Fred,
Is the True Focus II still based on one single focus point and does it detect just angle changes or does it now also detect
movement closer to and from the subject.
The H5D does provide a single focus point in the center (within the brackets) and the yaw rate sensor detects the angle of inclination once a photographer has locked in True Focus and then recomposes. It does not detect "movement closer to and from the subject" i believe this would be predictive focus. I will add this to the list that i will send to our product managers.
Second question. Is there a vertical grip?
Not that I am aware of.
Third question. While there is a waist level finder with slightly higher magnification than the prism finder it is hopeless for vertical shooting.
No there is no magnification lens for the waist level finder.
Most editorial work is shot vertical and focus and recompose is quite annoying when you are trying to concentrate on the subtleties of working with
the live subject. Nothing more annoying that a wiggling camera.. focus recompose again and again. The Prism just isn't high enough magnification for accurate focusing wide open if we consider the resolution of the sensors.
The nice thing about True Focus, you can lock in focus and recompose and then take your first capture, as long as you or your subject does not move, you can make as many captures as you like.
Hasselblad used to offer more view finder options, including the movable high magnification waist level finder that let you move the loup around to better view the corners of concentrate on the expression of a model in a non close up.
Absolutely true, the 500 series has been around since 1957 (55 years) and Hasselblad has produced numerous accessories, viewfinders included throughout the decades. The H systems at 10 years of age is quite young by Hasselblad standards
. I do believe we offer an impression array of accessories and lenses for this system. We did offer the view magnifier for the PM/PME45 prisms, please remember this addition to the line was approx 40 years following the introduction of the 500C in 1957. I have already noted your request for a view magnifier for the HV/HVD prisms.
I really don't understand this reversal especially considering the investment for the camera... users would be more likely to invest in accessories.
We are adding additional accessories as time goes on, this year it includes the 24mm, Macro ring, previously the HTS, improvements in optical design for the 50mm HC II, 120mm II, etc.
You said this info is passed on ... I know for a fact that a lot of people has been asking about 2 and 3 for years.
Information that is provided directly to me, via e-mail or phone is sent to our product managers who maintain a master list of feature requests and suggestions. Please understand that we receive thousands of requests annually and it is not possible to implement all of them. THe 24mm, improved eyecup, weather sealing, Print-ready JPEG mode, plus many more are a direct results of feedback that we have received from our users.
I do hope I have answered your questions sufficiently.