modernizing the company’s offerings and righting the ship after some unfortunate missteps. There’s more work ahead, however, as the company works to meet demand for its X1D mirrorless camera.
Thanks! That’s a good thing, knowing firsthand how ugly my mug is… 😛
Ming…from the sagebrush-scented high desert of southeast Oregon: dreams can come true.
Sometimes we get lucky, yes 🙂
Wonderful news. A perfect match and I wish you and Hasselblad great success.
Thanks!
Congratulations Ming and well done to Hasselblad for having the foresight to have a real photographer on their team. Just to think that I have quite a few of your videos from when you were just an ordinary guy (and they are real good). Do you think they will eventually become a collectors item:-)
Thanks Tommy – can’t promise that, but still just an ordinary guy…
It’s interesting that Hasselblad is not a Japanese camera company. When will they start thinking outside of the box and bring in new people with fresh ideas?
Sorry, I don’t quite get the implication: when will the Japanese bring in some new people? Or when will Hasselblad bring in new people?
Japanese companies (esp. Nikon) seem very insular and out of touch with their customers. This has created friction and resentment among their user base. Hasselblad and Leica, both non-Japanese controlled companies, and Fuji (the exception) seem to make the effort to listen to their customers’ concerns and needs and have seemingly more customer loyalty and satisfaction. What do you think?
I think that causal logic is simple: if you make something people want, and feel they were involved in choosing, they’ll buy it. But first, you need to talk to the people 🙂
JimBob got it right below. The implication is that now is the time for Japanese companies to bring in new people. They virtually define the word stagnant. Hasselblad has brought in a new person: YOU!
Ah – I apologize, not much sleep in the last couple of days!
But yes, change is needed. It doesn’t help that consumer expectations have been somewhat set by the massive pace of change in the early to late 2000s; the technology gains are simply not as large now (or only occur under very specific applications). I can’t figure out where the creativity went, actually; the late film era had a lot of weird and wonderful cameras that were far more diverse than digital today – even if we consider just one format.
About this conflict of interest you speak of; it’s one thing to shoot a competitor’s brand regularly on assignments, it’s quite another to shoot it for the purposes of a review. Let’s face it; you’ve got your work cut out for you with Hassy-Quest. You’re going to need a lot of exposure; the kind of exposure you get when you do reviews at MT. Hasselblad should see the value in that and allow you to continue, even ramp up your reviews. I mean excellent cameras aren’t going to suddenly disappear just because you’re the new SC…right? And your stuff is going to be A LOT better than what is out there…right? There’s an old saying here in the West: “You keep your friends close and your enemy’s closer.” 😉 Good Luck! I for one, am pulling for you!
BTW: smart move on Lloyd’s part to join you as a contributor. A move that will most certainly help drive memberships at his pay site but also help to off-set that “conflict of Interest here at MT 😉
He isn’t joining me. Not sure where you got that from… 😛
Gottabe Robin Wong then 😉
There’s another simple problem: I didn’t have the time before, I have even less time now…
Congrats Ming to your new milestone.
I often feel I am catching up reading your post in high frequency, not to mention that I have yet finished watching your training video. And now you are on to your next move.
I would have to wait for the next possible opportunity to attend one of your teaching class, f2f or email.
As a old Hassel fan, I am looking forward to find your footprint through the future product roadmap and may be corp communication.
I personally always like the feeling that there’s something more left to discover – it gets boring otherwise 🙂
Teaching is unfortunately one of the things I’ve had to shelve to make time for this role, but the videos of course will remain available.
Congratulations Ming! What an inspired decision on the part of Hasselblad and I am sure that you will be a good fit!
Thanks Stefan!
Congratulations! I hope the new position will be the fulfilment of all your experience and aspirations on camera design and IQ expectations. I also hope that Hasselblad (if not somebody else) will launch a fixed lens MF camera at a little more affordable price (Leica Q or Fujifilm X100 style).
