Luminous Landscape Forum
Equipment & Techniques => Medium Format / Film / Digital Backs – and Large Sensor Photography => Topic started by: cmykphoto on November 22, 2008, 04:45:14 pm
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i just notice that the new hasselblad H2 body firmware is version is 9.4.1 and the version on my H2 body is 9.1.1, i'm using H2 with phaseone P30+ and work with no problem, my questions are:
1. it's necessary to update the firmware to the lastest version one on my body? any difference?
2. how to update without a hasselblad digtial back, since i can't find any firewire connection on the body?
thanks!!!
cmykphoto
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I can't tell you the difference between 9.1.1 and 9.4.1 so I cannot comment whether it is relevant for you (maybe one of the Hasselblad guys can).
For Upgrading the firmware; Your friendly Hasselblad dealer or find a friend with a Hasselblad back to help you. I think these are your options to upgrade your firmware.
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I can't tell you the difference between 9.1.1 and 9.4.1 so I cannot comment whether it is relevant for you (maybe one of the Hasselblad guys can).
For Upgrading the firmware; Your friendly Hasselblad dealer or find a friend with a Hasselblad back to help you. I think these are your options to upgrade your firmware.
According to the Hasselblad site the latest firmware is 9.2.2 which addresses the delayed mirror shake and white balance button assignment.
Victor
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The shutter delay after mirror up comes in very handy. That would definitely be something worthwile upgrading your firmware.
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i just notice that the new hasselblad H2 body firmware is version is 9.4.1 and the version on my H2 body is 9.1.1, i'm using H2 with phaseone P30+ and work with no problem, my questions are:
1. it's necessary to update the firmware to the lastest version one on my body? any difference?
2. how to update without a hasselblad digtial back, since i can't find any firewire connection on the body?
thanks!!!
cmykphoto
I tried to include changes specific to H1 and H2. Some of the feature and function changes are also applicable to the HxD cameras as well.
#1,
9.4.1
Functional changes
None
Improvements
Increased support for camera controls via Phocus
9.4.0
Functional Changes
1. The new camera engine has been modified to work on H2D cameras as well. As a result of this the HCD28 lens and HVD80x viewfinder works on the H2D.
2. New user button function; Expose.
3. The default interval time changed back to 30 s.
Improvements
1. GIL support added.
2. Possible for FlexColor to adjust the focus regardless of camera mode (previously only possible
in video-mode).
3. Alerts sent to digital back when AF-mode, LM-mode and Fixed exposure adjustment is
changed, which allows for Phocus to monitor and control these parameters.
9.3.2
Additional changes – H1, H1D, H2, H2D, H3D, H3DII
It is now possible to Asssign AE-L to any user button.
9.3.0
Additional changes – H1, H1D, H2, H2D, H3D, H3DII
Battery Status
An immediate full screen informational battery status check now appears on the grip LCD by holding down the illumination battery status button. This screen displays:
• The firmware version of the camera body (left) and digital magazine (right).
• The number of exposures taken since the last battery recharge/changed.
• A battery status icon that provides a quick visual check as well as a figure estimate
in percentage.
Please note that the battery status icon is only available when the rechargeable 7.2v Li-ion battery grip is fitted.
The information regarding the number of exposures taken is intended to help you make an estimate of the number of possible remaining exposures according to your way of working. For example, if you regularly browse a great deal when shooting or you leave the camera in standby mode of 30 seconds, you would naturally expect the drain the battery sooner than others who don’t. You should soon be able to build a picture of how you usually work and can therefore estimate that after X number of exposures, you normally expect to be able to take Y exposures before the battery is exhausted (when working in a similar manner in similar conditions).
The percentage information, however, provides another kind of estimate based more on the amount of power left in the battery rather than on your normal way of working.
Remember that these are only estimates and that there are a number of factors affecting remaining battery status: ambient temperature ...
Mirror delay
A new Custom Option has been added to lessen some camera shake problems common with longer hand held exposures leading to a loss of sharpness. The normal remedy of using a tripod or support and manually raising the mirror is not always suitable.
To counteract this situation, you can now increase the delay time between the mirror settling into its raised position and the opening of the shutter. Although the time here is in milliseconds, tests have shown a marked improvement in many cases. Consequently, slower shutter speeds can be considered (whether hand held or on a tripod/support) than would normally be advised while still retaining sharpness normally only obtainable with faster shutter speeds.
There are number of factors – shutter speed/sturdiness of tripods or support/focal length of lens – to take into account when determining the ideal setting. 50 milliseconds are suggested as a good starting point for experimentation and is the default setting.
