Silverpixel News

Hasselblad H4D60 - Hasselblad launches new high-end DSLR

January 28th, 2009

Hasselblad 3FR Raw files now supported in Leopard

April 1st, 2008

With the update of Apple’s Leopard operating system to OS X 10.5.2, Apple now includes official support for the Hasselblad raw files (3FR, FFF and DNG) that are produced from a range of the Hasselblad digital camera solutions. The new Aperture 2 release also includes support for these Hasselblad raw file formats.

The free Leopard update includes support for Hasselblad raw image files in the 3FR, FFF and DNG format, created with any Hasselblad digital camera product with a 16Mpix, 22Mpix, 31Mpix or 39Mpix sensor.

This update means that Hasselblad raw files (3FR, FFF and DNG) will now be visible in Finder and able to be opened directly from popular applications such as Preview, iPhoto, and Aperture. An added benefit of the new OS X support is the creation of thumbnails for both FFF and 3FR files, enabling quick file inspection via Quick Look.

This most recent news from Apple is yet another indication of the increasing compatibility of Hasselblad raw 3FR and FFF files in a wide range of photographic applications and workflows. Apple’s raw file processing is very fast, and delivers images with a generally high image quality, resulting in a level of image quality sufficient for standard application.

The quality of the images produced, however, will not equal that of those processed via Hasselblad’s proprietary FlexColor or Phocus software, which provide a number of quality parameters not attainable from third party software, including:

- Digital lens corrections (not included by Apple, with the exception of chromatic aberration correction on exported DNGs)
- Moiré removal
- Color handling
- Noise reduction

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Hasselblad H2F

March 31st, 2008

The H2F camera is based upon the renowned H-camera system, which was introduced to the market in 2002. It is designed for the toughest professional use and is equipped with an array of user-friendly features.The quality and performance of the range of high-performance HC and HCD lenses makes the H2F the choice of the professional.
Further developments in Hasselblad’s UltraFocus technology and breakthroughs in component availability and manufacturing has allowed Hasselblad to expand the functionality of H2F to a level of digital functionality not possible with the former H2, including digital capture with Hasselblad’s unique wide-angle HCD 28mm lens.
WIDE RANGE OF HIGH PERFORMANCE LENSES
The H2F lens program is designed and engineered by Hasselblad to meet the highest optical specifications. The HC and HCD lenses cover a wide spectrum of focal lengths and feature the fastest and most precise 645 auto-focus system there is today. The unique HCD 28mm wide-angle lens has been tailored for digital use with a 36*48 mm sensor. The integral lens shutters allow for flash sync down to 1/800 second. The lens shutter also provides silent and vibration-free operation.
SUPERIOR VIEWFINDER PROGRAM
The viewfinder is the most important interface between the photographer and the subject. The large and bright viewfinder of the H2F camera shows the image crisp and clear, letting you work even in dim lighting with perfect result. The HV 90X viewfinder covers the full area of the HC lens line. The HV 90X viewfinder offers near 100% image view and eyesight dioptre correction. The large eyepiece also allows full image view even when wearing glasses. The HVD 90X has been optimized for digital work with the digital sensor size of 36 * 48mm.
A waist-level viewfinder is available as accessory.
ADVANCED EXPOSURE CONTROL
The exposure can be controlled either by sophisticated exposure automation or with full manual control.
PROGRAMABLE
To make the camera suit specific requirements its design includes over 30 functions that can be tailored by the user. The camera features four buttons than can easily be programmed as short-cuts to the most used functions of the camera. In this way you can instantly reach your favorite function just by clicking a button.
PROFILES FOR SIMPLICITY AND SAFETY
With the numerous functions that can be set by the user for optimal use, a demand for a fool-proof way of controlling these changes arose - and thus the “Profiles” function was developed. The profile is actually a memory where all settings in the camera can be stored with one click of a button. This memory can later also be recalled by a click of a button. This saves you time, but perhaps most important, it prevents mistakes from happening.
BUILT -IN FILL FLASH
The viewfinder also features a compact flash. Though primarily intended to be used as fill flash it can also be used as main flash in some cases. The flash has a metric guide number of 12, but when used as fill flash with -2 stops adjustment it is equal to guide number 24.
AUTOMATIC FLASH
With the SCA 3902 flash adapter, any flash compatible with the SCA3002 system defined by Metz can be used. This means that you can choose from small and compact flashes for extremely portable use as well as larger and more powerful flashes when so required.
FLASH METERING SYSTEM
The built-in flash metering system is designed to be used when working with manually controlled flashes, such as studio flashes.
INTERCHANGEABLE FILM MAGAZINES
The film magazines for the H2F camera features inserts than can handle both 120 and 220 film. If you use Bar coded film (defined by FUJIFILM) the setting of both film type and ISO value is automatic. Film wind-on and wind-off is also automatic with all films.
CUSTOMIZABLE DATA IMPRINTING
Data, e.g. exposure parameters, can be printed along the film edge and outside of the image area. The imprint function can include a user selectable text string that will also be printed on the film.
DOT-MATRIX DISPLAYS
The grip LCD and the viewfinder LCD is of dot-matrix type. This means that the camera is able to present clear and easy-to-understand information and messages instead of fixed and sometimes not so obvious symbols.
A FUTURE-SAFE INVESTMENT
The H2F camera is built to the very strict standards that have always has been used by Hasselblad, ensuring a long life even with tough use. The firmware in the H2F camera is upgradeable, meaning that existing cameras will acquire new features just by upgrading their firmware. This can easily be carried out by any of Hasselblad’s service centers, which are also there for you when the camera, just like your car, requires its regular service.