Thanks Tibor, suggestions noted 🙂
Congratulations! Love your great work! Hope that adding a real photographer like yourself in their team will allow them to make even better cameras by reflecting your great experience in photography! 🙂
Just saying off my personal wish (without a physics background): a mirrorless 55x41mm sony sensor camera like the x1d with ff lens equivalents like 16-35 f4, 50 f1.4, 105 f1.4 would be really so great! :)) hopefully it can come to fruition in a few years time! :))
Thanks. Just so you know…a 105/1.4 equivalent on the 54×50 sensor would have to be a 160/1.4, with a 114mm diameter leaf shutter…it can be made, but you might not like the cost… 🙂
Oops! Guess its not that feasible then :p but still…55×41 mirrorless camera like a x1d! it would be a photographer’s dream! :))
Congratulations, Ming! This is the best photography related news that I have heard all year. Hasselblad, DJI and Ming Thein? The Dream Team is here! Things just got real and the photography world will never be the same. I can’t wait. Bring it.
We’ll do our best 🙂
Congrats Ming! I was looking forward one day to doing your email school of photography once I have the budget/money/time, but either way, rooting for your continued success and attention to excellence in your new endeavor!
Thanks John, that’s one of the things I had to cut unfortunately – current students will of course continue to be served til the end of their courses, but future intake is shelved for now.
Ming..
As an X1D buyer (i had sold my pentax 645z… and no i have not yet received my X1D
), I am really happy you join them.. just hoping that they will listen to tour inputs and implement them to make the cameras better and better.
Keep up the good work… and btw when will you go to jakarta again?
Regards
Antono
X1D production is going flat out as far as I know – so hopefully the wait won’t be too much longer.
Jakarta: no plans in the near future 🙂
Hi Ming—Nicely done—Congratulations !
Thanks Rick!
Congratulations! It’s so great that a photographer like you gets to play a role in shaping the industry. I’m looking forward to Hasselblad’s future with your direction!
Thanks Sean!
Know you’re involved with Hasselblad makes me want to buy a Hasselblad!
Now… off to rob a bank 😉
I hope eventually that will not be necessary…! 🙂
I hope that too! I can’t afford a Oly OM-D E-M1 mark ii at the moment either… so I’d need to hit a bank regardless.
Well done on the Hasselblad appointment.
Haha…”I cannot condone larceny”…
Haha! I should hope not.
One day I’ll own a X1D hopefully…
Congratulations Ming! Hoping it will prove a great fit. It seems like Hasselblad has made an amazing choice in bringing you on for this role.
Cheers,
Evan
Thanks Evan!
I just read the news over at Lloyd’s site… the smile on my face is ridiculous. Congratulations, Ming!
And Petapixel covering the news as well. I’m happy to see this being covered, because while it’s great news for Ming personally, I think it’s great news for photographers and the industry as well.
https://petapixel.com/2017/03/29/hasselblad-hires-photographer-ming-thein-chief-strategy/
It made DPR too, and the comments were…positive! 😀
Thank you Patrick!
Wow – Congratulations! I cannot wait to see the future of Hasselblad. Strategic planning is so critical to the success of a company and I cannot think of a better person to be in this position. you bring a rare blend of technical expertise and artistic talent plus business acumen. Hasselblad is blessed to have you. I hope this becomes a blessing for you and your family. I hope you will continue to share your wisdom with us – the photographic community is a much better place due to your generous contribution to it!
Thanks Brian – to serve the photographer, and all that 🙂
I wish you Joy in the new position.
Have been using H products since 1986 … love the history and the ethic …
I do hope that you will be able to impart your vision and aspirations as you work with
the company in transition. They have shown a prescient awareness of their need to be
forward looking in their choice of Chief of Strategy.
Rarely does a company entertain the worldview and experience of an accomplished
photographer … they benefit from your training and experience. This announcement was the
tipping point for me to embrace the X1D … dropping an extensive Leica M system …
The danger is that the stresses of the position will decrease your pleasure in the process.
As a physician I cannot light a Macanudo but I will swill a single malt to express my pleasure in
your success.
Regards
Bob Moore
Thanks Bob – enjoy your X1D!
Congratulations, and now remember…. when the going get tough the tough get going……. transfer your ideas to the company, and I’m confident, the things can only get better. Best whishes and always remember to be a photographer.
It’s about the image, first and last – the rest is a means to get there. But perhaps I could have chosen a simpler route, haha
Hi Ming, Congratulations on your appointment! Would you care to elaborate on what the role entails. Is it more at the “ambassador” giving feedback on new products? Or are you being expected to deploy some of your MBA skills in an advisory or executive capcity?
