Hasselblad Factory Visit @ 2/2010

[derekhsu]

I had visited Hasselblad Factory in early February 2010 with a prior arrangment by Shriro HK.

I had used the Imacon I96 and then upgraded to I96C DB with Rollei 6008 since 2000 and then dropped the whole system in 2006 and decided to choose Hasselblad H3D as my core system.

In addition, I had also visited the previous named Rollei Factory in Braunsweigh and Leica Factory in Solms in 2005.

I had discovered an important news regarding a gentleman called Mr Hans (I supposed is the key man from Rollei in charged of the Sales in Asian Countries at that time) Rollei is suffering a serious financial difficulties during 2005-2007.

Beside this, our (Ex-Rollei) HK distributor - Jebsen Group didn't place many orders from Rollei and the agreement was expired @9/2008, however, we have a parallel importer in HK whom I found out all this stories from 2005 onwards.

Anyway, I was very happy and satisfied with what I have seen and learned from this Trip.  
Hasselblad's guy is very nice, with passion, with all their Superb Technical knowledge and well managed operation.

I was lucky I had make this decision in 2006 to drop all my Rollei systems which I had used the Brand for over 20 years.

Most of the replies do have an Brief English Translation, indeed, the Chinese version especially on the 1st page is the FULL Original Version.

http://www.digiback.net/bbs/viewthread.php...;extra=page%3D1

[EricWHiss]

It's interesting to see the lens inspection equipment - thanks for sharing. But you'll have to take a new picture - you're still holding the Rollei in your avatar.  Don't you miss it?

[derekhsu]

It's interesting to see the lens inspection equipment - thanks for sharing. But you'll have to take a new picture - you're still holding the Rollei in your avatar.  Don't you miss it?

Thanks Eric!
Will do so!

Also like to share 1 more fact regarding to the H4D-60 on page 3 and I would like to point out that Hasselblad is doing an Excellent Product Development on the new H4D-40, 50 and 60 so on in handling the long exposure noise issue which is proven the Market no 1 in the World.

The Dalsa 60MP chips do suffering a big shadow noise problem but only Hasselblad explicit mentioned and able to solve it.

I have just seen the article from Jeff Grant on H4D-40. Excellent! Excellent!

Best Regards

[derekhsu]

Thanks Eric!
Will do so!

Also like to share 1 more fact regarding to the H4D-60 on page 3 and I would like to point out that Hasselblad is doing an Excellent Product Development on the new H4D-40, 50 and 60 so on in handling the long exposure noise issue which is proven the Market no 1 in the World.

The Dalsa 60MP chips do suffering a big shadow noise problem but only Hasselblad explicit mentioned and able to solve it.

I have just seen the article from Jeff Grant on H4D-40. Excellent! Excellent!

Best Regards

Please spend some time reading the English Translation.  Very interesting!
1st time in the world, Hasselblad allow a user to visit their Factory!
The Lens Testing section is referring to the MTF Testing!

   

[Nick-T]

I have just seen the article from Jeff Grant on H4D-40. Excellent! Excellent!

Best Regards

Hi Derek
Do you have a link for Jeff's article?
Cheers
Nick-T

[derekhsu]

Hi Derek
Do you have a link for Jeff's article?
Cheers
Nick-T

Actually from http://forum.getdpi.com/ on a topic H4D-40 @800 ISO shooting .....
but it seems they are suffereing with a database connection problem

Here it is!

http://forum.getdpi.com/forum/showthread.php?t=14851


Regards

[Doug Peterson]

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[vandevanterSH]

Thanks for posting this, an enjoyable and fun "read".  I thought it was interesting that there still is a "V" system production line.  The photos of the internal parts of the "H" body are also quite nice.

Steve

[derekhsu]

Thanks for posting this, an enjoyable and fun "read".  I thought it was interesting that there still is a "V" system production line.  The photos of the internal parts of the "H" body are also quite nice.

Steve

Thanks Steve!
I have updated the statement regarding the V Production Line!
Frankly, it is remain only for small scale stuff, not possible for any re-issue of V Product Range!

I have voiced out the high demand for SWC in Asia, perhaps called it 999SWC (we like lucky numbers  )because there is still a demand for SWC especially if they could bundle with CFV-39!
Unless, there is at least a 1,000 unit MOQ (Min Ordered Quantity - from Hasselblad to Carl Zeiss for the lens), otherwise, not a chance for it....

