Hasselblad H4X Users Manual

H4X - User Manual h4x_eng_v1 Free User Guide for Hasselblad Camera, Manual

2015-07-27

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Page Count: 84

H4X

User Manual

H4X

C O N T E N T S

Darkslide indicator 21

Film tab holder 22

Film holder key 22

Magazine settings lock 22

Operation 22

Battery 22

Attaching and removing 23

Settings 24

Film loading 26

Beeper 26

Film wind on and off 26

Unloading a magazine 26

5 Lenses 27

Parts & Components 28

Attaching a lens 28

Removing a lens 28

Lens cap 28

Filters 28

Lens shades 28

Shutter and aperture control 28

Depth-of-field calculation 28

Depth-of-field / visual preview 29

Infrared focus settings 29

Focus assist 29

Manual focus 30

Autofocus 30

Single 30

Continuous 31

True Focus 31

6 Light Metering & Exposure Control 36

Metering method 38

Exposure method 38

Manual exposure mode 39

Automatic exposure mode 39

AE-L button 40

Exposure compensation/Quick Adjust 42

Drive 43

Single 43

Introduction 3

System requirements 4

Warnings & restrictions 4

1 General overview –

controls and displays 5

Button functions 6

Grip display 7

Viewfinder display 8

Buttons and controls – details 9

Audio feedback 11

2 Camera Body 13

Carrying strap 14

Removing & attaching the battery holder 14

Fitting the batteries 14

Battery life 14

Battery status 15

Power 15

On 15

Standby 15

Viewfinder screen 16

Accessory connection 16

PC-connector 16

Base plate 16

3 Viewfinder 17

Parts & Components 18

Attaching and removing the viewfinder 18

Eyepiece adjustment 18

Eye cup 18

Integral flash unit 18

4 Film magazine 19

Parts & components 20

LCD panel 21

LCD illumination 21

Buttons 21

Function selector 21

Film plane index 21

Darkslide key 21

The images in this manual were not taken with a Hasselblad H4X. They are used for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to represent the image quality produced by a Hasselblad H4X. Unless otherwise stated, all images: © Jens Karlsson/Hasselblad, David Jeﬀery and Mats Bengtsson.

Continuous 43

Multi exposure 43

7 Profiles 44

Making a profile 45

Using profiles 46

8 Custom settings 47

General overview of camera menu 48

Self Timer 50

Bracketing 52

Interval 54

Custom Options 55

Image Info 61

Text 62

Date & Time 64

System status 65

Digital 66

9 Flash/strobe 67

General 68

Integral flash 69

Flash measure 70

10 Optional accessories 71

11 Appendix 76

True Exposure 77

P & Pv modes 78

Light metering sensitivity 78

Technical specifications 79

Default settings 80

Problems, Equipment care and service 81

Quick index 82

H4X

Welcome to the Hasselblad H4X!

The sensational Hasselblad H4 models are the result of unwavering and

continuous refinements to the H line of cameras. Developments have

raised the bar for medium format photography, retaining Hasselblad's

position in ﬁrst place around the world.

The new H4X is designed to bring current H1 and H2 users up to a new

level of functionality. Most of the latest H4 developments are now avail-

able whether you use Hasselblad digital backs, 3rd party digital backs or

ﬁlm magazines. Access to HCD lenses for use with ﬁlm or 3rd party backs

and access to the revolutionary True Focus function with all backs and

ﬁlm magazines are just two features in this extremely attractive model.

Hasselblad cameras, famed for quality and reliability, were chosen to re-

cord the lunar missions – there could hardly be better praise than that.

Hasselblad con tinues the tradition of building on well proven technolo-

gies, reﬁning and im proving to raise standards, always to produce a better

product. By using Hasselblad equipment you share the decision made by

of some of the world’s best and most famous photographers.

H4X

H4 features in abundance

The H4X is a marked step up for previous H1 and H2 owners. Many

of the features from the H4 line are included, not least, True Focus.

It is a very versatile model that allows the freedom of choice be-

tween using Hasselblad CF/CFH digital backs, third party digital

backs as well as Hasselblad ﬁlm magazines. The H4X is therefore

a very serious contender in the medium format world that should

appeal to a broad spectrum of photographers.

An impressive lens line

The highly renowned HC/HCD lens line includes 11 Auto-Focus

lenses. The range is from 28mm to 300mm, 50-110mm zoom, 35-

90mm zoom and 1.7x converter. They all employ central shutters,

allowing ﬂash to be employed at shutter speeds up to 1/500s. The

central shutter also improves image quality by reducing camera

vibration. And thanks to the large format of the H System cameras,

there is a considerably shallower depth of field range, making it

much easier to utilize selective focus to creative eﬀect. In this way

the full HC/HCD lens program is even further enhanced, bringing

a new level of sharpness and resolution. (See under 'Lenses' for de-

tails about potential limitations concerning HCD lenses in combi-

nation with some digital/ﬁlm backs).

True Focus

True Focus helps solve one of the most lingering challenges that

faces serious photographers today: true, accurate focusing through-

out the image ﬁeld. The traditional solution for most DSLRs has been

to equip the camera with a multi-point AF sensor but it only resolves

some issues. To overcome this problem, Hasselblad has used modern

yaw rate sensor technology to measure angular velocity in an inno-

vative way. The result is the new Absolute Position Lock (APL) proces-

sor, which forms the foundation of Hasselblad’s True Focus feature.

DAC (for CF/CFH users only)

Available with Hasselblad CF/CFH digital back use exclusively,

'Digital Auto Correction' (DAC), is an APO-chromatic correction

of the images based on a combination of the various parameters

concerning each speciﬁc lens for each speciﬁc shot, ensuring that

each image represents the best that your equipment can produce.

Optional Accessories

H system accessories include general items such as filters, straps

and lens shades etc., as well as specialist items such as the HTS 1.5

and the CF Adapter to really broaden your range. The HTS 1.5 tilt/

shift adapter (optional accessory) delivers an easy to use, portable

tilt/shift solution for five HC/HCD lenses ranging from 28mm to

100mm. The CF adapter (optional accessory) allows use of the clas-

sic CF-lenses from the Hasselblad V System. Have a look at the list

towards the end of this manual for more details.

Phocus

Hasselblad Phocus is the free RAW ﬁle processor to complete and

fine tune, primarily, Hasselblad raw (3FR) files from Hasselblad

digital backs. However it is capable of importing other raw formats

too, from a variety of manufacturers. You will ﬁnd a copy of Phocus

on the included DVD, or you can download it directly from the

Hasselblad website.

Computer system requirements

Digital files naturally end up on a computer for processing.

Image-storage and correction requires a certain minimum

standard regarding computer capabilities. Large images will re-

quire a high-performance computer with plenty of memory, ad-

vanced 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 images stored on the removable compact-flash card,

you could instead use a compact-ﬂash card reader, but FireWire

is recommended for maximum ﬂexibility.

Warnings and restrictions

Keep the H4X and computer equipment away from mois-

ture wherever possible. If your camera becomes wet, dis-

connect from power and allow it to dry before attempt-

ing to operate again.

Always take great care when you remove a digital back

for cleaning as the exposed CCD 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 keep purchase details and the warranty in a safe

place.

Familiarise yourself with the various parts and compo-

nents. Leave protective covers on as much as possible

and avoid touching glass surfaces and inserting ﬁngers

into the camera body. Hasselblad cameras have a ro-

bust construction and are capable of withstanding fairly

rough treatment but nevertheless are precision instru-

ments and will serve you longer if treated with respect

from the beginning.

Finally, please check occasionally on the Hasselblad

website – www.hasselblad.com – for any ﬁrmware and

software updates, news, tips, user manuals or other in-

formation.

H4X

Photo: Claudio Napolitan / Hasselblad Masters

This section provides an introduction to the control buttons'

functions as well as the information provided on the display

screens.

General overview

– controls

H4X

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.

Button functions − overview

Shutter release button

Releases shutter. Also activates came-

ra from standby mode.

FLASH / (CONTROL LOCK) button

Locks settings to avoid inadvertent

change. Also accesses ﬂash settings

as well as acting as Exit button.

AF button

Accesses focus modes.

DRIVE button

Accesses ISO and White Balance

settings. Also acts as Save button.

Front control wheel

Accesses and changes various set-

tings.

MENU button

Accesses menu.

Illumination/Battery status button

Illuminates grip display. Accesses

battery status and general informa-

tion screen.

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 set-

tings.

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.

True Focus button

Activates True Focus function. Can

be reassigned to another function.

Format button

Re-formats CF card.

AE-L button

Locks light reading made in both

automatic and manual exposure

modes. Can be reassigned to

another function.

Eyesight correction adjustment wheel

Adjusts viewﬁnder image to suit

individual eyesight.

EV correction adjustment button

Produces EV exposure compensation.

EXP button

Accesses exposure mode and meter-

ing method.

H4X

Typical camera grip display when changing

settings.

Command indication

The upper row on the screens describes commands (which

change according to the setting). The button immediately above

each command eﬀects the change. So in this case, for example,

you would press the FLASH button to ‘exit’ from the screen.

See note below.

Settings symbols

Symbolize the options available when settings are changed.

The active symbol is depicted by a drop shadow.

Control wheel description and direction

Arrowheads symbolize which control wheel should be used to

change the setting they are beside. In this case, the Bracketing

option is chosen by the front control wheel and the number of

captures in that option is chosen by the rear control wheel.

. . . = front control wheel

= rear control wheel

Setting information

The lower row on the screen displays information about the

current state of the setting. In short, the upper row displays

what you can do, and the lower row displays the current state of

settings or what you have done.

Example of typical camera grip display

Grip display − overview

Focus setting

(Autofocus setting,

single shot mode)

Drive condition

(Single setting)

Shutter speed setting

(1/400s)

ISO setting

(100 ISO)

Low battery symbol

Capture counter

(28 shots remaining on chosen

storage medium)

Metering method

indication

(Centre weighted)

White balance

(Daylight)

Flash condition indication

(No exposure compensation,

normal ﬂash synchronisation)

Aperture setting

(f/5.6)

Exposure mode indication

(Aperture priority setting)

Exposure Value display

(EV 13.8)

H4X

Typical viewﬁnder display. Note the LEDs will only be visible when activated (by the camera or a setting).

Viewﬁnder display − overview

Normal screen with True Focus

activated.

Standard settings

Some examples of various viewfinder displays

Viewfinder display according to setting

Flash mode AF mode Exposure compensation

mode

etc. where:

Aperture priority

Shutter priority

Program

Program (variable)

Manual

Centre Weighted =

CentreSpot =

Spot =

Exposure method and

metering method mode

examples

Flash LED

Exposure method indication

(‘aperture priority’ mode)

Aperture setting

(f/5.6)

Warning triangle

LED

Exposure compensation

setting reminder symbol

Metering method setting

(Centre weighted)

Focus Assist LED

Exposure compensation

setting (+0.7 EV)

Shutter speed setting

(1/30 second)

Capture

counter

True Focus and HCD crop

icons appear on right

hand side of display

when functions are

activated.

Normal screen with AE lock

activated.

Normal screen with exposure

compensation set.

Drive mode

Menu mode

H4X

Buttons and controls − details

Shutter release button A

This button has half-press and full-press positions. By pressing half-way (or softly) the

camera, auto focus function and exposure meter can be activated. By pressing all the

way down (or more ﬁrmly) the shutter will be released (or the chosen exposure proce-

dure for example, the self timer is activated with this button).

FLASH / (CONTROL LOCK) button / (EXIT) B

This is a triple function button. If you press the button for one second, the beeper will

sound (if set) and a key symbol will appear on the grip display signifying that the con-

trols (except the shutter release) have been locked and therefore cannot be altered unin-

tentionally in use. Press the button for one second again to unlock (this function can be

altered to lock all controls or control wheels only in Custom Options #18).

Quickly clicking the button will access the ﬂash settings information on the display from

the main screen. See under Flash /Strobe - controls and displays for full details.

This button also acts as the EXIT button for many other settings including an EXIT but-

ton when navigating the digital back menu.

AF button / (ON) / (SEL.) C

This is a triple function button. Press this button to directly access the autofocus/manual

focus choice screen from the main screen. See under Lenses for full details. It also acts as

the ON and SEL. (= select) buttons for many other settings.

Drive button / (SAVE) / (ENTER) D

This is a triple function button. It provides direct access to the Drive settings (see under

Lenses > Drive for full details).

It also acts as the SAVE and ENTER buttons for many other settings as well as an OK

button when navigating the digital back menu.

Front control wheel E

The front and rear control wheels are used to make changes in exposure settings, access

the grip menu for settings as well as navigate the digital back’s menu. The eﬀect of the

wheels’ direction is customizable.

MENU button F

Accesses the ﬁrst level of the menu for settings changes.

Illumination/Battery status button G

Press to illuminate the display. Remains active until camera enters standby mode. Hold

down to access battery status/general information screen.

ON.OFF (PROFILES/ESC) button H

Press the button for 1 second to activate the camera. The H4X start-up logo will appear

and then the main screen. After a few seconds (customizable) the camera will enter

Standby mode.

A long press of the button will turn the camera oﬀ completely (even from Standby

mode) signiﬁed by an audible signal (if set). A quick ‘click’ on the button will access the

Proﬁles section of the menu from the main screen.

Note the diﬀerence in results between a long press and a quick click of this button.

B C D E

H4X

Rear control wheel I

The front and rear control wheels are used to make changes in exposure settings, access

the various loop sections of the menu for settings as well as navigate the digital back’s

menu. The eﬀect of the wheels’ direction is customizable.

On the rear of the grip, as well as the rear control wheel, there are a further

three control buttons:

True Focus J

Activates the True Focus setting. See under Lenses / True Focus for explanation of this

function.

Format button K

Re-formats a CF card. Purposefully recessed to prevent unintentional use. Dialogue

appears for conﬁrmation.

AE-L button L

This button can lock a light reading made in both automatic and manual exposure

modes. It can also be used in Zone mode to take a new reading.

Can be reassigned in Custom Options to another function.

See under Light Metering & Exposure Control / AE-L button for full details.

On the front of the grip there are two more control buttons plus the remote

cord release port:

M.UP button M

Press this button to raise the mirror and press again to lower it (toggle function). A quick

double press of the button (two within a half second) will immediately access the Self

timer function.

Can be reassigned in Custom Options to another function.

Remote release cord port N

For attaching a remote release cord (electrical). The Hasselblad accessory jack plug

socket is protected by a captive rubber plug.

STOP DOWN button O

Press this button to make a visual check of the depth-of-ﬁeld on the viewﬁnder screen at

the chosen aperture. The aperture will close according to the setting and remain closed

as long as the pressure is maintained. You can alter the aperture at the same time to see

the changes taking place.

Can be reassigned in Custom Options to another function.

Note

Reassignable buttons are parti-

cularly useful and can save you a

great deal of time and eﬀort. You are

advised to investigate their potential

fully. See Custom Options for full

details.

H4X

There are also two control buttons on the viewﬁnder, as well as the eyesight

correction adjustment wheel:

Eyesight correction adjustment wheel P

The personal eyesight adjustment facility has a diopter range of -5 to +3.5, to suit most

users.

EV correction adjustment button Q

Press this button to access the EV compensation screen. Settings are made with either

the front or rear control wheels. An EV correction symbol appears on the grip and view-

ﬁnder display as conﬁrmation.

EXP button R

The EXP (Exposure) button accesses the exposure mode and metering method options

screen. Settings are made with the front and rear control wheels and the appropriate

symbols appear on the grip and viewﬁnder displays accordingly.

ON:

OFF:

Media full:

IAA yellow:

Overwrite red:

Transfer complete:

Error:

Ready:

Overexposure:

Underexposure:

5 images left:

1 image left:

Low battery:

ON:

OFF:

Error:

Ready:

Low Battery:

ON:

OFF:

Media full:

IAA yellow:

Overwrite red:

Transfer complete:

Error:

Ready:

Overexposure:

Underexposure:

5 images left:

1 image left:

Low battery:

ON:

OFF:

Media full:

IAA yellow:

Overwrite red:

Transfer complete:

Error:

Ready:

Overexposure:

Underexposure:

5 images left:

1 image left:

Low battery:

IAA yellow:

Overwrite red:

Transfer complete:

Overexposure:

Underexposure:

5 images left:

1 image left:

Media full:

Audio feedback

There are 14 diﬀerent sounds to help provide immediate information. A button press has a normal mechanical ‘click’ sound while the remain-

ing actions listed here are more musical. For example, a capture rated as overexposed is signiﬁed by three rapid notes going up the musical

scale, whereas an underexposed capture has three rapid notes going down the musical scale, as illustrated here.

See later section about available options on the digital capture unit for activation and volume control.

H4X

Some buttons have a toggle function, the ON.OFF button has a quick ‘click’ action

as well as a longer (half-second) ‘press’ action and the shutter release has two

positions: ‘half-press’ and ‘full-press’.

Several buttons on the grip are multifunctional, according to the state of the menu.

In the example illustrated here, the FLASH button functions as the EXIT button, the

AF button functions as the ON button and the DRIVE button functions as the SAVE

button.

· The front and rear control wheels can also be used to navigate the menu on the

digital back.

· At very low temperatures the displays require a few seconds to present new settings.

· The control wheels are also used to navigate the menu on the digital back.

· The FLASH button also acts as an EXIT button and the DRIVE button acts as an

OK button when navigating the digital back menu.

The following is a list of the various terms describing the various actions that

appear in the menu (on the grip display):

Enter: moves screen down one level on the menu.

Exit: moves screen back up one level on the menu. Does not save any

settings.

Oﬀ: deactivates the particular function being set.

On: activates the particular function being set.

Sel.: (Select) - selects the character marked for image info and proﬁle name

ESC: (Escape) - terminates an action and returns to the main screen. Does

not save any settings.

Save: saves a setting and also moves screen back up one level on the menu.

Can save many changes made in a setting sequence.

Examples

The basic principle behind making changes is that the appropriate button is

ﬁrst pressed to access the menu and then settings altered by way of the control

wheels. The appropriate control wheel is designated by arrowheads alongside

the setting description.

