Hasselblad CFV-50c User Guide
CFV 50c
USER MANUAL
v4
CFV 50c
Welcome to Hasselblad
2
CFV 50c
C O N T E N T S
INTRODUCTION 4
Computer system requirements 5
Warnings and restrictions 5
Firmware updates 5
Workflow 7
Before you start 6
Hasselblad Capture Files 7
Capture destination 7
Phocus 8
Getting Started 9
Buttons, Parts & Components 10
Batt er y 11
Powering the CFV-50c 11
On/Off button 11
CF Cards 12
Navigating the Menu 13
Overview of Menu 14
Menu 15
Initial Settings 17
ISO setting 18
White Balance Setting 18
Exposure Time 19
Quality 19
File Storage 20
Storage 21
Folder 21
Delete 21
Format 22
Settings 29
Language 24
Sound 24
Date & Time 24
Display 25
Custom Options 25
P Button 25
Display Off 25
Power Off 26
Mark Overexposure 26
Image Orientation 26
Aspect ratio 26
Show preview 27
Camera 27
Service 27
About 28
Previews, Browsing & Live View 29
Preview Modes 30
Browsing 31
Zooming 32
Live View 33
Change Language 34
Temperature Warning 34
Camera Connectivity 34
Flash/Strobe 39
Appendix 42
Cleaning 43
Language change 44
Battery Life & Battery Warning 44
Technical Specifications 45
Equipment Care & Ser vice 46
About this manual
This manual describes how to work with the
Hasselblad CFV-50c digital back only. Please
refer to previously published manuals for details concerning older or discontinued Hasselblad equipment and firmware.
The manual explains specific practical aspects
of operation and control, the menu system
and suchlike. It is assumed that reasonable
levels of general analogue and digital photographic knowledge as well as computer skills
are already acquired, so these are not dealt
with here.
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CFV 50c
The CFV-50c is the ultimate choice for those who want
to extract the optimum from Hasselbad V series cameras and lenses when when working digitally. This exceptional product uses the latest of everything in the world
of digital backs regarding materials and firmware. Build
quality is of course Hasselblad which is legendary.
Inser t photo: © F rank Meyl - Ha sselblad Ma ster 2012
Being a Hasselblad product means it is versatile and the
CFV-50c is no exception as it easily converts a technical- or
large format camera into a very convenient and very capable tool as well.
The key to this superb back is the fantastic CMOS sensor
which opens up a new world of possibilities for V series owners. Teamed with Phocus, Hasselblad’s proprietory image
file editor, the CFV-50c offers:
ISO range is an amazing 100 - 6400 with remarkably
little noise even at the most sensitive setting.
Longest shutter speed is over 34 minutes to provide a
solution or to add a creative addition to many situations.
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.
JPEG & RAW files 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
INTRODUCTION
The captured image is temporarily stored internally on a CF
card or externally via a FireWire connection onto a computer
hard disk. When tethered to a computer you can remotely
make captures using Phocus with some Hasselblad V System
models/accessories (see later section in this manual and the
Phocus user manual for further details).
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.
Capture rate is about as fast as you can crank the
handle!
This is the product that some V series owners have been
waiting for a long time in order to leave the analogue
world behind and move on into top flight digital quality.
For others it is the chance to have a foot in both the
analogue and the digital worlds for the optimum of
choice.
Versatility, with a capital 'V', is perhaps the word that
sums up this product best - we know you are going to be
satisfied.
certainly damage it irreparably. When storing separated
from the camera, always ensure you use a protective cover.
As is the case with all electronic devices pay extra care when
working in damp en vironments and avoid damp conditions
for storage.
As the CFV-50c is a purely electronic device, attention to
power supply is vital. When working untethered it is therefore important to plan battery loading / battery replacement
to ensure continued workflow. Likewise, image storage is
limited and appropriate steps should also be taken when
planning a shoot.
When attaching and removing the CFV-50c, pay particular attention to the image sensor area. The sensor itself is covered
and protected by a glass IR filter but take great care when
handling. If you need to clean the filter, see later section for
specific details. When storing separated from the camera, always ensure you have replaced the protective cover. If you
scratch or mark the filter in any way, it will show up on every
shot. Replacements are expensive so treat the glass surface
with at least as much care as you would a lens. The sensor itself is not accessible for any kind of cleaning or maintenance
by a user. Do not attempt any such action as you will almost
In keeping with Hasselblad’s modular design philosophy, the
CFV-50c is an independent component. It can be attached to
a large format / view camera (see later section in this manual)
for both tethered and untethered use.
