Hasselblad a5d User Manual

for A5D Aerial

USER MANUAL

2

INTRODUCTION

3

A5D User Manual

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. The
Hasselblad series of cameras consists of building new developments on
the shoulders of the previous generation. In this way all the previous work­experience based and branch-demanding features are automatically included.
So, just when you think things can’t get much better, they do. And the A5D is
that model - all the good things from before and then some!

The A5D heralds a step up that is noticeably greater than before. There are
changes and many are ‘from the ground up’. The A5D provides a reliable
connection to the eeting environment of digital imaging technology so when
the wind changes direction, the A5D remains as the safeguarding companion
to provide support.

Today’s aerial photography is more demanding than ever and Hasselblad
continues to rise to the occasion, introducing more and more advanced
products and applications for this exciting segment. This is especially true
of the Hasselblad A5D, the latest evolution of Hasselblad aerial cameras
designed for these special applications.

The new camera has been developed to deliver the image quality and
reliability required by our surveying and mapping customers. Listening to their
feedback we have developed a camera to encompass these needs and much
more.

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 we understand this simple concept. There is no magical formula
to Hasselblad’s 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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A5D User Manual

WARNINGS, RESTRICTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

• Keep the A5D 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 sensor protective lter is vulnerable to damage.

• Keep all cables connected to or from your camera 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 ngers 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.

FI RMWA RE U PDATES

If you have registered your camera you should automatically receive e-mail
informing you of the latest developments. Otherwise you are advised to make
regular checks regarding rmware updates to the camera body, the sensor
unit and the viewnder.

The aim is to ensure you have the latest rmware updates for camera
body, sensor unit and viewnder, which naturally ensures the optimum
in performance. When updating you should also study the accompanying
‘Release Notes’ or ‘Read Me’ les where you will nd details about
improvements, developments and changes.

Register your camera for regular news about the latest

developments, updates, news, tips, and much else!

– www.hasselblad.com –

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A5D User Manual

 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................... 2

Warnings & restrictions .....................................................................................................................................4

 GENERAL OVERVIEW

Parts & components ..........................................................................................................................................7

 GETTING STARTED ................................................................................................................................ 8

Mounting the lens .............................................................................................................................................9

Attaching the lens shield ................................................................................................................................... 9

Attaching the adapter plate .............................................................................................................................. 10

Power connection ............................................................................................................................................10

Synchronous connections ................................................................................................................................10

Firewire & link to Phocus or SDK based application............................................................................................ 10

Saving images to a CompactFlash card ............................................................................................................. 10

 CAMERA MAINTENANCE ..................................................................................................................... 11

Cleaning sensor unit & IR glass ........................................................................................................................ 12

 TECHNICAL APPENDIX ....................................................................................................................... 13

A5D specifications .......................................................................................................................................... 14

Lemo connector signal information ............................................................................................................ 14 - 16

Electrical timings ...................................................................................................................................... 17 - 18

CONTENTS

6

GENERAL OVERVIEW

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A5D User Manual

PARTS AND COMPONENTS – OVERVIEW

Lens mount locking boltCompactFlash card cover

Mounting pointLens shield Firewire socket

Digital capture unit

Lens release button

Menu button

P1 button

Menu navigation button

Zoom button

DC Power connector

Control connector A

Control connector B

P2 button

Display button

Rea dy ligh t

8

GETTING STARTED

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A5D User Manual

GETTING STARTED

MOUNTING THE LENS

The A5D lens mount contains a locking mechanism that securely holds
the lens in place with an even pressure all around the barrel.

Locate the lens mount locking bolt.

Before moun ting a lens
ensure the met al collar
is in position an d the
joint is aligned with the
location lug.

To mount a lens, locate the red dot on the rear lens mount and ensure
it is facing upwards. Offer up the lens into the camera body and rotate
clockwise until a click is heard.

1

3

2

To detach the lens,
press the lens release
button on t he side of
the camera and turn the
lens anti-clockwise.

Insert the supplied Allen key into the bolt and rotate clockwise half a
turn to engage the lens mount lock.