Anyway, Dr Larry (the new CEO of Hasselblad, had been worked in Carl Zeiss Asia Pacific operations based in Japan for over 16 years) whom I think he is a very important man to Hasselblad and impact to the whole MF DB industry!

After my trip, I could say Hasselblad do have the control of Price Leadership, Technology Leadership, Excellent 1 stop solution manufacture, with passion to deliver such a good Quality MF Digital Camera to us!

 

I have started to write another article (in Tradition Chinese version) related to the TWO most renowned European Manufacturer in the World Hasselblad and Leica and I am also arranging a Product Comparison for my H3D39 & S2.

However, I am pushing the Leica HK Distributor to release their only 1 demo unit for this purpose.

[vandevanterSH]

Thanks for the clarification on the "V" series production line.

"I have voiced out the high demand for SWC, perhaps called it 999SWC because there is still a demand for SWC especially if they could bundle with CFV-39!"

The combination of SWC, 38mm Biogon is very nice even though Hasselblad doesn't recommend this combination for "critical" use.  Some of my favorite pictures are from a 40 year old SWC and CFV.  No need for a new SWC, there are a fair number on the used market and have very few parts to go bad.  If you do try this combination, use the sync cable rather than relying on the internal mechanical link to the Digital back.

Steve

[derekhsu]

Thanks for the clarification on the "V" series production line.

"I have voiced out the high demand for SWC, perhaps called it 999SWC because there is still a demand for SWC especially if they could bundle with CFV-39!"

The combination of SWC, 38mm Biogon is very nice even though Hasselblad doesn't recommend this combination for "critical" use.  Some of my favorite pictures are from a 40 year old SWC and CFV.  No need for a new SWC, there are a fair number on the used market and have very few parts to go bad.  If you do try this combination, use the sync cable rather than relying on the internal mechanical link to the Digital back.

Steve

Of course, it must be the SWC/M or later version.
Ove had written a White Paper on this, please refer to my article page 2 reply#18 for all the details:

http://www.digiback.net/bbs/viewthread.php...tra=&page=2

Most of the 2nd hand SWC/M may have some mechanical wear especially on the shutter trigger button used in conjuction with CFV-39.
Users in all circumstance not recommended to use Full Open Aperture, I will suggest to increase the ISO level with 1 stop aperture down to compensate the focus issue on both corner.

Subject to the real demand, with Dr Larry's influence and arrangement - Zeiss could alter the formula a bit to fit in for Digital use.

Thanks!

[vandevanterSH]

Of course, it must be the SWC/M or later version.
Ove had written a White Paper on this, please refer to my article page 2 reply#18 for all the details:

http://www.digiback.net/bbs/viewthread.php...tra=&page=2

Most of the 2nd hand SWC/M may have some mechanical wear especially on the shutter trigger button used in conjuction with CFV-39.
Users in all circumstance not recommended to use Full Open Aperture, I will suggest to increase the ISO level with 1 stop aperture down to compensate the focus issue on both corner.

Subject to the real deman, with Dr Larry's influence and arrangement - Zeiss could alter the formula a bit to fit in for Digital use.

Thanks!

A very helpful web site...I have added it to my list. :>)

Steve

[vandevanterSH]

"Of course, it must be the SWC/M or later version."

A pre-1980 SWC (non-M) can be used if the quick release shoe if modified with Hasselblad kit # 44059....I didn't have a kit so I did a modification with careful use of power tools. :>)

Steve

[derekhsu]

"Of course, it must be the SWC/M or later version."

A pre-1980 SWC (non-M) can be used if the quick release shoe if modified with Hasselblad kit # 44059....I didn't have a kit so I did a modification with careful use of power tools. :>)

Steve

Thank you Steve!
 

[Nick-T]

Update Jeff has kindly put down some thoughts on the H4D40 which I have posted on my blog:

http://www.nick-t.com/blog/

Cheers
Nick-T

[derekhsu]

Thanks Nick!

I have tested the H4D-40 at Shriro HK office last week.
Even set at ISO 1600 noise is noticeable but much much much better than my H3D-39 @ISO800.
The new Kodak Chips and Hassselblad' staff did a great job on the Firmware.

Will find a time slot to test some shot and long exposure as well as consecutive long exposure to test the embedded Kodak (Flush Cache Feature) only available on the 40 and 50 chips.

