This manual is a provisional version only.
User Manual 
Provisional version only (V1/English) 
1    
This manual is a provisional version only.
C  O  N  T  E  N  T  S
  3
  5 
  7
10
12
14
19
20
20
20
22
23
23
24
25
25
25
26
27
27
27
27
27
27
27
28
28
28
28
29
Sensor Unit & digital capture  30
32
The control panel 
System requirements 
Shooting 
Using compact flash cards 
Working with the Imagebank CF 
Working with a standard FireWire disk 
Working tethered 
Working with media and batches 
Using Instant Approval Architecture 
Viewing, deleting and transferring images 
Preview modes 
Deleting images 
Transferring images 
Working with the menus 
Menu system overview 
White balance settings 
User inter face settings 
Display settings 
Storage settings 
Default approval status setting 
Miscellaneous settings 
Menu shortcuts 
Care and maintenance 
Light Metering &                     
Exposure Control  
Metering method 
Exposure method 
Manual exposure mode 
Automatic exposure mode  
AE- L button 
Exposure compensation 
 
General Functions     
Power - ON 
Power - Standby 
Power - OFF 
Manual focus 
Manual focus mode 
Autofocus override in manual mode 
2    
34
35
36
37
37
38
40
43
46
48
51
52
53
55
63
65
67
68
71
73
75
76
79
80
81
81
82
83
84
85
86
86
86
86
87
87
Introduction 
Parts & Components 
Quick Start 
Function Control & Display 
Grip LCD 
Viewfinder LCD 
Camera Body 
Carrying strap 
Batteries 
Rechargeable battery grip 
Viewfinder screen 
Accessory connection 
PC-connector 
Viewfinder 
Parts & Components 
Attaching and  
removing the viewfinder 
Eyepiece adjustment 
Lenses 
Parts & Components 
Attaching a lens 
Removing a lens 
Lens cap 
Filters and accessories 
Lens shades 
Shutter and aperture control 
Depth-of-field calculation 
Depth-of-field / visual preview 
Infrared focus settings 
Focusing aid 
CF adapter 
Autofocus  
Single Shot 
Continuous 
Autofocus mode 
Drive  
Single 
Continuous 
Profiles 
Making a profile 
Changing a profile name  
Advanced Features 
General overview of camera menu 
Self Timer 
Bracketing 
Interval 
Settings 
Custom Options 
Customizable button function list 
Image Info 
System status 
Flash 
Flash measure 
87
87
88
88
89
89
89
90
90
91
92
93
94
96
98
99
99
103
104
106
107
110
Optional Accessories 
111
Appendix 
Glossary 
Technical specifications 
113
114
118
Equipment care, service                                          
and guarantee 
122
 