With untethered use, the management of captures is handled by the CFV-50c. In tethered use, captures are handled
and stored by the computer and can be visually checked in
Phocus immediately.
Settings are made entering the CFV-50c menu using the buttons on the unit. When tethered, some settings are available
in Phocus.
We hope you enjoy working with the CFV-50c. The results
will prove you made the right choice.
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CFV 50c
COMPUTER SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
Final image-storage and correction requires a certain minimum standard regarding computer capabilities. Large image
files require a high-performance computer with plenty of memory, advanced graphics capabilities and a recent operating
system. In most cases, you will want your computer to include a FireWire 800/400 connector, which will enable you to load
images directly from the camera. To load images stored on the removable compact-flash card, you could instead use a
compact-flash card reader, but we still recommend FireWire for maximum flexibility.
CONNECTING TO A COMPUTER
To connect to a computer, attach a FireWire cable from the FireWire port on a computer to the port on the side of the CFV50c. Ensure the orientation of the plug is correct.
When you are connected to a computer, the following applies:
• The CFV-50c will take power via the FireWire cable if it is available (not all computers can supply power, notably PC lap-
tops). This will help conserve the battery power.
• When using a Thunderbolt to FireWire adapter ensure you select the correct setting (see p 27 in this manual: Settings >
Service > Tethered power)
• The destination medium and location are controlled from Phocus.
WARNINGS AND RESTRICTIONS
• If you want to power the CFV-50c 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 CFV-50c and computer equipment away from moisture wherever possible. If the CFV-50c becomes wet,
disconnect from power and allow it to dry before attempting to operate again.
• Always take great care when you remove the CFV-50c for cleaning as the exposed CCD sensor protective filter is
vulnerable to damage.
• Keep all cables connected to or from the CFV-50c and computer out of the way where they cannot be tripped over.
FIRMWARE UPDATES
If you have registered your CFV-50c you should automatically receive e-mail informing you of the latest developments. Otherwise you are advised to make regular checks regarding firmware updates.
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.
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CFV 50c
Accessory items included with delivery
BEFORE YOU START
Please see below for items included with delivery.
information have been supplied and are correct.
your Hasselblad dealer immediately.
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.
Please ensure that all the items noted on the accompanying packing
If anything is missing or seems faulty in any way then you should contact
Protection cover
Protective case
3054560
Grey cards
Exposure cable EL
1006721
Exposure cable 503
E-wipes
1006719
Focusing screen
3042264
CFV FireWire cable
Flash input sync cable
1006722
CF-Flash card
Flash output sync cable
1006720
Software DVD
The Hasselblad 555ELD, 500EL/ELM, 500/553 ELX and SWC
models require a Battery Adapter (optional accessory 3054668)
for untethered use. The Hasselblad ArcBody might also require
the Battery Adapter at certain extreme settings. See page 37 in
this manual.
Optional battery adapter
3054668
Register your CFV-50c for regular news about the latest developments, updates, news and tips!
– www.hasselblad.com –
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CFV 50c
HASSELBLAD CAPTURE FILES, PHOCUS & ADOBE/APPLE SOFTWARE WORKFLOWS
PSD
3FR
JPEG
.fff
.jpeg
TIFF
JPEG
.nef
DNG
.cr2
.mos
.dng
.tiff
.jpeg
etc.
The CFV-50c captures files and stores them as Hasselblad RAW format files or Hasselblad RAW + JPEG formats simultaneously. Lossless compression is applied so the actual size of each capture can vary.
Hasselblad RAW files are initially stored in the 3FR format which is a proprietary Hasselblad format for the temporary storage
of captures. A 3FR file contains the complete digitized raw image exactly as it was captured by the camera. 3FR information
requires further computing power (typically by way of Phocus) to obtain complete development. If processed in Phocus, 3FR
files become Hasselblad 3F files – denoted by each file now bearing the suffix “.fff”. If processed by other RAW processors, the
3FR files are not converted to 3F but can be exported directly to TIFF, PSD etc according to requirements.
However, when working tethered – which necessitates using Phocus – 3FR files are automatically processed and stored in
the background on a computer appearing as 3F files on the hard disk ready for selective adjustment and export. 3FR files
stored on a CF card can be processed to completion using:
• Hasselblad Phocus (included)
• Adobe Camera Raw / Lightroom
• Apple Aperture
To sum up, capture files can be stored as 3FR files (on a CF card) for later processing in Phocus or other software, or they can
be stored as 3F files (as a result of tethered shooting or 3FR files processed and imported to Phocus). In all cases if you keep
the original 3FR/3F files, you will also retain the possibility of reprocessing them in the future in later versions of Phocus or
other software to take advantage of eventual improvements and developments.
etc.
