USER MANUAL 
v15
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INTRODUCTION
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Medium format photography is about 
professionalism. Camera systems have to be 
professional, handling has to be professional and 
captures have to be professional in quality.
Hasselblad knows it and delivers it; professionals 
know that too.
Wi-Fi
The Hasselblad H series of cameras consists of building new 
developments on the shoulders of the previous generation. 
In  this  way  all  the  previous  work-experience  based  and 
branch-demanding  features  are  automatically  included.  So, 
just  when  you  think  things  can't  get  much  better,  they  do. 
And the H5D is that model - all the good things from before 
and then some! 
The  H5D  series  heralds  a  step  up  that  is  noticeably  greater 
than  before.  There  are  changes  and  many  are  'from  the 
ground  up'.  The  H  spirit  thrives  but  has  now  matured  to 
reinforce further its position in the rapidly changing world of 
digital imaging. Future proofing is key to a secure placing for 
working  photographers.  The  H5D  provides  a  reliable 
connection  to  the  fleeting  environment  of  digital  imaging 
technology  so  when  the  wind  changes  direction,  the  H5D 
remains as the safeguarding companion to provide support.
There  are  six  models  to  choose  from  to  suit  the  varied 
demands  from  the  professional  world.  They  start  with  the 
entry  level  40  MPixel  model  that  right  from  the  outset 
confidently  takes  on  most  rivals  from  all  brands  and  beats 
them  with  star  quality  results.  The  models  then  just  get 
better  and  better.  At  the  other  end  of  the  scale  is  the  200 
MPixel MultiShot CMOS sensor model with high ISO settings 
and up to an amazing 1.5 frames per second that raises the 
bar so much that it is in a league of its own. 
True  to  Hasselblad  philosophy,  interchangeability  and 
versatility span all models regarding lenses and accessories 
with minimal restrictions. This applies not only to H5 but all 
H1, H2, H3 and H4 models as well. The H System additionally 
breaks rank regarding series limitations with the ability to use 
other lenses from the V System or when using the sensor unit 
on  view  cameras.  In  short,  you  have  access  to  a  more 
comprehensive world to apply medium format quality to.
Hasselblad's best kept secret is knowing that every link in the 
chain that leads to the page in the magazine has to reach a 
certain  standard;  it  is  that  simple.  That's  why  Hasselblad 
spends so much time and energy into checking those almost 
endless  behind-the-scenes  details  and  standards  because 
they  understand  this  simple  concept.  There  is  no  magical 
formula to Hasselblad success other than an understanding of 
what is required to produce the best results available in the 
world today and an acceptance that there are no short cuts in 
this  process.  Hasselblad  does  its  best  to  produce  the  best; 
there is no other way to achieve the Hasselblad star quality.
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The H5 models have a good deal in common. Stainless 
steel and aluminium were the materials chosen to endure the 
treatment handed out in professional use – and that can be 
pretty tough. 
The sturdy but ergonomic integral grip incorporates not only 
the battery but one of the user interfaces too. It is here, by 
way of the surrounding buttons, that you enter the ‘control 
room’. Customization is a very prominent concept that you 
experience in the Hasselblad world that ensures it is the 
photographer that controls the camera, not vice versa. 
Accessed through the grip alone, there are 35 separate 
custom options. 
The standard prism viewfinder provides not only the most 
popular way of viewing but the sophisticated light metering 
system too. Don’t forget the waist-level accessory model if 
you prefer it. 
And when all the hustle and bustle and rushing around is 
over for the latest glossy cover and you settle back into a 
more reflective mode for some seriously detailed product 
shot you consider your Hasselblad. You remove the sensor 
unit and slip it onto your large format your studio set up 
where movements, controlled depth of field and close-up 
clarity rule. Now that is versatility. 
On the softer side of things all models share features that 
professionals rely on for fast tracking their progress. 
Camera Configuration in conjunction with Phocus offers a 
powerful tool to provide intuitive, easy and rapid control of 
all the parameters you don't want to forget in the heat of the 
moment. Custom build camera profiles with total control in 
advance to ensure the optimum in shooting security.
