H4D
User Manual
H4D-200MS
H4D-60
H4D-50MS
H4D-50
H4D-40
H4D-31
H4D
C O N T E N T S
Introduction
System requirements
Warnings & restrictions
1 H4D models
2 General overview –
controls and displays
Button functions
Display information
Grip display
Viewfinder display
Sensor unit display
Spirit level
Buttons and controls – details
Audio feedback
3 Camera Body
Carrying strap
Rechargeable battery
Battery charger
Charging the battery
Rechargeable battery grip − general
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Removing a lens
Lens cap
Filters
Lens shades
Shutter and aperture control
Depth-of-field calculation
Depth-of-field / visual preview
Infrared focus settings
Focus assist
Manual focus
Autofocus
Single
Continuous
True Focus
6 Light Metering & Exposure
Control
ISO & white balance button
Metering method
Exposure method
Manual exposure mode
Automatic exposure mode
AE-L button
Rechargeable battery grip − precautions 27
Exposure compensation/Quick Adjust
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Battery life
Battery status
Power
On
Standby
Viewfinder screen
Accessory connection
PC-connector
Base plate
4 Viewfinder
Parts & Components
Attaching and removing the viewfinder
Eyepiece adjustment
Eye cup
Integral flash unit
5 Lenses
Parts & Components
Attaching a lens
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7 Profiles
Making a profile
Using profiles
8 SU – introduction
Parts and components
Overview of menu system and navigation 55
Overview of menu structure
Description of menu items
9 SU – initial settings
Setting the menu language
Capture storage
Capture destination
Compact cards
Formatting
Tethered to a computer
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The images in this manual were not taken with a Hasselblad H4D. They are used for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to represent the image quality produced by a Hasselblad H4D. Unless otherwise stated, all images: © Jens Karlsson/Hasselblad, David Jeffery and Mats Bengtsson.
H4D
10 SU – getting started
Settings check
White Balance / Grey balance
Media
11 Browsing images
Basic image browsing
Zooming in and out
Zooming in for more detail
Thumbnail views
12 Preview modes
Preview modes
Histogram mode
Full-details mode
Battery-saver mode
Full-screen mode
Overexposure indicator
13 IAA -Instant Approval
Architecture
Using IAA
Default approval status
Browsing by approval status
Deleting by approval status
14 File storage
Organizing work with batches
Creating a new batch
Navigating batches
15 Deleting images
Delete
Deleting several images from a batch
Deleting several images from a medium
Transferring images
Interval
Settings
Custom Options
Image Info
Text setting
Date & Time
System status
Drive
19 Flash /strobe
General
Integral flash
Flash measure
20 Multi shot
21 Optional accessories
22 Appendix
True Exposure
P & Pv modes
Light metering sensitivity
Technical specifications
Default settings
Care, sensor unit
Problems, Equipment care and service
Quick index
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16 Settings
User Inter face
Camera
About
Default
Custom Options
17 SU – view cameras
18 Custom settings
General overview of camera menu
Self Timer
Bracketing
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H4D
Welcome to Hasselblad !
The sensational Hasselblad H4D builds on and expands the impressive feature
set of the much praised H3D camera-line. Developments have raised the bar for
medium format photography, placing Hasselblad in first place around the world
yet again.
Hasselblad cameras, famed for quality and reliability, were chosen to record
the lunar missions – there could hardly be better praise than that. Hasselblad
con tinues the tradition of building on well proven technologies, refining and
im proving to raise standards, always to produce a better product. By using
Hasselblad equipment you share the decision made by of some of the world’s
best and most famous photographers. Congratulations on picking a winner −
you won't be disappointed.
Medium Format digital capture advantage
In digital photography, the advantages of large format cameras have become even more
obvious. The 6×4.5 cm window allows the H4D to use the largest image sensors currently
available in digital photography – up to more than twice the physical size of a 35mm
camera sensor. Consequently the sensor holds more and larger pixels, which deliver the
highest possible image quality in terms of moiré-free color rendering without gradation
break-ups in even the finest lit surfaces.
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Two modes of operation and storage
The H4D offers a storage choice of either CF cards or a direct com-
puter hard drive connection. With these two operating and storage
options, you are able to select a mode to suit the nature of the work
in hand, whether in the studio or on location.