Additional changes – H1, H1D, H2, H2D, H3D, H3DII
The amount of time that the ON-OFF button must be depressed before turning on the camera on has been increased from 500 ms to 750ms to avoid unintentional battery drain (inadvertently pressed in a camera bag, for example).
Profile
ISO, white balance, as well as color temperature and color tint are now stored in the camera profile, be aware of which settings you have made regarding ISO and white balance when saving. (Color tint although not a user setting, is invisibly stored anyway after manual white balance has been made and in accordance with the prevailing light conditions at the time).
9.2.0
Added or changed functionality H1 / H1D / H2 / H2D Camera
Turning the camera off from Standby
The camera can now be turned off directly from the Standby mode by pressing the on-off button. In previous versions it was necessary to firrst click the on-off button to reactivate the camera, release the button and then pressing it again to turn the camera off.
Histogram display
Before, when a histogram was displayed on the camera grip LCD, it was necessary to press any button twice in order to implement a chosen function. The first press would only clear the histogram. In the 9.2.0 release, a single press of any button (not only function buttons but also FLASH, AF, MENU, etc) will implement the function directly. For example, when the USER button is set to AF Drive, a single press will clear the histogram and then implement AF Drive automatically in one action.
“Standard”
The light metering mode has now been changed from Average to Centre Weighted in the “Standard”
9.1.2
Added or changed functionality
Exposure adjustment setting
The user can now select the amount of exposure compensation for each click of the control wheel. The setting is made in the Custom Option #3. This will affect the setting of quick adjust (rear control wheel) and fixed exposure adjustment. Possible settings: 1, 1/2 or 1/3 stop choice which replaces the previous 1/3 stop only incremental step.
Interval exposure function
The Interval function has two new functions. Firstly it now supports an unlimited number of exposures, secondly a delay before the first exposure can be set in Custom option #29. Possible settings: Number of exposures: 2-99, No limit. For the initial delay: None, 2, 10, 60 or the interval time.
Bracketing exposure function
The bracketing function now supports 7 and 9 frames in addition to 2, 3 or 5 as in previous versions. Possible settings: 2, 3, 5, 7 or 9. In the bracketing mode the viewfinder display no longer shows any bracketing information.
Aperture indication
In Custom Option #30 the user can select to display the aperture indication on the grip in two different ways.
Flash warning
In Custom Option #28 the user can select to inactivate the underexposure warning for the flash (”Low Flash”). Possible settings: On or Off.
Aperture indication
Light meter: Aperture values in Manual exposure mode are presented as on most hand-held light meters where a smaller digit is shown after the aperture value indicating the number of 1/10 stops to add to the main value.
Normal: Aperture values are presented as e.g. ”5.6 - 6.8 - 8”.
#2,
For firmware updating to the body.
a. Firmware updating can be performed via Ixpress C, CF or H3D/H3DII digital magazines.
b. Send in your body to Hasselbad USA for firmware upgrade. There is charge for this service if only the firmware is upgrade. If any camera is sent in for service, upgrading of firmware is automatic and no additional charge applies.
c. Visit your local Authorized Hasselblad dealer and ask if they would do the upgrade for you. There may be a charge involved, so make sure you inquire.
Paul Claesson
Hasselblad USA
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According to the Hasselblad site the latest firmware is 9.2.2 which addresses the delayed mirror shake and white balance button assignment.
Victor
The current firmware is 9.4.1
The website has not been updated with a new technical document showing changes since 9.2.2
Hopefully you will use the list I posted previously to this topic.
Paul Claesson
Hasselblad USA
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The current firmware is 9.4.1
The website has not been updated with a new technical document showing changes since 9.2.2
Hopefully you will use the list I posted previously to this topic.
Paul Claesson
Hasselblad USA
I have a similar situation in that my H2D has a body with firmware 9.03 and it should be v2.0.1. I cannot find whether it is worth updating. You may ask how I got myself into this situation of the mismatch. The back was bought thinking I could use on my H2 but of course it will not recognise it. Luckily after months of searching I found a H2D body for sale and put the two together. Only then I find the firewire connection will not communicate with the pc. It gets power but Phocus cannot see it. Big lesson for me. Next time I will buy from a dealer as normal. So my question is should I make a trip to the Hasselblad dealer and see if they can update the body for me ?
Martin Earnshaw
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I have a similar situation in that my H2D has a body with firmware 9.03 and it should be v2.0.1. I cannot find whether it is worth updating. You may ask how I got myself into this situation of the mismatch. The back was bought thinking I could use on my H2 but of course it will not recognise it. Luckily after months of searching I found a H2D body for sale and put the two together. Only then I find the firewire connection will not communicate with the pc. It gets power but Phocus cannot see it. Big lesson for me. Next time I will buy from a dealer as normal. So my question is should I make a trip to the Hasselblad dealer and see if they can update the body for me ?
