Hasselblad H4X User Manual
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Hasselblad H4X User Manual

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Summary of Contents for Hasselblad H4X

  • Page 1 User Manual...
  • Page 2 The images in this manual were not taken with a Hasselblad H4X. They are used for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to represent the image quality produced by a Hasselblad H4X. Unless otherwise stated, all images: ©...
  • Page 3 Hasselblad's position in first place around the world. The new H4X is designed to bring current H1 and H2 users up to a new level of functionality. Most of the latest H4 developments are now avail- able whether you use Hasselblad digital backs, 3rd party digital backs or film magazines.

  • Page 4: Computer System Requirements

    H4 features in abundance Phocus The H4X is a marked step up for previous H1 and H2 owners. Many Hasselblad Phocus is the free RAW file processor to complete and of the features from the H4 line are included, not least, True Focus.

  • Page 5: General Overview

    General overview – controls This section provides an introduction to the control buttons' functions as well as the information provided on the display screens. Photo: Claudio Napolitan / Hasselblad Masters...

  • Page 6: Button Functions − Overview

    Button functions − overview Below is an overview of the primary functions of the control wheels and buttons. Some controls have dual or triple functions according to the state of the menu or setting. A full description can be found further on in this manual. Shutter release button MENU button Releases shutter.
  • Page 7 Grip display − overview Example of typical camera grip display Flash condition indication Focus setting Drive condition (No exposure compensation, (Autofocus setting, (Single setting) normal flash synchronisation) single shot mode) Aperture setting Shutter speed setting (f/5.6) (1/400s) Exposure Value display ISO setting (EV 13.8) (100 ISO)

  • Page 8: Aperture Setting

    Viewfinder display − overview Typical viewfinder display. Note the LEDs will only be visible when activated (by the camera or a setting). Exposure method indication Aperture setting Exposure compensation Metering method setting setting reminder symbol (‘aperture priority’ mode) (f/5.6) (Centre weighted) Focus Assist LED Flash LED True Focus and HCD crop...

  • Page 9: Buttons And Controls − Details

    ON.OFF (PROFILES/ESC) button Press the button for 1 second to activate the camera. The H4X start­up logo will appear and then the main screen. After a few seconds (customizable) the camera will enter Standby mode.

  • Page 10: Format Button

    Can be reassigned in Custom Options to another function. Remote release cord port For attaching a remote release cord (electrical). The Hasselblad accessory jack plug socket is protected by a captive rubber plug. STOP DOWN button Press this button to make a visual check of the depth­of­field on the viewfinder screen at the chosen aperture.

  • Page 11: Audio Feedback

    There are also two control buttons on the viewfinder, as well as the eyesight correction adjustment wheel: Eyesight correction adjustment wheel The personal eyesight adjustment facility has a diopter range of ­5 to +3.5, to suit most users. EV correction adjustment button Press this button to access the EV compensation screen.
  • Page 12 Saving settings changes on the grip The basic principle behind making changes is that the appropriate button is first pressed to access the menu and then settings altered by way of the control wheels. The appropriate control wheel is designated by arrowheads alongside the setting description.

  • Page 13: Camera Body

     Modular design  Integral ergonomic grip  Pixel based user interface The H4X camera body is a robust construction of cast alu­ minium with a stainless steel shell for extreme durability. Photo: Bang Peng / Hasselblad Masters The integral ergonomic grip houses the main control interface and also contains the battery holder.

  • Page 14: Carrying Strap

    Removing and attaching the battery holder The H4X requires batteries for all actions. There is no mechanical reserve facility so it advisable to always have a spare set of batter­...
  • Page 15 Restart by pressing the ON.OFF button on the grip as normal. To activate the camera press the red ON.OFF button until you see the start­up H4X logo appear on the grip display. The logo is automatically followed by the main screen. The camera is now in ON mode.