Saving settings changes on the grip

‘Quick save’ - half-

press shutter release

button

Save - press save but-

ton (DRIVE button)

Escape - press ESC

button (PROFILES /ESC

button)

Exit - press exit button

(FLASH button)

Remember the follow-

ing groupings of ‘saved’

and ‘not-saved’ actions

when making settings

changes:

SAVED NOT SAVED

H4X

 Aluminium cast in one piece

 Stainless steel shell

 Integral quick-coupling plate

 Upgradeable ﬁrmware

 Modular design

 Integral ergonomic grip

 Pixel based user interface

The H4X camera body is a robust construction of cast alu-

minium with a stainless steel shell for extreme durability.

The integral ergonomic grip houses the main control interface

and also contains the battery holder. The camera body also

contains the viewﬁnder screen, which can be easily removed

or exchanged without the use of special tools or adjustment

procedures.

Please take extra care when handling the camera body with-

out a protective cover or the digital back in place to pro-

tect the auxiliary shutter. Likewise, the front opening of the

camera body reveals the mirror when unprotected by a cover

or lens. Do not touch or attempt to clean the mirror yourself

– marks or dust particles will not impair results in any case.

More noticeable problems, however, should be taken care of

by a Hasselblad Authorized Service Center.

Camera Body

Photo: Bang Peng / Hasselblad Masters

H4X

Carrying strap 1, 2

The carrying strap is attached by ﬁrstly withdrawing the safety

collar. The hook is then freed and attached to the strap lug (ﬁg. 1).

Slide back the safety collar (ﬁg. 2) to ensure the hook remains in

the locked position between the small protruding lugs. The collar

is purposely a tight ﬁt and might need some eﬀort to slide.

Battery life 7, 8

Battery life is dependent on a number of variable factors and

therefore cannot be exactly predicted.If the camera is left in the

active state instead of standby for long periods, for example, then

the battery will become exhausted much faster. A low-battery

state is indicated as a symbol on the grip LCD (ﬁg. 7).

When the batteries are almost completely exhausted, a warning

message ‘Replace battery’ will appear on the grip LCD (ﬁg. 8). The

camera will not function at all when this message appears and

battery change is essential.

Removing and attaching the battery holder 3

The H4X requires batteries for all actions. There is no mechanical

reserve facility so it advisable to always have a spare set of batter-

ies. As is normal, you might want to keep a reserve set of batteries

in a warm place when working in very cold conditions.

Remove the battery holder by depressing the the battery holder

button (A) and simultaneously swinging the battery holder re-

taining lever (B) down until it stops. Pull battery holder down-

wards (C).

To attach ensure the battery holder is ﬂat against the camera 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.

Fitting the batteries 4, 5, 6

With the battery holder removed, press the red battery cassette

retaining button inwards on the holder to release the battery cas-

sette . Load three CR-123 lithium (or equivalent) into the cassette,

ensuring the polarity of each battery is correctly oriented (see the

‘+’ markings on the batteries and the cassette). Re-insert the cas-

sette into the battery holder, ensuring that it is seated properly in

place and that the red button returns fully into the locked posi-

tion.

Note

When the Low battery icon appears (as in illus 7), the camera au-

tomatically enters a temporary power-saving mode. This is recog-

nizable by a slower pace for all the actions in a capture sequence.

The camera actions also sound diﬀerently.

This mode is designed so that you can continue working for a

while, even though the power remaining in the battery is too low

for working in the normal manner. Naturally, you should replace

the battery as soon as possible to restore normal action again.

H4X

9Battery status (Battery grip rechargeable 7.2V Li-on only) 9

With a 'Battery grip rechargeable 7.2V Li-on' (optional accessory) ﬁtted an immediate

full-screen information and battery status check appears on the grip display by holding

down the illumination button. This screen displays:

• the rmware version

• the number of captures taken since the last battery recharge / change.

• a rechargeable-battery status icon that provides a quick visual check as well as a gure

estimate in percent.

The information regarding the number of captures taken is intended to help you make an

estimate of the number of possible remaining captures according to your way of work-

ing. For example, if you regularly browse a great deal when shooting or you leave the

camera in ON-mode with no standby, you would naturally expect to drain the battery

sooner than others who don’t. You should soon be able to build up a picture of how you

usually work and can therefore estimate that after X number of captures, you normally

expect to be able to take Y captures 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, ambient temperature for example, as well as general practice.

Power

The camera can be set at two active power modes −

Standby

− as well as

OFF

In active modes, battery consumption is least in

Standby

mode and most in

mode.

The camera enters

Standby

mode to conserve battery consumption after 10 seconds

(Default) but can be changed in Custom Options #1. Both the grip and the digital back

displays are dimmed accordingly. The digital back can be set to become independently

inactive in

Power Down

(Menu > Settings > User Interface > Power Down).

Note that after 1 hour of complete digital back inactivity in power down mode, the camera

body will automatically shut down too. Restart by pressing the ON.OFF button on the

grip as normal.

To activate the camera press the red ON.OFF button until you see the start-up H4X logo

appear on the grip display. The logo is automatically followed by the main screen. The

camera is now in ON mode.

After a set period of inactivity (programmable in Custom Options) the camera automati-

cally enters Standby mode, signalled by the appearance of the H4X logo again.

Standby

In this mode the camera is in a mainly inactive Standby mode and is ready to be imme-

diately reactivated to the ON mode by:

• pressing the shutter release button half way

• pressing the Stop down button

• clicking the ON.OFF button

• pressing the Mirror up button.

In this mode, signalled by the standby H4X logo appearing on the grip display, the

demand on the batteries is very low. It is ideal for general use where intervals between

shots exceed a few seconds.

Standby mode is automatically set from the ON mode after 10 seconds (default) of

inactive use (programmable in Custom Options #1).

H4X

2221

1716

Viewﬁnder screens showing the diﬀerence in masking and

composition frame marking. Type varies to match sensor size.

See under Accessories for other types (with grid pattern, for

example).

Note

Do not attempt to clean the screen by immersing it in water, or use

any kind of cleaning ﬂuid. If the screen becomes damp, do not use

hot air to dry it. Use a soft cloth on the upper surface only. Seek

advice from an Authorized Hasselblad Service Center if the screen

becomes particularly soiled. Remember that particles or greasy

marks on the screen might impair the viewﬁnder image but have

no eﬀect whatsoever on the recorded image

OFF

From the active screen, press (not click !) the red ON.OFF button

for a half second. All buttons (except the ON.OFF button) remain

ineﬀective, producing virtually no demand on the battery. This

is the normal mode when transporting or storing the camera

or where there might be a risk of inadvertently activating the

camera. (However, remove the batteries if you are going to store

the camera for a period of more than a few weeks).

In this mode neither the viewﬁnder display nor grip display infor-

mation is available.

Viewﬁnder screen 16, 17

The H4X is ﬁtted with a Spherical Acute-Matte D viewﬁnder screen

for extreme brightness, clarity and even illumination. An optional

accessory screen with a grid pattern is also available.

To change a viewﬁnder screen, remove the viewﬁnder to access

the viewﬁnder screen. To remove the screen, place the tip of a

ballpoint pen or similar in the viewﬁnder screen removal lug and

pull upwards. To replace the screen, position the right side of the

screen in place so that it sits correctly in the recess. Place the tip

of a ballpoint pen or similar in the viewﬁnder screen replacement

indentation and press downwards until the screen snaps into

position. Try to avoid touching either surface of the screen with

bare ﬁngers.

Accessory connection 18, 19

On the left hand side of the camera body are two accessory-

retaining screw threads (M5), as well as a databus connector,

protected beneath a cover.

The cover can be removed by inserting a pointed object, such

as a pen, in the small hole and then sliding it to the left, as in the

illustration. The cover-retaining clip can then also be removed to

access the connector.

PC-connector 20

A PC connector for non TTL-ﬂash synchronisation is located on

the left side of the body. It is protected by a captive rubber plug.

Protective base plate 21, 22

To attach the protective base plate, slip it over the camera foot

until it stops. To remove it, lift the securing catch while pushing

the plate back towards the lens.

18 19

H4X

Photo: Joao Carlos / Hasselblad Masters

 Multi-mode light metering

 Full exposure information

 100% image

 90° viewing angle for eye-line composition

 Full image for spectacle wearers

 Integral diopter adjustment

 Integral ﬂash unit

The viewﬁnder provides a laterally corrected 100% image at

eye-line level. It features a wide-range diopter adjustment to

suit most users. The viewing distance is designed to provide

full frame view even for eyeglass wearers. The bright Spherical

Acute-Matte D focusing screens (located in the camera body)

are interchangeable to suit preference, each of them naturally

indicating the spot light-metering area for accuracy in expo-

sure calculation. The information display located beneath the

viewing frame is continually updated and visible and is back

lit for optimum visibility. This display also duplicates much

information visible on the grip display for immediate check-

ing. In addition to the display, there are four LEDs providing

general warnings, ﬂash and focus information. The viewﬁnder

also features a pop-up ﬁll-ﬂash unit for added convenience.

See the Camera Body section for details about the view-

ﬁnder screen. The exposure compensation button and expo-

sure button are described in the Light Metering & Exposure

Control section.

Viewfinder

H4X

Attaching and removing the viewﬁnder 1

While holding the viewﬁnder at a slight angle and resting it on the top of the camera,

slide the viewﬁnder forward until the front locating pin is in position in the recess in the

front edge of the viewﬁnder screen aperture on camera body. Press the rear part of the

viewﬁnder ﬁrmly downwards until it clicks into place.

Ensure that both sides of the viewﬁnder are seated correctly and that it has been ﬁrmly

attached and locked into position. Failure to do so could cause an intermittent malfunc-

tion if the databus interface connections between the viewﬁnder and camera body are

not positively secured.

To remove, grasp the viewﬁnder in the right hand and while depressing the viewﬁnder

release button, lift the rear of the viewﬁnder up and away from the camera body.

Eyepiece adjustment 2

No corrective lenses are needed to adjust the eyepiece to suit most requirements. The

diopter range is from -5 to +3.5D. Eyeglass wearers can rapidly and accurately change

the settings according to whether they wish to wear eyeglasses for viewing or not.

Personal eyepiece adjustments can be carried out by pointing the camera at the sky or

similar smoothly toned area. While holding the camera in your left hand, you can with

your right thumb turn the adjustment wheel until the markings on the viewﬁnder screen

reach the optimum sharpness for your eyesight.

If you normally wear eyeglasses for distance viewing and intend to wear them for camera

use then do not remove them for the above procedure. If, on the other hand, you prefer

to remove your eyeglasses for camera work, then repeat the above procedure without

wearing your eyeglasses.

Rubber eye cup

Two rubber eye cups are available for the H4X. The one supplied is suitable for users who

do not intend to use eyeglasses when photographing. The second shorter eye cup is for

those who either prefer to position their eye further from the viewﬁnder and those who

wish to wear eyeglasses.

The eye cups can be rapidly changed by a Hasselblad Authorized Service Center.

Integral ﬂash unit

See under Flash for full details.

Parts and components  HVD 90x & HV 90

Note

There are three compatible view-

ﬁnder models – HVD 90x, HV 90x

and the HV 90X-II The HVD 90x,

however, is not compatible with ﬁlm

magazines as it does not display the

whole image.

User functions are the same for both

models.

A B C D E F G H

G. Flash unit release button

H. Viewﬁnder release button

A. Rubber eye cup

B. Hot shoe

C. Eyesight adjustment wheel

D. Exposure compensation button

E. Exposure method / mode button

F. Integral ﬂash unit

1 2

H4X

The 16-32 ﬁlm magazines are sophisticated independent

units within the H system. They allow the use of 120 or 220

ﬁlm. Features include automatic ﬁlm advance, wind on and

wind oﬀ. A display provides information while some settings

data can be printed on the edge of the ﬁlm for archival pur-

poses.

Film magazines not only provide for special requirements in

technical applications but also allow a broader spectrum of

expression for creative work.

Film Magazine

Photo: Mark Zibert / Hasselblad Masters

H4X

HM 16-32 Film Magazine

The HM 16-32 ﬁlm magazine is a sophisticated semi-independent

unit within the modular H-system. It has its own power supply for

individual information storage, LCD panel, illumination, etc.

Much information is transmitted and received between the maga-

zine and the camera body, so ensure the databus connection is kept

clean and not damaged in any way. It is advisable to ﬁt the maga-

zine protective cover when storing a ﬁlm magazine to protect both

the databus connection and the darkslide.

The features include:

• Automatic120/220compatibility

• Automaticwindon/windo

• Automaticlmadvance

• LCDinformationpanel

• Integraldarkslide

• Customizabledataimprinting

• IlluminatedLCD

• Barcoderecognition

• Count-uporcount-downlmframereminderchoice

• Multishotoption

A B

F G H I J K L

Parts and components

A. LCD panel G. Darkslide key

B. LCD illumination button H. Darkslide indicator

C. Change up button I. Film tab holder

D. Change down button J. Film holder key

E. Function selector K. Magazine settings lock

F. Film plane index L. Databus interface

H4X

LCD panel A

The various functions are accessed by repeatedly pressing the

function selector button (loop menu) and changes made by the

‘change-up’ and ‘change-down’ buttons. Any settings are auto-

matically saved. At very low temperatures the LCD will require a

few seconds to display new settings.

LCD illumination button B

The LCD can be illuminated by pressing the display illumination

button, which is accessible when the magazine is not attached to

the camera. The LCD will remain illuminated all the time you keep

the button depressed, up to a maximum of 10 seconds. After 10

seconds has expired, you must release the pressure on the button

and press again to obtain a further 10 second period of illumina-

tion. Remember that using the illumination function very often

will noticeably shorten the life of the battery in the magazine.

When the magazine is attached to the camera, the button on the

magazine is inaccessible but you can still illuminate the LCD by

pressing the illumination button on the grip instead.

Change up button C

Can change the settings ‘upwards’. For example, to increase the

ﬁlm speed setting. Toggle action.

Change down button D

Can change the settings ‘downwards’. For example, to decrease

the ﬁlm speed setting. Toggle action.

Function selector E

Selects the four functions that can be set on the magazine. The

functions are on a menu loop so that repeated pressing of the se-

lector button will successively access all functions in turn. After a

time-out of ﬁve seconds of non-activity, the display returns to the

main screen.

Film plane index F

Provides a measuring point for the actual position of the ﬁlm plane

in the magazine. Used for calculations in critical applications.

Darkslide key G

Withdraws and replaces the darkslide. Fold out the key and turn it

counter-clockwise 360° (towards the open symbol) to withdraw

it and clockwise 360° (towards the closed symbol) to replace it.

Darkslide indicator H

Indicates whether the darkslide is in place or withdrawn:

RED = stop ! = exposure CANNOT be made

(magazine can be removed from camera)

WHITE = ok ! = exposure CAN be made

(magazine cannot be removed from camera)

If you attempt to make an exposure when the darkslide is closed,

however, you will receive a warning message in the viewﬁnder and

grip LCDs – ‘The darkslide is closed’.

Note

Changes can only be made when the settings lock switch is in

the unlocked position.

Note

The darkslide can only be withdrawn when the magazine is

attached to the camera.

H4X

Film tab holder I

Holds an ID tab from the ﬁlm roll pack as a reminder of the type of

ﬁlm loaded. Don’t forget to change it if you change ﬁlm type!

Film holder key J

Secures the ﬁlm holder in the magazine. Fold out the key and turn

counter-clockwise 90° to remove the ﬁlm holder and turn clock-

wise 90˚ to lock the ﬁlm holder in place.

Magazine settings lock K

All settings can be locked to avoid inadvertent changes. To change

the settings, slide the settings lock (see illus) to the right until it

stops. After the changes have been made, slide the settings lock to

the left (see symbol on magazine) again to secure the new settings.

Databus interface L

Data interface between magazine and camera. Ensure the contacts

are kept clean and protected from damage. Keep the protective

cover on when the magazine is being stored or transported.

Operation

Battery

The magazine uses a battery to retain information and settings

when unattached from the camera. When attached to the camera

body, the magazine takes its power requirements from the cam-

era batteries. The magazine battery will normally be eﬀective for

1-2 years depending on use (oﬀ camera illumination, for example).

When the battery is in a very low condition, (approx. 1 month of

use left), a low-battery symbol appears on the magazine LCD as a

warning. The magazine will continue to function with no battery

power left as long as it remains attached to the camera body. How-

ever, when detached, the settings will not be stored.

Battery replacement 1, 2

Release the ﬁlm holder by folding out the ﬁlm holder key and

rotating it 90° in a counter-clockwise direction. Withdraw the ﬁlm

holder completely. On the bottom plate on the inside of the ﬁlm

magazine housing you will ﬁnd a slotted circular battery cover.

Insert a small coin or similar into the slot and rotate the cover

about 20° in a counter-clockwise direction. The cover will be freed

and the battery can be removed. Replace with a fresh CR2032 / 3V

lithium (or equivalent) battery. Observe the polarity and ensure

the positive (+) face is uppermost and replace the cover (ensure

the retaining lugs are inserted in the battery compartment slots),

locking it into place by rotating it in a clockwise direction until it

stops. If you inadvertently insert the battery incorrectly, the ﬁlm

magazine will not be damaged though it will not function. Try to

avoid touching the surface of the battery with your bare ﬁngers

as sweat residue can decrease the electrical conductivity of the

battery casing and might cause corrosion.

After battery replacement, the magazine’s parameters return to

the default settings (Barcode, 120, Data-on, Count up).

I J

H4X

Attaching and removing the magazine 3, 4

You cannot remove a magazine from the camera body if the mag-

azine darkslide is not in place, (when the magazine darkslide in-

dicator on the magazine shows white). Neither can you withdraw

the magazine darkslide when the magazine is not attached to the

camera. Both these restrictions therefore prevent accidental ﬁlm

loss caused by fogging.

Attachment

Position the magazine retention groove onto the magazine sup-

port on the camera body ensuring that they are correctly posi-

tioned. Swing the magazine towards the camera body and ﬁrmly

press into place with a click. If there is resistance, the magazine

retaining catch on the camera has probably been inadvertently

released. In that case, push the release button again to reset the

catch.

