User Manual English, version 3.
C O N T E N T S Please see the ‘bookmark’ list in the PDF document for a comprehensive and interactive list General Introduction 5 Computer system requirements 5 Warnings and restric tions 5 Before you star t 6 General over view 7 Par ts, components & control panel but tons 9 Shooting / image storage modes 12 Selec ting the current medium 12 Using compac t f lash memor y cards 13 Working with an Imagebank 13 Tethered to a computer 14 General Over view 15 Storage over view - working
Congratulations on your new Hasselblad CFV! The 16 Mpix based digital back is custom built to fit the design and functionality of Hasselblad cameras from the V-series with its range of high performance, leaf-shutter based lenses. However, it can also fit onto view cameras using the V-system interface plate for mechanical attachment and flash sync connection to trigger the digital capture for optimum compatibility and economy. It provides both cable free and computer tethered options to suit all types of work.
Hasselblad 3F RAW files: Hasselblad 3F image raw files carry full sets of metadata, including capture conditions, keywords and copyright, facilitating work with image asset management solutions. The files also define the colours in the Hasselblad RGB colour space, removing the need for experimenting with different colour profiles to get optimal colours and the need for selective colour corrections.
General Introduction 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 800/400 connector, which will enable you to load images directly from the camera or Imagebank.
Before you start Leave protective covers on as much as possible. The CFV, in line with all Hasselblad products, 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 beginning. In addition to the CFV itself, a CFV User Manual CD and a FlexColor software CD, the items illustrated below are also included.
General overview The 16 million pixel digital back can produce 16 bit raw files at 33 Mbytes each at a rate of 35 frames per minute. FlexColor then processes these files to produce the quality expected from Hasselblad. In very simple terms, the CFV digital back holds a light sensitive sensor in place at the film plane. The electronic signals from the sensor are then processed and stored as a digital file.
The CFV is an electronic device and consequently attention to power access is vital. When working untethered it is therefore important to plan either battery loading or battery replacement to ensure continued workflow. Likewise, image storage is limited, particularly when using flash cards and appropriate steps should also be taken when planning a shoot. External storage is accomplished by FireWire connection to a separate hard disk or a computer.
1 11 2 12 3 13 4 14 5 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 6 7 8 22 23 9 10 24 Parts, components & control panel buttons The buttons are used for browsing images and navigating the menu system. Two of the buttons, located at the bottom-right and -left of the screen, are given an on-screen label that changes according to the current context (e.g., the bottom-right button sets the approval rating when browsing images, but confirms settings when using the menus).
Ready light indicator Navigation button 6 A four-way rocker button enabling you to step through preview images and navigate the menu system. To use it, press the side of the button that corresponds to what you wish to do (e.g., move up, left, right or down). Flashes yellow to indicate that the digital back is performing an operation (such as saving a new capture) and is not available for new commands. Flashes green when the back is ready.
As with all digital products, it is essential that you maintain a constant check on battery condition and preferably have a fully-charged reserve battery with you at all times when not tethered to a computer. CAUTION If you remove the digital back, be very careful not to touch or scratch the CCD/filter surface while it is exposed. Always attach the protective cover for transportation or storage. Powering the digital back The CFV requires power either from the battery (7.
Shooting/image storage modes The CFV can store captured images in three ways: 1. Untethered / Compact flash card mode In this mode the CFV acts independently of other connections. Images are stored on the internal, removable compact-flash card. • The main advantage with this mode is the freedom of cables and extra equipment. • The main disadvantages with this mode in the field are the battery power capacity and the size of the card’s holding capacity.
Using compact flash memory cards When shooting to a compact-flash card, the CFV is completely self-contained. No additional wires or connectors need to be attached. The CFV is shipped with a 1GB compact-flash card, which is able to hold over 45 shots. Lossless compression is applied to the images, so the actual size of each capture can vary, thereby affecting the total number of shots you can fit on the card. You can purchase additional, possibly larger-capacity, cards and change them as each card becomes full.
