Software Reference FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs by Hasselblad Imacon...
Page 2
Hasselblad A/S assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or inaccuracies that may appear in this manual. Hasselblad A/S assumes no responsibility or liability for loss or damage incurred during or as a result of using Hasselblad software or products.
Color and Exposure Analysis Tools Corrections Controls Size Controls Zoom Controls Orientation Controls Other Controls Overlay The Preview The Setup Window Introduction The FlexColor Setup Philosophy Managing Setups Advanced Setup Management continues... Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs Table of Contents...
Page 4
Files and Formats Saving Crop and Imaging Settings Using the Thumbnails Window Printing the Thumbnails Ixpress Contents Window Introduction Using the Ixpress Contents Window Transferring Images The Info Window Introduction Using the Info Window Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs...
Page 5
Selective Color Correction Introduction Opening the Color Correction Window Using the Color Correction Window The Texture Window Introduction Using the Texture Window The Detail Window Introduction Using the Detail Window Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs Table of Contents...
Page 6
Table of Contents The Live Video Window Introduction Live Video Window Tools The Tasks Window Background save from 3f Appendix Keyboard Shortcuts Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs...
Advanced color control with the Color Correction window • Sharpening images with the Texture window Software compatibility The FlexColor software works with the entire range of Ixpress and FlexFrame digital camera backs and all Flextight scanners except for the Flextight 4800. FlexColor under Mac OS and Windows The CD that came with your digital camera system includes versions of FlexColor for both Macintosh and Windows-based systems.
1 GB. • Screen resolution of 800 x 600 pixels with true colors (24 bits). • FireWire interface SCSI interface. • Minimum available hard disk space of 10 GB. Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs...
Page 9
A SCSI device connected via a SCSI to FireWire adapter will be recognized when the adapter is plugged in. The SCSI device itself must be turned on before connecting the adapter to FireWire or rebooting. Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs...
By making the 3f files available over your network, you will enable operators at any workstation to open an image in FlexColor and apply cropping, correction and conversion just as though they were working directly on the scanner or camera. Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs...
Page 11
QuickTime to read the keywords stored in the standard IPTC tag. Many aspects of managing your images are made easier using the IPTC standard. Many software programs already exist for doing this, including Adobe Photoshop. It’s the standard used by professional news agencies worldwide, and it’s just as useful for others.
Page 12
Introduction Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs...
3f files. See "The Preferences Window" on page 47 for more information. Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs FlexColor Menus The FlexColor Menu...
Setup: Opens the Setup window, in which most of the basic settings for an image capture can be made, saved and loaded. See "The Setup Window" on page 29 for more information. Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs...
Page 15
Page Setup.../Print… : Enables you to print the contents of the Thumbnails window. Make sure you have selected the view by clicking on an image in the window, then select Print. Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs FlexColor Menus The File Menu...
(see "The Thumbnails Window" on page 61). • Deselect: Removes the cropping of the currently shown image. • Show Clipboard: displays the current contents of the clipboard. Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs...
You have the ability to save and reuse named neutralization presets. This feature is also accessible from the Modify dialog in the Thumbnails window (see page 67 for details). Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs FlexColor Menus The Modify Menu...
Soft Proof is enabled. The Hide Tools item lets you hide all tool windows. The Maintenance Menu The Maintenance menu is not available when you use FlexColor with a digital camera back. Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs...
Tasks window ... . . see page 111. NOTE! The Batch Scan entry is not available when you use FlexColor with a digital camera back. Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs FlexColor Menus The Window Menu...
Page 20
FlexColor Menus Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs...
A preview of the image will be displayed in the main FlexColor window right away. All settings are previewed using the full 16-bit color depth to display results. Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs The Main FlexColor Window Introduction...
Page 22
16 bit, Grayscale, Grayscale 16 bit, Lineart, or CMYK). This setting mirrors the Mode setting on the General tab of the Setup window. See "General Tab" on page 32 for more information. Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs...
Color Info Button: Click this button to read pixel values from several points in the preview image. See "The Color Info Window" on page 65 for more information. Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs The Main FlexColor Window Color and Exposure Analysis Tools...
The file size of the final image file. This is affected by the Width, Height, Zoom, and PPI settings. It is possible to type a desired output file size. This will adjust the zoom percentage correspondingly (max. 200%). Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs...
Page 25
To resize the crop area, place the mouse cursor over one of the sides or corners. The cursor will change into a double sided arrow. Click and drag the side or corner to stretch or shrink the area. Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs The Main FlexColor Window Size Controls...
90° steps in either direction. Both the preview and the final image will be rotated. Mirror Button: Mirrors the preview and final image. Orientation Icon: Shows the current rotation/mirroring in relation to the captured image. Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs...