You can attach and remove the magazine with or without the ﬁlm

holder in place. If you just want to change to a new ﬁlm, you can

remove and reload the ﬁlm holder without having to remove the

whole magazine.

Removal

Ensure that the darkslide indicator on the magazine shows red (sig-

nifying that the darkslide is closed). Firstly push the lever of the

magazine release button to the right (ﬁg. 4/1) and while maintain-

ing that position press the centre of the button ﬁrmly inwards to-

wards the camera body (ﬁg. 4/2) to ﬁnally release the magazine.

Note

You cannot remove a magazine if the darkslide is not closed.

Note

Film settings (ISO / ﬁlm length) are automatic only if the

magazine is set at Barcode automatic. That is, a barcoded

ﬁlm cannot override a manual ﬁlm speed setting but a man-

ual setting can override the ﬁlm speed of a barcoded ﬁlm.

Note

Films without a barcode must have their speed set manu-

ally. A manual setting must also be made if you want to

override the speed setting of a barcoded ﬁlm.

Note

If the ﬁlm holder is inadvertently removed mid-ﬁlm, then

exposed frames will naturally be lost due to light fogging.

However, if the ﬁlm holder is re-inserted, the ﬁlm will au-

tomatically be advanced by three frames to position fresh

unexposed ﬁlm. The ﬁlm counter will also correspondingly

add on three frames to the original number recorded before

the ﬁlm holder was removed.

Note

Ensure you press on the centre of the button, not on the lever.

H4X

Magazine settings

Press the function selector ( button ) repeatedly to successively

access:

A. Film speed (ISO / Bar Code)

B. Film length (120/220/ Number of frames)

C. Data (on/oﬀ)

D. Frame counter (count down / count up)

E. Low-battery warning symbol

Film speed setting / barcode

The ﬁlm speed (ISO / ASA) can be set automatically or manually.

Automatic setting uses a barcode (only some ﬁlms have this fea-

ture, notably Fujiﬁlm). This is the default setting.

To access Manual setting:

1) Ensure the magazine settings lock is in the unlocked position.

2) Press the button until a ﬁgure (or barcode symbol) appears

together with ISO.

3) Press either the or the button to reach the required set-

ting.

4) The new setting will be saved automatically after a time out of

ﬁve seconds.

5) Return the LCD settings lock to the locked position.

Film length/number of frames

Both 120 and 220 ﬁlms can be used. 120 ﬁlm will produce 8 (for

use with ‘half-length’ 120 ﬁlms only) or 16 frames and 220 ﬁlm will

produce 32 frames.

If the ﬁlm has a barcode, then ﬁlm length setting (and ﬁlm speed

setting) is automatic. The LCD will automatically show the barcode

symbol and the appropriate ﬁlm length. (Note that ﬁlm speed can

be overridden with barcoded ﬁlms, but not ﬁlm length).

If, however, the ﬁlm has no barcode then proceed as follows:

To access ﬁlm type setting:

1) Ensure the magazine settings lock is in the unlocked position.

2) Press the button until the 120 or 220 symbol appears.

3) Press either the or the button to change the desired

setting.

4) The new setting will be saved automatically after time-out.

5) Return the magazine settings lock to the locked position.

Data imprint setting

Data imprinting can be activated or deactivated through the mag-

azine menu.

To access data setting:

1) Ensure the magazine settings lock is in the unlocked position.

2) Press the button until the Data symbol appears.

3) Press either the or the button to reach On or Oﬀ.

4) The new setting will be saved automatically after a time out of

ﬁve seconds.

5) Return the magazine settings lock to the locked position.

Film speed

Film length

Data

Frame counter

1 2

EXAMPLE

Note

If you use both standard and barcoded ﬁlms (or overridden

barcoded ﬁlms), check that you have changed the settings

accordingly.

H4X

Manual ﬁlm

speed setting.

220 ﬁlm length

setting.

Data imprinting

setting.

‘Frames remaining’

counter setting.

Frame counter setting

The frame counter can be set to show either how many unex-

posed frames remain on a ﬁlm or how many frames have already

been exposed. The LCD shows your choice of setting by adding

the word Remain as a reminder of the number of frames remain-

ing or ‘countdown’. Absence of this word implies the opposite,

namely, ‘count-up’, so it denotes the number of the next frame

to be used (for example, the ﬁgure 4 means three frames have

already been exposed). This information is also automatically dis-

played on the grip LCD and viewﬁnder LCD though only as a ﬁg-

ure above a symbol.

To access frame counter setting:

1) Ensure the magazine settings lock is in the unlocked position.

2) Press the button until Remain appears.

3) Press either the button or the button to reach the desired

setting (toggle function).

 •‘on’willshowthenumberofframesremainingontheroll.

 •‘oFF’willshowthenumberofthenextframeintheseries.

4) The new setting will be saved automatically after a time out

of ﬁve seconds.

5) Return the magazine settings lock to the locked position.

Low-battery symbol

The low-battery symbol only appears on the magazine LCD when

the battery needs changing.

Example

In the example shown here:

 • 120lmlengthsetmanually

 • thelmspeed(ISO160)hasbeensetmanually

 • 5frameshavealreadybeenexposed(thereforewithregular

120 ﬁlm, 11 frames remain)

 • thebatteryisfunctional

Note

Operation and changes made to the data imprinting func-

tion are accessed through the camera menu. Please see sep-

arate section in camera User Manual for full details.

H4X

Film loading

The ﬁlm magazine can be loaded either on or oﬀ the camera. Regu-

larly check the interior of the magazine and remove dust, particles

or any scraps of paper from previous rolls of ﬁlm. Load and unload

ﬁlm magazines away from direct light sources.

1) Fold out the ﬁlm holder key and turn it counter-clockwise 90°.

Withdraw the ﬁlm holder com pletely.

2) Place an empty take-up spool in the upper spool holder by

placing one end over the ﬁxed stud in the holder and the other

end underneath the sprung spool retaining arm. Rotate the

spool a little if necessary until it clicks into position.

3) Completely remove the retaining paper band from a new roll

of ﬁlm and place it in the lower spool holder. See diagram for

correct orientation. Ensure you do not place the ﬁlm spool the

wrong way around!

4) Pull 8–10 cm (3–4 in.) of paper backing from the ﬁlm roll and

insert the tongue of the backing paper into the slot in the

take-up spool. Turn the spool one complete turn to ensure the

tongue is ﬁrmly held in place by the overlying paper backing.

5) Re-insert the ﬁlm holder into the main body of the ﬁlm maga-

zine 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.

If the camera is active or in standby mode the ﬁlm will be

wound automatically by the camera to position the ﬁrst frame

(this function can be changed in Custom Options so that the

ﬁlm is advanced only when the shutter release button is pressed

the ﬁrst time).

Beeper

The beeper sounds immediately after the last-but-one frame has

been exposed. This function can be turned oﬀ in Custom Options.

Film wind on and oﬀ 6, 7

Wind on: See ‘Film wind-on’ under Custom Options for a setting

choice.

Wind oﬀ: When the last frame has been exposed, the ﬁlm will au-

tomatically be wound oﬀ. However, to wind oﬀ a ﬁlm sooner, press

the ﬁlm wind oﬀ button (ﬁg. 6). Use a ballpoint pen or similar to

activate it. You must also conﬁrm the message on the grip LCD (ﬁg.

7) before the ﬁlm winds oﬀ.

Unloading a magazine

To remove a ﬁlm, remove the ﬁlm holder in the same manner as

when loading a ﬁlm. Grip the exposed roll of ﬁlm ﬁrmly and re-

move. Ensure the paper backing is wound tightly and that it is

sealed with the band properly (the band may need to be moist-

ened to activate the adhesive depending on type). Store exposed

ﬁlms away from strong light sources and contact with sharp ob-

jects. Move the remaining empty spool to the take-up spool

compartment.

H4X

 Rapid and accurate automatic focusing capability

 Central electronic shutter

 Instant manual focus override with natural friction

 Instant automatic-focus access in manual mode

 Non-rotation of ﬁlter or accessory when focusing

 Non-rotation of focus ring in automatic focusing mode

 Flash sync at shutter speeds from 256s to 1/800s

 Automatic detection of extension rings and converters

 C type lenses from the V system can be used in combi-

nation with CF Adapter (optional accessory)

All HC lenses have been specially formulated for the H system

to produce the extremely high performance expected from

Hasselblad. In addition to exceptional sharpness, the design

also incorporates a very pleasing bokeh. All lenses feature an

electronically controlled central shutter designed to extreme-

ly ﬁne tolerances for supreme accuracy. To ensure reliable and

fast autofocus in low contrast and low light conditions, an AF

focus assist light (on the grip) is automatically activated.

As a general rule, lens shades should always be ﬁtted to

achieve optimum performance. Protective ﬁlters (UV / Sky)

should also be considered at least when working outdoors in

harsh conditions.

For CF/CFH users only, DAC lens corrections can be applied in

Phocus for outstanding results to markedly reduce chromatic

aberration, distortion and vignetting.

Photo: Stephan Zirwes / Hasselblad Masters

Lenses

H4X

Parts and components 1

A. Lens shade index

B. Manual focus ring

C. Focusing distance scales

D. Depth-of-ﬁeld scales

E. Lens index

Attaching a lens 2, 3

Remove the front protective cover on the camera body by depressing the lens release

button and keeping it depressed while turning the cover counter-clockwise. Remove the

rear lens cap by unscrewing it in a counter-clockwise direction. Align the index on the

lens with the index on the camera body and rotate the lens clockwise (bayonet ﬁtting)

until it clicks into place.

Removing a lens

Depress the lens release button and keep it depressed while rotating the lens counter-

clockwise until it stops and lift it out. Replace protective caps on the lens immediately

and on the camera body if necessary.

If you try to rotate the lens before you press the lens release button, it might lock. In this

case, rotate the lens clockwise a little ﬁrst and then re-attempt removal with the correct

procedure: button ﬁrst, then lens.

Front lens cap 4

Front lens caps are released for removal and attachment by inserting a thumb and index

ﬁnger into the recesses and pinching in the direction of the arrows.

Filters

Filters have a screw thread ﬁtting (67 / 77 / 95 mm, according to lens) and are screwed

clockwise into place. As there is no rotation of the front section of the lens when focus is

changed, ﬁlters do not rotate either. This is particularly useful when using polarizing or

graduated ﬁlters where the orientation is normally critical.

Lens shades 5, 6

All lenses are supplied with lens shades that additionally provide extra protection for

transport and storage when mounted in reverse. Lens shades have a bayonet ﬁtting

and are turned clockwise into place after ensuring the index on the lens shade aligns

with the index on the front of the lens. When mounted in reverse, they are attached by

matching the indexes and turning clockwise.

Shutter and aperture control

Both the shutter and aperture are electronically controlled and are adjusted by the

control wheels on the grip. There are no separate manual setting rings on the lenses or

camera body.

The chosen settings are displayed both on the grip display and in the viewﬁnder display.

See under Light Metering & Exposure Control / Exposure Method for a complete ex-

planation.

Depth-of-ﬁeld calculation 7

There are two distance scales (in feet and metres) visible through the focus distance

window on the upper part of the lens barrel. There is also a central lens index mark and

a depth-of-ﬁeld scale. The focusing distance is read oﬀ the chosen scale from the central

lens index.

H4X

Depth-of-ﬁeld can be calculated as follows:

1. Focus the lens as required.

2. Make an exposure reading (auto or manual) and note the aperture setting.

3. Find the markings on either side of the central index that correspond to the chosen

aperture.

4. From these two markings, read oﬀ on the required lens distance scale the two

corresponding distances.

5. The depth-of-ﬁeld (at that particular aperture and focus setting) will be the area

included between these two distances.

In the example given here, the focusing distance is set at nearly 3 metres. At an aperture

of f/22, the depth-of-ﬁeld would therefore extend from just over 2 m to approximately

4.5 m. Note that depth of ﬁeld is not an absolute. Perception of it depends on several

factors and so it should be seen only as a rough guide.

Stop down / depth-of-ﬁeld 8

A visual depth-of-ﬁeld preview can be made by depressing the STOP DOWN button

while viewing the image on the viewﬁnder screen.

Infrared focus settings 9

As infrared rays form an image at a diﬀerent plane to that formed by visible light, the

normal focus settings do not apply. Proceed as follows in manual focus mode:

1. Focus the lens in the conventional manner until satisﬁed.

2. Note the distance setting against the central lens index.

3. Re-align this distance setting against the infrared mark (coloured red) instead of the

central lens index.

Alternatively if you have already calculated the required distance, you can make a

manual distance setting by using the distance scales together with the infrared mark

instead of the central lens index.

For specialists, please contact your Hasselblad dealer for information about digital backs

adapted solely for infrared photography.

Focus assist 10, 11, 12

As well as the conventional view on the focusing screen to ensure a sharp image, the H4X

also features an LED focus assist capability appearing as two arrowheads to the right of

the viewﬁnder display (except for lenses with a maximum aperture of f/6.7 or smaller).

The arrowheads provide conﬁrmation of a precision focus setting and are a useful aid

when making a setting with eyesight alone.

Manual focus setting

When the left arrowhead alone appears it means the focus setting is too far beyond

the chosen distance (the area framed within the central zone in the viewﬁnder) and

when the right arrowhead alone appears it means the focus setting is too close. Focus is

correct when both arrowheads appear together. If the focus cannot be established, then

both arrowheads ﬂash.

Automatic focus setting

Focus is correct when both arrowheads are visible together. Focus is incorrect if only

one arrowhead is visible. If the focus cannot be established, then both arrowheads ﬂash.

Lens focus setting too far

beyond the distance of the

subject framed by the central

section in the viewﬁnder

Focus setting too close for the

distance of the subject framed

by the central section in the

viewﬁnder

Focus setting correct

H4X

Manual focus

There is both a Manual focus mode setting and a manual override capability. Manual

focus is a speciﬁc setting that you actively make, whereas manual override is always

available as a temporary override of an autofocus setting.

In Manual focus mode, focusing is carried out by rotating the focusing ring in the

conventional manner. The focus setting remains until changed as with a conventional

non-autofocus lens. This means that pressing the shutter release button will not activate

a focus setting change as it does in autofocus. To change back to autofocus, you must

make a new setting (by pressing the AF button and choosing AF S or AF C).

With manual override you can manually alter a focus setting that has been made in the

autofocus mode, by rotating the lens barrel in the conventional manner and without

having to change modes. As long as the shutter release button is kept at the half-press

position, the new focus setting is maintained. By releasing the pressure on the shutter

release button and pressing again, the autofocus function is immediately reactivated.

Manual focus mode

The Manual focus mode is set by the front control wheel on the grip in the following

manner:

In camera active mode:

1) Press the AF button on the grip.

2) Turn the front control wheel to: Manual

3) Press Save to store the setting.

Natural friction is inherent in the design to purposely reproduce the secure feel of a

com pletely manual lens.

Please note that when focusing manually, the inﬁnity and closest distance marks on the

lens scale can appear to be positioned beyond the central index. This is only an apparent

eﬀect and does not change the focusing range of the lens.

Autofocus override in Manual mode

See the following section for a description of how to use the advantages of a rapid auto-

focus check while remaining in Manual mode.

Autofocus

Autofocus mode can be either Single Shot or Continuous and is activated by press-

ing the shutter release to the half-press position. Its operative range is from EV1–19 at

ISO100. The point of focus is determined according to the vertical and horizontal areas

(see illus 4.) within the central rectangular zone on the focusing screen. When light levels

are too low or the contrast of the subject is too low, auxiliary illumination (situated on

the top of the grip) is automatically activated if desired. The operative distance is ap-

proximately six metres from the camera. Alternatively, a suitable attached ﬂash unit that

has a similar facility (a Metz 54/70, for example) can also be used instead. This feature can

be altered in settings (Custom options #16/AF assist light).

True Focus is also classiﬁed as an autofocus function and is normally activated by its

own button on the grip. See later section.

Single Shot

At Single Shot setting (AF S), the shutter release will be blocked until the camera ﬁnds

the optimum focus setting. This ensures that no captures can be made that are not ﬁnely

focused. However, this delay will normally be only a fraction of a second in good lighting

conditions with a clear focusing pattern.

DRIVE

Save

H4X

Note though that in this mode the lens will focus at a distance and will remain focused

at that distance while pressure remains on the shutter release button. In this way, you

can focus on a nearby object for example, temporarily positioned within the focusing

zone on the viewing screen and then without releasing pressure on the shutter release

button, recompose knowing that the focus remains on the object chosen even though

it is now outside the focusing zone. Releasing the pressure on the shutter release button

and pressing again half way would now change the focus setting to the distance of the

object within the focusing zone.

See Manual override in autofocus mode for a useful way of working with manual and

autofocus settings in a combined manner.

Continuous

At Continuous setting (AF C), the shutter can be released rapidly before the lens is

focused in order to capture a split-second shot (in Single Shot, a capture cannot be

made until the camera has had time to focus). However, the camera will continue to fo-

cus if a moving subject is within the focusing zone or if you recompose, even though the

shutter release button is half pressed.

One method to exploit this feature when photographing in a rapidly changing situa-

tion such as photojournalism, for example, is to keep the shutter release button pressed

down. In this way the lens focuses constantly (according to the focusing zone) and by

momentarily releasing the pressure on the shutter release and then immediately press-

ing again, you minimize the amount of time needed for the lens to check focus, thus

ensuring a split-second shot at optimum focus.

True Focus

The True Focus setting (AF T) is generally used in speciﬁc circumstances to automati-

cally correct for camera angle/focus setting discrepancies but it can also be combined

with other autofocus settings.