To use an Imagebank with the CFV, simply assemble it as described in its manual and connect the two with a standard FireWire 800 (IEEE 1394b) cable. See the Imagebank manual for complete details. To remove the Imagebank, simply disconnect the FireWire cable. The back will then revert to saving and browsing images on the internal flash card (if available).
General Overview General Using the menu on the CFV is very similar to using a menu on a cell phone or similar. When you enter the menu (by pressing the MENU / button) you will be see an initial list: ISO White Bal. Media Browse Storage Settings The first four items are immediately accessible for changes, indicated by the appearance of a plus and minus sign in the highlight frame meaning the settings can be altered by the Zoom in / Zoom out buttons.
Introductory overview of menu access, navigation and settings choice. The menu is structured in a manner similar to cell phones and similar electronic devices. Various branches within the tree system are accessed by pressing the navigation button until you reach the point where a choice has to be made. The OK (Approve) button or SELECTION (Zoom-in/Zoomout) buttons are then used to confirm choice. After pressing the MENU button, the main menu list appears. The blue frame highlights where you are on the menu.
1 In this manual you will see the following kind of description regarding settings changes (as opposed to general viewing and browsing etc). The method is the same for all changes, some stages taking a little longer than others and being a little more involved. The following is an example of a setting change : 2 Setting the menu language 3 The menu is available in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Japanese and Chinese. To choose any of the above languages, proceed as follows: 4 1.
Storage overview – Working with media and batches General With a new CF card (or a newly formatted CF card) inserted or with an Imagebank, a new folder (called a batch) is created automatically after the first image has been captured. More batches can be created whenever you choose and named for easier sorting. You should name them straight away though as they can only be changed later on (if required) when they have been transfered.
Medium-type icon (Compact Flash) Medium name Number of green, yellow and red shot s currently stored on the medium The MEDIA list. In this example a CF card and a FireWire disk are illustrated and therefore connected. The blue frame around the CF card symbol tells you that captured images will be saved to the CF card and not the FireWire disk.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 To select the current medium and batch using the browse controls: 1. Press the zoom-out ( )button repeatedly until you are all the way at the top zoom level. If you start with the singleimage preview view, then you pass through the following views to get there: • Single-image preview • Four-thumbnail view • Nine-thumbnail view • Batch list • Media list 2. The screen now shows a list of media devices currently connected to the digital back. Often, there is only one.
Using Instant Approval Architecture The Instant Approval Architecture system helps you to classify your images as quickly as you take them. It works by supplying immediate audio feedback, which tells you instantly whether each new picture is exposed correctly or likely to be over- or underexposed. Thereafter, the system enables you to assign each image one of three status levels.
Note that some shots may trigger the warning even though they are exposed according to your intentions. You should consider these warnings only as a guideline. 3. If no problem is detected, then the image is saved with green status. If you set Approval to ‘Auto’, all images will be stored as Green if judged as correct and Yellow if judged as technically doubtful. No images are ever stored as Red automatically! 4.
then change an image to yellow status, that image will not be shown again until you change the browse filter. There are many ways to make use of this feature. For example: • Set the filter to show only yellow images. Then step through each image and decide whether any of them should be promoted to green or demoted red. • If you are running out of space, set the filter to show only red images and then step through to find shots you can delete. • Set the filter to show only green images.
Overview of viewing, deleting and copying images Basic image browsing The large, full-colour OLED display enables you to inspect your shots while you are still on-location. The display offers full-screen previews, high-magnification zoom, two levels of thumbnails and analysis tools including a full histogram and camera settings. When you first turn on the camera, the display opens in standard browse mode, showing the last image taken (if any) for the current medium and batch.
1. Browse to the image you wish to zoom into with the navigation button. 2. Press the zoom-in ( ) button to zoom in one step. The screen updates to show both a zoomed image and a thumbnail image that includes a red box outlining the portion of the images currently shown. 3. You can now do the following as needed: • Use the navigator button to move the zoom area if you wish to inspect a different part of the image. • Zoom further by pressing the zoom-in ( ) button more times.
