Flash / Strobe - Hasselblad 503CW User Manual

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Flash / Strobe

Most flash/strobe units are suitable for use with the 503CW/503CWD/CFV, with some combinations
offering TTL. Check the chart further on in this chapter to find the specific combination you intend
to use.
Pay particular attention when using studio flash/strobe units and tethered to a stationary computer
as this cable configuration guards against both personal injury and damage to equipment.
Portable units
All 500 series and SWC series cameras use the regular PC contact on the lens for flash sync.
200 series models, FlexBody and view cameras require other configurations (see chart).
Studio flash/strobe units when tethered to a desktop computer
If the 503CWD/CFV is tethered to a computer that is connected to a regular electricity sup-
ply system as well as a studio flash/strobe unit that is also connected to a regular electricity
supply system/generator system, then make the following connections instead. For your
own safety and to protect the electronics in the digital capture unit, please ensure you do
this correctly.
a) Connect the flash input sync cable from the sync contact (PC connector) on the lens
to the flash sync IN terminal on the back.
b) Connect the flash output sync cable from the flash sync OUT terminal on the back to
a regular flash/strobe sync cable that is connected to the unit.
TTL function – 503CW / 503CWD
The reflective characteristics of the digital sensor are different to film surface characteristics
for which the TTL function was originally designed. However, by changing (in effect, 'trick-
ing') the setting, TTL exposures can be made. Proceed as follows:
Move the ISO selector on the camera so that is becomes approximately 12⁄3 f/stop higher
than the ISO setting on the digital capture unit. Therefore, for example, when the back is
set at 50 ISO, the 'film speed setting' on the camera should read 160 ISO, and so on. Testing
for the most suitable compensation that suits you is recommended.
Viewfinder indicator – 503CW / 503CWD
Flash/strobe operation and flash battery–check are indicated by a red light, located under
the left edge of the focusing screen. It is operative only when a dedicated flash/strobe is
connected to the TTL socket. It indicates three separate states as described below.
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