  • Page 16: Pc-Connector

    Viewfinder screen 16, 17 The H4X is fitted with a Spherical Acute­Matte D viewfinder screen for extreme brightness, clarity and even illumination. An optional accessory screen with a grid pattern is also available. To change a viewfinder screen, remove the viewfinder to access the viewfinder screen.
  • Page 17 This display also duplicates much Photo: Joao Carlos / Hasselblad Masters information visible on the grip display for immediate check­ ing. In addition to the display, there are four LEDs providing general warnings, flash and focus information.
  • Page 18 – HVD 90x, HV 90x and the HV 90X-II The HVD 90x, Two rubber eye cups are available for the H4X. The one supplied is suitable for users who however, is not compatible with film do not intend to use eyeglasses when photographing. The second shorter eye cup is for...
  • Page 19 Film magazines not only provide for special requirements in technical applications but also allow a broader spectrum of expression for creative work. Photo: Mark Zibert / Hasselblad Masters...

  • Page 20: Hm 16-32 Film Magazine

    HM 16-32 Film Magazine The HM 16­32 film magazine is a sophisticated semi­independent unit within the modular H­system. It has its own power supply for individual information storage, LCD panel, illumination, etc. Much information is transmitted and received between the maga­ zine and the camera body, so ensure the databus connection is kept clean and not damaged in any way.

  • Page 21: Lcd Illumination Button

    LCD panel The various functions are accessed by repeatedly pressing the function selector button (loop menu) and changes made by the ‘change­up’ and ‘change­down’ buttons. Any settings are auto­ matically saved. At very low temperatures the LCD will require a few seconds to display new settings.

  • Page 22: Databus Interface

    Film tab holder Holds an ID tab from the film roll pack as a reminder of the type of film loaded. Don’t forget to change it if you change film type! Film holder key Secures the film holder in the magazine. Fold out the key and turn counter­clockwise 90°...
  • Page 23 Attaching and removing the magazine 3, 4 You cannot remove a magazine from the camera body if the mag­ azine darkslide is not in place, (when the magazine darkslide in­ dicator on the magazine shows white). Neither can you withdraw the magazine darkslide when the magazine is not attached to the camera.

  • Page 24: Magazine Settings

    Magazine settings Press the function selector ( button ) repeatedly to successively access: A. Film speed (ISO / Bar Code) B. Film length (120/220/ Number of frames) C. Data (on/off) D. Frame counter (count down / count up) E. Low­battery warning symbol Film speed setting / barcode The film speed (ISO / ASA) can be set automatically or manually.

  • Page 25: Data Imprinting

    Frame counter setting The frame counter can be set to show either how many unex­ posed frames remain on a film or how many frames have already been exposed. The LCD shows your choice of setting by adding the word Remain as a reminder of the number of frames remain- ing or ‘countdown’.

  • Page 26: Film Loading

    Film loading The film magazine can be loaded either on or off the camera. Regu­ larly check the interior of the magazine and remove dust, particles or any scraps of paper from previous rolls of film. Load and unload film magazines away from direct light sources. 1) Fold out the film holder key and turn it counter-clockwise 90°.
  • Page 27 All HC lenses have been specially formulated for the H system to produce the extremely high performance expected from Hasselblad. In addition to exceptional sharpness, the design also incorporates a very pleasing bokeh. All lenses feature an electronically controlled central shutter designed to extreme­...

  • Page 28: Parts And Components

    Parts and components A. Lens shade index B. Manual focus ring C. Focusing distance scales D. Depth­of­field scales E. Lens index Attaching a lens 2, 3 Remove the front protective cover on the camera body by depressing the lens release button and keeping it depressed while turning the cover counter­clockwise.
  • Page 29 Focus assist 10, 11, 12 As well as the conventional view on the focusing screen to ensure a sharp image, the H4X also features an LED focus assist capability appearing as two arrowheads to the right of Focus setting too close for the the viewfinder display (except for lenses with a maximum aperture of f/6.7 or smaller).