You can cycle through all the available preview modes by pressing the View-Mode button. Preview Modes Choosing the Preview mode You can use the view-mode button to cycle through the available preview modes. The preview screen works in several different modes: • Standard preview: shows a preview image surrounded by a display of few important settings. • Histogram: shows a preview image overlaid with a histogram.
The standard preview display The standard preview display is the one shown when you first turn on the camera. It features a preview of your most recent shot and basic information about the digital back settings and the image itself. Using the histogram A The histogram provides a graph that indicates the total number of pixels at each brightness level, with brightnesses going from black on the left to white on the right. It is a valuable tool for evaluating your exposure.
Battery-saver mode In this mode, the digital back is fully responsive, so you can take pictures but the screen is not lit up, thereby saving battery power. You can enter the menu system while shooting in this mode (which activates the screen until you exit the menu system again) but the approval, zoom and navigator buttons have no effect.
Deleting images − general Delete shortcut ! There is also a one-button shortcut for deleting single images. To use it, select a target image and then press and hold the until the confirm-delete dialog opens. The CFV enables you to delete images using any of the following techniques: • Delete the currently selected image only.
Working with the menu settings Menu system overview The main menu contains those settings that you will need to access most often as you work on an assignment. It also provides sub-menus that give you access to all other settings, most of which you will need less often. Entry name (in white) and current setting in yellow Selected entry.
Menu structure Entries of the main menu 31
Language 1 2 1. Press the MENU button to open the menu. 2. Use and to select the SETTINGS sub-menu. 3. Press to open the SETTINGS menu. 4. Press to select the USER INTERFACE sub-menu. 3 or 5. Press either the (in this case Japanese). 4 button to choose a new language 6. Press the MENU/EXIT button again to close the menu. ISO 5 You are able to set the light sensitivity of the digital back to match an equivalent ISO rating for standard film.
White balance Use this entry to set the white balance saved with the image and applied to the preview. To select a preset white balance: 1. Select the MAIN MENU > White Bal entry. The current setting is displayed here. (See also Navigating the Menu System for details about how to find this setting.) 2. Use the or button to step through the available white balance settings until the setting you want is shown. 3.
Browse 1 The browse filter complements the instant-approval system by enabling you to browse through images according to their approval status. You have the following choices: • All: browses all of the images in the current batch, regardless of their approval status. This is the default. 2 • Red: browses only red-status images from the current batch. These are images that you have marked for likely deletion.
STORAGE This section describes file storage, file transference, storage organization, file classification and related subjects.
MAIN MENU > STORAGE 1 The Storage menu provides entries for working with storage media. Here, you can format media, copy images from the camera to a hard disk or computer and create new batches on available media. You can also set the initial approval status (green or yellow) assigned to new pictures. The first item on the storage list is file deletion.
Menus for deleting several images from a batch. Deleting several images from a batch 1 To delete several images from a selected batch: 1. Starting at the single-image preview display, Select MAIN MENU > STORAGE > Delete. (See also Navigating the Menu System for details about how to find this setting.) 2. Use to enter the Delete submenu. 3 or button to select: 3.
4. Press OK to confirm the delete. To exit without delete, press EXIT. 4 5 5. You now return to the main menu. Either move on to another setting by using the navigator button or 6 6. Press the menu (EXIT) button to exit the menu system. Menus for deleting several images from all batches from a selected storage medium.
Deleting several images from a selected medium 1 To delete several images at once: 1. Starting at the single-image preview display, press the button three times to go to the list of media. 2. Use and to select the medium from which you wish to delete. You will be deleting from all batches stored on that item. 3 2 Note that both each listed medium shows a set of three coloured numbers in parentheses to the right of the medium name.
FORMAT The digital back is only able to read and write to media that have been formatted. However, new cards or disks sometimes arrive without any formatting, or you might want to convert media that are currently using a format that the camera cannot read. 1 Each time you get a new compact-flash card, we recommend 2 3 that you format it using the digital back as described below, even if the digital back is already able to read it.
