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User Manual (Manual (V1/English) for camera firmware version 9.1.0 or later.) 1 CONTENTS Introduction Parts & Components Quick Start Function Control & Display Grip LCD View f inder LCD 3 6 7 13 15 17 Change down but ton Func tion selec tor Film plane index Dark slide indicator Dark slide key Film tab holder Film holder key Magazine set tings lock Databus inter face 34 34 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 36 36 37 37 37 37 37 37 38 38 38 39 39 Autofocus Single Shot Continuous Autofocus mode Drive Single Continuous Multi exposure Prof iles Making a prof ile Changing a prof ile name 52 52 53 53 54 54 54 54 55 55 56 Camera Body Carr ying strap Bat teries Rechargeable bat ter y grip View f inder screen Accessor y connec tion PC-connec tor 22 23 23 23 25 26 26 Magazine operation Bat ter y Bat ter y replacement At taching and removing the magazine Magazine set tings Film speed set ting Film speed set ting / Barcode Film length/number of frames Data imprint set ting Frame counter set ting Low-bat ter y symbol Film loading Film wind of f Advanced Features General over view of camera menu Self Timer Bracketing Inter val Set tings Custom Options Customizable but ton func tion list Image Info Imprint Imprint tex t Date & Time System status 57 58 59 61 63 64 64 68 69 69 70 72 73 View finder Par ts & Components At taching and removing the view f inder Eyepiece adjustment 27 28 28 28 Lenses Par ts & Components At taching a lens Removing a lens Lens cap Filter s and accessories Lens shades Shut ter and aper ture control Depth-of-f ield calculation Depth-of-f ield / visual preview Infrared focus set tings Focusing aid CF adapter 29 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 31 31 31 31 32 Digital Photography 40 Light Metering & Exposure Control Metering method E xposure method Manual exposure mode Automatic exposure mode AE- L but ton E xposure compensation 44 45 46 46 47 48 49 Flash Flash measure 74 77 Optional Accessories 78 Appendix Glossar y Technical specif ications Equipment care, ser vice and guarantee 80 81 85 89 General Functions Power - ON Power - Standby Power - OFF Manual focus Manual focus mode Autofocus override in manual mode 50 51 51 51 51 52 52 Film Magazines Par ts & Components LCD panel LCD illumination but ton Change up but ton 33 34 34 34 34 2 Congratulations! Welcome to the flagship of the H System. The H2 builds on the H1, adding the ability to utilize the latest advancements in digital backs, increased mobility, integrated power, and improved image quality. The H2 is the most advanced digital or film medium format photography platform on the market today, and a worthy addition to the famed Hasselblad line. The specifications and capabilities of the H system exceed the demands of most photographers. This allows the system to expand and develop. It's one of the reasons that so many professional photographers around the world are discovering, or re-discovering, the creative and professional possibilities provided by the Hasselblad system. The H system is the result of the most intensive technical development programme ever undertaken by Hasselblad, the most prestigious medium-format camera manufacturer in the world. It reflects an unprecedented wealth of knowledge and experience tightly interwoven with the latest technological developments that combined to produce an unrivalled worldclass creative tool for the discerning photographer. Hasselblad had its beginnings during the last fifty years of the last millennium. Within twenty years it was present as mankind took the first small step on the moon. Now, Hasselblad makes its own giant leap forwards into the future. A new foundation on which to build, ensuring the utmost in image-quality, handling and versatility resulting from the most reliable and efficient solutions to meet photographers' expectations. The H system presents a list of features coloured by superlatives. What was once considered optional is now integral. The potential of this outstanding professional equipment straight out of the box is tremendous. But there is no trade-off in quality for the sake of the latest technology. The three pillars of the Hasselblad reputation remain: Reliability, Versatility, Interchangeability. Stainless steel and aluminium for no-nonsense professional use and durability. Silicon chip control for basic practical support as well as sophisticated facilities to span all demands. A system to trust and build on, that will develop and grow in pace with tomorrow's discoveries. The list of features is long, varied and comprehensive. For example: automatic focus with instant manual override, dot-matrix LCDs, rapid button and control wheel user interface, integral grip, integral fill-flash, multi-mode exposure metering, TTL flash control, automatic film speed setting with bar code, instant 120/220 interchangeability, integral dark