Hasselblad H5D User manual

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SENSOR UNIT USER MANUAL
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INTRODUCTION
Photo: Bryn Griths © / Hasselblad Masters

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Medium format photography is about
professionalism. Camera systems have to be
professional, handling has to be professional and
captures have to be professional in quality.
Hasselblad knows it and delivers it; professionals
know that too.
This manual covers the functionality and operation of the
H5D sensor units when used on technical cameras. For a
full description of the operation for a complete H5D/H5X
camera, please refer to the dedicated H5D/ H5X User
Manual
The Hasselblad H series of sensor units evolved by adding
new developments on to the shoulders of the previous
generation. In this way all the previous field-experience and
user requested features are automatically included. So, just
when you think things can't get much better, they do. The H5
sensor units is incorporate all the good things from before
and then some stunning new ones!
The H5D sensor unit series heralds a step up that is
noticeably greater than before. There are changes and many
are 'from the ground up'. The H spirit thrives but has now
matured to reinforce further its position in the rapidly
changing world of digital imaging. Future proofing is key to a
secure placing for working photographers. The sensor units
provide a reliable connection to the fleeting environment of
digital imaging technology so when the wind changes
direction, these units remain as the safeguarding companion
to provide support.
There are six models to choose from to suit the varied
demands from the professional world. They start with the
entry level 40 MPixel model that right from the outset
confidently takes on most rivals from all brands and beats
them with star quality results. The models then just get
better and better. At the other end of the scale is the 200
MPixel MultiShot CMOS sensor model with high ISO settings
and up to an amazing 1.5 frames per second that raises the
bar so much that it is in a league of its own.
True to Hasselblad philosophy, interchangeability and
versatility span all models and accessories with minimal
restrictions, even when using the sensor unit on view
cameras. In short, you have access to a more comprehensive
world to apply medium format quality to.
Hasselblad's best kept secret is knowing that every link in the
chain that leads to the page in the magazine has to reach a
certain standard; it is that simple. That's why Hasselblad
spends so much time and energy into checking those almost
endless behind-the-scenes details and standards because
they understand this simple concept. There is no magical
formula to Hasselblad success other than an understanding of
Wi-Fi

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Photo: Martin Schubert © / Hasselblad Masters
what is required to produce the best results available in the
world today and an acceptance that there are no short cuts in
this process. Hasselblad does its best to produce the best;
there is no other way to achieve the Hasselblad star quality.
The H5D sensor units have a good deal in common.
Stainless steel and aluminium were the materials chosen to
endure the treatment handed out in professional use – and
that can be pretty tough.
Customization is a very prominent concept that you
experience in the Hasselblad world that ensures it is the
photographer that controls the camera, not vice versa. With
two user customisable buttons the units can be configured
for the job at hand.
Wether you are shooting for the latest glossy cover or a
seriously detailed product shot your Hasselblad sensor unit
on your large format studio set up gives you access to a
world where movements, controlled depth of field and close-
up clarity rule. Now that is versatility.
On the softer side of things all models share features that
professionals rely on for fast tracking their progress.
HNCS – Hasselblad Natural Color Solution – saves time and
secures the job because skin tones or specific product tones
are going to be rendered automatically, accurately and
immediately without any fuss. That can be worth a lot.
JPEG & RAW files (not applicable to 60Mpix / 50MS /200MS
models) can be produced simultaneously if you choose. The
JPEG files are not only 1/4 resolution they are also HNC
profiled so you can print straight from a folder for amazing
quality. RAWs are retained of course for your final
masterpieces.