COPY 1 Usually, you will copy images from a card by connecting the camera to a computer and using FlexColor. However, you might also want to load images from a card to a portable FireWire hard disk or Imagebank, allowing you to erase the card and keep shooting even when you do not have a computer with you. After the copy, the destination disk will have a folder named CARDXXX, where XXX is a number that increments with each new copy operation (e.g., CARD001 for the first copy, CARD002 for the next, etc.).
BATCH Batches help you to organize your work. They are very similar to folders on a computer hard disk. Use the Batch command of the STORAGE menu each time you want to create a new batch. For more information about batches, please see Working with Media and Batches . To create a new batch: 1. Press the MENU button. 2. Press to navigate down and select the Storage dialog. Press and then to navigate down and select Batch. 3 Press to open the Batch dialog.
DEFAULT APPR. LEVEL The Instant Approval Architecture system helps you to evaluate and mark each image based on how well it has come out. By default, the system assigns an initial approval status for each new shot based on an analysis of the distribution of exposure levels. In the factory configuration, the status of each new shot is assigned as follows: 1 • Green (approved): The new shot seems to have been exposed correctly.
SETTINGS There are a number of settings grouped under the general ‘Settings’ heading which are: • User Interface • Camera • Miscellaneous • Default (1 - 99, Never) 44 Navigating the USER INTERFACE settings
MAIN MENU > SETTINGS > User Interface By altering the User Interface settings, you can control the way the digital back interacts to suit you and your preferred way of working. It also includes date and time settings. Entries of the USER INTERFACE Menu The user interface menu includes both entries and sub-menus. The following entries are available here: • Language: The menu system can be displayed in any of seven languages. This menu entry enables you to select your preferred language for the menus.
1 2 Setting the options under the User Interface menu Each of the above entries can be set by similar menu navigation. Language, Power Down and Mark Overex can be set immediately by the or buttons while Sound, Date & Time and Display require another move to sub menu for final choice. Proceed as follows: 1. Press the menu (MENU) button to open the menu. 3 4 2. Use and to select the SETTINGS sub-menu. 3. Press to open the SETTINGS menu. 4. Press to select the USER INTERFACE sub-menu. 5 6 5.
Navigating the CAMERA settings MAIN MENU > SETTINGS > Camera All Hasselblad V-system cameras can communicate with the CFV without the need for extra cable connections except: • Unmodified 200 series models using CF lenses in C-mode • ArcBody • FlexBody View cameras (with the appropriate adapter and cables) can also be used. The exposure time set on the CFV sets the maximum length of exposure.
Adapter EL All Hasselblad EL models Exposure Cable EL All Hasselblad EL models except ELD • The Exposure Cable EL (supplied) should be connected. • Only the single shot function (A or AS mode camera settings) should be set on the camera. Rapid sequence shots are not possible. • Use the Adapter EL (supplied) to provide the necesssary extension beyond the motor housing of the EL models for battery attachment.
1 2 500 For use with 500C/CM, 501C/CM and 503 CX/CXi/CW models. • Make a 500 setting. Shutter Delay 3 4 There can be differences in the amount of time required in preparation (raising the mirror, opening/closing the shutter etc) for digital capture between various camera models. This corrective feature adjusts the time a little to ensure the image is read out from the sensor. The normal setting is Default and should only be changed if problems are encountered.
Connectivity diagram 500 C/CM 501 C/CM 503 CX/CXi/CW SWC / SWC/M 903 SWC 905 SWC 202FA/203 FE / 205 TCC / 205 FCC With F type lenses and CF type lenses set to F (Requires minor camera modification) 555 ELD Requires included battery adapter for portable use 503 CW + For computer control of 503CW+Winder CW use Exposure cable 503 CW Winder CW Hasselblad CFV For computer control of EL/ ELM and ELX use Exposure cable ELX Requires included battery adapter for portable use 500 EL/ELM 500/553 ELX 2000 FC /
1 Setting CAPTURE SEQUENCE 2 Proceed as follows: 1. Press the menu (MENU) button to open the menu. 2. Use and to select the SETTINGS sub-menu. 3 3. Press to open the SETTINGS menu. 4 4. Use and to select CAMERA. 5 6 5. Press to open the CAMERA menu. 6. Press either the 7 button to select PINHOLE. 7. Press or to select EXPOSURE TIME. 8 8. Press either 9 or or to make an exposure time setting. 9. Press to select CAPTURE SEQUENCE. 10 10.