To be able to exploit True Focus correctly, a few important points should be studied in

order to obtain a full understanding of how and when to use it. Basically, there are four

variables to pay attention to listed below: (a) proximity of camera to subject, (b) focal

length of lens, (c) aperture setting and (d) movement of camera and/or subject after

setting. The closer you remain to the ideal situation with regard to these variables, the

more noticeable the eﬀect of True Focus will be.

a. The closer you are to the subject, the worse the original problem becomes. Conse-

quently, the need for True Focus solution becomes greater and its application thereby

becomes more noticeable.

b. Short focal length (wide-angle) lenses naturally decrease camera to subject distances

and therefore, following the point in (a), produce a greater need for True Focus adjust-

ments.

c. Smaller apertures increase the depth of ﬁeld and therefore would lessen the need for

a True Focus solution. However, smaller apertures produce a diﬀerent visual eﬀect, so

True Focus therefore allows the exploitation of the shallow depth of ﬁeld (produced

by larger apertures) without the fear of unwanted focus restrictions.

d. The mechanics of True Focus use, amongst other things, camera to subject distances

to calculate the required amount of adjustment. It therefore follows that if the camera

or the subject move after the initial setting has been made, the calculations will not

be applicable anymore. So, to ensure the optimum correction, both the photographer

and the subject should restrict movement as much as possible. Please note that with

some lenses (particularly longer length lenses) just a few centimeters movement can

essentially ruin the result.

H4X

True Focus can be used with longer lenses, smaller apertures etc but the further you

come from situations similar to the 'ideal' as described above, the less the eﬀect will

be until it has no visible eﬀect at all. Please remember that although True Focus can

noticeably improve a demanding shoot it will only work eﬀectively in the speciﬁc

circumstances it was designed for.

See an explanation of True Focus and further details about use towards the end of this

chapter.

Autofocus mode setting

Focus mode is set via the control wheels in the following manner:

In camera active mode:

1) Press the AF button on the grip.

2) Turn the front control wheel to: Single Shot, Continuous, True Focus or Manual

as required.

3) Press Save (DRIVE button) to store the setting.

Manual override in autofocus mode

Manual override is always possible in automatic focus mode without any need to make a

new setting; just rotate the focusing ring in the conventional manner. As the lens barrel

does not rotate in autofocus mode, you can hold the focusing ring for instant manual

adjustments as you would with a conventional lens. However, to retain the new manual

focus adjustments, you must maintain the pressure on the shutter release button. You

can instantly return to the automatic focusing mode by releasing the pressure on the

shutter release button ﬁrst and then pressing the release button halfway again.

The instant manual override function produces a convenient way of working. You can

take advantage of autofocus while retaining an instantly adjustable manual focus check

if preferred for pin-point accuracy without making any changes in the settings.

DRIVE

Save

H4X

True Focus and Absolute Position Lock

The obvious situation that would most beneﬁt from using True Focus would be a fashion shoot with a fairly wide angle

lens at a large aperture setting and where the central area of the image is clothing while retaining focus on the model's

face. Ideally, a fairly controlled and static ﬂow should be planned on (this means a change of pose by the model should take

place only after captures and the photographer must resist crouching down, or leaning forwards or backwards too much

before capture).

With the lens at its widest aperture setting, a normal autofocus setting is made on the model's face (A), and the camera

focus locked. The composition is then changed to include more of the clothing (B), but the locked focus setting now

extends beyond the model's face at (B) according to the laws of geometry. This will naturally result in an image where

much of the subject closest to the camera and the model's face will be unsharp. Solutions involving manual focus/focus

lock/ resetting of multi-point sensors are distracting to workﬂow and prone to error. Making a True Focus setting at (A) will

ensure that focus is automatically adjusted in accordance with the change of camera angle.

True Focus uses yaw rate technology and by way of the Absolute Position Lock (APL) processor, logs camera movement

as the basis for an extremely rapid compensatory focus reset without any shutter lag. The H4X’s ﬁrmware then further

perfects the focus using the precise data retrieval system found on all HC/HCD lenses.

A - ca. 2.5 m

B - ca.2.5 m

Distance when camera perpendicular ca. 2.4 m

A normal autofocus setting is made on

the model's face and locked.

The focus setting is approximately

2.5m.

When the camera is swung back down,

B, the locked focusing distance of 2.5m,

according to the laws of geometry,

extends beyond a perpendicular line

drawn down from the face, creating

unsharpness.

If a True Focus setting instead of a normal autofocus setting is now made at A and

the composition changed back to B again, the camera will automatically calculate

and adjust the focus of 2.5m to approximately 2.4m, which is the actual camera

to perpendicular distance. The model's face is now sharp again.

H4X

True Focus

True Focus can be used in combination with other autofocus settings to achieve various functions.

Temporarily activated by a selected 'User' button – Autofocus retained

Activated by a selected 'User' button – Manual focus retained

Activated by True Focus button – Autofocus deactivated

Activated by shutter release button – True Focus retained

In this mode the autofocus function is eﬀectively converted into the True Focus func-

tion. That is, focus is set by half-pressing the shutter release button. Remember,

though, that the True Focus function is retained until turned oﬀ in Custom Options.

1. In Custom Options, select # 32 (True Focus in AF-S) with the front control wheel.

Select 'ON' with the rear front control wheel. Save.

2. Aim camera at important area in subject and half-press the shutter release button.

3. Wait for the True Focus icon to appear (in the viewﬁnder) and the audio conﬁrmation

signal.

4. Maintain the half-press and recompose the picture. Press fully to expose. The True Focus

icon disappears from the viewﬁnder. True Focus function is retained.

In this mode the True Focus function is activated by pressing an assigned button. This

produces a 'one-shot' setting where the camera reverts to its original Autofocus setting

after capture. Useful if you want to quickly switch back and forth between True Focus

and normal Autofocus. Works with or without a Custom Options #32 setting.

1. In Custom Options, select the desired button to reassign with the front control wheel

(M.UP button in this example). Select 'True Focus' with the rear control wheel. Save.

2. Aim camera at important area in subject and press the selected button (the grip display

now indicates AF-T mode).

3. Wait for the True Focus icon to appear (in the viewﬁnder) and the audio conﬁrmation

signal.

4. Recompose the picture and press shutter release button (camera does not re-focus

because it is temporarily in AF-T mode). The True Focus icon disappears from the view-

ﬁnder. Camera reverts to AF-S.

Note that camera reverts to AF-S if the focusing ring on the lens is moved.

In this mode the True Focus function is activated by pressing an assigned button. This

produces a 'one-shot' setting where the camera reverts to its original Manual focus

setting after capture. Pressing the shutter release button will not reset the focus. Useful

when many shots are required with the same focus setting.

1. In Custom Options, select the desired button to reassign with the front control wheel

(M.UP button in this example). Select 'True Focus' with the rear control wheel. Save.

2. Aim camera at important area in subject and press the selected button.

3. Ensure that the True Focus icon appears in the viewﬁnder.

Recompose the picture and press shutter release button. The True Focus icon disappears

from the viewﬁnder. Camera reverts to AF-S.

Note that the True Focus adjustment is applied to all following captures until the True

Focus button is pressed again (when a new adjustment is made).

In this mode the True Focus function is activated by pressing the True Focus button.

Normal autofocus is de-activated, therefore, pressing the shutter release button will

not reset the focus. Useful when many shots are required with the same focus setting.

1. Press AF button. Select 'True Focus' with the front control wheel. Save.

2. Aim camera at important area in subject and press True Focus button.

3. Wait for the True Focus icon to appear (in the viewﬁnder) and the audio conﬁrmation

signal. Recompose the picture and press shutter release button.

Note that the True Focus adjustment is applied to all following captures until True

Focus button is pressed again (when a new adjustment is made).

1/2 !

H4X

Note

Some lenses have extra characteristics that require further

explanation. For example, the autofocus range on the HC 4/120

Macro lens can be limited by a speciﬁc setting on the camera

allowing for near range, far range or full range. This only

appears on the grip display together with that particular lens.

Further information can be found in the "H-system Lenses & H-

system Lens Accessories" booklet that accompanies each lens.

The booklet can also be downloaded from the Hasselblad web-

site.

Also, see note here regarding HCD lenses!

Note

The autofocus function is not possible with certain combina-

tions of lenses and accessories. However, a warning is displayed

which disappears after conﬁrmation.

Tip

The True Focus function can also be combined with other auto-

focus modes for speciﬁc situations.

Tip

To expand your range of lenses, consider using a CF adapter

to allow you to use most of the lenses from the Hasselblad V-

system.

Tip

For users who prefer manual focus control but would like the

beneﬁts of autofocus, one method is to set the AE-L button (or

any user button) to AF (Single) drive.

The main subject can then be centered and the AE-L pressed,

to ensure correct focus. The camera reverts immediately to

manual focus control when the button is released.

Therefore, you can recompose the picture without having

to maintain pressure on the release button in order to retain

the newly automatically made focus setting (AF-T can also be

used).

H4X

 Three metering methods

 Five exposure methods

 Extremely accurate light metering

The light metering system of the viewﬁnder is capable of

selective sensitivity producing three reﬂective metering

methods: Average, CentreSpot and Spot. All methods are

measured in increments of 1/12 EV. Information transfer is

rapid and automatic ensuring consistently correct exposure

settings even in diﬃcult and changeable lighting situations.

Light measurement is made through the lens (TTL) and

exposure is controlled manually or automatically by the con-

trol wheels and/or settings. The information is visible on both

the grip display and the viewﬁnder display.

A great deal of control is available ranging from 100% manual

through to sophisticated fully automatic by way of the various

exposure methods: Manual, Aperture priority, Shutter prior-

ity, Program and Program variable.

Photo: Lyle Owerko / Hasselblad Masters

Light Metering &

Exposure Control

H4X

Light metering and exposure control

Two primary factors have to be considered when making exposure control choice,

namely, metering method and exposure method:

Metering method determines in which manner the light measurement is made and

how much of the image is taken into account (Centre Weighted, CentreSpot and Spot).

Exposure method involves the parameters and deciding factors about how the light

measurement is translated into aperture and shutter speeds. Here the choice is about

the camera controls and their eﬀect on the result or suitability for the subject. Included

in this choice is the type of automation too (Manual for 100% user control, Aperture

priority, Program, etc for automated control).

Some methods and modes are much more suited to various situations and applications

than others, while some depend to a greater degree on personal preference and ways

of working. A discussion of the points to consider in this context is beyond the scope of

this manual.

Since the light measuring system is TTL, ﬁlter factors, lens extension/extension ring fac-

tors, etc, are automatically taken into account for average purposes. However, some

combinations of methods and equipment can cause slight discrepancies for various

reasons and therefore for critical work you should make alternative captures to suit per-

sonal preference.

Note

Exposures are displayed on the grip display to within 1, 1/2 and 1/3 EV tolerances (depen-

dent on setting). This means that ‘half-stops’ are shown in a form that can diﬀer from more

traditional displays. For example, the position between f/ 8 and f/11 is displayed as f9.5 and

likewise the position between 1/30s and 1/60s is displayed as 45. Therefore a display show-

ing ‘f 9.5 45’ simply means ‘f/9.5 at 1/45 second’. The appearance of an ‘s’ after the shutter

speed signiﬁes whole seconds so, for example, ‘32s’ on the display signiﬁes an exposure

time of 32 seconds, not 1/30.

H4X

Metering method

There are three metering modes available. All three are reﬂective methods (measuring

the light reﬂected oﬀ various selected parts of the subject according to method) and

are through the lens (TTL). These have the following designations (with their respective

display symbols):

– Centre Weighted

– CentreSpot

– Spot

See under 'Appendix' for details of sensitivity distribution.

Centre Weighted: Commonly used for ‘average’ light situations where there is no

particular dominance of light or dark areas across the tonal range.

CentreSpot: Emphasizes the central section of the focusing screen. This provides a bal-

anced assessment and is a typical choice where the main subject is in the centre of the

image.

Spot: The sensitive area is marked by the central spot on the viewﬁnder screen. Any

parts of the image outside of this area will not aﬀect the exposure reading. This provides

a very accurate measurement of speciﬁc tones. Typically used in the zone system and

similar light measuring situations where maximum control is required. Also excellent for

tonal comparison measurements. The spot mode can display ‘zones’ instead of EVs in

the viewﬁnder display (see Custom Options #14).

Selecting metering method

Proceed as follows with the camera in active mode:

1. Press the EXP button on the viewﬁnder.

2. Turn the rear control wheel (in either direction 2a) to successively access the three

choices: Centre Weighted, Centre Spot and Spot 2b.

3. Press Save (DRIVE button) to retain the setting.

Exposure method

Exposure can be controlled either manually or by using one of four automatic modes.

These have the following designations on the grip display:

M – Manual

A – Aperture (priority)

S – Shutter (priority)

P – Program

Pv – Program variable

In each mode you can see both the aperture and the shutter speed information on the

grip display and on the viewﬁnder display.

In manual mode, aperture is set by the front control wheel and the shutter speed by the

rear control wheel unless set otherwise in Custom Options #27.

In the automatic modes, the aperture and shutter speed settings are controlled by the

camera, either partially or completely according to setting. Within this mode there are

four choices.

(Please see the Appendix for P and Pv mode charts that describe the aperture and shut-

ter speed setting combinations.

DRIVE

Save

EXP

H4X

Manual Exposure – M

Manual mode will provide total user control of the shutter and

aperture settings.

To set the Manual mode, proceed as follows with the camera in

active mode:

1) Press the EXP button on the viewﬁnder.

2) Turn the front control wheel in either direction until you reach

M (Manual).

3) Press Save (DRIVE button) to retain the setting.

In this mode the shutter speed and aperture settings are manually

chosen by turning the front and rear control wheels.

The standard exposure setting is obtained when the pointer over

the exposure scale is positioned above the central index (in the

viewﬁnder display).

Any deviation from this standard setting is displayed by:

• the pointer appearing elsewhere than above the central index

and

• by gures above the scale representing the amount of adjust-

ment in EVs.

A ‘+ 0.7’ above the scale in the display, as in illustration 4

for example, would indicate a ‘0.7 EV overexposure’ setting.

Conversely, a ‘-2’ , for example, would indicate a ‘2EV under-

exposure’ setting. Note that the appearance of a +/- symbol on

the grip and viewﬁnder displays in manual mode means that a

change has been made to the exposure compensation setting.

See later section on Exposure compensation.

The actual aperture settings and shutter speeds are indicated

to the right of the exposure scale in the conventional manner.

(Note: ‘full-stops’, ‘half-stops’ and ‘third-stops’ are also displayed,

according to setting (see ‘increment setting). For example, a

setting between f/8 and f/11 will appear as f/9,5 if ‘half-stop’ is

chosen).

Automatic Exposure – A, S, P, Pv

Automatic exposure provides a choice of two ways of controlling

shutter speed and aperture settings semi-automatically and two

ways fully automatically:

Aperture priority: A - The aperture is manually chosen by you

by turning the front control wheel, and the shutter speed is auto-

matically chosen by the camera.

Shutter priority: S - The shutter speed is manually chosen by

you by turning the front control wheel, and the aperture is auto-

matically chosen by the camera.

Programmed: P - In this mode, an aperture / shutter combi-

nation is chosen by the camera according to the EV measured

(metering method remains as your choice), though only within

pre-set appropriate limitations to suit various requirements and

applications.

EXP

DRIVE

Save

1 2

H4X

DRIVE

Save

EXP

Tip

Aperture and shutter speed settings can both be changed

even while the busy light on digital back is ﬂashing.

Tip

Access to the B and T shutter speed settings can be tempo-

rarily hidden. See Custom Options #35.

Programmed variable: Pv - This mode is very similar to Pro-

grammed, except with the additional parameters of lens focal

length being automatically taken into account. For example,

long shutter speeds will automatically be avoided with a long fo-

cal length lens.

To set one of the modes, proceed as follows with the camera in

active mode:

1) Press the EXP button on the viewﬁnder.

2) Turn the front control wheel (either direction) until you reach

the required setting.

3) Press Save (DRIVE button) to retain the setting.

In Automatic mode the front control wheel selects alternative

aperture /shutter combinations while maintaining the same EV

and the rear control wheel alters the amount of exposure com-

pensation. The compensation appears as a +/- symbol on the grip

display and viewﬁnder display (illus. 4).

Variations (chosen by using the front control wheel) from the

speciﬁc combination selected by the P or Pv mode are signiﬁed

by a double arrow symbol appearing between the aperture and

speed settings (illus. 5) on the grip display. These new variations

provide the correct exposure but in diﬀerent combinations.

AE- L button 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

This button has two main functions that can be incorporated

in various working methods involving exposure locking. It also

has an extra function for the ﬂash measure capability (see AE-L

section under Flash). The AE-L button can:

a) lock an EV setting in manual and automatic modes.

b) be used as a Zone System placement button.

a) When the button is pressed (ﬁg 1), the light metering facility is

locked to the EV setting at that moment. An L (= locked) symbol

appears between the shutter speed and the aperture indication

(ﬁg 2) on the grip display and viewﬁnder display to conﬁrm the

status. Press the AE-L button again to unlock (toggle function).

In the locked setting, the aperture and shutter speed become

interlocked. In this way, a new aperture/shutter combination that

still represents the same EV, can be rapidly chosen. For example,

if you set the shutter at 1/125s and the aperture at f/8 and lock

them together, you can access new EV-equivalent combinations

of, for example, 1/30s a f/16 or 1/500s at f/4 just by moving the

front control wheel.

In practice this means you could, for example, in auto mode, posi-

tion the metering area (spot setting) over an area in the subject

that you determine to be equivalent to a mid-grey and lock it with

the AE-L button. You can then recompose the picture with the

metering zone positioned over an area much brighter or darker

while still retaining the original exposure setting and choose a

new combination of aperture and shutter speed settings.

4 5

1 2

H4X

New metered area is 1.8 EV lower than the area

metered when the AE-L button was pressed.

AE-L button pressed to call the metered area

‘Zone 5’.

Metered area reads ‘Zone 8’.

Metered area above ‘Zone 10’.

b) The AE-L button also allows the spot metering function to

make zone placements. When the AE-L button is pressed, the

metered area is saved as a mid-grey (Zone 5). When the spot area

is then placed over another part of the scene, the new area is then

compared to the saved area and the diﬀerence can be read oﬀ

the scale seen in the viewﬁnder. For example, in a landscape situ-

ation you could meter the foreground, lock the reading with the

AE-L button (thereby locking that area to be reproduced as the

equivalent to a mid-grey 18%), point the camera at some rocks to

see by how much darker they are compared to the foreground by

the EV diﬀerence read oﬀ the scale (illus 3).