True Focus
True Focus helps solve one of the most lingering challenges that
faces serious photographers today: true, accurate focusing through-
out the image field. The traditional solution for most DSLRs has been
to equip the camera with a multi-point AF sensor but it only resolves
some issues. To overcome this problem, Hasselblad has used modern
yaw rate sensor technology to measure angular velocity in an inno-
vative way. The result is the new Absolute Position Lock (APL) proces-
sor, which forms the foundation of Hasselblad’s True Focus feature.
Ultra-Focus
Ultra-Focus allows information from the lens and exact capture
conditions to be fed to the camera processor for ultra-fine-tuning
of the auto-focus mechanism, taking into account the design spec-
ifications of the lens and the optical specifications of the sensor.
DAC
'Digital Auto Correction' (DAC), is an APO-chromatic correction
of the images based on a combination of the various parameters
concerning each specific lens for each specific shot, ensuring that
each image represents the best that your equipment can produce.
H4D
H4D features in abundance
•
'True Focus' with 'APL' (Absolute Position Lock) – patent pending, making auto-
focus substantially easier and more accurate for photography professionals.
• The ability to choose between working tethered or untethered to get the most of
your camera system both on location and in the studio.
• H System lens line includes 11 auto-focus lenses, all with central lens shutters.
Range from 28mm to 300mm, 35-90mm zoom, 50-110mm zoom, and 1.7x
converter.
• Lenses at lens factor 1.0 and HCD lenses at lens factor 1.0 with a marginal crop.
• Central lens shutters, with flash sync speed up to 1/800s.
•
•
• HTS 1.5 tilt/shift adapter (optional accessory) providing portable tilt/ shift solution
Improved AF assist illumination for working in dark environments.
Interchangeable waist-level viewfinder (optional accessory).
for 5 H System lenses ranging from 28mm to 100mm.
• CF lens adapter (optional accessory) allows use of the classic CF-lenses from the
Hasselblad V-camera.
• Option of processing raw images in Hasselblad’s Phocus imaging toolbox, or work-
Ing with your raw images directly in Apple or Adobe imaging environments.
This list is just a selection of the professional level features expected
from a professional level tool. There are plenty more.
An impressive lens line
The highly renowned H System lens line includes 11 Auto-Focus
lenses, all with central shutters. Range is from 28mm to 300mm,
50-110mm zoom, 35-90mm zoom and 1.7X converter. The HTS
1.5 tilt/shift adapter delivers an easy to use, portable tilt/shift
solution for 5 H System lenses ranging from 28mm to 100mm. The
CF adapter (optional accessory) allows use of the classic CF-lenses
from the Hasselblad V System, with full use of their central shutters,
allowing flash to be employed at shutter speeds up to 1/500s. The
central shutter also improves image quality by reducing camera
vibration. And thanks to the large format of the H System cameras,
there is a considerably shallower depth of field range, making it
much easier to utilize selective focus to creative effect. In this way
the full HC lens program is even further enhanced, bringing a new
level of sharpness and resolution.
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Accessories
H system accessories include general items such as filters, straps
and lens shades etc., as well as specialist items.
For instance, the Global Image Locator (GIL) ensures all images
captured outside are tagged with GPS coordinates, time and
altitude. This data provides the key to a number of future applica-
tions involving image archiving and retrieval. One example is the
direct mapping of images in Phocus software to the Google Earth
application.
Then there is the HTS 1.5 that allows for portable tilt and shift with
the H System lens range from 28mm to 100mm. It provides both
technical solutions and creative possibilities.
There is even a CF adapter that allows you to use lenses from the
V system to extend your range. Have a look at the list towards the
end of this manual for more details.
User Manual
The user manual can be read on line or printed (printer friendly US
Letter / A4) in its entirety or just as individual pages to keep with
the camera as reminders for specific tasks.
Note that as virtually all the information is not model specific,
various models can appear in the illustrations. Where information
is model specific, then it is clearly marked as such.
H4D
Instant Approval Architecture
Building on the success of its Audio Exposure Feedback tech nology,
Hasselblad has created Instant Approval Architecture (IAA), an
enhanced set of feedback tools, designed to enable the photo-
grapher to focus on the shoot rather than the selection process.
IAA triggers audible and visual signals for each image captured,
notifying the photographer immediately of its classification status.