This manual is a provisional version only.
Congratulations! 
Welcome to the Hasselblad H System. 
The H2D adds the ability to utilize the latest advancements in digital backs, increased mo-
bility, integrated power, and improved image quality. The H2D is the most advanced digital 
medium-format photography platform on the market today, and a worthy addition to the 
famed Hasselblad line.
The specifications and capabilities of the H system exceed the demands of most photo-
graphers. This allows the system to expand and develop. It’s one of the reasons that so many 
professional photographers around the world are discovering, or re-discovering, the creative 
and professional possibilities provided by the Hasselblad system.
The H system is the result of the most intensive technical development programme ever un-
dertaken by Hasselblad, the most prestigious medium-format camera manufacturer in the 
world. It reflects an unprecedented wealth of knowledge and experience tightly interwoven 
with the latest technological developments that combined to produce an unrivalled world-
class creative tool for the discerning photographer.
Hasselblad had its beginnings during the last fifty years of the last millennium. Within twenty 
years it was present as mankind took the first small step on the moon. Now, Hasselblad makes 
its own giant leap forwards into the future. A new foundation on which to build, ensuring the 
utmost in image-quality, handling and versatility resulting from the most reliable and effi-
cient solutions to meet photographers’ expectations. 
The H system presents a list of features coloured by superlatives. What was once considered 
optional is now integral. The potential of this outstanding professional equipment straight 
out of the box is tremendous. 
But there is no trade-off in quality for the sake of the latest technology. The three pillars of 
the Hasselblad reputation remain: Reliability, Versatility, Interchangeability. Stainless steel 
and aluminium for no-nonsense professional use and durability. Silicon chip control for basic 
practical support as well as sophisticated facilities to meet all demands. A system to trust and 
build on, that will develop and grow in pace with tomorrow’s discoveries.
The list of features is long, varied and comprehensive. For example: automatic focus with 
instant manual override, dot-matrix LCDs, rapid button and control wheel user interface, 
integral grip, integral fill-flash, very bright OLED on sensor unit, multi-mode exposure meter-
3    
This manual is a provisional version only.
ing, TTL flash control, capable of saving to internal CF cards and external storage devices, 
presentation of digital information such as histograms and grey balance on the LCD, ex-
tremely accurate electronic leaf shutter, flash sync at all shutter speeds to 1/800s, eyeline 
viewfinder with 100% view, dot matrix viewfinder LCD, lithium or rechargeable battery op-
tions, shutter speeds from 32 seconds to 1/800s, user customization of functions. And that’s 
not all! Bracketing, interval timer, rapid access user button, flash measure, integral diopter 
adjustment in viewfinder, zone system capability, time-lapse photography, customized 
profiles and so on. 
In addition, the H2D has a format allowing for digital capture with sensors more than twice the 
physical size of today’s 35mm sensors. The sensor is therefore capable of using more and larger 
pixels, which secure a high-end image quality in terms of moiré free colour rendering without 
gradation break-ups in even the finest highlight areas or noise in the shadows. 
And, apart from the practical aspects, the H2D also exudes a feeling of superb design and ergo-
nomics that makes the camera a pleasure to own as well as use. For handling and convenience 
of use it is second to none.   
So Hasselblad, the most distinguished pioneer in medium-format photography, yet again 
takes the vanguard position. We are confident that you are going to incorporate this camera 
inseparably into your photographic life. We are also confident that you are going to produce 
images you are proud of. Some of these will remain as a documentation of the history of our 
world, perhaps even beyond. That’s how it is with Hasselblad.          
            
The primary goal of all camera development is of course the seamless and unobtrusive produc-
tion of superb images, regardless of situation. The H2D has abilities and features that you may 
not think you need, yet. Each individual has their own way of working. But the H2D has tremen-
dous scope for fine-tuning your technique possibly beyond your present ambitions .
The Quick Start Guide should have you up and running in minutes. The H2D will function equal-
ly well as an automatic point-and-shoot or as a total-control, ultra-professional instrument. 
The user manual is intended to be the standard reference manual. In it you will find full user 
descriptions, LCD charts, specifications, etc. 
Take your time to learn the intricacies and potentials of the H2D. Go at your own pace and ex-
plore the possibilities when you feel ready for the next step. Results will be good from the word 
go, that’s guaranteed, but when you want to make improvements or work more efficiently per-
haps, the H2D can provide support.
The supreme Hasselblad potential is there, it’s up to you to exploit it!
Finally, please check occasionally on the Hasselblad website — www.hasselblad.com — for any updates 
regarding user instructions, changes, news, or other information concerning the H system. If you have no 
Internet access, please contact your Hasselblad dealer or distributor for the latest information.
4    
  What’s in the box  
This manual is a provisional version only.
Your new Hasselblad camera may have been supplied in kit form or as separate items. There are a number of possible combi-
nations depending on factors such as offers, bundles etc. Please ensure that all the items noted on the accompanying packing 
information have been supplied and are correct. 
Contact your Hasselblad dealer or distributor immediately if anything is missing or seems faulty in any way, quoting the serial 
numbers and purchase details where appropriate.
Familiarise yourself with the various parts and components. Leave protective covers on as much as possible and avoid touching 
glass surfaces and inserting fingers into the camera body. The H2D has a robust construction and is capable of withstanding 
fairly rough treatment but nevertheless is a precision instrument and will serve you longer if treated with respect from the begin-
ning.
Please keep purchase details and the warranty in a safe place. 
  