It’s probably easier to say what I’m not involved in – supply chain, production, logistics. Everything else is fair game – so yes, whilst I don’t have an MBA, the corporate toolkit is getting a thorough dusting off. 🙂
Dear Ming, as an amateur photographer, who has taken up photography late in life, I am much in your debt. I have bought cameras you have recommended. I have given up brands you have given up (Leica, for one). I doubt I will ever buy a medium format camera, even one designed or marketed by you, but Hasselblad are wise to have hired you and I am sure you will look after them well. Best of luck, David
Thanks David – all done in really what is one singular quest: to make the best possible image, and in that – we need the best tools. Granted, the current move is perhaps a bit extreme…
You work harder than humanly possible, yet, you keep making interesting photos (and few videos) in your style. Along the way, you educate us with your opinion on gear, technique, and philosophy. You have earned this! I wish Hassleblad
Before I found your website, I understood the basic techniques, had some idea of the history of photography, but didn’t have any sense of style. You made me think about my style.
Thanks Richard – there’s also Ep. 4 and 5 of Outstanding Images if you need more instruction 🙂
Congratulations, Ming!
What a wonderful chance but also a great reward for all those things you have done during the recent years.
Man, you have come a long way since you started as the young guy with nothing but only a strong will to make perfect watch shots.
Kind Regards
Ha-Wi
Thank you. I guess proof that determination does yield results…
Ming, this is a wonderful opportunity that has opened for you. Hopefully, this presents some financial stability to your quest for a professional, yet independent photography career. My personal thanks for all you’ve done to grow my still-nascent photography skills. I’m relieved to learn you’ll continue to maintain the website more or less in its present splendid shape. Your presence at Hassenblad will heighten my desire to own one of their cameras some day, without disturbing my kidneys!
Thanks Winn – actually, it was less about stability and more about a new challenge and less travel.
As for the kidney part: you do still have two, right? 😉
Yup. Confirmed via ultrasound just last month — gotta keep one in reserve for when we see the first post-Ming-hiring Hasselblad price list!
I’ll try and see if I can limit the damage to a single liver lobe 😛
Ming, I’ll be smoking a Cuban on this great news. I’ll even sip a single malt with that. Cheers to you! Cheers to Hasselblad! Three cheers to the future of photography!
Thanks Roel – I wouldn’t mind one myself 🙂
Congratulations! A very good decision by Hasselblad. I look forward to seeing new products (may even drop my Leica S system in the coming years in favour of H, if L don’t improve reliability). I’ve also sent this link to my 19 year old student son, to take an example from you (he’ll be in KL this Summer; looking to take part / assist in any photo or business adventures…this is what made me visit your blog again and see this good news). All the best, Martin
Thanks Martin. I got his note, have replied 🙂
Congratulations. I look forward to seeing the results of your input.
Thanks Richard! I was very surprised how positive the other comments were – I guess this must be a very good thing!
Fantasticly promising development, Ming – very happy for you. Looking forward to witnessing where this takes you!
Thanks Matthias! See you next time in Lucerne 🙂
The camera industry has been in a veritable free fall of sales for the past 5 years. To change this, the camera companies MUST try to do something different, and yet year after year we see the same old tactics from them. Hasselblad has done something very different by hiring you. It is an excellent move and I wish you well.
Perhaps Nikon will take notice and hire Thom Hogan now!
100% agreed on the ‘different’ part: Sony and Fuji did it, and got great traction. MF is gaining prominence now both for price accessibility improvements and…because it’s different. We have to make it not just different, but substantially so.
I’m not sure about the great traction part. Fujifilm’s sales have been dropping year on year. They have gotten great publicity, but have not reversed the powerful decline in camera sales. Just over 2% of Fujifilm’s revenue comes from digital cameras. That’s minuscule.
To echo many of the others, I wish to congratulate you on your new endavour.
And I’m glad you’re keeping the site around 🙂
Thanks Orjan – the site is an important part of both who I am and understanding what the market wants…
Congratulations on your new position. In one sense, I am not surprised. I see a number of you guys doing the globetrotting photography workshops. I imagine it is fun for the first year or so, but that after awhile, the travel starts to wear you down and keeps you a way from your family. Good luck.