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Show Preview 36
Large format camera 36
WiFi 37
Service 41
About 41
Flash /strobe 42
General 43
Multi Shot 48
Appendix 51
Technical Specifications 52
Changing language on sensor unit 33
Recommended CF cards 54
Problems, Equipment care and service 55
Index 57
CONTENTS
Introduction 2
System requirements 6
Warnings & restrictions 6
General overview –
controls and displays 7
Parts, components, buttons 7
Sensor unit 8
Sensor unit display 9
General 10
Power modes 11
CF cards 25
Inserting/removing CF cards 12
Formatting CF cards 13
Removing/attaching sensor unit 14
Sensor unit maintenance 14
Cleaning sensor unit filter 15
Tethered to a computer 15
Capture files 16
Phocus 17
Exposure Control 19
Navigating the Menus 21
Sensor unit menu 22
Navigating menu and settings on SU23
Previews and browsing 25
Preview modes 25
Histograms 26
Browsing 26
Zoom in / out 27
Create new folder 27
Current folder selection 27
Sensor unit settings 28
Sensor unit menu layout 29
ISO & WB setting on sensor unit 30
WB grey card 31
Image Format 31
Storage 32
Delete 32
Settings 33
Language 33
Sound 33
Date & Time 34
Display 34
Custom Options 35
P1 & P2 Buttons 35
Display Off 35
Sleep 35
Power Off 35
Image Orientation 36

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• If you want to power the H5D sensor unit from a PC laptop (as opposed to a Macintosh laptop), you must ensure that the
FireWire port on the computer is capable of supplying power. Please note the following:
Most recent Macintosh computers are compatible, both desktops and laptops.
Most recent desktop PC computers are compatible.
Most laptop PC computers are not compatible (but can be modified in many cases).
• Keep the H5D sensor unit and computer equipment away from moisture wherever possible. If the sensor unit becomes
wet, disconnect from power and allow it to dry before attempting to operate again.
• Always take great care when you remove the sensor unit for cleaning as the exposed sensor protective filter is vulnerable
to damage.
• Keep all cables connected to or from your camera and computer out of the way where they will not be tripped over.
• Please ensure that all the items noted on the accompanying packing information have been supplied and are correct.
• Contact your Hasselblad dealer or distributor immediately if anything is missing or seems faulty in any way, quoting the
serial numbers and purchase details where appropriate.
• Please keep purchase details and the warranty in a safe place.
• Become familiar with the various parts and components. Leave protective covers on as much as possible and avoid
touching glass surfaces and inserting fingers into the camera body. Hasselblad sensor units have a robust construction and
are capable of withstanding fairly rough treatment but nevertheless are precision instruments and will serve you longer if
treated with respect from the beginning.
Image-storage and editing requires a certain minimum standard regarding computer capabilities. Large images require a rea-
sonably high-performance computer with plenty of memory, advanced graphics capabilities and a recent operating system. In
most cases, the computer should include a FireWire connector, which will enable you to load images directly from the camera.
To load captures stored on the removable compact-ash card, you could instead use a USB CF-card reader, but FireWire is rec-
ommended for optimum speed and exibility.
COMPUTER SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
WARNINGS, RESTRICTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
FIRMWARE UPDATES
USER MANUAL
If you have registered your sensor unit you should automatically receive e-mail informing you of the latest developments.
Otherwise you are advised to make regular checks regarding rmware updates.
The aim is to ensure you have the latest rmware updates, which naturally ensures the optimum in performance. When updat-
ing you should also study the accompanying ‘Release Notes’ or ‘Read Me’ les where you will nd details about improvements,
developments and changes.
This user manual is primarily designed for on-screen PDF reading to exploit search tools etc. However, there is a suciently
wide left margin to allow one-sided print outs to t an ISO standard ring binder if required.
Please note that the format is A4 to conform with the most common standard. Therefore if printing out to US Letter format or
similar please ensure you select “Fit to Printable Area” in the page scaling dialogue.
Register your sensor unit for regular news about the latest developments, updates, news, tips, and much else!
– www.hasselblad.com –

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All of the items named on this page are described
in greater detail elsewhere in this manual.
PARTS, COMPONENTS, BUTTONS AND CONTROLS –OVERVIEW
Menu button
Zoom button
Ready light
P2 button
Display button
Menu navigation button
P1 button
Firewire 800 portCF card cover Image plane mark
Battery Adapter/
external power port Flash sync in portFlash sync out port