The the time of posting, rumours from the US indicate that “owners of Hasselblad’s other digital products, such as the CF-39 and CF-22 will be able to benefit from full functionality of the H2F that including:
*Digital Auto Corrections (chromatic aberration, vignetting, distortion) are now available for the H2D as well as CF digital backs on the H2F.
*UltraFocus Level 1 opens H2D and CF digital backs to make use of the HCD28mm lens and the digital viewfinder HVD 90X.
*Owners of an H1/H2 and a CF product will be able to update their equipment to H2F capabilities so that they can also achieve the same benefits as mentioned above.”

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Customer Care

March 12th, 2008

Demonstrating its commitment to users, Hasselblad is today launching a comprehensive new Customer Care Program, featuring special prices on product upgrades, refurbishment, and extended warranties and support for all registered Hasselblad owners. The first stage of the program, starting today, will provide owners of Hasselblad H1 and H2 cameras with an extremely beneficial trade in or upgrade of their equipment to a number of the most recent model configurations.

In the near future, the program will be expanded to cover owners of all Hasselblad digital products or V System cameras. In addition, a special customer care area on the Hasselblad website will offer informative articles, product information, and other helpful material to all registered H System users.

Christian Poulsen, CEO of Hasselblad, comments on the new program, “At Hasselblad, we are proud of the fact that we are continually striving to develop world leading products and new photographic solutions. We do this so that we can live up to our goal of producing the best cameras in the world for the most discerning photographers, helping them, in turn, to produce the finest images in the world.

“We recently announced the launch of the Hasselblad H3DII, the H3DII-39MS and H2F cameras and the discontinuation of production of certain older H System models. Some H System owners have expressed concern that this means we are abandoning these cameras – and their owners. Nothing could be further from the truth. We see the launch of this new Customer Care Program as further proof of our commitment to our customers and to our products.”

One of the cornerstones of the Hasselblad philosophy has always been the long-term support and care provided to all Hasselblad camera systems and the photographers who use them. This has not changed. Hasselblad continues to launch new products – and stop producing older ones – as developments and demands dictate. “We will, however,” says Christian Poulsen, “maintain the support of all our existing models and customers, so long as customer demand continues to justify it. And we will also continue to develop new lenses and accessories for use with these products. We have designed, built, and supported the world’s most successful high end camera systems for over fifty years, and we will do so for at least the next fifty years.
“We trust that this will be seen as a positive step by our customers,” says Christian Poulsen. “Not only are we maintaining our support for the H1 and H2 cameras, but we’ll also continue to release new lenses and other accessories that can be used with these products. The new products we release will, of course, represent the most cutting edge technological developments on the market today and will, we hope, satisfy the aspirations of the owners of previous generations of H System products, who are keen to have access to the latest available technology.”

“For this reason we have set up the Hasselblad Customer Care Program, which will provide a foundation for upgrades, trade-in and refurbishment programs, to ensure that all Hasselblad users have access to the most recent and most advanced products.”

Christian Poulsen concludes, “Our message to photographers is clear - whether you choose to stick with your current H System gear or trade up to the newer, more advanced models, you can rest assured that you will always receive the best support and customer care that Hasselblad can provide, both today and tomorrow.”