  • Page 30: Manual Focus Mode

    Manual focus There is both a Manual focus mode setting and a manual override capability. Manual focus is a specific setting that you actively make, whereas manual override is always available as a temporary override of an autofocus setting. In Manual focus mode, focusing is carried out by rotating the focusing ring in the conventional manner.
  • Page 31 Note though that in this mode the lens will focus at a distance and will remain focused at that distance while pressure remains on the shutter release button. In this way, you can focus on a nearby object for example, temporarily positioned within the focusing zone on the viewing screen and then without releasing pressure on the shutter release button, recompose knowing that the focus remains on the object chosen even though it is now outside the focusing zone.

  • Page 32: Manual Override In Autofocus Mode

    True Focus can be used with longer lenses, smaller apertures etc but the further you come from situations similar to the 'ideal' as described above, the less the effect will be until it has no visible effect at all. Please remember that although True Focus can noticeably improve a demanding shoot it will only work effectively in the specific circumstances it was designed for.

  • Page 33: True Focus And Absolute Position Lock

    True Focus uses yaw rate technology and by way of the Absolute Position Lock (APL) processor, logs camera movement as the basis for an extremely rapid compensatory focus reset without any shutter lag. The H4X’s firmware then further perfects the focus using the precise data retrieval system found on all HC/HCD lenses.

  • Page 34: True Focus

    True Focus True Focus can be used in combination with other autofocus settings to achieve various functions. Activated by shutter release button – True Focus retained In this mode the autofocus function is effectively converted into the True Focus func- tion.
  • Page 35 (AF-T can also be To expand your range of lenses, consider using a CF adapter used). to allow you to use most of the lenses from the Hasselblad V- system.

  • Page 36: Light Metering & Exposure Control

    A great deal of control is available ranging from 100% manual through to sophisticated fully automatic by way of the various exposure methods: Manual, Aperture priority, Shutter prior­ Photo: Lyle Owerko / Hasselblad Masters ity, Program and Program variable.
  • Page 37 Light metering and exposure control Two primary factors have to be considered when making exposure control choice, namely, metering method and exposure method: Metering method determines in which manner the light measurement is made and how much of the image is taken into account (Centre Weighted, CentreSpot and Spot). Exposure method involves the parameters and deciding factors about how the light measurement is translated into aperture and shutter speeds.

  • Page 38: Metering Method

    Metering method There are three metering modes available. All three are reflective methods (measuring the light reflected off various selected parts of the subject according to method) and are through the lens (TTL). These have the following designations (with their respective display symbols): –...

  • Page 39: Manual Exposure - M

    Manual Exposure – M Manual mode will provide total user control of the shutter and aperture settings. To set the Manual mode, proceed as follows with the camera in active mode: 1) Press the EXP button on the viewfinder. 2) Turn the front control wheel in either direction until you reach M (Manual).
  • Page 40 Programmed variable: Pv ­ This mode is very similar to Pro­ grammed, except with the additional parameters of lens focal length being automatically taken into account. For example, long shutter speeds will automatically be avoided with a long fo­ cal length lens. To set one of the modes, proceed as follows with the camera in active mode: 1) Press the EXP button on the viewfinder.
  • Page 41 b) The AE-L button also allows the spot metering function to make zone placements. When the AE-L button is pressed, the metered area is saved as a mid­grey (Zone 5). When the spot area is then placed over another part of the scene, the new area is then compared to the saved area and the difference can be read off New metered area is 1.8 EV lower than the area the scale seen in the viewfinder.

  • Page 42: Exposure Compensation/Quick Adjust

    Exposure compensation/Quick Adjust The exposure compensation function, for both manual and Custom Options #3, #17 and automatic modes can be set from ­5 to +5 EV, in 1/3, 1 or 1/2 EV #23 used to deactivate and increments (Custom Option #3) and is visible above the scale in alter the settings for the rear the viewfinder and as a ±...
  • Page 43 Drive There are two drive modes, Single and Continuous, accessed by press- ing the DRIVE button on the grip. Single In Single mode, an exposure is made when the shutter release button is pressed and the camera is made ready for the next ex­ posure.
  • Page 44 Profiles Profiles not only allow for rapid setup in changing working environments but also ensure an element of security. Photo: Mark Holthusen / Hasselblad Masters...