4

ATTACHING THE LENS SHIELD

There are three lens shields
available depending on the lens in
use. To mount the shield for the
50, 80 or 100mm lens, simply
offer up the shield to the outer
lens mount and rotate the shield
clockwise until the shield locks.

NB: Do not overtighten as damage

to the lens mount may occur

To mount the shield for the 35mm
lens it is  rst necessary to mount
the adaptor ring to the existing outer
lens mount. This adaptor ring is held
in place with 4 screws.

Once this has been mounted, you
can attach the lens and then mount
the shield and secure it with a turn
in the clockwise direction.

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A5D User Manual

ATTACHING THE ADAPTER PLATE (P1)

To attach the A5D camera unit to an existing OEM camera mount
point you will need the adaptor plate (P1). This plate is attached
to the camera body with 4 bolts. You must ensure that the plate is
correctly oriented – please see the image below and align the plate
correctly.

Secure the plate with the 4 supplied bolts, ensuring that you tighten
them one turn at a time to provide even pressure. Once the plate is
secure you can mount the lens. Attach the lens shield and the unit is
now ready to mount in the camera pod using the existing P1 bolt layout.

POWER CONNECTION

The A5D camera unit is equipped with three connectors. The connector
furthest away (left hand side of the camera and coloured grey) is the DC
power connector. The unit requires a power source of 12-30 VDC to operate.
This will normally be supplied via the aircraft power system.

SYNCHRONOUS CONNECTIONS

The remaining two connectors are used to synchronise additional
daisy chained camera units so that all exposures take place within 20
microseconds of each other. The centre connector is the signal input and
the right hand connector is the signal output for the next unit.

SAVING IMAGES TO A COMPACTFLASH CARD

If you do not wish to transfer the captured images to a remote computer, the
CompactFlash card slot is available to allow in camera storage up to 128GB
(UDMA7 compatible cards).

FIREWIRE & LINK TO PHOCUS OR SDK BASED APPLICATION

Located on the left hand side of the camera you will  nd the Firewire socket.
Using the supplied cable ensures the connection will be securely locked.
Once the connector is locked in place and the other end of the cable
attached to your computer system, the camera should show as connected
and camera controls should be con gurable via Hasselblad Phocus software
or your own application designed from the SDK.

1

2

DC power connector

NB: Correct voltage AND polarity must be

applied to the p ower connec tion or
damage to the c amera will oc cur

11

CAMERA MAINTENANCE

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A5D User Manual

CAMERA MAINTENANCE

CLEANING SENSOR UNIT & IR GLASS

If you see dark or colored spots or lines in your images, then you may need
to clean the outer surface of the sensor unit’s infrared (IR)  lter. In most
cases, the careful use of compressed air will be adequate though if you use
canned compressed air, read the instructions very carefully before use to
avoid spraying impurities or even ice on the  lter! Sometimes, however, small
particles will get stuck to the surface of the IR  lter, requiring for a more
thorough cleaning, involving either  uid or swab wipes.

If compressed air did not remove all the problems on the  lter,
then use a long-handled swab style wipe (swab style wipes are
recommended due to the distance from the lens mount to the sensor
sur face).

Ensure that the swab matches the width of the IR  lter (if possible).

Apply  rm pressure at the edge of the swab to ensure an even,  rm
contact with  lter surface. Wipe the surface in one unbroken motion.

Finally check if the IR  lter has been properly cleaned either by visual
inspection by making a test capture. If further cleaning is needed,
repeat cleaning procedure.

1

2

3

4

12

13

TECHNICAL APPENDIX

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A5D User Manual

TECHNICAL APPENDIX

A5D-50c SPECIFICATIONS

Sensor size 50 megapixels (8272 x 6200)

Sensor dimensions 43.8 × 32.9mm

Image size
(RAW 3FR capture)

65MB on average.
TIFF 8 bit: 154MB

RAW File Format Lossless compressed Hasselblad 3FR

Shutter Speed Range 34 minutes to 1 /800 sec.