HNCS – Hasselblad Natural Color Solution – saves time and 
secures the job because skin tones or specific product tones 
are going to be rendered automatically, accurately and 
immediately without any fuss. That can be worth a lot. 
True Focus is the pet feature for many fashion 
photographers who work fast and by instinct. They don’t 
have the time to double check focus for every single split 
second shot and neither do they have the time to get it 
wrong. True Focus delivers the sharpness in an intuitive 
manner, at speed. 
IFC – Immediate Focus Confirm – for True Focus users who 
have a second to spare and a desire to know the focus is 
exactly on target regarding specific areas. Intuitively and 
directly displays inspection of captures at 100% pinpointing 
the original focus selection.
JPEG & RAW files (not applicable to  60Mpix / 50MS /200MS 
models) can be produced simultaneously if you choose. The 
JPEG files are not only 1/4 resolution they are also HNC 
profiled so you can print straight from a folder for amazing 
quality. RAWs are retained of course for your final 
masterpieces.
Digital Lens Correction, applied at the file editing stage, 
takes a discerning look at any colour aberration, distortion 
and light fall off however minor (which is inherent in any lens, 
anywhere) and resolves the situation automatically. 
  All models feature:
•  Stainless steel/aluminium camera body
•  Access to 12 H System lenses
•  Access to most V System lenses by CF Adapter accessory
•  Access to all H accessories
•  Film capability (via optional film magazine)
•  40 Custom options
•  Hasselblad Natural Color Solution
•  True Focus
•  Digital Lens Correction
•  Sensor unit / view camera compatibility 
•  Hasselblad Phocus
•  International Warranty & Service package 
  50c model also features:
•  Live View
 50c WiFi model also features:
•  Live View
•  WiFi
  50cMS & 200cMS models also feature:
•  Live View
•  Multi-Shot facility
  H System lenses and accessories include:
•  24, 28, 35, 50, 80,100,150, 210, 300
•  120 Macro
•  50-110 & 35-90 zooms
•  1.7x converter & Macro converter
•  CF adapter (to be able to use V System lenses)
•  HTS 1.5 tilt/shift adapter
•  GIL (Global Image Locator)
•  Battery Adapter for technical camera use
  Medium format advantage means:
•  Shallow depth of field
•  Huge sensors for unbeatable image resolution
•  Super smooth color and tone rendition
•  Enlargements in breathtaking quality
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CONTENTS
 
Introduction 
System requirements 
Warnings & restrictions 
  G eneral overview –  
controls and displays 
Parts, components, buttons 
Grip buttons & controls 
Camera body buttons & controls   
Sensor unit  
Viewfinder 
Lenses 
Display overview 
Sensor unit display 
Grip display 
Viewfinder display 
Reassignable grip buttons 
Camera Configuration 
Shortcuts 
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9
10
11
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12
13
14
15
16
17
18
  General 
19
20
Carrying strap 
20
Rechargeable battery grip 
20
Battery charger 
21
Charging the battery 
21
Battery grip − precautions 
22
Battery life 
22
Battery warning 
22
Battery status 
22
Temperature warning 
23
Power modes 
Viewfinder screen 
23
Attaching /removing the viewfinder 24
Eyepiece adjustment 
24
24
Rubber eyecup 
24
Accessory connection  
24
PC-connector 
Protective baseplate 
25
25
CF cards 
25
Inserting/removing CF cards 
26
Formatting CF cards 
Removing/attaching sensor unit 
27
27
Sensor unit maintenance 
28
Cleaning sensor unit filter 
28
Tethered to a computer 
Capture files 
29
30
Phocus 
  L enses & focus modes  31
32
32
32
32
Attaching/removing a lens 
Lens cap 
Lens shades 
Shutter and aperture control 
32
Filters  
32
Focusing distance calculation  
33
Depth-of-field preview 
33
Infrared focus settings 
33
Focus assist 
35
Manual focus 
35
Autofocus 
36
Single shot 
36
Continuous 
36
True Focus 
37
True Focus, Absolute position lock 
38
True Focus and camera handling 
38
Focus checking 
True Focus, four methods 
39
Live View (50c/50cWiFi/50cMS/200cMS only)  41
  E xposure Control  