Note that using Phocus is the most comprehensive method. The Phocus and Adobe methods can produce almost identical
results (V lens corrections, DAC, is not available with Adobe) regarding RAW conversion so it is a matter of personal choice
regarding which method would best suit your preferred ways of working. Alternatively you can use Apple Aperture though
you should take note that the benefits of DAC and HNCS etc, will be lost in this case.
Mixed formats
Phocus can also process most other capture formats, generic and proprietary. This means you can include other formats in
your normal Phocus workflow if you choose. Or if you prefer, you can include Hasselblad files in Adobe / Apple workflows
as stated above.
CAPTURE DESTINATION
The capture destination is the location to which new captures are saved and from which you can browse. Choice is normally
automatic but a manual selection is also possible in some cases:
• When untethered, a compact-flash card is automatically selected.
• When tethered, captures are automatically saved directly to the computer hard disk. See Phocus user manual about
how to select or create a new storage folder.
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CFV 50c
PHOCUS
Phocus is the capture processing and file management application aimed primarily at Hasselblad 3F
file handling. Phocus Mobile offers remote viewing
and control when shooting tethered while Phocus
Quick offers a very rapid and simplified file processing capability.
Phocus allows the extraction of the most detailed files from the
world’s most advanced cameras to your desktop in a professional and efficient manner.
Phocus works the way that photographers work and provide
serious photographers with a well thought out, and intuitive
workflow, designed to provide maximum power and options
with a minimum of effort. Phocus produces ground-breaking
new levels of image quality and technical precision and when
combined with the world’s finest optics and image sensors the
result is exactly what you would expect from Hasselblad – simply stunning image quality.
FEATURES IN PHOCUS
Ultimate Image Quality
· Hasselblad Natural Color Solution (HNCS)
· Sophisticated lens corrections for H and V System lenses
Specialized Tools
· Phocus Mobile *
· Live Video
· Scene calibration & reproduction tools
· Leading edge Moiré removal
· Highlight recovery, shadow fill, clarity and dust spot
removal tools
plus:
· Easy-to-use interface
· Extensive customization options for individual workflow
scenarios
· Import/Export of Image Adjustments, Keywords, Workflow settings etc.
· High quality printing
· Slide show
· RAW file support for more than 150 DSLR cameras
· License free software (unlimited installations - no regis-
tration issues)
Ultimate Image Quality
Phocus combines with Hasselblad Natural Color Solution
(HNCS) and digital lens corrections to provide ultimate image
quality in every image you create. With Phocus, the moiré that
can occur on even extremely high-resolution images is effectively removed automatically and directly on the raw data,
leaving image quality intact and saving hours of tedious postproduction work.
Tethered shooting is also very smooth with Phocus Remote
camera controls providing a number of remote functions, such
as remote focusing, live view, aperture and exposure time controls, etc.
Phocus Mobile
Phocus Mobile is available for the iPhone®, iPad® and iPod
Touch®. It enables you to connect wirelessly to a computer
running Phocus and to remotely browse your high-resolution RAW, JPEG and TIFF images.
This provides a handy solution for working with clients in
the studio, enabling each person to view images on an
individual iOS device, rather than all gathering around a
single computer.
Phocus Mobile also allows users to remotely operate and
trigger a tethered camera, giving control of many parameters, all neatly presented in a virtual camera display. This
feature is very convenient for remote control of the camera
when it’s located in a difficult-to-access position. Phocus
Mobile is available for free download at the App Store.
Any File from Anywhere!
Phocus allows you to import your files, RAW or otherwise and
work in the same powerful and intuitive processing environment, no matter where your files are coming from. This means
that you can browse all kinds of RAW and non-RAW formats.
Phocus on a Mac supports RAW files from more than 150 cameras, including Canon, Nikon, Leica, Sony, Fuji, Olympus, and
so on**, as well as the most common file formats such as TIFF,
JPEG, DNG, and PNG, making it easier than ever to work as you
see fit, not as your camera dictates.
Phocus Quick
Phocus Quick allows a preview of images from camera
to screen at the touch of a button. Your original images
(in RAW format) remain on the memory card and can be
backed up automatically if you wish. Either way, you can
view and review in Phocus Quick and still go back later and
fine-tune your images. The perfect combination of ease of
use and peace of mind! Phocus Mobile is available for free
download from the Hasselblad website.