5    
This manual is a provisional version only.
Quick Start
1
This section is a quick start guide to assembling and 
preparing your new H2D. From separate items, the 
assembly process should take no more than sev-
eral minutes to complete and when the battery is 
charged you will be able to take simple and straight-
forward photographs immediately.
All the information is repeated later on in the man-
ual, as well as much more in-depth information, 
under the relevant sections and headings for easier 
search access.
6    
This manual is a provisional version only.
11
3
2
1
3
5
7
9
11
2
4
6
8
10
12
2
1
H2D
An H2D can be used in a variety of ways but for simplicity’s sake below is a descrip-
tion of how to use it with a CF card. Naturally you can skip this section if you wish and 
go directly to the appropriate section in this manual regarding tethered use etc.
1.    Remove the battery by depressing the battery holder button 
and simultaneously swinging the battery holder retaining 
lever down until it stops. Pull battery downwards.
2.    Choose the appropriate plug for the charger.
3.   Attach the chosen plug by sliding it into position, ensuring 
that the two electrical contact prongs on the charger cor-
rectly enter the two contact sockets on the plug attachment.
  
4.  
Insert the jack plug from the battery charger into the socket 
on the battery. Insert the battery charger into a standard 
(100–240V~ /50–60 Hz) domestic socket. Charge the battery 
until the red signal light on the charger flashes. 
5.   Holding the battery flat against the camera and aligning 
the two upper lugs with the slot, slide it back into position 
as far as it will go. Swing back the battery holder retaining 
lever until it clicks back into place.
6.    Remove the front protective cover from the camera body by 
keeping the lens release button depressed and rotating the 
cover counter-clockwise until it is released. 
7.    Remove the lens shade by turning it clockwise. 
8.   Remove the rear lens cap by unscrewing it in a counter-
clockwise direction. 
9.    Attach the lens to the camera body by firstly aligning the red 
index on the lens mount with the red index on the camera 
mount. Grip the lens by the metal barrel (not the rubber 
focusing ring) and turn it approximately one quarter turn 
clockwise until it clicks into place.
10. 
 Remove the front lens cap by pinching together the two 
retaining clips and attach the lens shade to lens by aligning 
the indexes and turning the shade clockwise a quarter turn.
11.  Remove the top protective cover from the viewfinder screen 
location on the camera body by lifting a corner.
12.  Remove the protective cover from the viewfinder by depress-
ing the viewfinder release button. 
7    
13
15
17
19
21
14
16
18
20
B
A
This manual is a provisional version only.
13.  While holding the viewfinder at a slight angle, locate the 
front section into place on the front edge of the viewfinder 
screen recess in the camera body ensuring the central locat-
ing lug and databus interface are positioned correctly. Swing 
the viewfinder downwards and press firmly until it clicks into 
place. Ensure that both sides of the viewfinder are seated 
correctly.
14.  Point the camera at a smooth toned area. Turn the eyesight 
adjustment dial until you achieve optimum sharpness of the 
markings on the viewfinder screen. 
15. Open the card-holder cover on the sensor unit by insert-
ing your fingernail into the slot at the front of the door and 
swinging it open.
16. Hold the compact-flash card so that the connector holes face 
into the slot in the sensor unit, with the brand label facing in 
the same direction as the sensor unit preview screen.
17.  Gently press the card into the slot. If you encounter resistance, 
it might be because you are holding the card backwards or 
upside down. Experiment until you find the orientation that 
allows the card to slide in easily.
18. When the card is able to drop very easily nearly all the way 
into the sensor unit, then you are doing it right. Once you 
have achieved this, press the card firmly into place until it 
sinks another couple of millimeters into the sensor unit and is 
held fast. Swing the side panel door shut again.
..........................................................................
 
  The camera is now complete. If you press the ON.OFF 
button A for half a second, the camera will activate. If 
the camera enters STANDBY mode (the LCD screen on 
the grip will show the H2D symbol only), reactivate it 
by pressing the shutter release button B halfway (or 
the ON.OFF button).
 
  You can now explore the menus, buttons, control 
wheels, etc observing the changes on the LCD on the 
grip as well as the LCD in the viewfinder. 
..........................................................................
19. 
 Click the ON.OFF button. The LCD then displays the Profile 
screen.
20.    Turn either the front or rear control wheel until ‘Standard’ is 
highlighted.
21.   Press the AF / Load button.
That’s it! 
Your Hasselblad H2D is now operational in fully automatic mode. In aver-
age lighting conditions the camera will act as a point and shoot camera 
producing extremely fine results without the need to touch any other but-
ton than the shutter release! 
8