  • Page 45: Making A Profile

    Profiles The profiles feature allows rapid access to pre­determined combinations of settings that increase the speed and security of workflow. One example might be in a social situa­ tion where there might be a need for formal outdoor portraiture followed by informal indoor handheld flash­assisted wide­angle shots, both situations requiring very different settings in a stressful environment.

  • Page 46: Using Profiles

    3) Use the scroll bar to go through the list of profiles. Choose a Spare profile or a named profile (except Default). You can either save the new profile under the original name or you can change it 4) Press Save (DRIVE button). The Profile name screen is then displayed where you can rename the profile to what suits you (see under Image Info 4.2 for procedure details).

  • Page 47: Custom Settings

    Each one can be changed to suit your preferences so that the whole camera becomes a reflection of the way you like to work. Photo: Alexandfelix / Hasselblad Masters...

  • Page 48: General Overview Of Camera Menu

    Interval Settings options options Digital System status Custom Options This section is primarily only accessible with Hasselblad CF/ CFH use. 3rd party digital backs, may or may not initiate the Digital screen and its settings. Please refer to the appropriate user manuals for information.
  • Page 49 The H4X features the advantage of multiple customization Menu charts – general of settings. This means that your personal choice of settings, Throughout this manual you will find charts to explain the and thereby appearance of various combinations of symbols steps and procedures required to alter the various settings.

  • Page 50: Self Timer

    There are a number of more advanced features that while not necessarily used every day still remain immediately accessible through the menu system. They provide the integral finesses that make the H4X a powerful and sophisticated tool to satisfy a variety of professional demands.

  • Page 51: Self-Timer Setting

    Self timer setting The Self timer function is set in the following manner: MENU 1) Press the Menu button on the grip. 2) Turn the front control wheel until Self Timer appears. 3) Press Enter (Drive button) on the grip. 4) Turn the front control wheel to access the options, that are: Delay Mirror sequence...
  • Page 52 2 Bracketing 2 frames options available 3 frames 5 frames options available options available 1/3 EV 1/2 EV 1 EV 2 EV 3 EV 2 Bracketing T i p The bracketing function provides an automatic series of captures; one at the standard exposure setting (Manual or Auto) and the others with pre­determined deviations in EV A bracketing sequence can be from the standard exposure.

  • Page 53: Bracketing Setting

    Bracketing setting The Bracketing function is set in the following manner: 1) Press the Menu button. MENU 2) Turn the front control wheel until Bracketing appears 3) Press Enter (Drive) button on the grip 4) Turn the front control wheel to access the options, that are: Number of Captures (the number of captures required in the sequence) Sequence (the sequential order of the over- or underexposures) DRIVE...

  • Page 54: Interval Setting

    3 Interval options available 2 frames – 255 frames options available 1 second − 1 hour 3 Interval By using the interval setting, you can allow the camera to take a series of captures automatically over a set period. This is often MENU required for time and motion studies, security surveillance, nature study, etc.

  • Page 55: Custom Options

    4 Settings / 4.1 Custom Options options available CUSTOM OPTIONS 4 Settings From the Settings screen you can access four main sub­settings: Custom options, Image info, Date & Time and System status MENU by turning the front control wheel. From each of these sub­ settings you can access further items for setting changes.
  • Page 56 Determines the amount of time the camera remains active before it auto­ matically reverts to standby mode (indi­ M.UP button function cated on the grip display by the H4X logo). Minimizes battery consumption. • Mirror up but can be reassigned to: •...
  • Page 57 Generates message on grip Zone makes the camera behave in the same display if attempted. fashion as the Hasselblad 205FCC. That is, the central spot is placed over a particular No allows the lens shutter and auxiliary shut-...
  • Page 58 Rear wheel quick adjust Interval & Self Timer • • No • Exit • Stay Allows rear control wheel to make a rapid Allows either the Interval or Self Timer EV adjustment (or EV compensation) in mode to remain active after a capture or auto­exposure mode.
  • Page 59 Aperture control in Manual True Focus in AF-S • Front wheel • Rear wheel • • on Selects which control wheel changes the Re­assigns half press of shutter release aperture setting when in Manual expo­ button to activate True Focus function in­ sure mode.