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SENSOR UNIT
1MENU / (EXIT) button
Opens and closes the menu system. Also used for various other tasks (EXIT
button, for example) as you issue commands navigating the menu system.
2P1 button
Assignable button to access a specic function. Setting is made in the
Menu.
3Navigation button
A four-way rocker button enabling you to browse images as well as navi-
gate the menu system.
4Zoom- in/-out (Selection) button
Zoom-in /out rocker button for the preview image. You can zoom in to
view close-ups of previews for focus checking. You can zoom out to view
several at once and nally to view and select folders and media. Also acts
as a selection button for value setting on the sensor unit menu.
5Display button
Steps through the various view modes for the preview image.
6P2 button
Assignable button to access a specic function. Setting is made on sensor
unit or in the Camera Conguration tool in Phocus.
7Ready-light
Indicates sensor unit condition. GREEN signies a new capture is possible
(steady or blinking). Blinking ORANGE signies the unit is busy (writing to
a CF card or sending data, for example) and so a new capture is not pos-
sible, although settings can be changed. Steady ORANGE signies the unit
is in ‘sleep’ mode and requires a few seconds to re-activate. RED signies a
problem (an explanatory message will be displayed).
8Sensor and IR lter
The sensor is positioned behind a permanently mounted IR lter. Always
be very careful not to touch or scratch the surface of the lter when it is
exposed. Replace the protective cover whenever the sensor unit is not
mounted on a camera.
9Databus connectors
For digital communication with camera body.
10 Retaining bar
Main support for sensor unit.
11 Safety catch
Prevents inadvertent removal of sensor unit.
12 ‘Sensor plane’ index
For physical focus measurement in critical close-up work.
13 CF-card cover
14 FireWire port
For computer connection (please carefully note the orientation of the
FireWire plug when inserting into the sensor unit).
15 Flash sync and power connector ports
Flash sync ports and port for external power supply / battery adapter for
when the sensor unit is used with a view/large format camera. Protected
behind a rubber cover.
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Previous H2/
H3/H4D users
please note the
orientation of the
plug on the H5D!

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When shooting, the sensor unit can display the
information most often required for a quick
settings check. The unit’s buttons, grip scroll
wheels and camera buttons are used to navigate
the main menu and change settings.
The display can show all saved captures on a CF
card for browsing and enlarge them for detailed
inspection.
When shooting, you can control the amount of
information visible together with the current
preview by choosing various modes
SENSOR UNIT DISPLAY AND CONTROLS − OVERVIEW
 BUTTONS AND SCROLL WHEELS
In Browse mode, the scroll wheels and True Focus and AE-L
buttons on the grip duplicate the actions of the Navigation
and Zoom /selection buttons on the sensor unit.
Activate Browse mode by clicking on the Navigation button,
the Zoom button or one of the Pbuttons (when assigned to
Browse activation).
 P1 & P2 BUTTONS
The P1 and P2 buttons on the sensor unit are customizable
buttons that rapidly access a variety of functions, which are:
Delete image • Format card • Info screen • Spirit level • Focus
conrm • Browse mode • Mark Overexposure • Live View (50c
/ 50c Wi-Fi / 50c MS / 200c MS models only)
P1 & P2 BUTTON ASSIGNATION ON SENSOR UNIT
(TWO METHODS)
1. Press MENU.
2. Press P1 button or P2 according to choice.
3. Step through the options by pressing the ZOOM ( or
) button.
4. Save the selection option by pressing EXIT (Menu button).
Button
function
ISO setting
White
balance
Button
function
Capture
counter
File name
or
1. Press MENU > SETTINGS > CUSTOM OPTIONS.
2. Select P1 button or P2 according to choice.
3. Step through the available options by pressing the
ZOOM ( or ) button.
4. Save the selection option by pressing EXIT (Menu button).
The P1 and P2 buttons also serve as WiFi setting control but-
tons (50cWiFi model only).

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v
Photo: Dmitry Ageev © / Hasselblad Masters
GENERAL