From what Jeff demonstrating, it is proven the H4D-40 is great!

Regards
Derek

[Dick Roadnight]

I had visited Hasselblad Factory in early February 2010 with a prior arrangment by Shriro HK.

Most of the replies do have an Brief English Translation, indeed, the Chinese version especially on the 1st page is the FULL Original Version.

I am glad that they are working on the shadow noise problem with the 60 - I certainly do not want "Canon balls" in the shadows. ... and picture with large areas of deep shadow are very "in" at the moment. We heard weeks ago that Hasselblad were working to resolve problems Phase have with the Dalsa 60Mpx chip... Doug told us that Phase had no problems with the 60 chip, but this is probably what they were on about.

I hope we can rely on Hasselblad to get it right before they market it.

When I get my H4D-60 I will set up a comparative test, and shadow noise will be one of the features for which I will test.

[derekhsu]

I am glad that they are working on the shadow noise problem with the 60 - I certainly do not want "Canon balls" in the shadows. ... and picture with large areas of deep shadow are very "in" at the moment. We heard weeks ago that Hasselblad were working to resolve problems Phase have with the Dalsa 60Mpx chip... Doug told us that Phase had no problems with the 60 chip, but this is probably what they were on about.

I hope we can rely on Hasselblad to get it right before they market it.

When I get my H4D-60 I will set up a comparative test, and shadow noise will be one of the features for which I will test.

Hi Dick,

Great!
I am still a Kodak fans which will go for the H4D-50 then!

Yeah! It is very difficult to undertand all the statement on verbal conversation or over the internet.
It is, indeed, a controversial topic related to the DALSA 60MP chips.

To be fair, we should test a sample shot in slow shutter speed both in B/W and Color under a very low ambient light condition!
We should test a consecutive 10 shots and then take the last shot as comparison.

RAW file must be shown with all setting values.

Then we could tell the result then!

Action speaks louder than word!  That's why I have mentioned in my articles with all possible supportings....

Regards
Derek

[Doug Peterson]

Yeah! It is very difficult to undertand all the statement on verbal conversation or over the internet.
It is, indeed, a controversial topic related to the DALSA 60MP chips.
[...]

Action speaks louder than word!  That's why I have mentioned in my articles with all possible supportings....

Funny how it's not controversial amongst those who use P65+ backs on a regular basis...

[Dick Roadnight]

Discussion with Peter for the H4D-60!

Yes, Peter told me the H4D-60 indeed is using the DALSA CCD Chips but Exclusive to Hasselblad, however, it is not the STOCK version as P1 is using.  Hasselbald also delivered the best Optical Quality where this STOCK version DALSA 60M CCD chips do suffer a significant Shadow Noise Problem.   Therefore, Hasselblad and DALSA worked together and drill down the cause of the issues and enhanced it with an Exclusive 60M Chips version for Hasselblad.

The gentleman responsible to help DALSA to solve the NOISE Problem is named Anders Poulsen (R&D Manager - Hasselblad).

Please remember!
If you want just the Ordinary STOCK version but charge at an extraordinary price, you may go now and pay for it.

If you are looking for the Best, you should then go for the H4D-60 with a proven on-going product enhancement and a secure Product Life Cycle to protect your valuable investment.

PS:  It is very difficult to find any sample pictures taken by P1 DB in a long exposure mode or low light condition.  Do you know why?

I am glad that Hasselblad are working on the shadow noise problem with the 60 - I certainly do not want "Canon balls" in the shadows. ... and pictures with large areas of deep shadow are very "in" at the moment. We heard weeks ago that Hasselblad were working to resolve problems Phase have with the Dalsa 60Mpx chip... Doug told us that Phase had no problems with the 60 chip, but this is probably what they were on about.

I hope we can rely on Hasselblad to get it right before they market it.

Funny how it's not controversial amongst those who use P65+ backs on a regular basis...

We who are looking forward to getting H4D-60s sympathize with those who sell or use P65+s.

Hasselblad seem to be very much into the DSLR market, and seem to be making no effort to promote their digibacks for use on view cameras... so Phase Digibacks may still get sold for view camera use (and for interchangeability).

Perhaps someone could post some "Canon ball" samples, showing the degree of shadow noise on Phase, Hasselblad, Canon and Nikon cameras?