The number of lines is per the smallest image dimension (width or height). Scrolling The scroll wheel on your mouse can be used in the preview window - hold down option key to scroll sideways. Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs The Main FlexColor Window Other Controls...
8-bit colors, FlexColor calculates a new 8-bit image from the 16-bit information each time you apply a highlight, shadow, gradation, or color setting. This creates a very accurate preview image. Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs...
All settings you make using the individual tools are also applied to the Setup window, and vice versa. The Setup window is divided into several tab sheets to help you find the setting you want to make. Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs The Setup Window Introduction...
To create a new setup, click on the New button. A window will appear in which you can name the new setup. All of the settings currently applied in the Setup, Gradations, Histogram, and Texture windows will be saved in the new file. Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs...
If you want to modify a generic setup, then select the setup from the Setup pop-up menu, make modifications, then click on New to save your new setup with a new name. Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs...
Grayscale 16-bit: stores final images as 16-bit grayscale TIFF files. This preserves the full tonal range captured by the camera back. To obtain a grayscale result, FlexColor combines information from all three RGB color channels. Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs...
Page 33
528C = 8000 x 10800 pixels) and digital files of up to 144 MB, 384 MB, and 528 MB respectively. Micro-step images will stand up to even greater enlargement than multi-shot images. Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs The Setup Window General Tab...
Page 34
This function is active by default and should only be deselected for images with a very narrow dynamic range or for images with an unusually high amount of color information in dark areas. Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs...
Setup window will also change the settings in that window, and vice versa. See "The Gradations Window" on page 87 for more information about these settings. Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs The Setup Window Contrast Tab...
(typically the blue channel). You can also use these settings to create special effects. Apply Mark this check box to apply the unsharp mask filter to all images. Remove the check to disable the filter. Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs...
Alternatively, you can click on any of the fields in the matrix and edit the value with your keyboard. To modify the saturation in the entire image, use the Saturation up and down buttons or input field. Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs The Setup Window CC (Color Correction) Tab...
Page 38
Neutral red More green in all colors Neutral Blue Neutral Cyan Neutral yellow Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs...
For more information about working with highlight and shadow points, see "The Histogram Window" on page 93. Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs The Setup Window Auto Tab...
All values beyond the limit will be spread out evenly between the limit and the maximum (0 or 255). Force max: All values beyond the limit will be forced to the maximum (0 or 255). Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs...
ICC profiles, which will help to make sure that the colors in your original are maintained and that colors you see on your screen will be accurately reproduced on paper. Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs The Setup Window ColorSync or ICM Tab...
Page 42
ColorSync or ICM Tab For more information about using ICC profiles, see the online help for your operating system. For information about Apples ColorSync site at: http://www.colorsync.apple.com and/or http://www.apple.com. technology, check Apple's web Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs...
Page 43
The standard settings installed all use the device default profile. The primary benefit of this feature is that you can now switch to your own custom input profile without having to edit any of your existing settings. Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs...
Page 44
Convert and Embed Profile fields on the ColorSync or ICM Tab. When selecting the default output profile for RGB, FlexColor will use the output profile as specified on the Output Profiles tab in the Preferences window - see page 51 for details. Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs...
Page 45
- either the RGB or the CMYK profile. If the convert checkbox is not checked the embedded profile will be the current input profile. Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs...
Page 46
See the Getting Started... manual for instructions on how to set up a monitor profile for you system and for advice about using the Softproof feature. Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs...
Introduction The Preferences window contains several miscellaneous settings that control the general functions of the camera back and the software. The Preferences window settings are universal for the FlexColor application, they are not saved with the other settings in the setup files.
Page 48
100 ms. Then decrease the shutter delay in small steps until your image looks right. This way you will find the correct synchronization for your selected camera. Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs...
Page 49
Check this if you want to avoid updating the 3f files with the processed info when saving from these. In this case processing will only be done for the actual cropped area and your unprocessed 3f file will stay small and unprocessed. Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs...
Byline and Copyright fields. Later when opening the Info window for one or more of the captures, this information will show up in the corresponding fields here. See “The Info Window” on page 65 for references. Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs...
The standard settings will specify the default output profiles for all color spaces. Therefore it’s possible to change the specific output profile used by all standard settings simply by selecting another profile in the Output Profiles tab. Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs The Preferences Window Output Profiles Tab...
NOTE! This function will not update the highlight and shadow settings when you move or resize an existing crop area; it only responds when you create a new crop area. If you would like to use the auto function again Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs...
Page 53
Check this box if you want the Height and Width values in the main FlexColor window to be displayed in cm. If this box is not checked, the values will be displayed in inches. Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs...
Page 54
The Preferences Window Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs...
In the majority of cases, the Imacon 330% Skel. K. 75/30% profile will provide the best results. Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs Black Generation...
In general, they are intended for users who are very experienced in making color separations. Most likely, you should speak with your service bureau about how to make these settings. Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs...