ISO Speed Range 100, 200, 400, 80 0, 1600, 3200 & 640 0

Colour Denition 16 bit

Colour Management Hasselblad Natural Colour Solution

Focusing Focus locked at innity

Capture Rate: ( Based on
SanDisk Extreme UDMA7 120
MB/s)

1.5 frames per second. 50 per minute

Storage Capacity (16GB
CompactFlash card)

Hold s 240 image s on average

Storage Options

CompactFlash card type UDMA (e.g. SanDisk Extreme Pro) or tethered
to Mac or PC

Software

Phocus for Mac and Windows (included). Phocus SDK (available on
request)

Tethered Operation Suppor ted in Phocus and Phocus SDK

Platform Support

Macintosh: OS x 10.5 and later. Windows: XP, Vista, Windows 7
(32/64 bit), Windows 8

Host Connection Type

FireWire 800 (IEEE1394b). Thunderbolt supported via optional
adapters. LEMO connectors for FMS and multiple camera
synchronisation

Exposure Metering None

Power Supply 12-24 VDC required via LEMO connector

Operating Temperature 0 - 45°C/32 - 113°F

Dimensions
(Complete camera with HC
80mm lens) (W x H x D)

100 x 100 x 151mm

Weight
(Body and sensor unit only)

1315g

Approval FCC (Class B), CE, RoHS

A5D-80 SPECIFICATIONS

Sensor size 80 megapixels (up to 10320 × 7752)

Sensor dimensions 53.7 × 40.3mm

Image size
(RAW 3FR capture)

130MB on average.
TIFF 8 bit: 160MB

RAW File Format Lossless compressed Hasselblad 3FR

Shutter Speed Range 1/2 to 1/800 sec.

ISO Speed Range 50, 100, & 200

Colour Denition 16 bit

Colour Management Hasselblad Natural Colour Solution

Focusing Focus locked at innity

Capture Rate: ( Based on
SanDisk Extreme UDMA7 120
MB/s)

1.8 frames per second. 30 per minute

Storage Capacity (16GB
CompactFlash card)

Hold s 130 imag es on average

Storage Options

CompactFlash card type UDMA (e.g. SanDisk Extreme Pro) or tethered
to Mac or PC

Software

Phocus for Mac and Windows (included). Phocus SDK (available on
request)

Tethered Operation Suppor ted in Phocus and Phocus SDK

Platform Support

Macintosh: OS x 10.6 and later. Windows: XP, Vista, Windows 7
(32/64 bit), Windows 8

Host Connection Type

FireWire 800 (IEEE1394b). Thunderbolt supported via optional
adapters. LEMO connectors for FMS and multiple camera
synchronisation

Exposure Metering None

Power Supply 12-24 VDC required via LEMO connector

Operating Temperature 0 - 45°C/32 - 113°F

Dimensions
(Complete camera with HC
80mm lens) (W x H x D)

100 x 100 x 151mm

Weight
(Body and sensor unit only)

1360g

Approval FCC (Class A), CE, RoHS

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A5D User Manual

Characteristics Symbol Value Unit (DC)

Maximum input voltage VSOH 30 V

Minimum input voltage VSOH 12 V

Connect or
pin no.

Control
cable

Signal name Signal description Direction Type

1 White VSYS - 0 VDC Logic supply Camera - Externals POWER

2 Brown VSYS + +5 VDC Logic supply Camera - Externals POWER

3 Green RX RS232 channel, RX signal Camera - Externals CMOS

4 Yellow TX RS232 channel, TX signal Camera - Externals CMOS

5 Grey TRIG Reserved for future use Camera - Externals CMOS

6 Pink - BUSY Reserved for future use Camera - Externals OC

7 Blue - EXPOSE Reserved for future use Camera - Externals OC

8 Red INTERNAL Reser ved for internal use - -

Shield - GROUND Chassis ground

Camera - External

flash

-

Characteristics Symbol Value Unit (DC)

Typically average current consumption for Power + ICCA 500 mA

Typically peak current consumption for Power + ICCP 1500 mA

Typically peak power consumption for Power + ICCP 15 Watt

POWER CONNECTOR

Voltage Limit

CONTROL CONNECTOR A & B

The below table shows the connectors pin numbers, signal names and signal
direction in the control connector.

It is recommended to use a Class II double insula ted power supp ly, or a power limited ex ternal
batter y. The source sho uld always be limi ted to a output power of no more t han 100 watt s in
total.