slide, automatic film advance and film wind off, custom imprinting on frame edge including exposure data, 3 name, symbols, etc., immediate cable-free compatibility with digital backs, presentation of digital information such as histograms and grey balance on the LCD, extremely accurate electronic leaf shutter, flash sync at all shutter speeds to 1/800s, eyeline viewfinder with 100% view, dot matrix viewfinder LCD, lithium or rechargeable battery options, shutter speeds from 18 hours to 1/800s, user customization of functions. And that's not all! Bracketing, interval timer, rapid access user button, flash measure, independent LCD illumination on magazines, integral diopter adjustment in viewfinder, zone system capability, time-lapse photography, customized profiles and so on. In addition H cameras use a format allowing for digital capture with sensors more than twice the physical size of today's 35mm sensors. The sensor is therefore capable of using more and larger pixels, which secure a high-end image quality in terms of moiré free colour rendering without gradation break-ups in even the finest highlight areas or noise in the shadows. And, apart from the practical aspects, the H2 also exudes a feeling of superb design and ergonomics that makes the camera a pleasure to own as well as use. For handling and convenience of use it is second to none. So Hasselblad, the most distinguished pioneer in medium-format photography, yet again takes the vanguard position. We are confident that you are going to incorporate this camera inseparably into your photographic life. We are also confident that you are going to produce images you are proud of. Some of these will remain as a documentation of the history of our world, perhaps even beyond. That's how it is with Hasselblad. The primary goal of all camera development is of course the seamless and unobtrusive production of superb images, regardless of situation. The H2 has abilities and features that you may not think you need, yet. Each individual has their own way of working. But the H2 has tremendous scope for fine-tuning your technique possibly beyond your present ambitions . The Quick Start Guide should have you up and running in minutes. The H2 will function equally well as an automatic point-and-shoot or as a total-control, ultra-professional instrument. The user manual is intended to be the standard reference manual. In it you will find full user descriptions, LCD charts, specifications, etc. For the sake of simplicity, a film magazine and standard lens are normally shown in most illustrations. Take your time to learn the intricacies and potentials of the H2. Go at your own pace and explore the possibilities when you feel ready for the next step. Results will be good from the word go, that's guaranteed, but when you want to make improvements or work more efficiently perhaps, the H2 can provide support. The supreme Hasselblad potential is there, it's up to you to exploit it! Finally, please check occasionally on the Hasselblad website -- www.hasselblad.com -- for any updates regarding user instructions, changes, news, or other information concerning the H system. If you have no Internet access, please contact your Hasselblad dealer or distributor for the latest information. 4 What's in the box Your new Hasselblad camera may have been supplied in kit form or as separate items. There are a number of possible combinations depending on factors such as offers, bundles etc. 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. Familiarise yourself 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. The H2 has a robust construction and is capable of withstanding fairly rough treatment but nevertheless is a precision instrument and will serve you longer if treated with respect from the beginning. Please keep purchase details and the warranty in a safe place. Illustration shows the H2 with a Hasselblad CFH digital back. 5 1. Flash unit hot-shoe 2. Rubber eyecup 3. Exposure mode and metering method selector button 4. Exposure compensation button 5. Eyepiece adjustment dial 6. Magazine LCD 7. Magazine LCD illumination button 8. Magazine control buttons 9. Magazine settings lock 10. AE-L button 11. Film wind-off button 12. User button 13. Rear control wheel 14. Grip LCD 15. Support strap lug 16. Camera control buttons 17. Magazine databus 18. Front control wheel 19. Shutter release button 20. Battery holder button 21. Release cord socket 22. Stop down button 23. Battery holder retaining lever 24. Mirror up button 25. Battery holder 26. Flash unit 27. Viewfinder screen 28. Focus assist light 29. Mirror 30. Distance and depth-of-field scales 31. Focusing ring 32. Lens shade bayonet 33. Filter screw thread 34. Databus connection 35. Viewfinder release button 36. Flash unit catch 37. Viewfinder attachment hook 38. Viewfinder databus connection 39. Magazine release button 40. Flash PC socket 41. Camera strap lug 42. Lens release button 43. Magazine support 44. Databus connection 45. Quick coupling tripod plate 46. Film tab holder 47. Magazine darkslide key 48. Film holder key 49. Magazine support groove 50. Databus connection 1. 