* Phocus Mobile is available for download on the App Store.
** Full list available at http://www.apple.com/aperture/specs/raw.html
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CFV 50c
GETTING STARTED
Photo: Bry n Griffiths © / Hass elblad Masters
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CFV 50c
BUTTONS, PARTS & COMPONENTS
1
MENU / (EXIT) button
Opens and closes the menu system. Also used for various other tasks (EXIT
button, for example) as you issue commands navigating the menu system.
2
P button
Assignable button to access a specific function. Setting is made via Custom
Options.
3
Navigation button
A four-way rocker button enabling you to browse images as well as navigate the menu system.
4
Zoom- in/-out (Selection) button
A dual function button for preview inspection and menu option selection.
Zoom in to view close-ups of previews for focus checking. Zoom out to
view several at once and finally to view and select folders and media.
Also acts as the selection button for value setting.
5
Display button
Steps through the various viewing modes of the preview.
6
On / Off button
Turns the CFV on and off.
1
2
9
3 4
8
5
7
6
9
7
Ready-light
Indicates CFV-50c’s condition. GREEN signifies a new capture is possible
(steady or blinking). ORANGE signifies the unit is busy (writing to a CF card or
sending data, for example) and so a new capture is not possible. RED signifies a problem (an explanatory message will be displayed).
8
CMOS and IR filter
The sensor is positioned behind a permanently mounted IR filter. Always
be very careful not to touch or scratch the surface of the filter when it is exposed. Replace the protective cover whenever the CFV-50c is not mounted
on a camera.
9
Databus connectors
For digital communication with certain camera models.
10
CF-card cover
Protective cover for CF card slot..
11
‘Sensor plane’ index
For physical focus measurement in critical close-up work.
12
FireWire port
For computer connection.
13
Flash sync and power connector ports
Ports for Flash sync, Winder CW and EL-Cameras as well as external power
adapter. Protected behind a rubber cover.
10
11
12
13
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CFV 50c
ATTACHING AND REMOVING THE CFV-50C
When both attaching and removing the protective cover as well as attaching and removing
the CFV-50c to the camera, slide the locking button A. Avoid trying to just ‘snap’ the CFV50c or protective cover into place without using the button.
A
POWERING THE CFV-50C
The CFV-50c requires power either from the battery (7.2V
Sony InfoLithium L type − NP-F550 for example) or from a
computer via a FireWire cable.
To attach a battery:
1. Firstly, ensure the battery is fully charged (see user appropriate manual for battery and charger).
2. Position the battery as in the illustration.
3. Press the battery towards the camera A. This automatically depresses the battery retaining catch. Slide the battery into the final position B ensuring the contact prongs
on the camera are inserted into the battery. The battery
retaining catch will now return to the safety position.
To remove a battery:
1. Depress the battery retaining catch C and slide the battery over it D. It will then be freely removed.
FireWire connection:
1. Connect a FireWire cable between the FireWire port
on the CFV-50c and the FireWire port on the computer.
You do not need to attach a battery with a FireWire
connection.
A
B
D
Note
The Hasselblad 555ELD,
500EL/ELM, 500/553 ELX
and SWC models also require a Battery Adapter
(optional accessory
3054668) for untethered
use. The Hasselblad ArcBody might also require
a Battery Adapter at certain extreme settings. See
‘Camera Connectivity’.
C
ON / OFF BUTTON
With a fully charged battery fitted, keep the ON/OFF button
until the LED is illuminated. A Hasselblad logo splash screen
will appear on the display followed by an audible signal. This
signifies that the CFV-50c has been activated.
The CFV-50c will enter standby mode after the preset time to
save the battery. Keep the ON/OFF button depressed again
to turn the CFV-50c off. An audible signal will be heard again
to confirm this.
Tip
If the situation allows, change the Time Out and Power Down
settings to reduce battery consumption.
Tip
Save battery consumption by turning down the brightness
and/or contrast of the display using the Items on the MENU >
SETTINGS > USER INTERFACE > DISPLAY menu. You can also
save battery consumption by changing the Display Off /Sleep /
Power Off settings.
When using a FireWire connection you have to press the
button as usual for activation but only if the battery remains
attached. If the connection is FireWire only, active mode is
instigated automatically. The splash screen appears but no
audible signal is heard from the CFV-50c. There may be an
audible signal generated by the computer, however. Removing the FireWire connection turns the CFV-50c off immediately, also without an audible signal from the CFV-50c.