The information is recorded both in the file and in the file name,
providing a quick and easy way to classify and select images, in
the field or back at the studio. IAA is a Hasselblad trademark and
Hasselblad has a patent pending on the invention. Extra large 3”
display on the H4D provides a realistic, high quality and perfect
contrast image view, even in bright sunlight.
Hasselblad’s unique natural colors
Hasselblad’s Natural Color Solution (HNCS) enables you to pro-
duce outstanding and reliable out-of-the-box colors, with skin
tones, specific product colors and other difficult tones reproduced
easily and effectively. In order to incorporate our new unique HNCS
and DAC-features we have developed a custom Hasselblad raw file
format called 3F RAW (3FR). This file format includes lossless image
compression, which reduces the required storage space by 33%.
The 3FR files can be converted into Adobe’s raw image format DNG
(‘Digital Negative’), bringing this new technology standard to the
professional photographer for the first time. In order to utilize DAC
and optimize the colors of the DNG file format, conversion from
3FR must take place through Phocus.
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H4D
Phocus
A smooth, reliable and competent digital workflow is crucial in a
working environment. The best medium format digital captures in
the world should be handled in a qualified and proficient manner
to provide the last links in the chain. Phocus by Hasselblad does
just that.
• Hasselblad’s Natural Color Solution (HNCS) enables you to produce outstanding
and reliable out-of-the-box colors, with skin tones, specific product colors and
other difficult tones reproduced easily and effectively.
• A custom Hasselblad raw file format called 3F RAW (3FR) developed to incorporate
the unique HNCS and DAC features.
• Digital Lens Correction (DAC) to diminish color aberration, distortion and vignet -
ting.
• File compression, which reduces the file size by 33%.
• 3FR files can be opened directly in Apple or Adobe imaging environments.
• Uncompromising image quality.
• Extended camera controls when tethered. Includes live video and focusing.
• Moiré removal technology automatically applied directly on the raw data.
• Flexible workflow. Allows customized set-ups.
• Extended metadata.
Please ensure you are using the latest version of Phocus for optimum performance. Visit the Phocus section of the Hasselblad website for
more information.
The primary goal of all camera development is of course the seamless and unobtrusive
production of superb images, regardless of situation. Hasselblad cameras have abilities
and features that you may not think you need yet; each individual has their own way
of working. But the H4D has tremendous scope for fine-tuning your technique possibly
beyond your present ambitions.
Take your time to learn the intricacies and potentials of your new camera. Go at your own
pace and explore 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 perhaps, the H4D will take care of it.
The supreme Hasselblad potential is there, it’s up to you to exploit it!
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H4D
Computer system requirements
Digital files naturally end up on a computer for processing. Image-storage and
correction requires a certain minimum standard regarding computer capabilities.
Large images will require a high-performance computer with plenty of memory,
advanced graphics capabilities and a recent operating system. In most cases,
the computer should include a FireWire connector, which will enable you to load
images directly from the camera. To load images stored on the removable com-
pact-flash card, you could instead use a compact-flash card reader, but FireWire is
recommended for maximum flexibility.
Warnings and restrictions
If you want to power the H4D from a PC laptop (as opposed to a Macintosh
laptop), you must ensure that the FireWire port on the computer is capable of
supplying power. Please note the following:
• Most recent Macintosh computers are compatible, both desktops and
laptops.
• Most recent desktop PC computers are compatible.
• Most laptop PC computers are NOT compatible (but can be modified in
many cases).
Keep the H4D and computer equipment away from moisture wherever possible.
If your camera becomes wet, disconnect from power and allow it to dry before
attempting to operate again.
Always take great care when you remove the sensor unit for cleaning as the
exposed CCD sensor protective filter is vulnerable to damage.
Keep all cables connected to or from your camera and computer out of the way
where they will not be tripped over.
Your new Hasselblad camera may have been supplied in kit form or as separate
items. There are a number of possible combinations depending on factors such
as offers, bundles etc. Please ensure that all the items noted on the accompany-
ing 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.
Please keep purchase details and the warranty in a safe place.
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. Hasselblad cameras have a robust construction
and are capable of withstanding fairly rough treatment but nevertheless are
precision instruments and will serve you longer if treated with respect from the
beginning.
Finally, please check occasionally on the Hasselblad website – www.hasselblad.
com – for any firmware and software updates, news, tips, user manuals or other
information.
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