Martin Earnshaw
Hi Martin,
So you did you buy the digital part of the H2D separately? Shouldn't be possible as they were only ever sold as complete cameras.
If you are getting power from the PC then I see no reason why it should not communicate - unless the Firewire port has been damaged. If you are using Windows then check you have the drivers installed.
The dealer should be able to update the body easily using Phocus. If they cannot communicate with the H2D then sounds like the Firewire port has been damaged - perhaps why it was sold on separately?
Best,
David
PS. And YES you should definitely update.
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Hi Martin,
So you did you buy the digital part of the H2D separately? Shouldn't be possible as they were only ever sold as complete cameras.
If you are getting power from the PC then I see no reason why it should not communicate - unless the Firewire port has been damaged. If you are using Windows then check you have the drivers installed.
The dealer should be able to update the body easily using Phocus. If they cannot communicate with the H2D then sounds like the Firewire port has been damaged - perhaps why it was sold on separately?
Best,
David
PS. And YES you should definitely update.
Thanks for your help David. The body was a backup and I never got the whole story about the back. Both were from different locations in the US. It is still a mystery as it has little use. As for the update I did try the card method with the .cim file but the body would not update. Guess I will make the trip to the dealer.
Best Regards Matin
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Thanks for your help David. The body was a backup and I never got the whole story about the back. Both were from different locations in the US. It is still a mystery as it has little use. As for the update I did try the card method with the .cim file but the body would not update. Guess I will make the trip to the dealer.
Best Regards Matin
Ok! Odd!
The .cim file only updates the back not the body.
For the body update you need to be connected to Phocus or FlexColor as there is a bit more involved to that update.
Yep, so make a trip to the dealer. If the Firewire port is damaged then it will need a trip to Denmark.
Best,
David
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Is it worth the extra $$ to get an H2 instead of an H1?
I hear that the only diff is a firmware upgrade. The difference in price is like $1000 or so.
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Is it worth the extra $$ to get an H2 instead of an H1?
I hear that the only diff is a firmware upgrade. The difference in price is like $1000 or so.
It is not just firmware, also electronics.
Wether choosing an H1 or an H2 depends on its application.
Best,
David
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It is not just firmware, also electronics.
Wether choosing an H1 or an H2 depends on its application.
Best,
David
Is there a difference in functionality when used with a film back?
regards,
Henrik
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Is there a difference in functionality when used with a film back?
regards,
Henrik
Henrik
There is no difference between an H1 or H2 when used with an HM 16-32 film magazine.
Paul Claesson
Hasselblad USA
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How Can I find the version on H1 Body ?
is it ? > Menu > Settings > system status > Body 9.10
is it possible (and necessary) to update the H1 Firmware with a PhaseOne 45 Back ?
... and how ?
thank you
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How Can I find the version on H1 Body ?
is it ? > Menu > Settings > system status > Body 9.10
yes
is it possible (and necessary) to update the H1 Firmware with a PhaseOne 45 Back ?
... and how ?
thank you
It's neither possible nor necessary. The H2 Upgrade enabled better communication between Hasselblad backs and bodies and allowed the back (Hasselblad) to draw power from the body handgrip.
Included in the upgrade is a (much more powerful) 7.2v battery and charger.
Nick-T
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thank you Nick-T
then I shall wait 5 or 10 years when the New H4D or H5D will allow 20 minutes exposure to upgrade my Hasselblad :-)
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Paul, does the latest firmware resolve the mirror slap issues with the H1 as well, or just the H2?
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Paul, does the latest firmware resolve the mirror slap issues with the H1 as well, or just the H2?
Hi Lisa,
As Paul writes, it also applies to the H1.
Best,
David
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Hi Lisa,
As Paul writes, it also applies to the H1.
Best,
David
Can an H3DII39 back be used to update the firmware of an H1?
Kind regards,
Derek
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Paul, does the latest firmware resolve the mirror slap issues with the H1 as well, or just the H2?
Hi Lisa
I have three H1/H2 bodies and use them professionally in my capture business. I also work daily with any system that my clients ask for, including the Phase One 645 III.
The Hasselblad H1/H2 mirror shake is dependent on several factors.
The firmware delay will not prevent the shake, only delay the exposure, which will reflect in less shake at the moment the picture is taken.
A factor which has as much influence on the shake, is which lens you use: the larger lens, the more shake. When you use the 100mm, 80mm, 50mm, which are all lighter and smaller lenses, the shake will be "more" controllable. The shake is only an issue when you handhold the camera.