If you have chosen Spot together with Zone display (see Custom

options #14 for settings) as well as one of the automatic modes

A, S, P or Pv, point the spot marking at an area that you decide

should be a Zone 5 and click the AE-L button (illus 4). The meter

will now display diﬀerent parts of the subject as zone values (illus

5) in the viewﬁnder display, instead of EV deviations, as you move

the spot marking over the subject. (Included are Lo and Hi (illus 6)

to signify areas beyond the range of the sensor).

Alternatively you can choose to re-classify an area as another

zone and then check the rest of the subject to see how other

areas fall on the zone scale. Do this by following the above pro-

cedure and then turning the rear control wheel until you see the

new desired zone value in the viewﬁnder display. You will also

see the new exposure that will now produce that new zone. For

example, you might have measured a rock at zone 5 but wish

to make it darker. By moving the rear control wheel you could

re-classify it as zone 4. You will then be able to see, for example,

whether white clouds are now falling within the exposure range

by their new zone classiﬁcation.

Alternatively, you can also pre-set the initial zone reading in order

to save time and eﬀort where there is no freely available ‘zone

5’ subject for light measuring. For example, you might be on a

sandy beach where you know that sand is normally classiﬁed as

zone 6. You can pre-programme the zone placement by hold-

ing down the AE-L button while choosing the new zone value

and turning the front control wheel until zone 6 appears. All new

placements will then be zone 6.

H4X

DRIVE

Save

Clr

+/-

Exposure compensation/Quick Adjust

The exposure compensation function, for both manual and

automatic modes can be set from -5 to +5 EV, in 1/3, 1 or 1/2 EV

increments (Custom Option #3) and is visible above the scale in

the viewﬁnder and as a ± symbol on the grip display.

The quickest way to make an adjustment in auto-exposure mode

is use the rear control wheel.

To make a temporary compensation setting in an auto-

exposure mode using the Quick Adjust function:

a) Select chosen auto exposure mode.

b) Turn the rear control wheel to select the chosen amount of

compensation.

The amount is displayed in the viewﬁnder as both an EV

ﬁgure complete with a ‘minus’ or ‘plus’ preﬁx and as a marker

above a ‘minus’ to ‘plus’ scale.

Default settings provide 1/3 EV compensation and an immediate

clearing of the setting after capture.

However, in Custom Options #3 you can select 1/3, 1 or 1/2 EV

increment changes, in Custom Options #23 you can choose to

retain the setting after capture and in Custom Options #17 you

can deactivate the function.

To make a ﬁxed exposure compensation setting, proceed as

follows with the camera in active mode:

1) Press the +/- button on the viewﬁnder.

2) Turn either the front or rear control wheels to increase or

decrease the amount of compensation in 1/3 EV steps.

3) The amount is displayed in the viewﬁnder as both an EV

ﬁgure complete with a ‘minus’ or ‘plus’ preﬁx (A in illustra-

tion), and as a marker above a ‘minus’ to ‘plus’ scale (B in

illustration).

4) Press Clr (AF button) to reset any compensation back to zero.

5) Press Save (DRIVE button) to retain the setting.

6) A ‘±’ symbol is then displayed between the aperture and shut-

ter speed setting as conﬁrmation of the setting.

Custom Options #3, #17 and

#23 used to deactivate and

alter the settings for the rear

control wheel/Quick Adjust

function.

1 2

H4X

Continuous

In Continuous mode, the camera automatically makes exposures

and makes ready for the next exposure in a continuous manner as

long as you maintain pressure on the shutter release.

In camera active mode:

1) Press the DRIVE button on the grip.

2) Turn the front control wheel to: Continuous

3) Press Save to store the setting.

Single

mode, an exposure is made when the shutter release

button is pressed and the camera is made ready for the next ex-

posure. To make the next exposure however, you must ﬁrst re-

lease the shutter release button and then press again.

In camera active mode:

1) Press the DRIVE button on the grip.

2) Turn the front control wheel to: Single

3) Press Save to store the setting.

Drive

There are two drive modes, Single and Continuous, accessed by press-

ing the DRIVE button on the grip.

In camera active mode:

1) Press the DRIVE button on the grip.

2) Turn the front control wheel to: Multi exp.

3) Turn the rear control wheel to select the number of frames

required.

4) Press Save (DRIVE button) to store the setting.

5) The LCD will display ﬁrstly that no frames have been exposed

in the multi-sequence (For example, in the case of a three

exposure setting the display will be Exp:0/3).

6) Press the shutter release button to make the ﬁrst exposure.

7) The LCD will display how many frames have been exposed

in the sequence (In the case of a three exposure setting the

display will now be Exp:1/3. After the next exposure, the LCD

would then display 2/3 etc)

8) You can change your mind at any time to exit the sequence

by pressing the DRIVE button to advance the ﬁlm to the next

frame. The camera is then prepared for another new multi

exposure sequence according to the initial setting.

Multi exposure (Applies to ﬁlm magazine use only)

In Multi exposure mode, the camera does not advance the ﬁlm af-

ter the ﬁrst exposure, only at the end of the pre-determined num-

ber of exposures. The frame options are: 2, 3, 4, 5 and ‘No limit’.

DRIVE

Save

DRIVE

Save

DRIVE

Save

DRIVE

Save

Enter

Film magazine use only

H4X

Photo: Mark Holthusen / Hasselblad Masters

Proﬁles not only allow for rapid setup in changing working

environments but also ensure an element of security.

Profiles

H4X

Proﬁles

The proﬁles feature allows rapid access to pre-determined combinations of settings that

increase the speed and security of workﬂow. One example might be in a social situa-

tion where there might be a need for formal outdoor portraiture followed by informal

indoor handheld ﬂash-assisted wide-angle shots, both situations requiring very diﬀerent

settings in a stressful environment. By predetermining the relevant settings required be-

forehand for each situation, they can be saved collectively as a proﬁle. By calling up the

proﬁle, you can then be assured that all the settings are correct at the press of one button.

For example, you might choose – autofocus single, bracketing, programmed exposure,

etc – for outdoors. Once set, you would click on the red PROFILES button, select a pro-

ﬁle name and press SAVE. A new name can be entered for the new proﬁle - ‘Outdoors’,

for instance - and saved again. New settings are made for the indoor shots changing

to ﬂash, Pv setting, etc and the procedure repeated. By simply accessing ‘Outdoors’ or

‘Indoors’ in the proﬁle list, all the relevant settings will be instantly and correctly imple-

mented to match the situation.

There are eight proﬁles: Default, Full auto, Studio, Fill ﬂash. and four Spare reserved

for customization. All except Default can be changed and renamed.

The pre-set proﬁles feature the following:

Default: normal ﬂash sync, autofocus (single), single drive, auto exposure (aperture

priority), centre weighted metering, user button - None.

Full auto: normal ﬂash sync, autofocus (single), single drive, programmed exposure,

centre weighted metering, user button - None.

Studio: normal ﬂash sync, manual focus, single drive, manual exposure, spot metering,

user button - AF.

Fill ﬂash: normal ﬂash sync (adjusted output -1.7EV), autofocus (single), single drive,

auto exposure, centre weighted metering.

Spare: customized proﬁles.

The default setting is highlighted on the display for easy and rapid access. Access to

proﬁles lower on the list is via a scroll bar visible on the right of the display. Rotate the

rear control wheel to bring them into view.

All user proﬁles can be restored to default values again simply by removing the battery

and holding down the MENU and DRIVE buttons together and while keeping them

depressed, replace the battery. There will be an audible signal that denotes the restoration.

DRIVE

Save

ON•OFF

PROFILES/ESC

DRIVE

Save

Note

All settings are stored when a proﬁle is created. This includes the ISO, white balance, color

temperature and color tint settings that were current at the time the proﬁle was created.

These proﬁle settings will override the settings in use at the time the proﬁle button was

pressed. In other words, remember to check for unintentional ISO, white balance or color

temperature changes when using proﬁles. (Color tint is not a user setting but is stored after

a manual white balance has been made).

Making a proﬁle

1) Activate the camera and go through the various settings (for example, autofocus,

aperture priority, ﬁll ﬂash exposure compensation, etc.) you require for the particular

purpose and save them as you go.

2) When all the required settings have been made, click (not press!) the PROFILES

button (ON.OFF button) on the grip and the proﬁle screen will appear.

H4X

ON•OFF

PROFILES/ESC

ON•OFF

PROFILES/ESC

DRIVE

Save

To quickly reset all proﬁles back to the

original factory settings:

1. Remove battery.

2. Wait 510 seconds.

3. Replace the battery while keep-

ing both the Menu and IS0/WB

buttons pressed.

ISO/WB

Tip

Load

ON•OFF

PROFILES/ESC

Note

If you decided to change the settings but nevertheless keep the

Proﬁle name on the list, the new set of parameters will be retained

under that name. That is to say, the settings will not be the same

as listed here, despite the name. It might be safer practice to

always change the proﬁle name to avoid later confusion.

3) Use the scroll bar to go through the list of proﬁles. Choose a

Spare proﬁle or a named proﬁle (except Default). You can

either save the new proﬁle under the original name or you

can change it

4) Press Save (DRIVE button). The Proﬁle name screen is then

displayed where you can rename the proﬁle to what suits you

(see under Image Info 4.2 for procedure details).

To use a proﬁle from the main screen, press the PROFILES button

to reach the proﬁles screen again. Scroll down the list to the pro-

ﬁle you want and then press the Load (AF) button. All the saved

settings will then be automatically implemented.

Using proﬁles

1) From the main screen, click PROFILES (ON.OFF button) on

the grip and the proﬁle screen will appear.

2) Use the scroll bar to go through the list and highlight the

desired proﬁle.

3) Press Load (AF button). The camera is now set according to

all the parameters stored according to the name.

Changing a proﬁle name

You can change a proﬁle name (except ‘Default’) at any time.

Proceed as follows:

1) From the main screen, click PROFILES (ON.OFF button) on

the grip and the proﬁle screen will appear.

2) Scroll through the list (front or rear control wheels) and high-

light the desired proﬁle.

3) Press Load (AF button).

4) Click PROFILES (ON.OFF button) again.

5) Press Save (DRIVE button) The Proﬁle name screen is then

displayed where you can rename the proﬁle to what suits you

(see under Image Info 4.2).

3 4

H4X

Photo: Alexandfelix / Hasselblad Masters

This section describes the features that can be exploited to

obtain the optimum in customized workﬂow.

The custom options are designed to work for you in the back-

ground, ensuring security and also helping to bring down the

barriers between you and capturing the image. Each one can

be changed to suit your preferences so that the whole camera

becomes a reﬂection of the way you like to work.

Custom settings

– controls and displays

H4X

Settings optionsSelf timer options Bracketing options

General overview of

camera menu

Text setting

System status

Interval

options

This section is

primarily only

accessible with

Hasselblad CF/

CFH use.

3rd party digital

backs, may or

may not initiate

the Digital screen

and its settings.

Please refer to

the appropriate

user manuals for

information.

Digital

Custom Options

H4X

Menu charts – general

Throughout this manual you will ﬁnd charts to explain the

steps and procedures required to alter the various settings.

These charts are laid out to graphically illustrate in a simple

manner how to navigate through the menus. While they

include all the information that would be presented on the

display relevant to that section, they cannot illustrate all

the possible combinations of the various symbols seen on

a screen at one time as that would be impractical and too

confusing. If you are familiar with mobile/cell phone menus,

for example, then the design of the layout and working

practice will not be unfamiliar.

You should ﬁnd that, in practice, working your way through

a menu on the camera is a good deal simpler and more

obvious than the written explanation implies!

In the descriptions, various terms are used regarding menu

navigation. Menus have ‘trees’, for example, which describes

their imaginary graphical layout where you could trace a

navigational path along its ‘branches’. Each new section, or

stopping oﬀ point on the branches, seen on the display is

called a ‘screen’. Therefore a screen is the graphical display

of where you are on the menu and represents the current

state of settings.

The H4X features the advantage of multiple customization

of settings. This means that your personal choice of settings,

and thereby appearance of various combinations of symbols

on the display at any time, will not necessarily be the same

as many of the screens illustrated in this manual.

To simplify the descriptions, reference is often made to a

‘main’ or standard screen. Apart from default settings, there

is no actual standard setting in the normal sense and there-

fore you create your own ‘standard’, which of course can be

changed at any time.

The ‘main’ screen is therefore the one you have currently

created and is the one visible on the display when photo-

graphing (except where a particular mode is in actual

operation, such as self-timer, for example).

Symbols used in the illustrations

Choose Save

(by pressing the DRIVE button on grip) The

new setting will be saved and chosen action

can be carried out. Setting will be retained

until changed.

Use front control wheel

(direction depends on user setting)

Use rear control wheel

(direction depends on user setting)

Press button or turn wheel

MENU button on the grip

Choose ENTER

(by pressing DRIVE button on grip)

Choose ON

(by pressing AF button on grip)

ISO/WB

Enter

ISO/WB

Save

Functions in loop on menu

A loop means that the available functions on

that particular branch of the menu can be

successively accessed in either direction of

the control wheels without a break in ﬂow.

That is, you could turn the wheel clockwise

or anti-clockwise to arrive at the desired func-

tion.

Main direction of path through menu

The main path traces step-by-step the path

that has to be taken through the various

branches of the menu tree as they appear on

the display to reach the relevant functions.

H4X

There are a number of more advanced features that while not necessarily used every

day still remain immediately accessible through the menu system. They provide the

integral ﬁnesses that make the H4X a powerful and sophisticated tool to satisfy a variety

of professional demands.

There are ﬁve main functions:

Self timer, Bracketing, Interval timer, Settings and Drive.

An important point to remember is that certain options are only available when the

relevant screen has been accessed. For example, in Self Timer the choice of ‘delay/mirror

up’ or ‘mirror up/ delay’ is only available (by turning the rear control wheel - lower row

on display) when the relevant function has been chosen (by turning the front control

wheel - upper row on display)

1 Self timer

The self timer allows a delay in the activation of the shutter and a change in sequence of

the mirror movement. Normally the mirror is raised before the shutter is tripped creating

a pause between the two actions to minimize camera vibration. However, during this

pause there will be no image in the viewﬁnder and no light metering available for any

eventual exposure change. Therefore the Self timer function can be set to a sequence

where the delay is followed by the mirror being raised instead. Normally the mirror

will instantly return after a capture but you can also choose a setting where the mirror

remains raised. The Self Timer can be set to provide virtually vibration-free shutter

release. It can be used instead of a remote release cable/cord/device when split-second

timing is not critical. The camera’s exposure settings (Manual or Auto) will be according

to the light metering requirements just prior to the mirror being raised so choose the

method accordingly with long delays in very changeable lighting conditions.

2 - 60 s

options available

1 Self Timer

DELAY / MIRROR UP

MIRROR UP / DELAY

MIRROR GOES DOWN

MIRROR REMAINS UP

H4X

2 Self timer setting

The Self timer function is set in the following manner:

1) Press the Menu button on the grip.

2) Turn the front control wheel until Self Timer appears.

3) Press Enter (Drive button) on the grip.

4) Turn the front control wheel to access the options, that are:

Delay

Mirror sequence

Mirror Up / Mirror Goes Down

(A drop shadow will be displayed beneath the selected symbol,

for example )

5) When Delay is highlighted - - turn the rear control wheel

to choose a delay range from 2 - 60s in 1s intervals.

6) Turn the front control wheel again to choose Delay / Mirror

Up, Mirror Up/ Delay sequence - . When highlighted

turn the rear control wheel to choose.

Delay / Mirror Up sequence =

Delay for set amount of time – mirror raised – capture made.

Mirror Up/ Delay sequence =

Mirror raised – delay for set amount of time – capture made.

7) Turn the front control wheel again for

Mirror goes down / Mirror remains up - .- choice. Turn

the rear control wheel to choose.

Mirror goes down =

Mirror returns to its normal position and the camera is made

ready for the next capture.

Mirror raised =

Mirror remains in raised position. No image is visible in the

viewﬁnder until M UP button pressed.

8) Press On (AF button). Note that this now reads Oﬀ and the

line of text at the bottom of the screen reads ‘Self timer on’.

9) Press SAVE (DRIVE button) to save the setting.

10) Press ENTER (DRIVE button) again from the Self Timer

screen to activate the function.

11) Click On (AF button).

12) Half-press the shutter release button to standby mode for this

function (press the shutter release button again (full press)

for activation) or full-press the shutter release for immediate

activation.

‘Delay’ highlighted with drop

shadow. 10 seconds chosen.

Mirror sequence highlighted.

‘Delay ﬁrst, then mirror raised’

chosen as option.

Mirror down /up highlighted.

‘Mirror down after capture’

chosen as option.

Enter

Save Enter

Tip

Check the lower text-row on the screen for ON or OFF

status.

Note

You can halt the sequence by

clicking the ON / OFF ( ESC)

button.

Tip

Press the Mirror Up button

twice within 0.5s to access the

self timer mode directly.

5 6

7 8

910

DRIVE

DRIVE DRIVE

H4X

2 Bracketing

The bracketing function provides an automatic series of captures; one at the standard

exposure setting (Manual or Auto) and the others with pre-determined deviations in EV

from the standard exposure. This is particularly useful for images containing a very wide

tonal range, for example.

Firstly you make an assessment concerning the number of extra frames required, the

order in which they should be taken, and by how much the EV deviation there should be

and the setting made accordingly. The ﬁrst metered exposure (Manual or Auto) is the EV

that determines the calculations for the bracketing sequence.

Note the diﬀerence in operation between Single and Continuous drive settings:

• In Single you must press the shutter release button separately for every separate

capture until the sequence is ﬁnished.

• InContinuous you can either maintain the pressure on the button to take all frames

without stopping or you can release the pressure on the button and press again to

continue to the end of the sequence without losing any frames within the set sequence.

Tip

Check the lower text-row on the

screen for ON or OFF status.

Tip

A bracketing sequence can be

stopped mid-sequence by pressing

the ESC (ON.OFF) button.

Note

See note at the beginning of this

section regarding the diﬀerence

between Single and Continuous

drive settings. In both cases, the

bracketing function is automatically

reset for a new sequence.

options available

2 Bracketing

2 frames

3 frames

5 frames

1/3 EV or 1/2 EV or

1 EV or 2 EV or 3 EV

H4X

21 Bracketing setting

The Bracketing function is set in the following manner:

1) Press the Menu button.