2. 3. 26. 27. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 33. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 46. 47. 48. 42. 49. 43. 44. 45. 50. 6 1 Quick Start This section is a quick start guide to assembling and preparing your new. From separate items, the assembly process should take no more than several minutes to complete and you will be able to take simple and straightforward photographs immediately. You can, of course, skip the sections on loading film if you wish to just assemble the camera to begin with or when using a digital back immediately. All the information is repeated later on in the manual, as well as much more in-depth information, under the relevant sections and headings for easier search access. 7 1 2 H2-Kit only / H2- Separate items If your new H2 was supplied in kit form, you will only need to insert the camera batteries to make it useable immediately. After completing steps 1- 4, you can go straight to 6-7 and 9-10 (marked in red) and then directly to the section after step 17 to activate the camera. (Please note: if you want to use a rechargeable battery pack immediately, please see separate instructions under the `Camera Body' heading for use and then go straight to step 4). 1 2 If, however, the equipment was supplied as separate items, you will need to follow the whole sequence for full assembly and use. 4 3 1. Remove the battery holder from the grip by depressing the battery holder button and simultaneously swinging the battery holder retaining lever down until it stops. Pull battery holder downwards. 2. Depress the red button on the battery holder until the battery cassette is released. Withdraw the cassette from the holder. 5 6 3. Load three CR-123 Lithium batteries into the cassette, ensuring the polarity of each battery is correctly oriented (see the `+' markings on the cassette). Re-insert the cassette into the battery holder, ensuring the red button clicks back into its retaining position. 4. Holding the battery holder flat against the grip and aligning the two upper lugs with the slot in the grip, slide it back into position as far as it will go. Swing back the battery holder retaining lever until it clicks back into place. 2 1 7 8 5. Remove the front protective cover from the camera body by keeping the lens release button depressed and rotating the cover counter-clockwise until it is released. 6. Remove the lens shade by turning it clockwise. 7. Remove the rear lens cap by unscrewing it in a counterclockwise direction. 9 10 8. Attach the lens to the camera body by firstly aligning the red index on the lens mount with the red index on the camera mount. Grip the lens by the metal barrel (not the rubber focusing ring) and turn it approximately one quarter turn clockwise until it clicks into place. 9. Remove the front lens cap by pinching together the two retaining clips. 10. Attach lens shade to lens by aligning the indexes and turning the shade clockwise a quarter turn. 11 12 11. Remove the rear protective cover from the camera body by pushing the magazine retaining latch to the right and inwards simultaneously. 1 2 If you decide to attach a digital back instead of a film magazine at this point, please check with the appropriate user manual for details. 12. Remove the protective cover from the film magazine by placing your thumb on the upper recess and pulling the top of the cover away from the magazine. Push downwards on the cover to release the lower catch on the cover from the magazine retaining bar. 8 13 14 13. Rest the magazine retention groove on the magazine support on the camera body ensuring that they are correctly positioned. 14. Swing the magazine towards the camera body and firmly press into place with a click. If there is resistance, the magazine retaining hook has probably been inadvertently released. Push the magazine retaining latch to the right and inwards simultaneously again to reset it. 15 16 15. Remove the top protective cover from the viewfinder screen location by lifting a corner. 16. Remove the protective cover from the viewfinder by depressing the viewfinder release button. 17. While holding the viewfinder at a slight angle, locate the front section into place on the front edge of the viewfinder screen recess in the camera body ensuring the central locating lug and databus interface are positioned correctly. Swing the viewfinder downwards and press firmly until it clicks into place. Ensure that both sides of the viewfinder are seated correctly. 18. Point the camera at a smooth toned area. Turn the eyesight adjustment dial until you achieve optimum sharpness of the markings on the viewfinder screen. .......................................................................... 