My opinion about the H1/H2 camera is that it's the best 645 system out there, and has been ever since it was released.
Features:
Fast and exact autofocus, solidly constructed, synchs up to 1/800th sec., ultra sharp lenses. The 50-110mm zoom was tested by Michael Reichmann a while ago together with the Apo Sironar HM 100mm, see link: http://www.luminous-landscape.com/essays/back-testing.shtml (http://www.luminous-landscape.com/essays/back-testing.shtml)
I have personally experienced the same differences of sharpness on other occasions with other HR lenses.
All in all, the system just works.
What I don't like is the "new" corporate Hasselblad attitude towards its costumers (me). Locking me out with their lenses that are incompatible with a system that I was sold as "Future Proof and Upgradeable". That's just plain lying, as well as bad business ethics, and I'm embarrassed to admit that they share the same country of origin as me.
What to do in the future is hard to say, since nothing will stop Mamiya from doing the same, they have the right to do so, and if they deem its necessary for the survival of the brand, they are going to do so.
The AFi and Hy6 is already locked.
I have 2 more things I would like to mention. When buying an H3D-II, you get one body and one back. What about a back-up? Yes, you can buy an extra body directly from Hasselblad, at a mere $7000/body !
Also, though I'm happy to hear that Phocus now has an auto file developer function which will convert 3F files to DNG on the go, there's still a delay and a toll on the computer's processor. What if you are shooting to a laptop on-location and the client wants to walk away with the RAW files at the end of the day. Will you hand over 3F files which can't open in Photoshop?
All the best,
Esben
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I have 2 more things I would like to mention. When buying an H3D-II, you get one body and one back. What about a back-up? Yes, you can buy an extra body directly from Hasselblad, at a mere $7000/body !
Also, though I'm happy to hear that Phocus now has an auto file developer function which will convert 3F files to DNG on the go, there's still a delay and a toll on the computer's processor. What if you are shooting to a laptop on-location and the client wants to walk away with the RAW files at the end of the day. Will you hand over 3F files which can't open in Photoshop?
All the best,
Esben
Hi Esben,
The spare H3DII body is nothing like $7000USD! It would be much nearer half that, so I am sorry if you have been misinformed. You could check YFO.se price list.
In SEK it is 28,245 which is about 3100USD. Not quite 7000 I am happy to say.
As a DNG alternative you could also hand over a copy of Phocus to your client. There are no licencing issues.
Best Regards,
David
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Thanks for your insights Esben.
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Hi Esben,
The spare H3DII body is nothing like $7000USD! It would be much nearer half that, so I am sorry if you have been misinformed. You could check YFO.se price list.
In SEK it is 28,245 which is about 3100USD. Not quite 7000 I am happy to say.
As a DNG alternative you could also hand over a copy of Phocus to your client. There are no licencing issues.
Best Regards,
David
Hi David
I'm happy to hear I was incorrect about the price for a spare body (without viewfinder and matt-screen).
So what happens if I buy two sets of Hasselblad H3D-II, ei. one 31 and one 50. Do I need to buy two spare bodies, since they are focus adjusted and mated specific to the individual H3D-II camera?
In regards to the RAW files delivery, I see many clients, both editorial and advertising, who want RAW files instead of TIFFs. If I was asking my clients to use a new piece of software, just so they could see the images, I might as well say: Thanks, nice working with you, and never expect them to call again.
For most people, life is too short to learn each of the new software applications on the market, not to mention keeping themselves ajour with up-dates. This is why, each time I talk to Hasselblad developers, technicians, or sales people, I've tried to emphasize the importance of file compatibility with PS, especially if Hasselblad wants to make it to the rental-houses around the world.
I don't know any digital techs here in NYC and LA who work intensely with Phocus (if anybody knows one, please send me an email off list) and the same goes for Sinar.
Hasselblad might be on track if they made a back which spits out DNG + JPGs like the new Sinar 65, and shoots at the same speed as a Leaf S-back.
Personally, I don't believe Hasselblad, when they say that the HC28mm doesn't work with backs of different make. I'm sure the ADC does a great job, but what about showing me a picture which was shot with a non-Hasselblad back and the HC28mm to prove the horrific outcome. Let the people decide for themselves! I would be fine if they made the biggest disclaimer on the lens as long as I could shoot with it.
Anyway, there are many very nice features about the H3D-II system that I haven't mentioned in this post and plenty of reasons why to buy it. For some working photographers, however, this is not the system (yet), and just to be clear, I have a equivalent long laundry-list with Phase One/Mamiya, Leaf/AFi and Sinar
Best,
Esben