11 11. Press either the or button to make an INITIAL DELAY setting. This setting controls the amount of time that elapses before the first exposure in the sequence. 12 12. Press to select DELAY. 13 14 13. Press either or to make a DELAY setting. This setting controls the amount of time between each exposure in the sequence. 14. Press to select COUNT. 15 16 15. Press either or to make a COUNT setting. This setting controls the number of exposures in the sequence. 16.
Navigating the MISCELLANEOUS settings MAIN MENU > SETTINGS > Miscellaneous 1 The MISCELLANEOUS menu contains two settings: Selecting an interface The interface setting controls the way the camera will appear to you computer when you connect it. You have the following choices: • Camera: The camera will present itself to your computer as a camera.
The About box 1 Occasionally, Hasselblad may release updates to the internal software of the digital back (this is called “firmware”). These updates may fix small errors and/or add new features. You will probably receive additional assistance from Hasselblad technical support if and when a new update is available. In this case, it may be important to know the serial number and current firmware revision of your digital back. To find this out: 1. Select MAIN MENU > SETTINGS > MISCELLANEOUS > About.
MAIN MENU > SETTINGS > Default The DEFAULT setting will reset all custom settings you have made back to the original default / factory settings. To reset all settings: 1. Select the MAIN MENU > SETTINGS > DEFAULT entry. 2. Press the OK button and then the EXIT to return.
Flash / Strobe The CFV can be used together with most studio or portable units. When attached to a 503CW, the TTL function is also available. Most flash units are suitable for use with the CFV. However, for the sake of safety, care should be taken when using studio flash units (strobe) and tethered to a stationary computer.
Cleaning Regularly check the surface of the sensor filter for dust specks that might cause time-consuming retouching afterwards. Cleaning the CCD Infrared Filter 2 If you see dark or coloured spots or lines in your images, then you may need to clean the outer surface of digital back’s infrared (IR) filter.
an alternative you can spray the fluid onto the tissue first, and then apply it to the filter as you wipe it. 2. Fold the tissue several times to match the width of the IR filter—you might use two or three tissues at a time if necessary (to give you a better grip). Be sure to fold the paper so that the coated glossy side faces outwards—do not use the other side, as it can do more harm than good! 3. Gently place the folded tissue onto the edge of the filter using two or three fingers.
Equipment care, Service and Guarantee • EQUIPMENT CARE Prevent dust and grit from getting into your equipment. In coastal areas take • Keep all equipment and accessories out of the reach of small children. • Do not place heavy objects on the equipment. • Do not use the batteries except as specified. • Use only the batteries specified for use with the CFV. • Remove the batteries when cleaning the camera or if you intend to leave it steps to prevent theft.
Technical specifications Product number 3034200 Sensor size 16 million pixels Sensor dimensions 36.7 x 36.7 mm Lens factor with V camera 1.
The information in this manual is furnished for informational use only, is subject to change without notice, and should not be construed as a commitment by Victor Hasselblad AB & Hasselblad A/S. Victor Hasselblad AB & Hasselblad A/S assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or inaccuracies that may appear in this manual. Victor Hasselblad AB & Hasselblad A/S assumes no responsibility or liability for loss or damage incurred during or as a result of using Hasselblad software or products.
Victor Hasselblad AB Hasselblad A/S Box 220, Hejrevej 30, SE - 401 23 Göteborg, DK - 2400 Copenhagen, Sweden Product number: 62 3034200 Denmark