For more information, log on to www.hasselblad.com/hcare.

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Hasselblad DC Power Grip

January 22nd, 2008

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Hasselblad HCD 35-90/4.0-5.6 Aspherical lens

January 22nd, 2008

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Hasselblad H3Dll-50 Digital Camera

January 22nd, 2008

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Hasselblad launches award winning magazine online

January 21st, 2008

Victor by Hasselblad, the exciting and visually stimulating magazine in a large, professional format, has proved a huge success amongst top class photographers since its launch in the autumn of 2006. In order to allow a wider audience to enjoy this exclusive publication in future, Hasselblad is pleased to announce that Victor is today being launched in an online version – providing all the content and all the quality of the paper version, plus the advantages of an online publication.

Not only will Victor online include the entire content of the printed magazine, but its interactive media facility will enable readers to search all articles and content from the current issue, access tutorials and ‘behind the scenes’ videos and subscribe to Victor Podcasts. In addition, those wishing to get closer to some of the world’s finest photography will be able to zoom in on image details.

“Victor online is not intended to be a substitute for the printed version, but rather to act as an added dimension.” Says Andreas Brakonier, Corporate Brand Manager for Victor by Hasselblad.

Issued quarterly, the glossy, full size printed version is currently produced in seven languages, with a circulation of 20,000. To ensure that photographers continue to receive maximum value from the printed version, future issues will contain additional premium content, such as interviews or additional images and an archive will be available on the website for subscribers only.

Andreas Brakonier adds, “The launch of the new online version of Victor is an exciting addition to the world of Hasselblad. There are many advantages afforded by Victor online, although the printed version will continue to be the best way for professional photographers to see the benefits of high-end photography and to view some of the world’s most stunning images.”

Victor online will be free of charge and can be viewed by registering on the Hasselblad website: www.victorbyhasselblad.com. Visitors to the website will also be able to subscribe to Podcasts of the Victor music compilations 1 and 2.

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Hasselblad HTS 1.5 -Tilt and Shift Adapter

January 21st, 2008

hts_1.5

The revolutionary HTS 1.5 is a tilt and shift adapter that can provide a pivotal step-up for many hasselblad photographers. designed for the HCD28mm, HC35mm, HC50mm, HC80mm and the HC100mm lenses it, in effect, adds five different “tilt and shift lenses” to the range. With the extension tubes, H13, H26 or H52, the HTS 1.5 can also be used for close-up work. This simple device solves not only technical challenges, but also provides exciting opportunities for creative solutions as well. The combination of well-known optical principles combined with the latest in digital image control, provides a powerful package that will expand photographic expression to new levels.

“Shift” is the moving of a lens, up and down or to the sides, from its central position while retaining its perpendicular orientation to the film plane. simply put, the adapter expands the diameter of the projected image circle at the film plane. This allows for much greater freedom in “placing” the image area within the now much broader circle before vignetting takes effect. and most importantly, all this happens without moving the orientation of the camera in relation to the subject. so if verticals, for example, are acceptable in the viewfinder, they will remain so whatever the amount of shift to include the “hidden” parts of the image. Simple but ingenious.
“Tilt” differs from shift in that the normal perpendicular orientation of the lens to the film plane is changed resulting in a change in the plane of focus. This means that at any given aperture/focus setting, the depth of field in the subject will not remain as simply the space between two measured points from the camera as is normally the case, but increased or decreased. This amount is user controlled. Once again, simple but ingenious.
By combining these two laws of physics, the doors of creative solutions are thrown wide open. The list of situations that could advantageously exploit tilt and shift is probably longer than it might first appear to be. for some professional photographers it could rapidly become an essential item for all work.
But the story doesn’t end there. Large-format users have been using tilt and shift for many years, partly because they could, but partly because they had to. some photographic solutions unfortunately, have also created problems, lens edge performance, for example, being one of them. The dilemma that arose forced photographers to find a compromise, between the “illness” and the “cure”. Hasselblad has now eradicated this dilemma.
With the introduction of automatic chromatic aberration correction computation (DAC), significant improvements strike the viewer immediately. all calculations and adjustments take place in the background monitored and governed by sensors in the adapter. The sharpness at the edge of the frame, despite the fact that the lens is pushed to its limits, remains stunning.
On the creative front, it has long been standard practice for photographers to break the rules in order to produce images that show something just a little different. Large-format users were well-acquainted with the imaginative possibilities that arose from making the “wrong” camera or lens movements. And now Hasselblad Users can enjoy this stimulating freedom as well. fascinating and captivating images are easily conjured up and controlled with just a few slight movements. The combination of large sensors and razor sharp lenses – and now tilt and shift possibilities – Hasselblad has brought some of the creative aspect of former large-format world to the digital medium format.
Take a look at this revolutionary accessory at Silverpixel.
Try it yourself out to see how this new product could rapidly become an essential part of your photography toolkit. The powerful combination of tilt, shift and DAC can bring new perspectives to your photographic vision and provide a marked change in both the technical and creative aspects of your work.