17 18 B A The camera is now complete. If you press the ON.OFF button A for half a second, the camera will activate. If the camera enters STANDBY mode (the LCD screen will show the H2 symbol only), reactivate it by pressing the shutter release button B halfway (or the ON.OFF button). You can now explore the menus, buttons, control wheels, etc observing the changes on the LCD on the grip as well as the LCD in the viewfinder. 19 20 film loading ... 1 2 21 22 19. Fold out the film holder key. 20. Turn the key counter-clockwise 90° and withdraw the film holder completely. (Remove the protective slip from the internal battery compartment if necessary) 21. Place an empty take-up spool in the upper spool holder by pushing one end of the spool against the sprung spool retaining arm to engage the stud in the spool end. Position the other end of the spool over the fixed stud in the holder. Rotate the spool a little if necessary until clicks into position. 22. Completely remove the retaining paper band from a new roll of film and place it in the lower spool holder in the same manner as the empty spool. Ensure you do not place the new film spool the wrong way around! See diagram for correct orientation. 9 23 24 23. Pull 8­10 cm (3­4 in) of paper backing from the film roll and insert the tongue of the backing paper into the slot in the take-up spool. 24. Turn the take-up spool one complete turn to ensure the tongue is firmly held in place by the overlying paper backing. Check diagram for correct film travel direction. 25 26 2 1 27 28 25. Re-insert the film holder into the main body of the film magazine ensuring the correct orientation. Press firmly inwards towards the magazine and pay particular attention to see that both sides are level with the magazine body before turning the film holder key clockwise 90° to lock the film holder in place and fold the key back into its stored position. You might find that increased pressure on the left hand side of the film holder will more easily ensure a positive and correct positioning in the magazine. 26. The film will now be wound automatically by the camera to the first frame position if the camera is in active mode. Otherwise, activate the camera by holding down the ON/ OFF button for half a second. 27. Fold out the magazine slide key and turn it counter clockwise 360° until it stops. Fold the key back into its storage position. 28. Ensure the magazine setting lock is in the forward (unlocked) position. 29. If the film has a Barcode, go direct to step 32. If the film has no Barcode, press the function selector button on the film magazine repeatedly until a figure and ISO appears. Press either the change up or change down buttons until you see the correct ISO rating for the film in use. 30. Press the function selector button repeatedly again until you see the film length designation (120 or 220). 29 30 31 32 31. Press either the change up or change down buttons until you see the correct number of frames correct for the film (8 Fr, 16 Fr or 32 Fr). 32. Insert a tab from a film carton in the holder on the back of the magazine to remind you which film you have loaded. and finally ... 10 33 34 35 36 33. From the inactive mode, press the ON.OFF button until you see the H2 logo on the grip LCD. The LCD then in turn displays the `main' screen. If the camera is already in `standby' mode (the H2 logo will be visible on the grip LCD) click on either the shutter release button or the ON.OFF button to activate it again. (Note that a `click' action is a quick press. See later section for a description of different button pressing actions) If, however, the main screen does not appear, proceed as follows: 34. Click the ON.OFF button. The LCD then displays the Profile screen. 35. Turn either the front or rear control wheel until `Standard' is highlighted. 36. Press the AF / Load button. That's it! Your Hasselblad H2 is now operational in fully automatic mode. In average lighting conditions the camera will act as a point and shoot camera producing extremely fine results without the need to touch any other button than the shutter release! If you have attached a film magazine just raise the camera to your eye for framing and gently press the shutter release button. The camera will automatically focus the lens, take a light reading, make an exposure, advance the film, and reset the camera ready for the next exposure. If you have attached a digital back you can now go directly to the appropriate user manual for further information about how to proceed for digital capture. 