ISO & white balance on grip 
Light metering modes 
Exposure setting modes 
Manual exposure mode 
Automatic exposure mode  
Mark overexposure 
AE-L button 
Exp compensation/Quick Adjust 
Fixed Exposure compensation 
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43
43
44
44
45
45
46
47
47
  N avigating the Menus  48
Sensor unit menu 
49
Navigating menu and settings on SU 50
Navigating menu and settings on grip  51 
  P reviews and browsing  52
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55
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Preview modes 
Histograms 
Browsing 
Zoom in / out  
Create new folder 
Current folder selection 
  S ensor unit settings 
Sensor unit menu layout 
ISO & WB setting on sensor unit 
WB grey card 
Image Format 
Storage 
Delete 
Settings 
Language 
Sound 
Date & Time 
Display 
Custom Options 
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57
58
59
59
60
60
61
61
61
62
62
63
5
P1 & P2 Buttons 
Display Of f 
Sleep 
Power Of f 
Image Orientation 
Show Preview 
Large format camera 
Camera 
WiFi 
GPS 
Service 
About 
Spirit level 
  G rip Menu Settings 
Overview of grip menu 
Self Timer 
Bracketing 
Interval 
Settings 
Custom Options 
Image Info 
Image info text setting 
Date & Time 
System status 
Drive 
  Profiles 
Profiles 
  F lash /strobe 
General 
Integral flash 
Flash measure 
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64
64
64
65
68
69
69
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75
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83
84
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86
87
88
90
91
92
93
  HM 16-32 Film Magazine  94
  A ccessories 
  M ulti Shot 
102   
107
  Appendix 
108
109
Technical Specifications 
112
Default settings 
True Exposure 
113
Changing language on sensor unit  113
114
P & Pv modes 
114
Light metering sensitivity 
Recommended CF cards 
114
Problems, Equipment care and service 115
 
Index 
116
COMPUTER SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
Image-storage and editing requires a certain minimum standard regarding computer capabilities. Large images require a rea-
sonably 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 captures stored on the removable compact-flash card, you could instead use a USB CF-card reader, but FireWire is rec-
ommended for optimum speed and flexibility. 
WARNINGS, RESTRICTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
•   
If you want to power the H5D 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 H5D 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 
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.
•    Please keep purchase details and the warranty in a safe place. 
•    Become familiar 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.
FIRMWARE UPDATES
If you have registered your camera you should automatically receive e-mail informing you of the latest developments. Other-
wise you are advised to make regular checks regarding firmware updates to the camera body, the sensor unit and the view-
finder. 
The aim is to ensure you have the latest firmware updates for camera body, sensor unit and viewfinder, which naturally en-
sures the optimum in performance. When updating you should also study the accompanying ‘Release Notes’ or ‘Read Me’ files 
where you will find details about improvements, developments and changes. 
USER MANUAL
This user manual is primarily designed for on-screen PDF reading to exploit search tools etc. However, there is a sufficiently 
wide left margin to allow one-sided print outs to fit an ISO standard ring binder if required.
Please note that the format is A4 to conform with the most common standard. Therefore if printing out to US Letter format or 
similar please ensure you select “Fit to Printable Area” in the page scaling dialogue.
Register your camera for regular news about the latest developments, updates, news, tips, and much else!
 – www.hasselblad.com – 
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PARTS, COMPONENTS, BUTTONS AND CONTROLS – OVERVIEW
All of the items named on this page are described 
in greater detail elsewhere in this manual.