CURRENT LIMIT

The Power + signal will conform to the following current requirements:

Characteristics Symbol Value Unit (AC)

Maximum +VSYS voltage rise time TRVS 40 ms

Characteristics Symbol Value Unit (AC)

Maximum output voltage VSOH 5.25 V

Minimum output voltage VSOL 4.75 V

Signal Name Power cable wire colour Signal description

1 GND White Power GND (-)

2 VCC Brown Main power (+)

Characteristics Symbol Value Unit (AC)

Peak current consumption for VSYS+ ICC 40 mA

Characteristics Symbol Value Unit

Maximum capacitive load on VSYS CLVS 150 µf

SYSTEM LOGIC SUPPLY SIGNALS

The VSYS+ power is always supplied to the control connector from the
Camera housing.

SYSTEM STARTUP

During system startup (when the main power is applied into the Camera
housing) the following requirements will apply for the System Logic supply
signal +VSYS:

VOLTAGE LIMIT

The VSYS+ signal will conform to the following voltage requirements:

CONNECT OR PIN NO.

CURRENT LIMIT

The VSYS+ signal will conform to the following current requirements:

The total capacitive load between +VSYS and -VSYS should not exceed the
following limit:

LEMO CONNECTOR SIGNAL INFORMATION

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A5D User Manual

Characteristics Symbol Value Unit (DC)

H level output voltage (min) VOH 4.0 V

L level output voltage (max @ IOL) VOL 0.4 V

L level output current IOL 4.0 mA

H level input voltage (min) VIH 3.5 V

L level input voltage (max) VIH 1.5 V

H level input leakage current IIH 7 µA

Characteristics Symbol Value Unit (DC)

H level output voltage (max) VOH VSYS + V

Pull-up impedance R 10 Kohm

L level output voltage (max @ IOL) VOL 0.4 V

L level output current IOL 20.0 mA

Characteristics Symbol Value Unit (AC)

Rise time (max) tR 1.0 µs

Fall time (max) tF 1.0 µs

TRIG pulse width (min) tTRIG 1.0 ms

Expose start (min) tSTART 100 µs

Expose start (max) tSTART 1 ms

BUSY start (min) tBUSY 0 ms

BUSY start (max) tBUSY 200 ms

ACTIVE time (min) tACT 1000 ms

ACTIVE time (max) tACT ∞ s

Mid expose pulse width (typ) tMID 100 us

VOLTAGE LIMIT

The electrical denition of signal type “CMOS” will be according to the limits
specied below:

The electrical denition of signal type “OC” will be according to the limits
specied below:

TRIG, -EXP and -BUSY timing relationship

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A5D User Manual

The electrical timing when using -EXPOSE signal as mid expose indicator:

tTRIG

tSTART

CENTRE OF
EXPOSURE

tMID

tEXP

tACT

tBUSY

TRIG

- EXPOSE

- BUSY

t

R tF

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A5D User Manual

The electrical timing when using -EXPOSE signal as full indicator:

TRIG

- EXPOSE

- BUSY

t

TRIG

tSTART

tEXP

tACT

tBUSY

tR tF

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A5D User Manual

FCC CLASS B NOTICE FOR A5D-50C

This A5D-50c camera system has been tested and found to comply with
the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses
and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not
occur in a particular installation.

FCC CLASS A NOTICE FOR A5D-80

This A5D-80 has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class
A digital device, pursuant to Par t 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when
the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment
generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy, and if it is not
installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, it may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment
in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference, in which case the
user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.

BATTERY WARNING

Caution - There is danger of explosion if batteries are mishandled or

incorrectly replaced. On systems with replaceable batteries, replace only
with the same manufacturer and type or equivalent type recommended
by the manufacturer per the instructions provided in the product service
manual. Do not disassemble batteries or attempt to recharge them outside
the system. Do not dispose of batteries in re. Dispose of batteries properly
in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and local regulations.
Note that there are lithium batteries soldered on A5D internal boards. These
batteries are not customer replaceable parts.

A5D User Manual EN v1.0 | 10-15