BTW, I recall you had some sort of relationship with Zeiss. If you can say–which you may not be able to–any potential synergy there?
Thanks Jack – that was one of the motivating factors…flying 20+ times a year in 2014 and 2015 was not so fun, and I didn’t have a kid then…
With you diving in for this new role will absolutely impact and revolutionized not just Hasselblad but also will challenge other major manufacturers. I can’t wait what’s in store for Hasselblad’s already promising future. I think I’ll buy some stocks now! Well deserve buddy! Congrats!
Privately owned, sorry 🙂
Congratulations! Thom Hogan just wrote about how Fuji, Leica and Hasselblad are working to listen to photographers and their needs/concerns (other companies not so much). Your joining Hasselblad is further proof of this. Looks like a win/win for everyone.
Competition is always a good thing – gives me more ammunition when I ask people to do the impossible!
Would not surprise me that you can make a valuable contribution to bring the brand Hasselblad back on the world rankings where it has been for decades. Congratulations and success.
Thanks Wim!
First my congrats to you. But second and the more important one , my congrats to people interested in photography. There may or may not be people like Ming involved in planing for the cameras. Someone looking at cameras as the means for the business of making images not the business of making cameras. To vastly different worlds. This only shows Hasselblad’s dedication to the future , even if it is a commercial move , it is very reassuring to have someone with real photography talent and in constant communication with other photographers deciding for the future products.
P.S. Ming do you take wish lists ? A 36*24 version of the X1D sounds cool…
Well, my job is to try and make the two worlds work together – if more companies do it, it’s better for everybody…
Wishes noted!
Big News! Congratulations!
Thank you!
Congrats Ming! Should be interesting position for you. I hope you can get Zeiss to make lenses for the X1D! 🙂 Drool!
Good luck in your new adventure!
Thanks Wayne 🙂 The current lenses are pretty darn good already 😉
Ming,
The banner still reads PHOTOGRAPHER.
Shouldn’t it be updated to STRATEGIST?
Congratulations,
Jeff M in Dallas
Have to be a photographer first to make the right products for photographers, right?
Congratulations Ming. Looking forward to see where this leads. Best wishes.
Thanks Eric!
Congratulations Ming! You are a perfect candidate for this position, especially with your wide knowledge of the camera industry and competing products.
Thanks Michael!
Congrats Ming! That is brillant and makes so much sense! I wish you all the best on your onward journey – safe travels!
Ralf
Thanks Ralf!
Congratulations! Wish you the best of luck and I really hope you can keep the site live and interesting as it has been so far.
That’s the plan, and hence the new partner 🙂
Wow! Congratulations Ming! With your background in the corporate world, I do believe you have the perfect qualification for the job. I don’t think anyone else has that combination of skills and passion in photography as well as a great deal of experience in corporate strategy. Wish you all the best, and I hope there will be many great things coming out of Hasselblad during your reign as Chief Strategy Officer! 🙂
I’m sure there are others – they were just clever enough not to put their hands up 🙂
Perhaps they’re stupid enough? 🙂
Congratulations Ming!
Thanks Richard!
You truly deserve it Ming. May there be plenty of good things to come for you and the brand. All the best.
Thanks Don!
Congrats on the placement Ming, it’s going to be a good position for you. Everyone has opinions, you know this. I have and will continue to look to your words and images as a source of inspiration and knowledge. As for your new role with Hassy, all I can say is do the right thing – and continue to make decisions without compromising your integrity. YOU are above all that you do, something that everyone I think should hold for themselves.
Cheers!
Thank you – and that’s the plan!
Congratulations Ming! This indeed would be a hard choice to turn down. I think medium format camera makes, Hasselblad included, may be challenged, but with DJI as one of the backers, who knows what new vistas of opportunities this may open up!
Johnson
Thanks!
