Hasselblad Digital Back

Whats the cheapest solution for putting a digital back on a hasselblad 500?

Is a low pixel count really an issue?

Looking at KEH.com, I see that they have a couple of Imacon Ixpress 16 MP backs available for right at $8000. These have, I believe, a 37mm square sensor.

There's also a Kodak back of about the same vintage and with about the same resolution that sells for the same price or maybe a little bit less.

I personally wouldn't get too terribly caught up on the megapixel rating. The obvious comparison to the above backs would be Canon's 1Ds MKII, at 16.7 megapixels and about the same price.

Although I haven't personally done the comparison, two things come to mind that would point in favor of the Imacon-
1. On the Imacon back, the same number of pixels are spread out over a greater area. This means that any given pixel on the Imacon back is going to be physically larger than in the Canon back. As you probably know, larger pixels are better able to grab light, and, thus, for a given sensitivity, will generally have a lot less noise. This means that the Imacon files should look a lot cleaner.

2. By all accounts, the 1Ds MkII is very taxing of the lenses in use, only achieving the top resolution when using excellent lenses mounted on a tripod and all the other usual precautions. Since the Imacon has a lower pixel density(about the same as that of a 5mp APS-C DSLR), it's going to be a lot less demanding of the lens in use, and therefore quite easy to get the full resolution out of. This should be especially true when using the excellent Carl Zeiss lenses on the Hasselblad.

2007-06-08 12:52:24 by Blueice

Phase One digital backs - www.phaseone.com Phase One digital backs can be used under extremely cold conditions. Due to the simple four button ...

Hasselblad is creating a new standard of digital image quality for professional photographers with the announcement of a new camera and three camera backs based on the combination of Hasselblad’s new, true 39 megapixel CCD sensor and its unique Digital APO Correction (DAC) technology. This new line of products features the new Hasselblad Natural Color Solution, which takes digital photographic color reproduction to an entirely new level. The new products also deliver images of unsurpassed sharpness and resolution and at the same time reduce any moiré effect to a minimum – a first in the history of digital photography.

Based on the Hasselblad H2 camera with its range of high performance, digital central shutter-based lenses, and featuring extended features, such as DAC lens optimization and Instant Approval Architecture, the Hasselblad H2D-39 is the world’s first high-end, 39 megapixel, digital auto-focus camera. Compatible with the entire range of Hasselblad H System lenses, the world finest digital lenses, as well as the Hasselblad V camera lens system, the H2D-39 brings the highest level of integration and flexibility to the professional photographer.

The new Hasselblad 39 megapixel digital back products include the Hasselblad CFH-39, CF-39 and CF-39MS, and have been built to meet the needs of professionals who require the best, for both mobile and studio shooting. The 39 megapixel digital back products match the design and functionality of the Hasselblad H2 camera and the Hasselblad CFH-39 digital back fits onto view cameras using the H-system interface plate for mechanical attachment and flash sync connection to trigger digital capture. The CFH-39 also fully integrates with the power system of the Hasselblad H2, so that both camera and digital back can be powered by the H2’s Li-ion battery.

The Hasselblad CF-39 line of digital backs offers 39 megapixel digital capture with Hasselblad’s interchangeable camera interface, the i-Adapter, and the option of true color multi-shot capture. In a studio environment, the color resolution of captures can be increased by means of a unique multiple-exposure technique controlled by the optional Multi Shot Module (patent pending). The result is unique color resolution and absolutely moiré free images.

Blue is all I can come up with.

2006-05-18 10:55:47 by chirayu

H1 offers lightning fast, super-accurate focusing under almost any conditions
H1's ergonomic design and intuitive user interface enable you to make fast, easy adjustments
Can be customized to suit your individual needs

Contact hasselbladusa.com or kurlandphoto.com

If anyone knows they will.

2007-10-24 13:26:56 by Dugan

Since I don't have $10,000 for a digital back, should I keep my 503cx and keep shooting film? I hate to sell it; it's like trading in a classic mustang for a focus. But I feel like I am the only one still shooting film.

Amy R,

I am still shooting medium and large format film.
Just bought some new Ektar 100 as a matter of fact.


Besides, suppose you were the last person using film, who cares? It's all about YOUR vision. If film works...so be it.


One last point, you do actually have a digital camera right now. I scan my medium format film with my Epson V500 and make digital files. It's cool. I end up with both a virus proof real negative AND a digital file. Film is the very best of both worlds!

.

2009-07-08 10:47:05 by Amy R

I read that on a website (forgot the website address, though). It says there that because it has only 16 megapixels on a big sensor, it has very low noise.

Have you tried the digital back?
Is the low-noise performance really that amazing?

Supposedly, yeah. But what do you need a camera like this for anyway? Camera like this are usually found in a studio because they are bulky and heavy - and studio equipment means there'll be adequate light for most kind of shots which means you can set your ISO down low on even a regular crop DSLR - which in turns will have little or no noise at all.

If low noise is what you after, I'd suggest you get a full frame DSLR instead - they are much more portable. Try the Canon D5 for example.

2007-12-18 02:35:17 by Fdasadsf J