11 Familiarize yourself with the H2 Take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the H2 and its various controls. Note the difference between a long press, a short press and a 'click' with some buttons. For example from the main screen a click of the ON.OFF button will take you to Profiles while a longer press will turn the camera off. With your right hand holding the ergonomic grip for security and control, your thumb and fingers have immediate access to all the controls without letting go. The H2 sits comfortably in the palm of your left hand for support but leaves your fingers free for eventual manual focus adjustments. Note the changes on the LCD as you press the various buttons and rotate the control wheels. Notice too the changes in the viewfinder LCD as you do the same. You cannot damage the camera by pressing the wrong buttons or controls or using them in the wrong order. The worst that can happen is that you might get `lost' in the menu or you might activate a certain action that takes time to complete. In this case simply click on the escape button ( ON-OFF - PROFILES / ESC) to return to the `main' screen again. Attempt a half-press with the shutter release button with the camera set at autofocus too see how the lens focuses and the light metering reacts. Notice that the lens barrel does not revolve in autofocus but you can immediately change the focus manually and immediately revert to autofocus again by using a half-press again. Note the readily accessible customizable buttons that provide direct access to most functions (investigate how you can exploit this excellent function to the full in a later section). Note the safety features integral in the magazine so you cannot remove a magazine without the darkslide in place or (unless set otherwise) make an exposure with the darkslide in place. Feel for the stop down button positioned between the lens and the grip. Press the AF button and then turn the front control wheel to change from AF single to AF continuous to Manual to try out the differences in how the camera behaves in these different modes, for example. Press the EXP button on the viewfinder and then turn the rear control wheel to change the metering method to see the changes in sensitivity of the exposure meter. Quite simply, just explore the camera for a little while to feel at home with the general handling and the idea of control buttons and wheels and LCD information, etc. The sooner you become accustomed to moving the controls instinctively the sooner you will be able to effortlessly use the finesses on offer. The remainder of this manual will slowly take you through, stage for stage, each feature and setting so that you can master this marvellous piece of photographic equipment and exploit it to the full. Finally, remember to check occasionally with your camera dealer or on the Hasselblad website on the Internet to see whether a firmware update is available. The functions and options described in this manual refer to firmware version 9.1.0 and later. The ability to update camera firmware is an advantage you should not forget to make full use of to maximize the capabilities of your H2! 12 2 Function Control & Display LCD and LED displays on camera and viewfinder Pixel based display Upgradeable firmware Rapidly accessible menu Interactive display Customizable functions All functions and settings on the H2 are accessed and altered by the control buttons and wheels on and around the grip aided visually by the LCD userinterface. The information on the LCD is in menu format and has a great deal in common with those found in modern computers, cell phones, etc. It is pixel based and therefore has a greater capacity to produce user-friendly symbols. 13 Below is an overview of the primary functions of the control wheels and buttons. Some controls have dual or triple functions according to the state of the menu or setting. A full description can be found further on in this manual. Shutter release button Activates camera and releases shutter. FLASH / (CONTROL LOCK) button Lock settings to avoid inadvertent change. Also accesses flash settings. AF button Accesses focus modes. DRIVE button Accesses the various drive (film frame advance) modes. Front control wheel Accesses and changes various settings. MENU button Accesses menu. Illumination button Illuminates grip LCD. ON.OFF (PROFILES/ESC) button Turns the camera on and off. Accesses Profiles and acts as escape button for other functions. Rear control wheel Accesses and changes various settings. M.UP button Raises and lowers mirror. Can be reassigned to another function. Remote release cord port For attaching a remote release cord (electrical). STOP DOWN button Stops down aperture to current setting. Can be reassigned to another function. AE-L button Locks light reading made in both automatic and manual exposure modes. Can be reassigned to another function. Film wind-off button Winds off film before film is finished. USER button User assignable-function button. Eyesight correction adjustment wheel Personal eyesight adjustment facility. EV correction adjustment button Produces EV compensation. EXP button Accesses exposure mode and metering method. 14 Grip LCD Typical camera grip display. (The information in brackets describes this particular example).