2) Turn the front control wheel until Bracketing appears

3) Press Enter (Drive) button on the grip

4) Turn the front control wheel to access the options, that are:

Number of Captures (the number of captures required in the sequence)

Sequence (the sequential order of the over- or underexposures)

Step (the amount of EV variation from the standard exposure setting)

(A drop shadow will be displayed beneath the selected symbol, for

example )

5) In turn the rear wheel to choose the number of frames

required: 2, 3, 5, 7 or 9.

6) In turn the rear wheel to choose one of four sequences:

A: Standard, Over, Under

B: Standard, Under, Over

C: Over, Standard, Under

D: Under, Standard, Over

7) In turn the rear wheel to choose the amount of EV variation

required: 3, 2, 1, 1/2, 1/3 EV.

8) Press Save (Drive button) to save the setting.

9) Press Enter (Drive button) again from the Bracketing screen to

activate the function. Press On (AF button). Note that this now

reads Oﬀ and the line of text at the bottom of the screen reads

‘Bracketing on’.

Half-press the shutter release button to standby mode for this

function (press the shutter release button again (full press)

for activation) or full-press the shutter release for immediate

activation.

To escape from this mode press Menu, then Enter (Drive button

on the Bracketing screen, then Oﬀ (AF button).

Step highlighted.

1/3 EV variation chosen as

option.

Screen after Bracketing setting

activated indicating 3 frames

remaining in a Standard, Over,

Under, sequence with no adjust-

ment to the next frame.

Viewﬁnder display indicating

no adjustment to next frame

and three frames left in the

sequence.

EXAMPLE EXAMPLE

Enter

Save

Note

The default setting is a shutter speed change in a bracketing

sequence. However, if the camera is set in Manual mode, you can

choose an aperture change instead (Custom Options - Bracket

param. in Manual #26)

Note

As an example, a 5 frame sequence with an EV 1 variation

setting at ‘Standard, Over, Under’ would produce: Standard (O EV

variation), +1EV, -1EV, +2EV, -2EV.

5 6

Number of captures highlighted.

3 captures chosen as option.

Sequence highlighted.

‘Standard, over, under’ chosen

as option.

A B C D

7 8

Enter

DRIVE

H4X

2 3 Interval

By using the interval setting, you can allow the camera to take

a series of captures automatically over a set period. This is often

required for time and motion studies, security surveillance, nature

study, etc. The exposure and focus settings (Manual or Auto) will

be according to the camera settings at the time of capture.

Interval setting

1) Press the MENU button on the grip.

2) Turn the front control wheel until Interval appears.

3) Press the ISO/WB (Enter) button on the grip.

4) Turn the front control wheel to access the options, that are:

Number of captures (the number of captures required)

Interval duration (the time interval between the captures)

(The chosen symbol is indicated by a drop shadow)

5) In Number of captures, turn the rear wheel to choose the

number of captures required: 2 – no limit

6) In Interval duration, turn the rear wheel to choose:

1 second – 1 hour

7) Press Save (Drive button) to save the setting.

8) Press Enter (Drive button) again from the Interval screen

to activate the function. Press On (AF button). Note that this

now reads Oﬀ and the line of text at the bottom of the screen

reads ‘Interval on’.

Half-press the shutter release button to standby mode for

this function (press the shutter release button again (full

press) for activation) or full-press the shutter release for

immediate activation.

Number of captures highlighted.

2 frames variation chosen as

option.

Interval duration highlighted.

5 seconds variation chosen as

option.

EXAMPLE

Screen after Interval setting acti-

vated indicating 3 shots remain-

ing at 30 second intervals.

Enter

Save

Note

In Custom Options #29 you

can select an initial delay of

None, 2, 10, 60 seconds or the

interval time.

Tip

An Interval setting can be

stopped mid-sequence by

pressing the ESC button.

Tip

Check the lower text-row

on the screen for ON or OFF

status.

3 4

5 6

Enter

options available

3 Interval

2 frames –

255 frames

1 second −

1 hour

DRIVE

H4X

21 4 Settings

From the Settings screen you can access four main sub-settings:

Custom options, Image info, Date & Time and System status

by turning the front control wheel. From each of these sub-

settings you can access further items for setting changes. Look at

the main menu chart to get an idea of where all the options are

on the menu tree.

4.1 Custom options

1) Press the Menu button on the grip.

2) Turn the front control wheel until Settings appears.

3) Press the ISO/WB (Enter) button on the grip.

4) Turn the front control wheel to access 4.1 Custom options.

5) Press the ISO/WB (Enter) button to access the 34 choices

available.

6) Turn the front control wheel to the desired Option.

7) Turn the rear control wheel to the desired Setting.

8) Press Save (Drive) button.

In the following list, the options marked in red are the default

settings. So, in the case of the User button, for example, as None

is the default there will be no reaction from the camera until you

make a speciﬁc choice and save it.

If you want to reset the camera to the default setting for all

options, press the ON.OFF button quickly to enter Proﬁles,

select Standard and then press Load.

Enter

Save

Tip

As a shortcut to a speciﬁc user button (True Focus, AE-L, M.UP,

Stop Down) setting in Custom Options, press the MENU and

then the desired button with camera in active mode. After

making any changes, press the shutter release button to save

the new setting.

Tip

As a shortcut to Custom Options level, press the MENU button

twice with camera in active mode. The latest setting will auto-

matically appear. After making any changes, press the shutter

release button to save the new setting.

3 4

5 6

7 8

options available

4 Settings / 4.1 Custom Options

CUSTOM OPTIONS

DRIVE

H4X

Standby timeout 1

• 10s • 5s • 15s • 30s • None

Determines the amount of time the

camera remains active before it auto-

matically reverts to standby mode (indi-

cated on the grip display by the H4X logo).

Minimizes battery consumption.

EV increment 2

• 1/2 Step • 1 Step • 1/3 Step

Determines the amount of EV change

applied (per click of either the front or

rear control wheels) to either aperture or

shutter speed.

Exp adjust increment 3

• 1/3 Step • 1 Step • 1/2 Step

Determines the amount of EV change ap-

plied (per click of the rear control wheels)

when making ﬁxed exposure adjustment

settings.

True Focus button function 4

• True Focus

but can be reassigned to:

AF Drive • AE-lock • Self Timer • Bracketing

• Mirror up • Stop Down • B mode • T mode

• Flash Measure • Interval timer • Multi Ex-

posure • Cycle LM mode • Expose • Standby

• Histogram • IAA toggle • Digital focus

check • Delete last image • Grey balance

exposure • None

AE-Lock button function 5

• AE-lock

but can be reassigned to:

Self Timer • Bracketing • Mirror up • Stop

Down • B mode • T mode • Flash Measure

• Interval timer • Multi Exposure • Cycle

LM mode • Expose • Standby • Histogram

• IAA toggle • Digital focus check • Delete

last image • Grey balance exposure • None

• AF Drive

The following is a description of all thirty four Custom Options.

They are accessed by Menu > Settings > Custom Options. The

words and ﬁgures in red signify the default setting for that option.

4.1 Custom options

Stop down button function 6

• Stop Down

but can be reassigned to:

• B mode • T mode • Flash Measure •

Interval timer • Cycle LM mode • Expose •

Standby • Histogram • IAA toggle • Digi-

tal focus check • Delete last image • Grey

balance exposure • None • AF Drive • AE-

lock • Self Timer • Bracketing • Mirror up

M.UP button function 7

• Mirror up

but can be reassigned to:

• Stop Down • B mode • T mode • Flash

Measure • Interval timer • Multi Exposure

• Cycle LM mode • Expose • Standby • His-

togram • IAA toggle • Digital focus check •

Delete last image • Grey balance exposure

• None • AF Drive • AE-lock • Self Timer •

Bracketing

Control wheel direction 8

• Clockwise • Counter clockwise

Determines the eﬀect the direction of the

controls wheels have on a setting.

For example, by moving the front control

wheel to the left you can alter the aperture

setting from f/8 to f/6.8 to f/5.6 and so on.

By changing the wheel direction setting

however, the same action of turning the

wheel to the left would then produce

the opposite eﬀect, that is, the aper-

ture settings would change from f/ 8 to

f/ 9.5 to f/ 11, and so on.

Flash ready exposure lock 9

• Yes • No

Allows you to make a capture before the

ﬂash is fully charged. For use with integral

ﬂash unit or other TTL compatible ﬂash

units connected to the hot-shoe. Not valid

for ﬂash units connected by the PC con-

nector.

Yes blocks the shutter until ﬂash is ready.

No allows shutter release before ﬂash is

ready.

H4X

Note

If using ﬂash/strobe as the main light source

and 1/800s shutter speed, re-member to turn

oﬀ the True Exposure option.

Magazine exposure lock 10

• Yes • No

Allows you to release the lens and auxiliary

shutter in camera body without a digital

back attached.

Yes blocks the lens shutter and auxiliary

shutter in camera body if the digital back is

not attached. Generates message on grip

display if attempted.

No allows the lens shutter and auxiliary shut-

ter in camera body to be released without the

digital back attached.

Lens exposure lock 11

• Yes • No

Allows you to release the auxiliary shutter

in camera body without a lens attached.

Yes blocks the release of auxiliary shutter

in camera body if there is no lens attached.

Generates message on grip display if

attempted.

No allows a release of auxiliary shutter in

camera body without a lens attached.

Out of range exposure lock 12

• No • Yes

Allows you to release the camera when ei-

ther the aperture or shutter speed setting

is beyond the working range (indicated on

the displays by “–”).

Yes blocks the shutter if beyond the working

range.

No allows the shutter to be released (1/800s

or 32s) if beyond the working range.

True exposure 13

• On • O

Determines whether the exposure is

automatically adjusted to create a true

exposure setting. (See Appendix for full

explanation).

On allows the adjustment.

Oﬀ retains the normal setting.

Spot mode 14

• Normal • Zone

Determines how the camera behaves

when set to Spot Mode.

Normal makes the camera behave in the

same fashion as when set to Average or

Centre Weighted.

Zone makes the camera behave in the same

fashion as the Hasselblad 205FCC. That is,

the central spot is placed over a particular

area of the subject and the AE-L button is

pressed. The exposure is then calculated

assuming that the metered area is 18% grey

or Zone 5 and is indicated on the display

as Zone 5. Alternatively, the area can be

reassigned to another zone by turning the

rear control wheel.

Then, when the camera is moved, the areas

within the central spot are indicated by their

zone values.

Focus aid in MF 15

• Half press • Always • O

Sets how the focus aid arrowhead LED

symbols appear in the viewﬁnder display

in manual focus mode.

Half press makes them visible when the

shutter release button is pressed half way.

Always makes them visible all of the time

when camera is active.

Oﬀ disables them completely.

AF assist light 16

• Camera • O • Ext ash

Allows projection of light pattern to assist

the autofocus system in poor light or low

contrast situations.

Camera sets the integral AF assist illumina-

tion to be always active.

External ﬂash activates the AF assist illu-

mination projected by a suitable attached

external ﬂash unit. When detached, howev-

er, the integral system is automatically used.

Oﬀ sets the AF assist illumination to remain

always inactive.

H4X

Rear wheel quick adjust 17

• Yes • No

Allows rear control wheel to make a rapid

EV adjustment (or EV compensation) in

auto-exposure mode.

Yes turns the setting on. By turning the rear

control wheel, the adjustment is made and

appears on both displays as a ± symbol be-

tween the shutter speed and aperture values.

The amount of deviation also appears above

the scale to the left of the aperture value on

the viewﬁnder display.

No turns the function oﬀ completely.

Control lock 18

• All controls • All except user • Wheels • O

Sets the amount of locking used when the

Control Lock (FLASH) button is pressed.

All controls locks control wheels and

buttons.

Wheels locks only control wheels. They

remain operable in any setting mode, how-

ever.

Oﬀ disables lock function.

Film wind on 19

• Half Press • Direct

Sets when the ﬁlm will be advanced to the

ﬁrst frame.

Half Press advances the ﬁlm only when the

shutter release is pressedto half press posi-

tion.

Direct advances the ﬁlm automatically to

the ﬁrst frame when the ﬁlm holder is insert-

ed or when the magazine is attached.

Beeper 20

• On • O

Sets the audible beeper signal.

On enables the signal.

Oﬀ disables the signal.

Show histogram 21

• Yes • No

Sets whether a histogram of a capture

appears on the display after exposure.

Yes enables the setting.

No disables the setting.

Interval & Self Timer 22

• Exit • Stay

Allows either the Interval or Self Timer

mode to remain active after a capture or

immediately return to standard setting.

Exit clears the setting and produces an

automatic return to standard setting after a

capture.

Stay retains the setting after a capture.

AE lock / Quick adjust 23

• Exp reset • Saved

Allows either the AE-Lock or Quick adjust

mode to remain active after a capture or

immediately return to standard setting.

Exp Reset clears the settings and produces

an automatic return to standard setting

after a capture.

Saved retains the AE-Lock or Quick adjust

settings after a capture.

Show EV 24

• Yes • No

Allows the display of EV settings on the

grip display.

Yes enables the display.

No disables the display.

Show ISO 25

• Yes • No

Allows the display of ISO settings on the

grip display

Yes enables the display.

No disables the display.

Bracket param. in Manual 26

• Shutter speed • Aperture

Selects either the shutter speed or the

aperture as the parameter which changes

in a bracketing sequence when in Manual

exposure mode.

Shutter speed selects changes in shutter

speed.

Aperture selects changes in aperture

settings.

H4X

Aperture control in Manual 27

• Front wheel • Rear wheel

Selects which control wheel changes the

aperture setting when in Manual expo-

sure mode.

Front wheel selects the front control wheel

to change the aperture setting.

Rear wheel selects the rear control wheel to

change the aperture setting.

Low ﬂash warning 28

• On • O

Controls the display of the ‘Low ﬂash’

warning message and triangle.

ON enables the function.

OFF disables the function.

Interval timer initial delay 29

• None • 2s •10s • 60s • Interval time

Allows an initial delay before the ﬁrst

capture of an interval timer function

operation.

Aperture indication 30

• Normal • Light meter

Allows choice of aperture indication

display (in Manual mode only).

Normal selects conventional display

(f5.6, f8, etc)

Light meter selects ‘light meter’ type

display (f5.6⁰, f8.⁵, etc)

Extra mirror-delay 31

50 ms • 100 ms • 200 ms • None • 25 ms

Extends the delay period between the

mirror being raised and the opening of

the lens shutter thereby reducing the

negative eﬀect of vibration on longer

exposure times.

True Focus in AF-S 32

• Oﬀ • on

Re-assigns half press of shutter release

button to activate True Focus function in-

stead of standard automatic focus (single)

Always return mirror 33

• No • Yes

Automatically lowers mirror again for

viewing at the end of every mirror-up

sequence.

AE lock at half press 34

• Oﬀ • On

Allows access to AE-lock without having

to use customizable button assigned to

other required functions.

Hide B/T mode 35

• Oﬀ • On

Hides access to B and T shutter speeds

allowing smoother transition from 1s to

1.4s when making shutter speed changes.

H4X

None

The button has no function.

True Focus

Activates True Focus function.

Activates the AF system in any focusing mode. When the button is pressed

the AF system sets the correct focusing point automatically. This is a rapid,

accurate and handy way of using the AF system when the camera is set to

manual focus mode. In this manner you take advantage of the accuracy

and certainty of the autofocus system while retaining the control inherent in

manual focusing mode.

AE-lock

Activates AE lock function.

Self timer

Initiates self timer function.

Bracketing

Initiates bracketing function.

Mirror up

Controls the mirror up or down function (same function as the M-UP button).

Stop down

Stops the lens down.

B mode

Sets the shutter speed to B exposure mode.

T mode

Sets the shutter speed to T exposure mode.

Flash Measure

Initiates ﬂash measure function.

Customizable button function list

The TRUE FOCUS, AE-L, STOP DOWN and M.UP buttons can all be reassigned to different functions. Default settings are as ac-

cording to name.

1) Press the Menu button.

2) Press the button you want to

reassign (True Focus, AE-L, M.UP

or Stop Down).

This directly accesses the particular

button you chose at the Custom

options level in the menu.

3) Rotate the rear control wheel to

select the function you want the

button to activate.

4) Press the Save button.

DRIVE

Save

Interval timer

Initiates interval timer function.

Cycle LM mode

Changes the light-metering method in a loop manner: Centre Weighted/

CentreSpot/Spot.

Expose

Acts as alternative shutter release button.

Standby

Sets the camera in standby mode to save battery consumption.

IAA toggle

Allows IAA rating change of last capture.

The following functions may only be accessible with some

digital backs.

Histogram

Recalls the last shown histogram on the grip LCD.

Dig. foc check

Displays last exposure taken at 100% scale on digital backs with LCD.

Delete last image

Activate the delete function for the last image in a digital back.

(to be implemented at a later stage).

Grey balance exp.

Initiates a grey balance exposure using the marker frame to select the desired

tone.

1 2

H4X

Imprint type setting

1) Press the Menu button on the grip.

2) Turn the front control wheel until Settings appears.

3) Press Enter (Drive button) on the grip.

4) Turn the front control wheel to access 4.2 Image info.

5) Press Enter (Drive button) to 4.2.1 Imprint type.

6) Press Enter (Drive button) again and turn the front control

wheel to select the desired option.

7) Press Save (Drive button) on the grip.

4.2.1 Imprint type

The following can be chosen as an option:

• Imp. Type 1 prints the relevant information: aperture, shutter,

metering mode, exposure mode, exposure com-

pensation and ﬂash compensation.

• Imp. Type 2 prints the relevant basic information only: aper-

ture, shutter, and exposure correction.

• Date & Time prints date & time only (the correct date and time

is set through the Settings menu under ‘Date &

Time’.)

• Text & Date prints text plus date

• Text & Info prints text plus basic info

• Text prints text only (that you have created in 4.2.2 Text)

4.2 Image Info

The Imprint type facility controls the text that will appear along the

edge of each frame on a film. It is possible to imprint approximately 40

characters at one time.