  • Page 60: Customizable Button Function List

    Customizable button function list The TRUE FOCUS, AE-L, STOP DOWN and M.UP buttons can all be reassigned to different functions. Default settings are as ac­ cording to name. Interval timer None Initiates interval timer function. The button has no function. Cycle LM mode True Focus Changes the light-metering method in a loop manner: Centre Weighted/...
  • Page 61 4.2 Image Info / 4.2.1 Imprint type Applicable only when film magazine attached. 4.2 Image Info The Imprint type facility controls the text that will appear along the edge of each frame on a film. It is possible to imprint approximately 40 MENU characters at one time.
  • Page 62 4.2 Image Info / 4.2.2 Text 4.2.2 Text In Text you can compose your own combination of letters, words, sym- bols, etc to be included in the metadata. The same procedure is also used MENU to change a Profile name. 1) Press the Menu button on the grip.
  • Page 63 Changing text - an example Here is an example of how to change existing text (in this case the word ‘Text’ to a copyright symbol plus a photographer’s name ­’Jens Karlsson’). See previous section 4.2 Image info for proce­ dure description. 1) Start by accessing the Image info screen.

  • Page 64: Date And Time

    4.3 Date & Time Alert message when a CF / CFH digital back is attached 4.3 Date & Time Adjust date and time settings by the following procedure: MENU 1) Press the Menu button on the grip. 2) Turn the front control wheel until Settings appears. DRIVE 3) Press the Enter (Drive) button on the grip.

  • Page 65: System Status

    4.4 System status 4.4 System status Check component usage and general servicing information as follows: MENU 1) Press the MENU button on the grip. 2) Turn the front control wheel until Settings appears. 3) Press the Enter (DRIVE button) on the grip. DRIVE 4) Turn the front control wheel to access System Status.
  • Page 66 Digital – primarily for CF/CFH use (3rd party digital backs may or may not initiate any of these screens) options available ISO 50, 100, 200 or 400 Daylight, Cloudy, options available Shade, Flash, Fluorescent, Tungsten and Manual. 5 Digital (primarily for CF/CFH use) From the Digital screen you can choose between various white balance and ISO settings.

  • Page 67: Flash / Strobe

    Metz and other top names in the field for powerful and reliable solutions When in the studio, the H system is capable of providing flash metering for maximum control and security. Photo: Mark Holthusen / Hasselblad Masters...
  • Page 68 The H4X can be used together with most flash units in manual mode. However, to make use of a TTL automatic function, you must ensure the flash unit is compatible with the SCA 3002 system. Connection is either by the PC socket or by the hot shoe (see warning note below).

  • Page 69: Integral Flash

    To access the controls: 1) Activate the camera and press the FLASH button once. FLASH 2) Turn the front control wheel to set the amount of compensa- tion required: • from +3EV through -3EV • press Clr (AF button) to clear the setting quickly if required. 3) Turn the rear control wheel to set: • normal sync (flash triggered just after the shutter opens) • rear sync (flash triggered just before the shutter closes)

  • Page 70: Flash Measure Of Separate Flash Unit

    5) If the settings were incorrect to match the output of the flash unit, the viewfinder display shows a red triangle alongside a flashing green ‘flash’ symbol plus a warning message - ‘Low flash’. The grip display will also show a warning message - ‘Low flash’.