hts1.5

COMPATIBLE LENSES AND EXTENSION TUBES
HCD28, HC35, HC50, HC80 and HC100
Extension tube 13mm, 26mm and 52mm

hts1.5

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MOVEMENTS
The lens can be shifted 18 mm, either upwards or downwards, and it can be tilted 10 degrees up or down. Tilt and shift can be combined according to the diagram.

hts1.5

HTS settings are presented on camera grip LCD and are also embedded in the image file.

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hts1.5

MOVEMENTS - ROTATION
The HTS 1.5 adapter can be rotated 90 degrees to the left or right to enable free placement of sharpness plane and shift direction.

hts1.5

USE OF TILT

By tilting the lens in relation to the image plane, you can effectively tilt the plane of sharpness in the subject. Depending on your idea of the final image you can either use tilt to enlarge the apparent depth of field or reduce it.

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hts1.5

USE OF SHIFT
For perfect parallel vertical lines in the image, the camera needs to be parallel to the subject. Tilting the whole camera would produce converging parallel lines. But by shifting the lens parallel to the image plane, you can raise or lower the view without tilting the camera. If the subject is a building as in this example, the camera should be placed level.

STITCHING
The HTS 1.5 lends itself extremely well to automatic stitching to create a panoramic image in super high quality. With most subjects it will be impossible to detect any dividing line between the separate images. The main reasons for this are:
• The lens is shifted sideways and therefore does not produce any distortion of the subject
• The DAC lens correction for distortion and vignetting ensures perfect images that can easily be stitched together
The resulting image can be created in any high-end stitching software, e.g. the “Photomerge” function in Adobe Photoshop CS3 or later.

PROCEDURE
Place the camera on a tripod and aim it at a subject. Then set the HTS 1.5 in the normal position with no tilt or shift. Rotate the HTS 1.5 with the controls facing up to allow for sideways shift. Make the first exposure in the mid position. Shift to both end positions and make an exposure in each position. Develop the three images with DA C turned on. Import the images into the stitching software and follow the instructions.

In the case of Adobe Photoshop CS3, use the following procedure:
• open the three images
• Go to menu: “File - Automate - Photomerge”
• Click on “add open files” and check “interactive layout”
• Click OK
• In the preview that appears you can choose to modify the
layout, but in most cases there will be no need for any manual
interaction.
• Finally click OK and the final stiched image will be processed.
If the stitch is not perfect, you can modify the layer masks for
each layer.

hts1.5

HCD28 and HTS 1.5 – The three images above have been merged into one image using Adobe Photoshop CS3 “Photomerge”.

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Service Bulletin to MAC OSX Leopard users

January 12th, 2008

Update concerning risk of damaged 3F files when running Leopard.

February 8, 2008 we informed about the risk of damaged 3F files after abnormal computer shutdowns when running Leopard.

Since the release of OS 10.5.2. we have not registered any cases where imported 3F files are damaged after incidents where the Mac has lost power or encountered some kind of irregular shutdown.

Moreover, Hasselblad has not been able to replicate the problem under 10.5.2, and we are therefore very pleased to announce that this issue has been solved.

Best regards

Carsten Kronborg
Corporate After Sales Manager

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Silverpixel News

Hasselblad H4D60 - Hasselblad launches new high-end DSLR

Hasselblad 3FR Raw files now supported in Leopard

Hasselblad H2F

Customer Care

Hasselblad DC Power Grip

Hasselblad HCD 35-90/4.0-5.6 Aspherical lens

Hasselblad H3Dll-50 Digital Camera

Hasselblad launches award winning magazine online

Hasselblad HTS 1.5 -Tilt and Shift Adapter

Service Bulletin to MAC OSX Leopard users

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