Similar to other RAW conversion software available, Phocus allows you to adjust the white (black, grey) balance after the event and a whole lot more from Hasselblad’s 3F RAW lossless compressed native format images captured on the CFV-39.
Just about every conceivable adjustment can be made in Phocus before you export it to the next stage. Presets you make can be saved and used for whole collections or for new images imported. Calibration is important here, and profiles will help you use settings for certain printers or publishers that you work with.
Back to the future, literally
There’s Simple mode too, if you just need a faster workflow and Hasselblad does update Phocus frequently, currently at version 2.0.1. It takes a little while to find out just how much it can do, but once workflow is sorted, it's a breeze. If you need convincing regarding the cost of this gear, Hands on a Hasselblad is a programme of training events, which will soon to be updated to include the new, exclusive Hasselblad studio opening in Hoxton, London in May.
Verdict
Overall, the CFV-39 is a very positive nod, letting you know this company values its loyal user base with equipment of old. It is a real pleasure to not see this gear go to waste and be passed by and really, the image quality that can be achieved speaks volumes. Download this 50MB zipped, full-res TIFF file here and see for yourself. UK buyers also get the advantage of a complete service of camera bodies and viewfinders included in the digital back’s purchase price. With the inevitable migration to pure digital systems, secondhand lenses and bodies are much cheaper than they used to be. Time to grab a bargain? At least for the front end. ®
James Cumpsty is a professional photographer and videographer working in the music industry.
Thanks to the Pro Centre for the equipment loan.
Hasselblad CFV-39 digital back
COMMENTS
Wow.
That's just beautiful.
I never could afford a Hasselblad, nor would I ever need one, but that is artistry.
Clarification
Magnification is of course independent of format, as it relates to the relative size of the object compared to the image projected onto the imaging plane (sensor, film etc.) In this context I should have referred to angle of view.
Depth of field control
To me one of the beauties of medium format was the ability to control the depth of field so much more than with 35mm. You can decide what you want in focus and the rest then just drops out. Sure you have to think a lot more about it, but then that always improves the results anyway.
I'll second the opinion of I have no need for one, but Oh boy do I want one.
Great review BTW. Nice to read a review that goes beyond "how many pixels"
I've had a CF-39 for a couple years now.
No, I didn't purchase it for myself, it was a 10th anniversary present from my Wife. To say I was floored would be a gross understatement.
I bought the body & lenses used, right out of college, and still use it for B&W film photography. Most of my nieces & nephews are fascinated by the "ancient" technology, and I trust the older three with the enlarger, unsupervised (my darkroom's a converted walk-in closet here in the office).
Adding new tech to this old hardware was really a brilliant idea. I actually use it more now than I did when it was film-only.