  • Page 71: Optional Accessories

    Optional Accessories Optional accessories provide the opportunity to extend the capabilities of your system or just to add extra convenience to suit your way of working. Photo: Mark Holthusen / Hasselblad Masters...
  • Page 72 Angle finder for the HV 90x and the HVD 90x viewfinders. Enables vertical view­ For connecting flashes compatible with ing angle regardless of camera position. the SCA 3002 system to the Hasselblad Requires a minor modification to the H4X. viewfinder eyepiece.
  • Page 73 Hasselblad H system. The optical design consists of 6 elements in 4 groups. Check www.hasselblad.com for further details about lens shades, endcaps, lens pouches etc or news of new accessories.

  • Page 74: Hc Lens Range

    HC lens range HCD 4/28mm HC 3.5/35mm HC 3.5/50-IImm HC 2.8/80mm HC 2.2/100mm HC Macro 4/120-IImm HC 3.2/150mm HC 4/210mm HC 4.5/300mm HC 3.5–4.5/50–110mm HCD 4.0–5.6/35–90mm V system C type lenses with optional CF lens adapter...

  • Page 75: Connectivity Diagram

    For use with HCD28, HC35, HC50, HC80 and HC100 (including extension tubes) HV 90x / HVD 90x viewfinders HVM waist-level viewfinder Accessories H4X Camera Optional V system lenses SCA3902 TTL Flash Adapter CF lens adapter Lenses All HC/HCD lenses, including...
  • Page 76 Appendix  P and Pv explanatory charts  Technical specifications  Problems, Equipment Care & Service This section provides an insight into the more technical aspects as well as some important reference information. Photo: Lyle Owerko / Hasselblad Masters...

  • Page 77: True Exposure

    At slow shutter speeds the effect is minimal but at faster speeds, e.g. 1/500s, the effect becomes clearly visible. As Hasselblad knows exactly how the shutters behave in HC lenses, automatic compensatory measures in speed setting adjustments are therefore employed.

  • Page 78: Automatic Exposure - P & Pv Mode

    Automatic exposure – P & Pv Mode P Mode Pv Mode 50-110 @ 50 50-110 @ 50 50-110 @ 110 50-110 @ 110 1. 4 1. 4 2. 0 2. 0 2. 8 2. 8 4. 0 4. 0 5. 6 5.
  • Page 79 Accessory connection Provided with two M5 threads and an electrical connector for accessories. Customization A large number of the H4X’s functions can be customized by the user to suit specific styles or situations through the built-in menu system. User interface Both basic and advanced functions are set using buttons and control wheels in conjunction with the grip display and viewfinder display.
  • Page 80 Default Settings ('Default' profile) Exp.mode A (Aperture priority) LM mode Centre weighted Exp. adjust Focus mode AF­S Drive mode Flash sync Normal (beginning of exp.) Flash adjust Self timer delay 10 sec Sequence Mirror up / Delay Mirror mode Mirror goes down Bracketing Frames Sequence...
  • Page 81 Problems, Equipment Care & Service Return your equipment to a service centre for occasional checking and The H4X is a very sophisticated camera that relies on much information being preventive maintenance to ensure optimal reliability. You can easily keep a passed and processed to and from each modular unit to produce the correct check on service intervals by looking under ‘Info’...
  • Page 82 Q U I C K I N D E X Accessories Eyepiece adjustment PC-connec tor Accessor y connec tion Exposure compensation/Quick Adjust 42 P & P v modes AE-L but ton Exposure method Prof iles Appendix Autofocus Flash Saving set tings Automatic exposure mode Focus assist Self timer...
  • Page 83 Victor Hasselblad AB & Hasselblad A/S. The images in this manual were not taken with a Hasselblad H4X. They are used for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to represent the image quality produced by a Hasselblad H4X.
  • Page 84 Hasselblad A/S Hejrevej 30, DK - 2400 Copenhagen, Denmark Victor Hasselblad AB Box 220, SE - 401 23 Göteborg, Sweden 10.2011 - UK v1...

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