Ming — Congratulations! Seems like a fabulous fit to your interests and expertise and the needs of Hasselblad. I suspect you will be burning the 9200 km between home and Sweden more often than you would like but that you will also find the opportunity quite satisfying. Best wishes for every success. Frank
Thanks Frank – yes, the commute is going to be fairly frequent…
I learned the news yesterday. I was puzzled to know the reasons of your decision (knowing your life path, I must say I was surprised to see you jumping back into that side of the wagon). I was waiting this article. You left me dry on the real career motivation of your decision. I wish your last paragraph to be an entire article. I’m not agree with your statement: “who could possibly say no?”. I definitively wouldn’t. I can’t wait to see the impact of your decision on your creativity (not the one used to develop new functions of cameras or new cameras/lens…, but the photographic one).
I wish you the best in your life journey.
Sorry, I think something is lost in translation here. You would not take the job? We all have our reasons and motivations; some of which don’t have any more complicated explanation than ‘I do it because I want to’; some of which isn’t for public discussion; and some of which we may not understand (or need to understand) any deeper than that ourselves.
Exactly Ming.
Congrats Ming! This seems like the perfect intersection of your skill set.
Looking forward to exciting new things from Hasselblad, I just hope you guys don’t forget those of us who still love shooting on film.
Thanks, suggestion noted – though the market for film is not very large…
Count me as another wishing you the very best Ming. Though I’m sure there are plenty of challenges facing you in this market, the future looks brighter for Hasselblad with your appointment to this position.
Thank you!
Great News MT! Hassy is lucky to have you. All the best.
Thanks!
Sounds like an unique experience to you (well, to anyone). But been the right person at the right time, the consequences will be exciting. All the best!!
Thanks Leo!
Congratulation to both Hasselblad and you.
Thanks Arthur!
I think both Hasselblad and you have made a very wise choice, Ming. I have serious doubts as to whether there’s anyone else who is as suitable. All the very best to you – and to Hasselblad – as you take up your new role.
Thanks Jean Pierre!
You are quite the magician MT; always willing and most able to reinvent yourself in some way. It’s inspiring I know the community here all wishes you the best of luck.
Thanks Casey! Not sure about being a magician, but definitely an opportunist!
First of all, congratulations, I wish you lots of succes. It’s well deserved, and with your skills and background, a better candidate would have been hard to find.
I am a bit surprised though. Not by the fact that you became Chief of Strategy, but surprised by the fact that this is apparently seen as ‘big news’ (your appointment even made it to a news item on dpreview).
There used to be a difference in company culture, with (if I may generalize) American companies often giving in to shareholder pressure and going for the quick win, with Asian companies usually striving for a solid future by gradually increasing market share at the cost of short term gains, and perhaps European companies both geographically and culturally somewhere in between.
Companies these days typically have various Chief Officers: a Chief Executive Officer, a Chief Financial Officer, a Chief Marketing Officer, a Chief Operations Officer, a (Chief) Compliance Officer, and in these days of internet, complex IT-systems and big data, quite often also a Chief Information Officer. What we seldom see, however, is a Chief Strategy Officer. And that is strange, as in these times of fast change, whatever the company culture, choosing the right strategy has become vitally important for a company’s future.
Focusing on the photography industry, we quite often see great new technologies being introced but presented in the wrong shape or aimed at the wrong market (segment), because the company lacks proper insight into its market and /or customer base. Appointing a photographer, with a working knowledge of the products and the market (and as an added plus, business knowledge and experience), should not be ‘big news’, it should be standard practice.
As I’m not into medium format (for my skills and shooting style, MFT is, and will remain for the foreseeable future, my ‘format of sufficiency’) I hope you and Hasselblad have started a new trend here…
Thanks – I can’t claim it’s ‘big news’ on an absolute level, but it is for the site (and the audience) as it changes my point of reference and thus what I write; however I agree with you that a) not having a clear strategist and b) not having people from the customer side in the industry is somewhat concerning…but may explain the state of things today. Companies are no longer in the position to dictate consumer trends because they are in control of the technology and the improvement deltas are enough to ‘force’ an upgrade’ some more thinking is required to survive and prosper in the long term…
On the plus side, it’s more interesting than a new selfie stick, I think 😛
I just returned from a city trip to Prague. I saw way too many selfie sticks there. So much so that it even made me give in to the ‘siren song’ of a lonely classic camera in a shop window: I simply couldn’t resist buying a 1958 russian FED 2 for my (very small) classic camera collection. The only way to take a selfie (which I never take anyway) is to use the old fashioned mechanical self timer…
🙂
Great news. I look forward to seeing you at Photokina 2018.
