Hasselblad Arcbody User manual

ArcBody
Instruction manual

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Thank you for choosing the Hasselblad ArcBody. You can now practise the philosophy that lies behind it, breaking new
ground with the opportunities that are open to you. This powerful and versatile camera is a broadening of the revolution-
ary thinking that created the Hasselblad FlexBody. The generous shift capabilities naturally place it first choice for architec-
tural and industrial photography, though in practice the list easily includes product, landscape, portrait photography and
a surprising number of other photographic fields too. Essentially a problem solving camera, the Hasselblad ArcBody is also
a very resourceful creative tool, producing a broader spectrum of image variations and effects than conventional medium
format cameras.
The creative possibilities brought about by the ArcBody can be a new chapter for those more used to conventional medium
format photography. Image shaping and other effects can be used to creative advantage, often adding a winning edge
over comparable images. In this way the ArcBody can be seen as a double investment, not only by solving problems but
also by providing additional creative input into image making.
The rear standard shift of as much as 28 mm ensures the virtual elimination of diverging or converging lines in the image in
standard practice, which is a point of major importance in architectural and industrial photography. The rear standard tilt
of ± 15˚ provides the often much needed extra control concerning depth-of-field. Together they produce results normally
only associated with bulky and awkward systems.
The extensive shift facility is permitted by the large image circle produced by the three interchangeable lenses: the
Rodenstock Apo-Grandagon 4.5/35, Rodenstock Apo-Grandagon 4.5/45 and the Rodenstock Grandagon-N 4.5/75. These
superb optics are supplied complete with accessories to maintain their superb high contrast, colour saturation and even
coverage. The combination filter holder, for example, is a valuable asset that ensures a smooth and rapid working method.
The lens shutters provide flash syncronization at all shutter speeds.
To produce the bright viewfinder image – a standard requirement on all Hasselblad cameras – the ArcBody uses an ingen-
ious patented focusing screen system incorporating an Acute-Matte D screen. This ensures image clarity virtually regard-
Hasselblad ArcBody – a new way of thinking

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less of the amount of shift or tilt. The Hasselblad RMfx viewfinder is particularly recommended, providing both a vertically
correct image and a comfortable working position. All other Hasselblad viewfinders are also compatible, including prism
viewfinders.
All Hasselblad film magazines are compatible with the ArcBody, thus providing you with a wide choice. 6x6 cm and 6x4.5
cm formats are catered for, 120, 220 and 70 mm perforated film types as well as Polaroid type instant films.
The ArcBody serves equally well as a main camera or as an extra versatile tool. It is rugged enough to be used profession-
ally on a daily basis yet compact and light enough to be included as an extra resource on all assignments. The ArcBody
shines as a stunning example of a professional, superbly crafted and reliable camera capable of producing extremely high
quality and original images.
The ArcBody is very easy to use. Its plain, solid construction offers a no-nonsense method of working. This instruction
manual describes the operations in detail and covers most questions that should arise from the camera’s use. Please read it
carefully and keep it with the camera at all times for reference.
The manual assumes a certain familiarity with camera handling and a moderate level of photographic knowledge.
Operational details therefore specifically describe the ArcBody, but also include general descriptions of the ArcBody in
practice. The numbers in grey boxes in the text refer to the appropriate illustrations in the accompanying manual. If you
have a query then feel free to contact your Hasselblad dealer – we want you to be 100% satisfied!
The knowledge gained from this manual will give you full access to the Hasselblad ArcBody potential. Exploiting the poten-
tial is left to your imagination!
Welcome to the new Hasselblad ArcBody way of thinking!

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Contents
2 Introduction
4 Contents
6 Illustrations
26 Parts and components
26 ArcBody and supplied accessories
27 Optional accessories
29 Getting started
29 Front protective cover
29 Rear cover MultiControl
29 Attaching a lens
29 Removing a lens
29 The viewing system
29 The focusing screen adapter and correction
slides
30 The focusing screen adapter
30 Fitting correction slides
31 Stray light protection slide
31 Viewfinders
32 Light metering with a meter prism viewfinder
32 Lenses
33 Viewing
33 Focusing
33 Shutter
33 Aperture
33 Depth-of-field
33 Flash synchronization
34 Filter Holder
34 Filter holder operation
35 Lens shade adjustment
35 Film Magazines
35 Attaching a magazine
36 Magazine slide holder
36 Film advance
36 Removing a magazine
36 The magazine status indicator
36 Film plane position
37 ArcBody movements
37 Shift
37 Tilt
38 Close-up photography
38 Bellows
38 Exposure sequence
40 Camera movements in practice
41 Shift examples
42 Tilt examples
43 Creative examples – shift and tilt
45 Troubleshooting
46 Technical specifications
47 Equipment care, service and guarantee

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