Hasselblad Debuts CFV-39 Digital Back

The new Hasselblad CFV-39 digital back, custom built to match the design and functionality of Hasselblad V cameras, turns every V camera into an easy-to-use digital workhorse.

The 39-megapixel back, with a sensor twice the size of premier DSLRs, features two capture modes and a new digital lens correction technology for Carl Zeiss lenses, powered by Mac- and Windows-compatible Phocus image processing software.

“Quickly and easily, the Hasselblad CFV-39 can transform a V System film camera into a high-performance digital camera,” says product manager Peter Stig. “Just snap on a charged battery, insert a CF card, add the back, and you’re ready to shoot.”

Among the CFV-39’s features and capabilities:

• The Hasselblad Natural Color Solution offers a generic profile that delivers true colors right out of the box.
• All V System cameras operate cable-free. The 202 FA, 203 FE, and 205 FCC are fully supported. Other 200 and 2000 series models can be used with C-type lenses only.
• All F and FE lenses work seamlessly with the CFV-39 using 202FA, 203FE and 205TCC/FCC (camera requires slight modification).
• There are two selectable image formats: square (29 megapixel, 5412x5412) and rectangular (39 megapixel, 5412x7212 pixels).
• The sensor is 100 percent larger than a full-frame 35mm DSLR sensor.
• Image storage options include using a CF card for untethered operation or computer hard drive for tethered operation.
• A Hasselblad raw file format, 3F RAW (3FR), ensure that images captured with Hasselblad digital products are quickly, effectively, and safely stored on the available media.
• The 3FR files can be opened directly in Adobe Photoshop CS4, in Aperture on Mac OS-X, and converted directly into Adobe’s DNG (Digital NeGative).
• Hasselblad image files carry a full set of metadata, including capture conditions, keywords and copyright, facilitating image asset management solutions.
• Fits traditional view cameras: with the V camera interface plate for mechanical attachment and the flash sync connection to trigger digital capture.
• Capture rate of 1.4 sec per capture with 39 captures per minute.
• ISO speeds range from 50 to 800.
• H camera owners can gain full access to V lens DAC correction by using the CF lens adapter.

“The Hasselblad CFV-39 brings an ultra-high level of integration, flexibility, and image quality to the professional photographer who needs the best for mobile and studio shooting,” says Peter Stig.

Text by Alice B. Miller

CFV-39 Digital Back technical features:

• Sensor size: 39 Mpixels (5412 x 7212 pixels)
• Sensor dimensions: 36.7 x 49.0 mm (Lens factor 1.1) and 36.7 x 36.7 mm (Lens factor 1.5)
• Single shot
• 16 bit colour
• ISO 50, 100, 200, 400 and 800 Longest shutter speed: 64 seconds
• Image storage: CF card type II (write speed >20 MB/sec) or tethered to Mac or PC
• Color management: Hasselblad Natural Colour Solution - One generic profile
• Storage capacity: On average 80 images on a 4GB CF card
• Battery type: Sony™ InfoLithium L NP-F series
• Colour display: 2.5 inch TFT type, 24 bit colour
• Histogram feedback
• IR filter: Multi-coated. Mounted on CCD sensor
• Feedback: IAA - Instant Approval Architecture: provides acoustic and visual feedback
• File format: Lossless compressed Hasselblad 3F RAW
• Software: Phocus for Mac and PC (included)
• 3FR files are also supported directly in Apple and Adobe environments
• Macintosh: OSX version 10.5. PC: NT, 2000, XP, XP64, Vista and Vista64
• Camera support: Hasselblad V System cameras manufactured since 1957. (Not recommended for critical work together with SWC models and ArcBody due to optical incompatibility. Some earlier SWC models need slight modification for battery mounting reasons). 2000 series cameras and 201F with C lenses only. 202FA / 203FE and 205FCC camera models need a minor camera modification to use F/FE lenses. All other cameras with Hasselblad V interface.
• Digital lens correction supports the following lenses: Supported lenses are:CF/CFE 40 FLE, CFE 40 IF, CFi 50 FLE, CFi/CFE 80, CFi/CFE120, CFi 150, CFE/CFE 180, CFi 250, CFE 250 Sa and CFE 350 Sa.
• Host connection type: FireWire 800 (IEEE1394b)
• Battery capacity: Sony™ InfoLithium L, up to 8 hours of shooting capacity
• Operating temperature: 0 - 45 °C / 32 - 113 °F
• Dimensions: 91 x 90 x 61 mm [W x H x D]
• Weight: 510 g (Excluding battery and CF card)
• Package contents: Protection cover CFV, FireWire cable, Flash input sync cable, Flash output sync cable, 4GB CF Flash card, Grey card, E-wipes, Focusing screen with dual format markings, Exposure cable EL, Exposure cable 503, Adapter EL, Protective case.