Imprint Type records technical information automatically created by

the camera.

4.2 Image Info / 4.2.1 Imprint type

Applicable only when ﬁlm magazine attached.

1 2

Enter

DRIVE

Enter

DRIVE

Enter

DRIVE

Save

DRIVE

H4X

4.2 Image Info / 4.2.2 Text

4.2.2 Text

In Text you can compose your own combination of letters, words, sym-

bols, etc to be included in the metadata. The same procedure is also used

to change a Proﬁle name.

6) On the left side of the screen there is a small box frame con-

taining an X symbol and two arrow symbols. By turning the

front control wheel, the selector cursor will enter the box and

by turning the rear control wheel the selector cursor will move

up and down.

• WhentheX in the box is highlighted and the Sel.(AF) but-

ton is pressed, the character highlighted in the text line lower

down the screen will be deleted.

• Whenanarrowintheboxishighlighted,thetextlinecursor

moves along the text line in the arrow’s direction, moving

past every character with every click on the Sel.(AF) button

to the desired position. The highlighted character in the text

line can then be replaced by a new character chosen by mov-

ing the selector cursor out of the box, positioning it over the

new character to highlight it, and then pressing the Sel.(AF)

button.

• Byturningthefrontcontrolwheel,thecursormoveshorizon-

tally.

• Byturningtherearcontrolwheel,thecursormovesvertically

and introduces all available characters by scrolling the screen.

1) Press the Menu button on the grip.

2) Turn the front control wheel until Settings appears.

3) Press the Enter (Drive) button on the grip.

4) Turn the front control wheel to access 4.2 Image info.

5) Press the Enter (Drive) button to 4.2.2 Text.

1 2

Enter

DRIVE

Enter

DRIVE

H4X

Changing text - an example

Here is an example of how to change existing text (in this case the

word ‘Text’ to a copyright symbol plus a photographer’s name

-’Jens Karlsson’). See previous section 4.2 Image info for proce-

dure description.

1) Start by accessing the Image info screen. On the text row

towards the bottom of the screen, the text line cursor is auto-

matically placed to the right of the character that is to be

changed. Turn the front and rear control wheels to move the

selector cursor until the X symbol is highlighted.

2) Press Sel. (AF button) and the character will be erased.

3) Repeated pressing of Sel. will progressively erase all the

characters in the line.

4) After erasing unwanted text, turn the front and rear control

wheels until the desired character is highlighted by the selec-

tor cursor (in this case the copyright symbol) and press Save.

Note that more symbols have automatically appeared as you

scrolled down the screen.

5) Choose the next character in the same manner

(in this case a space) and press Save.

6) The capital letter ‘J’ has been highlighted and saved in this

example.

7) Repeat the procedure until all the letters and characters you

want appear. As you progress with more characters, those

to the left will temporarily disappear from the screen so that

you can see what you are adding. Don’t forget there is a

maximum of approximately 40 characters.

If you make a mistake you must remove each character singly

(see steps 1-3 above) until you reach where you want to make

a change and then return to the ‘Adding text’ procedure

again.

8) This example shows a completed 15 character text line with

symbols, spaces, upper and lower case (large and small)

letters.

H4X

1 2

4.3 Date & Time

Adjust date and time settings by the following procedure:

1) Press the Menu button on the grip.

2) Turn the front control wheel until Settings appears.

3) Press the Enter (Drive) button on the grip.

4) Turn the front control wheel to access Date & Time.

5) Press the Enter (Drive) button.

6) By turning the front control wheel you can move the cursor to

mark the following for change: hours, minutes, year, month

and day respectively. By pressing the 24 h button (AF), you

can choose between a 24 hour or 12 hour system for time.

7) Turn the rear control wheel to make the changes when the

cursor is correctly positioned.

8) Press the Save (DRIVE) button to store the new setting.

4.3 Date & Time

Alert message when a

CF / CFH digital back is

attached

DRIVE

Enter

DRIVE

Enter

DRIVE

Enter

H4X

4.4 System status

Check component usage and general servicing information as

follows:

1) Press the MENU button on the grip.

2) Turn the front control wheel until Settings appears.

3) Press the Enter (DRIVE button) on the grip.

4) Turn the front control wheel to access System Status.

5) Press the Enter (DRIVE button).

6) The display now shows a list of camera components Info-

Usage and to the right of each individual component a

ﬁgure that represents the number of actions taken by that

component. Please note that even a completely new camera

will have registered actions as these occur during testing

before delivery.

7) Press the Next (ISO/WB) button to display Info-Version to

display the software version for each item. Press the Next

(ISO/WB) button again to display Info-Calib for focus

calibration information.

Enter

3 4

4.4 System status

DRIVE

H4X

options available ISO 50, 100,

200 or 400

options available Daylight, Cloudy,

Shade, Flash,

Fluorescent,

Tungsten and

Manual.

Digital – primarily for CF/CFH use

(3rd party digital backs may or may not initiate any of

these screens)

5 Digital (primarily for CF/CFH use)

From the Digital screen you can choose between various white balance

and ISO settings. These camera settings will override any such settings

made on the digital back and will show up on the digital back display as

new settings.

ISO & White Balance settings

1) Press the MENU button on the grip.

2) Turn the front control wheel until Digital appears.

3) Press Enter (Drive button) on the grip.

4) Turn the front control wheel to access either of the two

options, that are:

ISO setting and White Balance

5) In ISO setting, turn the rear wheel to choose between:

50, 100, 200 or 400.

6) In White Balance, turn the rear wheel to choose between:

Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Flash, Fluorescent, Tungsten

and Manual.

7) Press Save (Drive button) to save the setting.

ISO setting. ISO 400 chosen. White balance setting.

‘Tungsten’ chosen.

Note

3rd party digital backs, may or may not be able to initiate the ap-

pearance of the Digital screen and its settings.

Please refer to the appropriate user manuals for information.

DRIVE

Save

Enter

DRIVE

Save

H4X

Photo: Mark Holthusen / Hasselblad Masters

 Sync at all shutter speeds to 1/800s

 Integral ﬁll-ﬂash

 SCA 3002 compatible

 Flash measure capability

 Rear sync capability

The H system meets professional demands for a variety of

situations where ﬂash is required.

It includes an integral ﬂash primarily intended for ﬁll-ﬂash use

but strong enough for simple close work.

Combined with an adapter and a portable unit, H cameras

can exploit the automatic features oﬀered by Metz and other

top names in the ﬁeld for powerful and reliable solutions

When in the studio, the H system is capable of providing ﬂash

metering for maximum control and security.

Flash / Strobe

– controls and displays

H4X

The H4X can be used together with most ﬂash units in manual mode. However, to make

use of a TTL automatic function, you must ensure the ﬂash unit is compatible with the

SCA 3002 system. Connection is either by the PC socket or by the hot shoe (see warning

note below).

The viewﬁnder houses an integral ﬁll-ﬂash with a guide number of 12 and features OTF/

TTL ﬂash control. This unit is capable of providing enough illumination for many ﬁll ﬂash

functions outdoors as well as simple indoor shots at shorter distances.

Flash output can be adjusted separately from ambient exposure for optimum control.

Separate ﬂash units can be used in dedicated mode when connected to the hot shoe

if the unit is compatible with the SCA3002 (Metz) system using a Hasselblad SCA3902

adapter. This provides a cable free link up for information transfer.

Flash synchronisation can be set to normal or rear (the beginning or end of a capture).

Please see the relevant user manuals for information regarding separate ﬂash units.

General

When using the A or S setting together with ﬂash, the exposure requirements of the

camera will dominate which might produce slow shutter speeds indoors, for example,

requiring the use of a tripod. If, on the other hand, you select P or Pv instead, then a

shutter speed of 1/60 or faster is automatically chosen by the camera enabling you to

hand hold.

When using ﬂash close up or when using larger aperture settings, remember that the

ﬂash unit’s output has a speciﬁc minimum duration which might still be too great for

correct exposure. Read the unit’s output speciﬁcations for further information regarding

any potential restrictions.

You can use the ﬂash metering capability with external ﬂash units of all kinds (TTL ﬂashes

must be set to Manual mode).

Rear sync is a useful feature used either for eﬀect or to produce a more ‘natural’ look

when combining long exposures involving light trails and ﬂash.

When using suitable dedicated units (compatible with SCA3002), adjustments are made

automatically and governed by the settings on the camera. This applies to whether the

ﬂash unit is set to TTL or whether it is set to its own integral metering system (A).

Control of either the integral ﬂash unit or separate SCA3002 compatible ﬂash unit

regarding the two functions, exposure compensation and shutter sync, is via the grip.

The ﬂash measure function can be used for ﬂash units that are not SCA 3002 compatible

or for SCA 3002 compatible units at manual setting.

To change the balance between ﬂash output and camera exposure requirements

to produce a variety of eﬀects, use the exposure compensation function. For various

long exposure eﬀects use the sync function. To make ﬂash exposure tests use the ﬂash

measure function.

Note

As with all strobe/studio ﬂash use,

very particular attention should

be taken to ensure correct connec-

tions and general handling practice.

Potential dangers might increase

when cameras are also connected

to electronic peripherals (comput-

ers, lighting units, etc) and should

diminish when IR and similar wire-

less ﬂash release devices are used.

Victor Hasselblad AB and Hasselblad

A/S can accept no responsibility

whatsoever for accidents that might

occur or damage caused when

Hasselblad equipment is used in

combination with third-party units

of any description.

Note

Do not attempt to connect a ﬂash unit

dedicated for use with another camera

brand via the hot shoe. The ﬂash unit

and / or camera could be damaged.

Note

Only ﬂash units specially adapted

for use with the H4X should be

connected to the hot shoe on the

camera.

Note

If using ﬂash/strobe as the main light

source and 1/800s shutter speed,

remember to turn oﬀ the True Exposure

function (Custom Option #13).

H4X

Example of viewﬁnder display

showing Flash set to Rear sync

as well as '- 1EV' exposure com-

pensation.

To access the controls:

1) Activate the camera and press the FLASH button once.

2) Turn the front control wheel to set the amount of compensa-

tion required:

 • from+3EVthrough-3EV

 • pressClr (AF button) to clear the setting quickly if required.

3) Turn the rear control wheel to set:

 • normalsync(ashtriggeredjustaftertheshutteropens)

 • rearsync(ashtriggeredjustbeforetheshuttercloses)

 • ashmeasure(withnon-TTLashunitsorTTLunitsin

Manual mode)

4) The grip display shows the ﬂash mode - Normal or Rear - in

the standard display.

5) When set to Flash Measure, a speciﬁc screen requests you to

press the AE-L button in order to make a reading. See below

for details.

Integral ﬂash

The integral ﬂash unit features the following speciﬁcations:

Guide no. 12

Coverage 56º horizontal,

44º vertical

Maximum light fall-oﬀ at side centres - 1EV (50%)

Color temperature (full ﬂash) 5,000 – 5,600º K

To raise the ﬂash unit into its operative position, slide the ﬂash-

unit catch backwards in the direction of the ﬂash symbol. To

return the ﬂash unit into its closed position, push down on the

top of the unit until it clicks back into place. The ﬂash unit is

automatically activated when it is in the operative position and

de-activated when returned to its stored position.

The green LED ﬂash symbol blinks in the viewﬁnder when the

ﬂash unit is charging and remains stationary when fully charged.

The ﬂash output can also be adjusted for optimum light balance

in ﬁll-ﬂash situations.

Using the integral ﬂash:

1) Slide the ﬂash-unit catch backwards in the direction of the

ﬂash symbol.

2) Press the FLASH button.

3) Choose between Normal or Rear sync by turning the rear

control wheel and the amount of compensation (if required)

by turning the front control wheel.

4) Press Save (ISO/WB ) button. Make an exposure.

FLASH

Clr

FLASH

Save

Note

For full coverage with the integral ﬂash, use 80mm or longer

lenses (without a lens shade).

Note

Do not use the integral ﬂash together when another external

TTL ﬂash unit is connected (and used in TTL or A mode).

1 2

3 4

DRIVE

H4X

5) If the settings were incorrect to match the output of the ﬂash

unit, the viewﬁnder display shows a red triangle alongside a

ﬂashing green ‘ﬂash’ symbol plus a warning message - ‘Low

ﬂash’. The grip display will also show a warning message -

‘Low ﬂash’.

Conventional measures should then be taken to correct the

situation. (That is: move closer to the main subject, use a

larger aperture setting or use a higher ISO setting).

Separate ﬂash unit connection and use

Separate ﬂash units can be electrically connected either by way

of the hot shoe accessory holder (see previous warnings) on the

top of the viewﬁnder or via a cord to the PC connection port on

the left hand side of the camera body. Slave unit switches/ trans-

mitters can also be connected similarly dependant on unit (see

speciﬁc user manuals for details).

Keep the plastic safety cover in place in the hot shoe when not

in use.

Flash measure of separate ﬂash unit

You can measure the eﬀect of an attached ﬂash unit (with PC

connected ﬂash units and SCA3902 compatible ﬂash units set to

M mode), where the camera acts much as a ﬂash meter would.

The aperture setting can be adjusted and more trial exposures

made until the information on the grip display is satisfactory.

To use ﬂash measure:

1) Press the FLASH button on the grip to access the ﬂash option

screen.

2) Turn the rear control wheel until Flash measure appears.

3) Press Save (DRIVE button) to access the ﬂash exposure

screen.

4) Make preliminary required aperture setting by turning the

front control wheel.

5) Press the AE-L button. The camera will close the aperture,

raise the mirror and ﬁre the ﬂash. Light reﬂected from the

ﬂash lit subject will be reﬂected oﬀ a white spot on the

auxiliary shutter to the meter sensor.

6) Deviations from a normal exposure are displayed as

diﬀerences in EV on the grip display and the viewﬁnder

display. If ‘high’ or ‘low’ appears, change the aperture

accordingly and make a new test reading.

Change the aperture until Diﬀ EV: 0 appears, or the desired

amount of deviation from the normal exposure.

Diﬀ EV: Low signiﬁes more than 2 EV under

Diﬀ EV: High signiﬁes more than 2 EV over

FLASH

Save

Red warning triangle and green LED ﬂash

symbol to left of viewﬁnder LCD display.

AE-LL

Tip

The ‘Low Flash’ warning can be turned oﬀ in Custom Option

#26 if preferred.

DRIVE

H4X

Optional accessories provide the opportunity to extend the

capabilities of your system or just to add extra convenience to

suit your way of working.

Photo: Mark Holthusen / Hasselblad Masters

Optional

Accessories

H4X

HVM waist level viewﬁnder

(3053328)

The HVM waist level viewﬁnder allows a

comfortable lower viewing angle either

for eﬀect or where eye contact with the

subject is desirable in portrait photo-

graphy, for example. Autofocus function

of all lenses fully retained. Optimized for

horizontal format shooting and not suit-

able for vertical format use.

Proshade V/H 60 – 95

(3040740)

An adjustable bellows lens shade that

provides highly eﬃcient protection

against stray light. Its compact, ﬂat

folding design saves space in the equip-

ment case. With adapters ﬁts all HC

lenses and virtually all V system lenses.

Also features a ﬁlter holder for glass,

gelatin, or plastic ﬁlters.

Proshade adapters

(3043415, 3043417, 3043419)

67mm, 77mm and 95mm adapters with

bayonet mount for HC lenses. Features

lock to provide positive and secure at-

tachment.

Tripod quick coupling H

(3043326)

Mounted on a tripod, this accessory

facilitates rapid attachment and remov-

al of the camera. The camera is ﬁrmly

held in an exact and repeatable posi-

tion. Two integrated spirit levels make

horizontal positioning of the camera

easy. The Tripod quick-coupling H ﬁts

1/4” and 3/8” tripod threads and has a

safety catch.

Flash adapter SCA 3902

(3053393)

For connecting ﬂashes compatible with

the SCA 3002 system to the Hasselblad

H4X.

UV-sky ﬁlters

(3053470, 3053474 and 3053478)

Absorbs UV radiation and reduces blue

haze without aﬀecting colors. Also

protects the front lens surface. Particu-

larly recommended when the camera

is used in harsh conditions. Available

in three sizes to suit various lenses:

UV-sky 67mm (3053470), UV-sky 77mm

(3053474) and UV-sky 95mm (3053478).

Pola ﬁlters

(3053482, 3053486 and 3053490)

Reduces non-specular reﬂections and

glare. Increases color saturation in gen-

eral. Can intensify a blue sky. Available

in three sizes.

Support strap with Quickplate H

(3045154)

Improves comfort and security with

hand-held photography. Complete with

quick plate H.

Camera strap H

(3053616)

Extra wide camera strap with anti-slip

backing.

HVD 90x / HV 90x & 90x-ll

viewﬁnders

(3053330, 3053326, 3053334)

90 degrees reﬂex viewﬁnder, providing

100% ﬁeld of view even when wearing

eyeglasses. Includes built-in ﬁll ﬂash and

multi-mode light metering system.

Angle ﬁnder H

(S100A12359A00)

Angle ﬁnder for the HV 90x and the HVD

90x viewﬁnders. Enables vertical view-

ing angle regardless of camera position.

Requires a minor modiﬁcation to the

viewﬁnder eyepiece.

H4X

HTS 1.5

(3043400)

The HTS 1.5 is a shift and tilt adapter

designed for the HCD28mm, HC35mm,

HC50mm, HC80mm and the HC100mm

lenses. It not only solves technical

challenges but also provides exciting

opportunities for creative solutions.

Converter H 1.7X

(3023717)

The Converter attaches between the

lens and the body to increase the focal

length by a factor of 1.7. This provides

a convenient way to expand your

range of lenses. The Converter H 1.7 X

features the same outstanding opti-

cal and mechanical quality as all the

lenses in the Hasselblad H system. The

optical design consists of 6 elements in

4 groups.

Release cord H

(3043370)

Remote release cord with a cable length

of 0.5 m.

Focusing screens

All focusing screens are of the Spheri-

cal Acute-Matte D type with or with-

out grid and central markings for spot

(ø 7.5) and AF metering area. Grid

patterns provide aid in technical,

architectural, documentation and other

similar ﬁelds.

