Hasselblad H4D camera and introduces CFV-31-50 back

Photokina 2010: Hasselblad has introduced the H4D-31 medium format camera with a 31Mp sensor. It features the 'True Focus' AF system of the the H4D series and offers an optional CF-lens adapter to mount the company's V-System lenses (also available as part of a kit). The company has also introduced the CFV-50 medium format digital back with a 50Mp sensor. The H4D-31 camera and CFV-50 digital back are available at retail prices of €9,995 and €11,990 respectively. Furthermore, Hasselblad has also updated its Phocus image processing software to version 2.6.

Press Release:

Septemeber 2010: The H4D-31 – the perfect digital medium format alternative for 35mm DSLR photographers and for V-customers who are ready to transition to digital
Following the enthusiasm with which the H4D-40 has been embraced, Hasselblad was inspired to offer photographers the H4D-31, bringing the ultimate in image quality to high end 35mm DSLR photographers who want to step up to medium format. At the same time, Hasselblad wanted to offer its V-System customers a digital alternative by bundling the H4D-31 with a CF-lens adapter for mounting V-System lenses.
The H4D-31 delivers the same superior image quality that is the hallmark of the Hasselblad name. Thanks, in part, to the combination of its low noise color filters, Hasselblad Natural Color Solution (HNCS), with its single color profile, and exquisite performance of the HC/HCD line of lenses, the H4D-31 provides color accuracy, excellent detail and clarity - everything you'd expect from a Hasselblad camera and more.
Equipped with the same advanced technology as the H4D-40, the H4D-31, features Hasselblad's True Focus, which provides focusing accuracy throughout the image field - even at close range with shallow depth-of-field. Hasselblad's innovative use of yaw rate sensor technology solves the challenge of having to focus and recompose in order to acquire a focus point outside the center area of multi-point AF systems. True Focus ensures that photographers quickly and accurately achieve the desired focus at any point.
Currently shipping, the H4D-31 is available in two configurations, both with the latest version of Hasselblad's Phocus 2.6 software. The first, designed for high end 35mm DSLR photographers comes bundled with an 80mm lens. The other offers a digital medium format solution for V-System users by bundling the H4D-31 with a CF-lens adapter. Both options are priced at 9,995 Euro (+tax).
Press Release:

Septemeber 2010: V-System users now have an additional option for turning their cameras into a powerful digital capture device with the new 50 megapixel CFV-50.
Transitioning from film to digital imaging is easy for V-System users thanks to the introduction of the CFV-50 - a 50 megapixel back with a sensor that is twice the size of the best 35mm full-frame DSLRs on the market today. The CFV-50 marks the third digital solution for the V-System community, building
upon the successful releases of the CFV-16 and the CFV-39.
In order to ensure an almost seamless conversion to digital, the CFV-50 was custom built to match the design and functionality of the V-cameras. Compatible with virtually all existing V-cameras, including the 202FA/203FE/205FCC models, the CFV-50 offers cable-free operation and optimized integration between back, body and lens.
While easy to use, the CFV-50 offers a number of advanced features including Hasselblad's DAC lens correction technology for most of the V-System Carl Zeiss lenses. DAC completely corrects for distortion, lateral chromatic aberration and vignetting in exactly the same way as it does for the H-System lenses. Additionally, the CFV-50 takes advantage of the Hasselblad Natural Color Solution, which uses one generic profile and, therefore, delivers accurate colors straight out of the box. The digital back offers flexibility as well, with square and horizontal format options.
Optimum portability and image storage are critical for the professional photographer. The Hasselblad CFV-50 offers a choice of CF card storage or tethered operation. With these operating and storage options, the photographer is able to select a mode that suits the nature of the work at hand, whether in the studio or on location.
The CFV-50 is available for 11,990 Euro (+tax). For more information and the opportunity to see the back in action, please visit the Hasselblad booth in Hall 2.1, Aisle A, Booth 021.
Press Release:

Septemeber 2010: With the introduction of Phocus version 2.6, Phocus Quick and Phocus Mobile, Hasselblad expands its powerful but easy-to-use software and offers applications to meet the various needs of photographers.
Software is critical to every workflow and, therefore, Hasselblad has developed new tools and applications to provide users with more easy and efficient workflow solutions. Hasselblad also realizes that the working conditions - and needs - of photographers fluctuate. Having a trio of Phocus products, each catering to a different need, offers photographers the flexibility of choice.
Phocus 2.6
The first of these is an update to its powerful, but easy-to-use, Phocus software. Version 2.6 offers improvements that expand the application's capabilities and speed workflow. Available in the fourth quarter of 2010 for Mac and Windows platforms, Phocus 2.6 now offers the following features:
Dust Removal Tool:
The Dust Removal tool is designed to quickly remove pesky dust spots caused by dust particles on the sensor. This new tool can be utilized to clean up images individually or in combination with the Modify tool for batch processing, thereby saving time when retouching images.
Star Rating and Filtering:
Rating of images was previously only available via the IPTC core menu as numbers or via the camera integrated 3-color Instant Approval Level system. Now, in addition to the numerical and color-coded rating system, Phocus 2.6 allows users to rate, sort and filter images via star ratings from 0-5 stars.
The star rating system can be used in any view mode including Thumbnail mode, Viewer mode or when a group of images is selected. Once images are rated, they can be quickly sorted by star rating with the corresponding filter in the thumbnail bar.
Import/Export of Image Adjustments:
If you, like most photographers, have specific sets of image adjustments that you use over and over again, you can share those adjustments with other members of your team or, better yet, take them with you so you have them whether you're on location or using rented equipment. With this photographer is also able to use his or her personal adjustments, keywords, layouts, etc. between different other Phocus workstations. This feature also keeps the latest version of Phocus in alignment with the MyPhocus concept that has previously brought options for importing and exporting keywords as well as user layouts to its many users.
Windows support of TIFF and JPEG files:
Like the Mac version, the Windows version of Phocus 2.6 now supports TIFF and JPEG files. With this additional file support, Phocus can take on a broader role in photographers' workflows.
Windows Support of 3rd Party RAW Files:
In response to customer demands and to bring the Windows version of Phocus in line with the Mac version, Hasselblad is currently developing a solution for 3rd party RAW file support for Windows users.
Phocus 2.6 will be demonstrated at the Hasselblad booth during Photokina and will be available for free download from www.hasselblad.com during the fourth quarter of 2010.

Phocus Mobile:
In keeping with the latest technology, Hasselblad has developed a mobile version of Phocus. Available for the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch, Phocus Mobile offers the option of connecting wirelessly to a computer running Phocus 2.6 and allow users to remotely browse, zoom and rate images - perfect for working with clients in the studio since each person can view images on an electronic device rather than gathering around a single computer.
Phocus Mobile also allows users to remotely operate and trigger a tethered camera, providing control of exposure mode, f/stop, shutter speed, ISO, metering mode and other important capture information, all presented on a virtual camera display. Remote controlling the camera is particularly useful when the camera is located in a difficult-to-access position.
Phocus Mobile is expected to be available for free download at the Apple App store in the fourth quarter of 2010. Meanwhile, visit the Hasselblad booth for a live demonstration.
With these multiple iterations of Phocus, Hasselblad now has a software application to truly meet the various needs of photographers.
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Hasselblad Announces HC 120 mm macro-II and HC-50 mm-II

Photokina 2010: Hasselblad Announces upgrade version of the 120 mm macro and 50 mm HC series medium format lenses. The HC-macro 120-II and HC 50 mm-II are optimized for higher resolution shoot and produce better close range performance. The company will also release a firmware upgrade for the H4D series medium format cameras later in the year in which a number of additional features in response to customer feedback.

Press release:

Septemeber 2010: Launched in September 2009, the H4D system is not only a new line of cameras, but the new-of-the-art technology introduced in the world of photography with its unique characteristics of True focus and absolute position lock.Access to the famous family of HC/HCD lens it is no wonder that the H4D as has been well received. the H4D camera line now offers several different models, including the H4D-40, which was designed to meet the needs of 35 mm DSLR users who want to add to their medium format creative tools.The remaining H4D series includes models with 50 and 60 megapixel sensors, as well as the Hasselblad H4D unique multi-shot-50MS.
Always striving to deliver the best camera system in the world to photographers, Hasselblad HC introduces two new lenses, the strengthening of the lens family of H-system with the new HC 50 mm-II and the HC 120 mm macro-II. both lenses have a new optical design provides significantly improved
performance. The new lenses are now available.
HC 50 mm-II
The HC 50-II, with its moderate wide 35 mm-equivalent focal distance from 31.4 mm, is a versatile, allpurpose lens that can be used for many different applications.The updated optical design provides a higher resolution and more even achievements in the field of the image.Close to performance has also
for higher performance while maintaining the minimum object-to-screen distance of 0.6 m has improved. the lens has 11 elements in 7 groups, a mechanism and a wide aperture range of f/3.5-f/32.
HC 120 mm macro-II
The HC 120-II macro lens is also a very versatile lens, combine excellent macro recording capabilities (0.39 m minimum object-to-screen and a maximum image scale of 1: 1), together with its slightly longer focal distance, making it ideal for the product and portrait photography (35 mm equivalent focal distance from 73.5 mm).Thanks to the updated optical design provides the lens a number of improvements including the higher resolution and better close. performance and, more importantly, especially for macro work-the new lens offers enhanced color correction, with cleaner out of focus areas free of colour cast. the front lens focus uses 9 element in 9 groups, with an aperture range of f/4-f/45 that, when closed, offers excellent depth-of-field.
In addition to the introduction of the two new lenses Hasselblad quickly give a free firmware update for the H4D system cameras as a result of the customer feedback and requests.
New extensions of the H4D functionality

Electronic level:
With this new feature is a 3-dimensional virtual level is shown on the back LCD provide users with a guide to the camera in both horizontally (landscape) and vertical (portrait) positions with two different graphical interfaces that change automatically depending on the orientation of the camera easy to close. Direct feedback on the field is also present in the viewfinder. all this is done through the H4D precision GIERING rate sensors using the factory calibrated mode or a user calibrated setting. HTS 1.5 tilt and shift converter users get a clear and precise point of departure for the composing of rolling over photography.
An example in bound mode:
When shooting in bound mode, users can select the preview appears on the camera the back LCD for remote viewing directly on the camera.
To display information:
With a simple push of a button, relevant camera information is at the rear LCD. a new graphical user interface (GUI) gives priority to the settings such as aperture, shutter speed, ISO and the number of remaining frames with any other available information as well.
GIL support for h4d-60:
The firmware update adds full support for the Hasselblad Global Image State GPS device to the h4d-60. with this new feature, the GIL now supported on all H3D/H2D/H4D camera.
The firmware update, to be released by the end of this year can be downloaded from free: www.hasselblad.com.
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Think Tank Photo baby sling-O-Matic ' review

There’s much buzz about the new “Sling-O-Matic” range of bags from the camera bag manufacturer www.thinktankphoto.com — are they too big, are they too small! Well, I only had one turn up on my desk today and here’s my initial impression of that very bag, The Think Tank Photo Sling-O-Matic 30

Here’s what Think Tank Photo say;

“Think Tank Photo introduces the Sling-O-Matic, the photo industry’s first sling bag that can be easily switched back and forth to either shoulder. The Sling-O-Matic’s adjustable, fully padded shoulder strap “automatically” slides along a set of rails to
change which shoulder the bag can be worn on. This is the innovative solution to the problem inherent with other sling bags: only being designed to wear the sling bag over the same shoulder. With one smooth motion, the Sling-O-Matic can be quickly switched to the opposite shoulder without losing the characteristics that have made sling bags popular among photographers. The Sling-O-Matic series offers three unique bags to choose from, depending on the set of photo gear a photographer needs to carry.”
I currently use the Urban Disguise 60 as my daily “go to” bag – I can take my laptop (A 17? MacBook Pro) plus my camera (Canon 5DMKII / Battery Grip) plus a couple of lenses, now I do have the option of purchasing the optional backpack straps that go with the UD series if required, but I wanted to keep it simple… Then Think Tank Photo announce that they’re going to release a “Sling Bag” onto the market and I think – if this is a good bag, this could be a game changer…

I’ve travelled with a sling style bag, all around Cuba was the last time – four lenses, camera body, laptop, bits and pieces… That stuff gets heavy as I’m sure you’re all aware! With a traditional sling style bag, you can end up with a really very sore shoulder, which I did! (take care of your bodies folks…)