Note
Time & Date settings on the CFV-50c (which are included with
your capture files and batch labels) are updated automatically through a FireWire/Phocus connection. These settings
are retained for some weeks by a small rechargeable cell that
is automatically recharged by the main battery or FireWire with
regular use.
If problems occur, charge the cell by leaving the CFV-50c on for
approximately 12 hours.
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CFV 50c
INSERTING A CF CARD
1. Open the CF card slot cover by inserting a thumb in the
recess and then sliding it to the left.
2. Behind the cover, you will see a slot for the card (A) and a
release button (B) below the slot.
3. Hold the compact-flash card so that the connector holes
face into the slot and you can read the brand label when
you are behind the camera. Gently press the card into the
slot. If you encounter resistance, it might be because you
are holding the card backwards or upside down.
4. If the card can be easily inserted nearly all the way into
the back, then you are inserting it correctly. Press the
card another couple of millimetres firmly into place.
5. Close the slot cover and slide it to the right to lock it.
REMOVING A CF CARD
1. Open the CF card slot cover
2. Press the release button (B) a little way in and then
release it so that it extends a little out from the slot.
3. Press the now extended release button all the way back
into the unit again. Some force is required. As you do
this, the card will be pushed out a few millimetres.
4. Grasp the card and pull it away from the unit.
5. Close the slot cover shut again.
A
B
CF CARD TIPS
1. All CF cards should be formatted in the CFV-50c before
first-time use even if the CFV-50c is already able to read
it. This will enable the CFV-50c to use the card more efficiently.
2. You can also use the ‘Format’ command for the purpose
of deleting all images on a card. This is sometimes faster
4. Do not remove a CF card from the CFV-50c if the ‘ready’
light is blinking! All files on the card may become corrupted (and consequently lost) if you do so and new formatting may also be necessary.
5. Only UDMA/type 4/60MBs (or 400x) cards or better are
recommended for CFV-50c use. See list in below.
than using the delete function but it is not as flexible
because all data from all batches will always be erased.
3. Be aware that formatting will erase all data contained
on the target medium, so ensure you have backed up all
required files beforehand.
RECOMMENDED CF CARDS
Lexar Professional Compact Flash 8 800x
Lexar Professional Compact Flash 16 1000x
SanDisk Extreme Compact Flash 8 60 MB/s
SanDisk Extreme Compact Flash 16 90 MB/s
UDMA 6 SanDisk 32 90 MB/s
UDMA 6 SanDisk 64 90 MB/s
UDMA 7 SanDisk 128 100 MB/s
Ensure you format all previously unused cards in the CFV-50c before use for optimum performance.
Do not remove a CF card from the CFV-50c if the ‘ready’ light is orange. All files on the card may become corrupted (and consequently lost) if you
do so and new formatting may also be necessary.
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CFV 50c
NAVIGATING THE MENU
Photo: Bry n Griffiths © / Hass elblad Masters
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CFV 50c
BASIC OVERVIEW OF MENU & SCREENS
The menu is structured in a manner similar to very many digitally controlled personal devices and should be familiar to most.
Once the menu is accessed, navigation, selection and confirmation are made by the various buttons beneath the display.
The first screen presents the main divisions: ISO, White balance and Quality – for rapid access while working – followed by
Storage, Settings and About.
ISO
WHITE BALANCE
EXPOSURE TIME
QUALITY
ABOUT
STORAGE
SETTINGS
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CFV 50c
BASIC DESCRIPTION OF MENU ITEMS
By using the buttons on the control panel you can navigate
down through the various levels in the menu. Below is an
overview of the setting options available.
ISO
Sets the light sensitivity. of the sensor.
White Balance
Sets the colour temperature to match the light
source.
Exposure Time
Sets the appropriate setting to match the
selected lens shutter speed/exposure time.
Quality
Allows option of RAW only or RAW + JPEG per
capture. Also allows profile (sRGB /Adobe 1998).
STORAGE
SETTINGS
Create new folder
Allows extra file folders for better workflow.
Delete
For single or multiple deletion of images.
Format
Used to format CF cards for optimum use.
User interface
Sets menu language, sound, date & time and
dis play.
Custom Options
Sets options regarding P Button, show
preview, mark overexposure, etc.
Camera
Accesses the individual settings requirements
for the various Hasselblad V System models as
well as for view camera / large format use.
Service
Accesses save lo g data, default sett ings, firmware update, teth ered power and firewire spe ed.
About
Provides serial number, firmware revision
and focus calibration information.
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