Available with or without masking for

the sensor format.

HVM correction lens holder

(3053348)

Lens holder for custom made eyesight

correction (lenses available from opti-

cians). To be used for optimal viewing

comfort and accuracy.

HC lens accessories

H 13, 26 and 52 Extension tubes

(3053513, 3053526 and 3053542)

The Extension tubes attach between the

lens and the body to reduce the close

focusing distance for close up photo-

graphy. They are available in three sizes:

13 mm, 26 mm and 52 mm. As the H4X

has a TTL light metering system, expo-

sure compensation is automatic.

CF Adapter

(3043500)

The CF adapter allows virtually all lenses

from the V-system to be used on H-

system camera bodies. This automati-

cally expands the potential lens range

for H cameras by more than a dozen

diﬀerent focal lengths.

Check www.hasselblad.com for further details about lens shades, endcaps, lens pouches etc or news of new accessories.

DC power grip

(3043350)

Removable H-camera grip with AC power

adapter for supplying camera power from

domestic mains supplies.

Battery grip rechargeable

7.2V Li-on

(3043348)

Removable H-camera grip containing re-

chargeable Li-ion battery with capacity of

up to 1850 mAh.

Battery charger for Li-on battery

(3053568)

Removable H-camera grip containing re-

chargeable Li-ion battery with capacity of

up to 1850 mAh.

H4X

HCD 4/28mm

HC lens range

HC 3.5/35mm HC 3.5/50-IImm

HC 2.8/80mm HC 2.2/100mm HC Macro 4/120-IImm

HC 3.2/150mm HC 4/210mm HC 4.5/300mm

HC 3.5–4.5/50–110mm HCD 4.0–5.6/35–90mm V system C type lenses with optional

CF lens adapter

H4X

Optional V system lenses

Tilt/Shift

Lenses

HVM waist-level

viewnder

HV 90x / HVD 90x viewnders

Optional viewnders

H4X Camera

All HC/HCD

lenses, including

extension tubes

and converter

CF lens adapter

HTS 1.5.

For use with HCD28,

HC35, HC50, HC80

and HC100 (including

extension tubes)

Accessories

SCA3902 TTL Flash

Adapter

Camera body

Connectivity diagram

H4X

Photo: Lyle Owerko / Hasselblad Masters

Appendix

This section provides an insight into the more technical

aspects as well as some important reference information.

 P and Pv explanatory charts

 Technical speciﬁcations

 Problems, Equipment Care & Service

H4X

True exposure

True Exposure is an HC/HCD lens function that allows the shutter speed to remain un-

aﬀected when stopping down. This eﬀect is perhaps not so commonly understood as

it is restricted speciﬁcally to integral lens shutters as opposed to focal plane shutters.

When a lens is stopped down, the eﬀective shutter speed becomes longer, consequently

aﬀecting the set exposure. At slow shutter speeds the eﬀect is minimal but at faster

speeds, e.g. 1/500s, the eﬀect becomes clearly visible. As Hasselblad knows exactly how

the shutters behave in HC lenses, automatic compensatory measures in speed setting

adjustments are therefore employed.

As compensation can only be put into eﬀect where speeds can be adjusted, this pre-

vents the possibility of adjusting the fastest speed of 1/800s. To counter this, compensa-

tory adjustments are therefore made to the aperture instead to retain the set exposure.

However, this compensation is not always required and when using ﬂash/strobe as the

main light source it is actually undesirable because compensation will result in underex-

posure. Therefore, when using ﬂash/strobe as the main light source, you should set True

Exposure to OFF in Custom Options #13.

Note

You can download a fuller ex-

planation of this situation from

www. hasselblad.com.

True exposure

Light level at

image plane

T fully open

T stopped down = T fully open

(using True Exposure)

T stopped down > T fully open

(without True Exposure)

Time

Maximum aperture

Stopped down one stop with True Exposure mode ON

Stopped down one stop with True Exposure mode OFF

H4X

Light metering method sensitivity distribution – (example from HVD-90x)

Automatic exposure – P & Pv Mode

P Mode

Shutterspeed

1000

500

250

125

16s

32s64s

2.0

2.8

4.0

5.6

1.4

Aperture

0-1-2-3-4-5 23 45 6 7891011EV

210

150

120

50 50-110 @ 50

50-110 @ 110

1000

500

250

125

16s

32s64s

2.0

2.8

4.0

5.6

1.4

0-1-2-3-4-5 23 45 6 7891011EV

210

150

120

50 50-110 @ 50

50-110 @ 110

Shutter speed Shutter speed

Aperture

Pv Mode

Centre Weighted

(23 x 20 mm)

≈ approx. 25% of a

37 x 49 mm sensor.

CentreSpot

(23 x 20 mm)

≈ approx. 25% of a

37 x 49 mm sensor.

Spot

(diameter 7.5mm)

≈ approx. 2.5% of a

37 x 49 mm sensor.

H4X

Technical speciﬁcations

Camera Type Auto-focus, auto-exposure digital SLR camera with interchangeable viewﬁnders and lenses.

Construction One piece stainless steel shell. Die-cast aluminium internal structure. Tripod sockets (1/4 and 3/8”) and quick

coupling tripod plate for rapid mounting.

Lenses Hasselblad HC/HCD lenses with built-in electronically controlled shutter and aperture. Automatic or manual

focusing with instant manual focus override. All HC/HCD lenses meet the exacting requirements of digital photo-

graphy. Lens shades can be mounted in reverse for transport. V- system lenses can be used with a CF adapter.

Lens factor HC – 1.0 / HCD –1.0 (marginal crop).

Viewﬁnder (HV 90x-II) A 90° reﬂex viewﬁnder, providing 100% ﬁeld of view even when wearing eyeglasses, and built-in multi-mode light

metering system. Image magniﬁcation 3.1x. Integrated ﬁll-in ﬂash with guide number 12. Hot-shoe for automatic

ﬂash (Metz SCA3002 system / adapter SCA3902). Dot matrix display with presentation of all relevant information.

Built-in diopter adjustment from -5 to + 3.5D. Interchangeable.

Focusing Automatic and manual focusing with electronic focus aid in manual mode. Instant manual focus override.Automatic

focusing using passive central cross type phase detection sensor. AF metering range EV 1 to 19 (ISO 100).

Shutter Electronically controlled lens shutter with speeds up to to 1/800. Flash sync at all speeds.

Flash control TTL centre-weighted system. Can be used with the built-in ﬂash or a wide variety of ﬂashes compatible with the

SCA3002 (Metz) system using adapter SCA3902. ISO range16 to 6400. Flash output can be adjusted (-3 to +3EV) for

ﬁll-in purposes independent of ambient light. Synch at all shutter speeds.

Flash measurement Built-in measurement system that measures ﬂash light from non-TTL ﬂashes, such as studio ﬂashes.

Exposure metering Multi-mode exposure metering using 90° reﬂex viewﬁnder. Metering options are: Spot (diameter 7.5 mm),

Centre Weighted, and CentreSpot. Metering range at f/2.8 and ISO100: Spot: EV2 to 21, Centre-weighted: EV1 to 21,

CentreSpot: EV1 to 21.

Auto bracketing Bracketing using predetermined number of captures (2, 3, 5, 7 or 9) in 1/3, 1/2, or 1 EV step diﬀerence intervals.

Interval timer Number of captures from 2 to ‘no limit’ and interval from 1 second to 1 hour.

ISO range ISO range: according to digital back model.

Displays Two dot-matrix displays that provide clear and easy-to-understand information to the user. One is located on the grip

and the other in the 90° viewﬁnder.

Focusing screen Bright Spherical Acute-Matte type D with sensor format markings. Grid marked type also available as option.

Compatibility All H System lenses and most accessories. V system C type lenses with optional CF lens adapter.

Accessory connection Provided with two M5 threads and an electrical connector for accessories.

Customization A large number of the H4X’s functions can be customized by the user to suit speciﬁc styles or situations through the

built-in menu system.

User interface Both basic and advanced functions are set using buttons and control wheels in conjunction with the grip display

and viewﬁnder display.

H4X

Default Settings ('Default' proﬁle)

Exp.mode A (Aperture priority)

LM mode Centre weighted

Exp. adjust 0

Focus mode AF-S

Drive mode S

Flash sync Normal (beginning of exp.)

Flash adjust 0

Self timer delay 10 sec

Sequence Mirror up / Delay

Mirror mode Mirror goes down

Bracketing Frames 3

Sequence Normal - over - under

EV diﬀ 0,5 EV

Interval timer Frames 3

Interval 0 min 30 sec

Custom options 1Standby timeout 10 sec

2EV increment 1/2 step (0.5 EV)

3 Exp adjust increment 1/3 step (0.3 EV)

4 True Focus button function True Focus

5 AE-Lock button function AE-lock

6 Stop Down button function Stop down

7M.UP button function Mirror up

8Control wheel direction CW

9 Flash ready exposure lock Yes

10 Magazine exposure lock Yes

11 Lens exposure lock Yes

12 Out of range exposure lock No

13 True exposure On

14 Spot mode Normal

15 Focus aid in MF Half press

16 AF assist light Camera

17 Rear wheel quick adjust Yes

18 Control lock All controls

19 Beeper On

20 Show histogram Yes

21 Interval & Selftimer Exit

22 AE-lock & Quick adjust Exp. reset

23 Show EV Yes

24 Show ISO Yes

25 Bracket param. in Manual Shutter speed

26 Aperture control in Manual Front wheel

27 Low ﬂash warning On

28 Interval timer initial delay None

29 Aperture indicator Normal

30 Extra mirror-delay 50ms

31 True Focus in AF-S Oﬀ

32 Always return mirror No

33 AE lock at half press Oﬀ

34 Hide B/T mode Oﬀ

H4X

Problems, Equipment Care & Service

The H4X is a very sophisticated camera that relies on much information being

passed and processed to and from each modular unit to produce the correct

behavior. It is therefore essential that reasonable care is taken in attaching,

detaching and storing the viewﬁnder, lenses, extension tubes, etc to ensure

that the databus connections are not damaged or soiled in any way. Also

when lifting or handling the camera try to always use the grip or strap and

avoid holding the camera just by the digital back or viewﬁnder.

Warning messages are normally easily addressed and remedied but ‘Error’

messages require further attention as they denote a fault, temporary or

otherwise. You should methodically investigate the situation to see for ex-

ample whether the recent attachment of an accessory has coincided with

the appearance of an error message. Standard procedure is to detach and

re-attach the viewﬁnder, lens etc ensuring that they are positioned ﬁrmly

and correctly to see whether the problem disappears. Failing that, removal

of the battery grip for about ten seconds or so will reset the camera’s proces-

sors. Persistent error messages might well signify a more complex problem

and you are advised to contact your nearest Hasselblad Authorized Service

Center for advice. You may receive a feedback report on either the grip dis-

play or the capture unit display. Please note this message carefully as it can

facilitate support response greatly, as well as improve on ﬁrmware updates .

As well as the error message, a description of the camera’s behavior and an

account of what action you were trying to take when it happened could be

also beneﬁcial. Also, please remember that if a hardware check is to be made,

the Center will almost certainly want to inspect all of the items that were

involved when the error message ﬁrst appeared.

In certain situations, it is possible that the camera can be aﬀected by a

discharge of static electricity particularly if the area around the control but-

tons on the grip comes into contact with a conductive cord or material that is

connected to earth, directly or indirectly (a lighting stand, for example). This

might temporarily deactivate the camera though it does not cause any dam-

age. Press the red ON.OFF button on the grip again to reactivate the camera.

If a problem does occur you are advised not to attempt any repairs yourself.

Some service operations require very sophisticated instruments to check,

measure and adjust and there is a real danger of creating more problems

than solving them if such attempts are made in any other way.

EQUIPMENT CARE

A Hasselblad camera is designed to withstand the rigors of professional use

in most environments. To avoid the possibility of damage however, it should

be protected from harsh conditions and in particular avoid oil fumes, steam,

humid conditions and dust.

Extremes of temperature: High temperatures can have an adverse eﬀect

equipment. Try to avoid frequent and severe temperature changes. Be par-

ticularly careful in humid environments. Allow the equipment to acclimatize

before assembly. Try to ensure the storage conditions in such environments

are as dry as possible.

Dust and grit: Take care to prevent dust and grit from getting into your

equipment. In coastal areas take measures to protect your equipment from

sand and salt water spray. Dust on the lens glass and focusing screen can be

removed with a blower brush or very soft lens brush if necessary. Smears on

the lens glass should be treated with great caution. In some cases they may

be removed with a high quality lens cleaning solution on a tissue but be care-

ful not to scratch the lens or touch any of the glass surfaces with your ﬁngers.

If in any doubt, do not attempt to clean lens glass surfaces yourself but allow

a Hasselblad Authorized Service Center to treat them.

Impact: Your equipment can be damaged by severe physical shocks so prac-

tical protective precautions should be taken. Some form of protective case or

camera bag is advised for transportation.

Loss: Hasselblad equipment is much sought after and you should take

obvious steps to prevent theft. Never leave it visible in an unattended car,

for example. Separate and speciﬁc camera insurance cover should be con-

sidered by professional users.

SERVICE

Return your equipment to a service centre for occasional checking and

preventive maintenance to ensure optimal reliability. You can easily keep a

check on service intervals by looking under ‘Info’ in the menu. If your camera

is used constantly and intensively, regular periodic check-ups are recom-

mended at one of the Hasselblad Authorized Service Centers. They have the

expert staﬀ and specialised equipment necessary to ensure that your equip-

ment remains in perfect working order.

CAUTION

•  Keepallequipmentandaccessoriesoutofthereachofsmallchildren.

•  Donotplaceheavyobjectsontheequipment.

•  Donotusethebatteriesexceptasspecied.

•  Useonlythebatteriesspeciedforusewiththecamera.

•  Removethebatterieswhencleaningthecameraorifyouintendto

leave the camera unused for a long period.

•  Ifyouusespare(standardorrechargeable)batterypacksbeparticu-

larly careful to use the supplied protective cap when storing. There is

a potential ﬁre risk if the contacts are short circuited across a conduc-

tive object (such as keys in a pocket, for example).

•  Takeparticularcarewhenworkingwithstrobe/studioashunitsto

prevent damage to equipment and personal injury.

•  Donotattempttoopenthedigitalback.

• Keepthedigitalbackandallothercomputerequipmentawayfrom

moisture. If the digital back becomes wet, disconnect from power

and allow it to dry before attempting to operate again.

• Nevercovertheventilationopeningsonthedigitalback.

• AlwaysreplacetheprotectiveCCD/ltercoverwhenthedigitalback

is not connected to the camera.

• NevertrytoremovetheglassIRlterfromthefrontoftheCCD;this

will probably ruin the CCD. If dust manages to get between the CCD

and IR ﬁlter, please contact your Hasselblad dealer for assistance.

Disposal

Disposal of Waste Equipment by Users in Private Households in the European Union

This symbol on the product or on its packaging indicates that

this product must not be disposed of with your other household

waste. Instead, it is your responsibility to dispose of your waste

equipment by handing it over to a designated collection point for

the recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment. The

separate collection and recycling of your waste equipment at the time of

disposal will help to conserve natural resources and ensure that it is recycled

in a manner that protects human health and the environment. For more

information about where you can dispose of your waste equipment for re-

cycling, please contact your local city oﬃce, your household waste disposal

service or the retailer where you purchased the product.

H4X

Accessories 71

Accessory connection 16

AE-L button 40

Appendix 76

Autofocus 30

Automatic exposure mode 39

Base plate 16

Battery 14

Bracketing 53

Buttons and controls 9

Button functions 6

Carrying strap 14

Control Lock 9

Connectivity diagram 75

Custom settings 48

Customizable buttons 60

Default settings 80

Depth-of-field 29

Drive 43

Q U I C K I N D E X

Eyepiece adjustment 18

Exposure compensation/Quick Adjust 42

Exposure method 38

Flash 67

Focus assist 29

Grip display 7

Image info 62

Infrared focus settings 29

Integral flash 69

Interval 54

ISO & white balance 66

Lenses 27

Light metering & exposure control 36

Light metering sensitivity 78

Manual focus 30

Metering method 38

PC-connector 16

P & Pv modes 39

Profiles 44

Saving settings 12

Self timer 50

Shutter and aperture control 28

Standby 15

Strobe 67

Technical specifications 79

Text setting 62

True Focus 31, 33

True Exposure 77

Viewfinder 17

Viewfinder display 8

Viewfinder screen 16

White balance / grey balance 66

H4X

The information in this manual is furnished for informational use

only, is subject to change without notice, and should not be con-

strued as a commitment by Victor Hasselblad AB & Hasselblad A/S.

The images in this manual were not taken with a Hasselblad H4X.

They are used for illustrative purposes only and are not intended

to represent the image quality produced by a Hasselblad H4X.

The text in this manual cannot be reprinted or reused without the

express permission of Victor Hasselblad AB & Hasselblad A/S.

The images in this manual cannot be reprinted or reused without

the express permission of the photographers who took them.

All images in this manual not credited to the speciﬁc photogra-

Mats Bengtsson.

Victor Hasselblad AB & Hasselblad A/S assumes no responsibility

or liability for any errors or inaccuracies that may appear in this

manual.

Victor Hasselblad AB & Hasselblad A/S assumes no responsibility

or liability for loss or damage incurred during or as a result of us-

ing Hasselblad software or products.

Hasselblad, Imacon, Ixpress, Phocus and FlexColor are trademarks

of Victor Hasselblad AB & Hasselblad A/S. Adobe and Adobe Pho-

toshop are trademarks of Adobe Systems, Inc. Macintosh, Mac OS

and FireWire are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.

InfoLithium is a registered trademark of Sony Corporation.

Victor Hasselblad AB & Hasselblad A/S

H4X

Hasselblad A/S

Hejrevej 30, DK - 2400 Copenhagen,

Denmark

Victor Hasselblad AB

Box 220, SE - 401 23 Göteborg,

Sweden

10.2011 - UK v1

Hasselblad H4X Users Manual

H4X - User Manual h4x_eng_v1 Free User Guide for Hasselblad Camera, Manual

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