Think Tank Photo have come up with this “sling-o-matic” which very easily switches from one shoulder to the other, literally in seconds (once I got the hand of it – the first few goes made me look VERY silly! ha!) You take the bag off, slip the straps across, put it back on and you’re away. Whilst you’re wearing the bag, there’s a handle at the base to easily pull the bag around to your front so you can access your gear via the main compartment pocket…

Pulling the bag around to your front (unless you’re wearing your headphones and you tangle everything and end up hog-tied on the floor) is dead simple and once there, it’s like having your very own “stable table” you unzip the main compartment, access everything very easily, change a lens, write a note… it’s a really good, flat surface for working from if required. There’s enough room in my Sling-O-Matic 30 for my Canon 5DMKII with 24-70 f/2.8 attached (hood in place), my 100-400L f/4.5 – 5.7, The 70-200L F/2.8IS II, My nifty fifty, a flash, my 17? MacBook Pro (be careful, as I’ve mentioned elsewhere) and many cables and “stuff” — Is it heavy, oh yes… Can I swap sides when shoulder number one is fed up? yes, easily. The amount of gear this bag holds astonishing, but, at the same time – very importantly! – you can shoot from it!.. Getting the camera out is a complete doddle, grab, pull, zip, grip, pull, shoot. – sorted.

The regular build quality is immediately apparent with the new bag, I have many Think Tank Photo camera bags and this one is no different – near to bomb proof with ballistic nylon construction, no PVC and sturdy YKK zippers… There’s something about putting my thousands of pounds worth of camera equipment into “any old bag” that slightly bothers me… If you drive a Ferrari, you’re not going to stick any old car cover on it, are you?

The shoulder strap is thickly padded and quite comfortable, with solid metal buckles and hook loops for attaching the cross strap that makes the bag stay in place very well. How this strap works is, there are two sets of “rails” on on the top of the bag (you can see it below) and one at the base to the side. Your shoulder is crying out for a break, you whip the bag off, grab the top handle and slip the strap to the other “front” of the bag, the lower, side rail strap slips across too… voila! you pop the bag back on, on your other shoulder and you’re away.

As I’ve mentioned, my 17? MacBook Pro slides in, but it is a very tight fit. I’ve been using the Sling-O-Matic with my MacBook Pro for a few days now and it’s become slightly easier to put in and take out, but be warned that if you slide the laptop in with the side all the ports are on (power / firewire / usb etc) against the zipper, you could incur some scratches if you’re not careful – afterall, the Sling-O-Matic is billed as “takes a 15? laptop”

One thing that was talked about quite a bit after the release of the Retrospective series of Think Tank Photo camera bags, was that there was no place to stick a water bottle, should that be your thing… Well, the Sling-O-Matic does have a spot for the water bottle, and it even has a little “escape hatch” in the bottom, should you spill some – I’d be quite happy to put a water bottle in the provided pocket (though I don’t have one with me on this train right now) in the comfort that there’s not a hope in hell of the water and my camera gear meeting for a chat unless I was being really silly! (camera gear and water are not always friends!) …today, however, I have my waterproof rain jacket in the water bottle section. perfect.

The Sling-O-Matic comes with the required attachment straps to sling a Tripod from the side of the bag, or if you get lazy like I did, you can pop it into the waterbottle pocket if you don’t have time to stop! (Though, in the picture, I’ve attached it correctly and it stays where you strap it)

So, in conclusion, the Sling-O-Matic bag from www.thinktankphoto.com is a great bag for me, it’s a good daily bag that takes my laptop and all my camera gear, in comfort, to wherever I need it to go.
For dPS members in the USA, you can purchase Think Tank Photo products via this link and receive a free gift on check out when you use the code AP-223
I thought I’d pop in some size comparison images between the Sling-O-Matic and the RetroSpective 20 and the Streetwalker HD and the Urban Disguise V1.0

An Urban Disguise 60 along side the Sling-O-Matic 30

The Think Tank Photo Sling-O-Matic along side the Retrospective 20

…and the Streetwalker HD beside the Sling-O-Matic 30!

I hope this has helped, please feel free to ask any questions — Sime

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