Ming, I don’t post here very often, but I want to let you know I am a big fan, and forever grateful for your contributions. Here is what I wrote on another site:
“I took Ming’s master class in Chicago, and I was deeply impressed by his knowledge, transparency, and passion for the craft. His work ethic is very inspiring. I though I worked harder than anyone else until I met Ming. Kudos to Hassy and to Ming. I think this will be a solid and fruitful partnership.”
Best of luck Mr. Thein!!!
It was a pleasure having you in Chicago, Gaby – thanks for your wishes, and hope you’re still enjoying the 645Z! 🙂
Outstanding news for you, Ming, and a smart move by Hasselblad. I am very happy for you. For many years, you’ve been one of the most thoughtful guys out there writing about digital photography. I’m glad to see that your wisdom will now impact the future of my hobby and your profession.
Thank you!
Best decision that Hasseblad could do – to bring on board someone that cares about photography in some ways that a lot of people don’t care nowadays: passion, detail, technique, haptics, feelings and experience. Good luck in this new journey, MIng.
Thanks Marcio, I’ll take all the luck I can get! 🙂
I wonder if this forum will help to offer up “breadcrumbs” of ideas “from the filed”. I mostly just know the Nikon line, my own, and have thoughts about their weaknesses. I do love Nikon. I sure wish you the best.
Definitely – always happy to take suggestions 🙂
Dear Ming,
In more than one article you wrote about how you could contribute to the development of future camera’s. I am very glad you succeeded. Congratulations with your new job. This job combines your previous job in corporate business and your current job as an artist.
I wish you all the best! In the meantime I start saving up for a Hasselblad
Thank you! One of our goals is still to make them more affordable…
Fantastic News! Congratulations! ‘Chief of Strategy’ sound a very exciting position and is very well deserved. I am looking forward to hearing more about your role in forthcoming blogs.
I stumbled across your site when I was researching the X1D and have been a fan ever since, eagerly logging on to your website each morning when I wake up in the hope of reading more pearls of wisdom (from one so young) and seeing fantastic photographs. I recommend your website to other photographers as often as I can.
I have been to a couple of Hasselblad presentations of the X1D but am not sure it is the next camera for me. I have also tried the Fuji GFX50 but didn’t like the handling, especially the vertical grip. I do have a couple of Hasselblad cameras and purchased a digital back (CFV-16) back in the days when it was limited to 400 ISO. I was hoping to be able to buy a CFV-50c back in the near future but the price has gone back up following recent offers and in any case most if not all dealers seem to be out of stock – I was sorely tempted to go for the one you recently offered on your site but my funding was not then in place. I have been hearing rumours that an updated CFV back might be on the horizon soon and it would be great if Hasselblad kept their commitment to their legacy cameras.
Congratulations once again.
Ian
Thanks Ian! Point taken on the legacy stuff – being a V user myself, I fully agree with you 🙂
Congratulations Ming! I am looking forward to great things from you and everyone else at Hasselblad! Despite having bought the GFX instead of the X1D, I am still a big fan of the heritage and ethos of Hasselblad. This whole time I’ve been waiting for you to step in and orchestrate a dream product to lure me in! Don’t forget, I did buy that H4D200MS and a couple lenses so hopefully that will make up for the GFX purchase! 😉
Haha – well, there are things coming you will be interested in… 😉
A one more congratulations message. This is so a good news ! I think it’s a perfect match in all respects.
Much appreciated 🙂
I hope your new venture is really really interesting for you, sparks off lots of ideas and is thoroughly enjoyable too. Very best wishes for it.
Thank you!
Congratulations!! I’m sure this partnership will bring some interesting changes in the near future.
We hope so, though camera development requires a little time 🙂
Congrats Ming…totally awesome. Well deserved and recognized.
Thanks John!
Huge Congratulations to you and Hasselblad! That little company just on the other side of Öresund has been perhaps closest to my heart all my life compared to any others, even though I haven’t used them for decades, and they are close to the heart of a huge number of photographing peoples too. Still got the SWC. So with your skills, rational abilities, though in a thoughtful and even emotional way of thinking, that can only be the best way for Hasselblad to push on.
Best luck to both of you!