Page 57
Click on the Edit button. The Output Profile window appears. We recommend that you save your edited profile using a new name, so click on the Save as button. Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs FlexColor ICC Profiles Editing ColorSync Color Profiles Profiles folder in the tab.
Page 58
The setting is relative, and can be positive or negative. Generally, this value varies from printer to printer. Finding the correct setting will require some trial and error. Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs...
Page 59
Output Profile window. 10. When you are done making settings in the window, click on the Save button to apply the settings to your new profile. Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs FlexColor ICC Profiles Editing ColorSync Color Profiles...
Page 60
FlexColor ICC Profiles Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs...
Opening the Thumbnails Window To open the Thumbnails window, type cmd-8 or click on the Thumbnails button in the main FlexColor window or select Thumbnails from the Window menu. Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs The Thumbnails Window Introduction...
When you load a file from the Thumbnails window into the main FlexColor window, all of the crop, mode, color and image-enhancement settings currently selected as default for the 3f file will also be loaded into FlexColor. Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs...
Size the icons to appear in the Thumbnails window. Crop mask button: Masks off the area outside the current cropping (if any) for each image. Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs The Thumbnails Window Using the Thumbnails Window...
Page 64
The "Capture type" will be shown as one of the following values: • 1 for single-shot and the preview-shot • 4 for multi-shot • 16 for micro-step Progress bar Capture type Image currently previewed Selected thumbnail (highlighted) Crop mask Image name Approval mark Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs...
(cmd) key while clicking Delete will move the image(s) without confirmation. Note that you can delete the images using the del or cmd-del keys on your keyboard as well. Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs The Thumbnails Window Using the Thumbnails Window...
Page 66
Normal or Layers modes will take place in the background and the save tasks will be added to the list in the Task window (see "The Task window" on page 111 for details). Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs...
Page 67
Neutralize captures using: Select from your saved neutralization presets or use the neutralization of the currently shown image. To create a preset simply select Create Preset from Shown Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs...
Page 68
A capture is approved by selecting it and clicking the Approve button or simply typing 'a'. Approved captures are marked by a checkmark in the lower left corner. To remove the approval mark click the Approve button or type 'a'. Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs...
You can print the contents of the Thumbnails window: • Make sure you have selected the view by clicking on a shot in the window. • Select File -> Print. Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs The Thumbnails Window Printing the Thumbnails...
Page 70
The Thumbnails Window Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs...
FlexColor application (see the "Ixpress User's Guide" for details). Within a few seconds the Ixpress Contents Window is available with thumbnails ready to load. Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs Ixpress Contents Window Introduction...
Page 72
Updates the Ixpress Contents window with new pictures from the Image Bank. Approves the selected shot(s). When a shot is approved a checkmark is applied to the thumbnail. Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs Transferred mark Selected Image...
Page 73
Include transferred option will enable you to see all stored images - in this case transferred images are marked with a small arrow in the upper left corner. Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs Ixpress Contents Window Using the Ixpress Contents Window...
Check the Renumber from checkbox if you want the images to be renumbered while loaded - type the starting number in the number field. • Click Load... The images will be transferred to and saved in the currently selected folder on the computer. Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs...
From the Thumbnails window you can select one or more thumbnails and use the Get Info button to display an Info window for each of the selected files. Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs The Info Window Intoduction...
Page 76
The contents, if any, from the Byline field in the Default Info section of the 3f tab in the Preferences window (see page 50) will be added automatically each time an image is captured. Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs...
Page 77
The image will be loaded with the exact settings used when the corresponding entry was generated. The eye icon to the left of the entry indicates the file currently loaded. Deletes an entry. Delete... Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs The Info Window Using the Info Window...
Page 78
Info window and in the Thumbnails window. Adds an entry to the list with the settings of the image currently displayed in the FlexColor preview. Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs...
The Meter in the center of the window indicates the overall brightness of the image. Ideally, it should be near the top of the green area, but without entering into the red area, which indicates an overexposure. The indicator Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs The Exposure Window Introduction...
1/15 sec. Then be sure that you do not set your camera body to use an exposure time that is longer than this. If you Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs...
To perform the calibration click the Custom White... button and follow the directions given in the appeaaring window. Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs The Exposure Window Custom White Calibration...
Page 82
The Exposure Window Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs...
(mouse cursor). The numbers shown in the Color Info window indicate averages of the values found in the sample area. You can choose a setting of 1x1, 3x3 or 5x5 pixels. Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs The Color Info Window Introduction...
Then click on a point in your image to place the point. A numbered diamond will then appear on the preview image at the point you select. Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs...
(Gradations, Histogram, Color Correction, and Texture) to the settings saved with the current setup (see "Correction Controls" on page 24 for details). Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs Active and Reload Buttons Introduction...