Focus Assist illuminator 
Mirror Up button 
Remote release port 
Stop Down button
Battery grip
True Focus button
Card format button
AE-L button button
Camera strap lug
Grip lever release button
Battery grip locking lever
Battery Adapter port
Eyesight adjustment wheel 
 
 
Exposure compensation button 
  
Exposure mode / metering mode button
Integral flash 
                             Integral flash release button
                                                    Hot shoe 
PC connector port
Accessory port cover
CF card door
Power adapter port 
                                    Camera strap lug
Lens release button
                       Sensor unit release button
 
 
Camera strap lug 
Shutter release button
Front scroll wheel
Grip buttons: Flash, AF, ISO/WB, 
MENU, Battery check, Profile
Camera strap lug
Rear scroll wheel
Menu button
            P1 button
                     Menu navigation button
                           P2 button
                 Display button 
Zoom button
Ready light
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GRIP BUTTONS AND CONTROLS
Note  that  some  of  the  buttons  are  modal  and  so 
have multiple functions according to the setting be-
ing made.
1   Shutter release button
This button has half-press and full-press positions. 
By pressing half-way (or softly) the camera, auto focus 
function and exposure meter can be activated. By 
pressing all the way down (or more firmly) the shutter 
will be released (or the chosen exposure procedure 
for example, the self timer is activated with this but-
ton).
2   Front scroll wheel
The front and rear scroll wheels are used to make 
changes in exposure settings, provide access to the 
grip menu for settings, navigate the sensor unit’s 
menu as well as acting as browse controls. The effect 
of the wheels’ direction is customizable.
3   FLASH / (Control Lock) button) / (EXIT)
This is a triple function button. If you press the button 
for one second, the beeper will sound (if set) and a key 
symbol will appear on the grip display signifying that 
the controls (except the shutter release) have been 
locked and therefore cannot be altered unintention-
ally in use. Press the button for one second again to 
unlock (this function can be altered to lock all controls 
or scroll wheels only in Custom Options #18 on grip). 
Quickly clicking the button will access the flash set-
tings information on the display from the main screen. 
See under Flash /Strobe - controls and displays for full 
details.
This button also acts as the EXIT button for many 
other settings including an EXIT button when navi-
gating the sensor unit menu.
(ON) 
/  (SEL.)
/ 
4   AF button 
This is a triple function button. Press this button to 
directly access the autofocus/manual focus choice 
screen from the main screen. See under Lenses for full 
details. It also acts as the ON and SEL. (= select) but-
tons for many other settings.
/ 
/ 
5   ISO/WB button 
(SAVE) 
(ENTER)
This is a triple function button. It provides direct ac-
cess to the ISO and White Balance settings (see under 
Light Metering & Exposure Control for full details).
It also acts as the SAVE and ENTER buttons for many 
other settings as well as an OK  button when navigat-
ing the sensor unit menu.
6   MENU button
Accesses the first level of the menu for settings 
changes.
7   Illumination/Battery status button
Press to illuminate the display. Remains active until 
camera enters Display Off mode. Hold down to access 
battery status/general information screen.
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3
4
5
6
7
8
9
8   ON / OFF (Profiles) button
Press the button for 1 second to activate the camera. 
The H5D start-up logo will  appear and then the main 
screen. After a few seconds (customizable) the camera 
will enter Display Off mode. 
A long press of the button will turn the camera off 
completely (even from Display Off mode) signified by 
an audible signal (if set). 
A quick ‘click’ on the button will access the Profiles 
feature (see later section for details). 
Note the difference in results between a long press 
and a quick click of this button. 
9   Rear scroll wheel
The front and rear scroll wheels are used to make 
changes in exposure settings, provide access to the 
grip menu for settings, navigate the sensor unit’s 
menu as well as acting as browse controls. The effect 
of the wheels’ direction is customizable.
EXAMPLE 
In this example of making a Bracketing setting, the 
top three buttons – Flash, AF and ISO/WB – will tem-
porarily function according to the description on the 
screen – Exit, On 
and Save.
The  buttons  re-
turn to the stan-
dard 
function 
when  you  exit 
from the setting.
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