Best Thorkil
Thanks Thorkil!
You can say what you want about Sony but with the proliferation of the cell phone camera, their mirrorless designs since 2012, have helped grow the pro-sumer and enthusiast segments, thus helping to off-set dying P&S sales. I mean, who would have thought a $3,000 A7RII would be a big seller? Who would have thought the Fuji GFX50 would be a big seller? E-M1MKII – a two thousand dollar M43?!? I’m actually considering spending TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS on micro four- thirds :O Anybody see a trend developing here?
Hasselblad is certainly a name recognized by those of us that are “in the know” but certainly not ubiquitous to mere mortals…like Canon and Nikon. Both Canon and Nikon are rumored to be less than fiscally sound at present and I believe this is in large part, due to their arrogance in not recognizing the mirrorless opportunity. Had each company concurrently developed a unit to compete with the A7RII, we, in all likelihood, would have three excellent choices in the category, instead of just one. And arguably better, less expensive choices due to the competition. Right now Sony owns the full frame mirrorless category. Here’s my point; I see an opportunity for a real camera brand (and not a consumer electronics brand like Sony) to capitalize on the mistakes made by the big two which have allowed Sony to erode the Canikon mystique. The name Hasselblad can become ubiquitous IMHO. I believe there may be an opportunity for a company like Hasselblad to “come out of nowhere” and make it the “Big Three”. Maybe your only directive as Strategy Chief is to help improve upon of a very expensive medium format camera brand. I for one, am hoping you’ve got much bigger aspirations, something in the MT mainframe perhaps, that will make the A7RII feel even more like the toy it is 😉 Congratulations Ming!
Sony and Fuji have done well for one main reason: they offered something the other guys didn’t. It’s not so much to do with price or format; it’s scratching the gear itch…but yes, there’s an opportunity here. A big one. But it must be done right…
A Hasselblad M1D 135mm Format with M-Mount, in the sense of the X1D’ smaller brother. I’d like to assist you over there at Hasselblad, we’d be a dream team, no doubt… hilarious!
Nonsense. Canon, while sales are down, still produces very nice profits, far more than any mirrorless company. Stick to the facts please.
Congratulations! The result of this concept (your skills and passion) will be very interesting to follow. It sounds great in my mind!
Thank you!
You deserve it ! Congratulations and make great things for Hasselblad (and for you of course)
Will do my best! 🙂
That is just so cool!! Congratulations Ming!!
Thanks Brett!
Big Congrats Ming, it is well deserved. I hope it works out well for you.
Thanks Gary!
Wow Ming, that’s a crazy news ! But at the same time it was always obvious that your dual experience in the photography and corporate world, as well as your constant attention to how cameras should work, made you perfect a perfect fit for such a job.
Kudos to you and to Hasselblad’s executives/shareholders (‘guess your visit at DJI settled the decision) for having the vision to appoint you.
So, here’s hoping that your input will find meaningful translations in the camera industry. You’re a chance for us all, for the lot of us not shooting in medium format.
I think you read the situation perfectly – now time to put it to practice! 🙂
Congratulations!!!
The best of luck and inspiration to you Sir!
Thank you!
Congratulations Ming
Thanks!
Congratulations and best wishes for the future.
Thanks Tony!
Congratulations! Thank you for your past activity and all the best for you in the new position!
Thanks!
Congratulations! With Ming in charge Hasselblad will gain even more passion and new customers for a good reason. Most importantly, your website will continue, if you allow me that egoistic statement.
More like backseat driver 😛
But yes, the site will continue. I need to be involved in the industry to adequately serve it.
bon voyage 🙂
Merci 🙂
Congrats Ming. What an honour to represent such a legacy and great institution. Best wishes on your new venture.
Congratulations! Hasselblad seems to really be on their way up; great election, clear strategy. You rock!
Thank you!
Wonderful news. I can’t imagine Hasselblad having made a more smart or more creative decision. The combination of excellence in image-making, technical knowledge, and humble accessibility via social media is absolutely perfect.
Thanks – I’m going to need to clone myself now 😛
Big congratulations to you and to Hasselblad! I cannot imagine a smarter choice for the position of Chief of Strategy.
Thank you!
Congrats!!! Wish you the very best!
Thanks!