Page 86
Active and Reload Buttons Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs...
(on the horizontal-axis) versus output brightness (on the vertical-axis). You can hide or show the curve by clicking on the small triangle beneath the Shadow depth slider. Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs The Gradations Window Introduction...
Reset button. None of your other FlexColor settings will be affected. NOTE! The sliders affect all colors equally. They are not affected by the setting in the color channel pop-up menu located above the gradation curve. Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs...
• To remove a gravity point from the curve, click on the point and then press the backspace button on your keyboard. Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs Using the Gradations Color Picker More overall contrast The Gradations Window...
Page 90
While dragging a gravity point using the mouse, hold down the shift key to restrict its movement to the horizontal direction. • Clicking in the curve area while holding down the alt key changes the numbers of grid lines. Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs...
Click and drag on the line to adjust the threshold level to the right (which will cause more pixels to go to black) or the left (which will cause more pixels to go to white). Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs The Gradations Window Setting the Threshold for Lineart Captures...
Page 92
The Gradations Window Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs...
Ask him or her what to look for when you are evaluating your proof prints. You should also read some books about digital photography, digital imaging, scanning, and color reproduction. Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs The Histogram Window Introduction...
FlexColor window, or select Histogram from the Window menu. Show Output Histogram button Auto Button Highlight color picker Shadow value Highlight slider Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs Reload button Active button Maximum output value and slider Minimum output value and slider...
Page 95
If the current setup is configured to remove color cast, the image will also be automatically neutralized. Reload/Active Buttons: See description on page 85. Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs The Histogram Window The Histogram Display...
Both the highlight and shadow color pickers will affect the brightness and contrast in your image by choosing the tonal range. Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs...
Page 97
255 in any of the colors). All pixels brighter than the one you selected will burn out. Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs The Histogram Window The Histogram Color Pickers...
Once your image is neutralized it will stay that way until you either change the setup or perform another neutralization. You can undo a neutralization setting by selecting Edit -> Undo or pressing cmd-z on your keyboard. Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs...
The color will immediately appear in the top (before) color box. Offsets to its pixel values are listed in the R, G, B, C, M, and Y fields (by default, these values are all set to zero). Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs Selective Color Correction Color before color correction.
Page 100
Avoid entering a cycle in which you repeat each of these settings until both windows are set to extremes. Extreme settings will typically degrade your image. Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs...
See "The Detail Window" on page 105 for information about how to use the Detail window. Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs The Texture Window Introduction...
20 is recommended. To open the Texture window, type cmd-4 or click on the Texture button in the Correction area of the main FlexColor window, or select Texture from the Window menu. Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs...
Page 103
This is controlled on the USM tab of the Setup window. See "USM (Unsharp Masking) Tab" on page 36 for instructions. FlexTouch Filter For scanner use only! Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs The Texture Window Using the Texture Window...
Page 104
The Texture Window Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs...
The view to the left can be used either as a detail view or as a magnification view enabling you to read color values for a specific pixel in your image. Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs The Detail Window Introduction...
To open the Detail window, type cmd-5 or click on the Detail button in the Zoom area of the main FlexColor window or select Detail from the Window menu. Detail view Zoom In Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs Currently selected detail view Detail view lock...
To open the Live Video window, type cmd-L or select Live Video from the Window menu. NOTE! On certain cameras you must set the shutter in 'B' position before using the Live Video mode. Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs The Live Video Window Introduction...
Please note that you can undo a neutralization setting by selecting Edit -> Undo or pressing cmd-z on your keyboard. Note that the picker will be unavailable when Black & White mode is selected. Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs...
Page 109
Adjusting Light and Contrast By default the Light and Contrast settings are done automatically, but unchecking the Auto box will enable you to adjust these parameters manually. Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs The Live Video Window Live Video Window Tools...
Page 110
The Live Video Window Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs...
3f file will stay small and unprocessed (see page 47 for details) . Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs The Tasks Window Background save from 3f...
Page 112
The Tasks Window Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs...
You will be asked to confirm the operation. Cmd-del: Deletes the currently selected image(s) from your hard disk without confirmation. Info Window F10: Toggles between General and History. Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs Appendix Keyboard Shortcuts...
Cmd-Z command. command removes the text and saves it on a system-wide virtual clipboard. removing it. point. insertion point is standing. Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs...
Page 115
Cmd-4: Opens/closes the Texture window. Cmd-5: Opens/closes the Detail window. Cmd-7: Opens/closes the Exposure window. Cmd-8: Opens/closes the Thumbnails window. Cmd-9: Opens/closes the Color Info window. Cmd-L: Opens/closes the Live Video window. Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs...
Page 116
Appendix Keyboard Shortcuts Software Reference - FlexColor 4.0 for Camera Backs...
Need help?
Do you have a question about the FlexColor V4 and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers