Hasselblad H3D 31 First Impressions Review

by Patrick Singleton
Published on March 13, 2007

Navigation
Intro	Physical Tour
Components	Design/Layout
Modes	Control Options
Image Parameters	Connectivity/Extras
Overall Impressions	Conclusion
Photo Gallery

Flexcolor software is integral to the H3D 31 workflow – it's the only software that will open 3FR files. It is set up to sort and categorize images, add metadata and copyright information, as well as convert them to open formats including DNG, TIFF and even JPEG. Flexcolor has modules for color correction, sharpening, noise reduction, and compensation of lens aberrations including distortion and color fringing. The lens corrections are specific to Hasselblad lens designs.

 

Significantly, Hasselblad licenses the software so that Hasselblad owners can deliver the software to clients with job files, so clients who want to work from RAW files may do so.

 

The H3D 31 accepts a wired remote control, standard PC flash synchronization, dedicated flash and Firewire 800.The imaging back allows passthrough flash synchronization to synchronize the back with both an X-synch shutter and a flash.

 

Firewire connectivity allows remote data storage, downloads and computer control of the H3D 31.

 

The H3D 31 does not offer direct printing, which usually requires USB connection and JPEG files. The H3D 31 has neither.

 

The H3D 31 uses a 7.3-volt, 1850 mAh lithium-ion battery that can be removed from the camera to charge. It also accepts a pack that holds disposable batteries, which have a much lower capacity than the standard rechargable system.

 

The H3D 31 accepts Compact Flash cards. A 2 GB card will hold about 50 images. Hasselblad also offers a battery-powered Firewire 800 drive called the Image Bank. With a 100GB capacity, it handles very long shoots. It is powered by a proprietary rechargeable lithium ion cell. When it's tethered to a computer, the H3D 31 can save images directly to the computer.

Fine focus adjustment – The H3D 31 holds a database of information about Hasselblad lens designs, and compensates for each lens's focus shift related to aperture setting.

 

Sensor cleaning – because the sensor's IR filter is exposed when the data back is removed, it's easy to clean dust from it. Hasselblad describes the process and recommends materials for the job.

 

Legacy compatibility – Hasselblad makes an adapter to mount its C-series lenses on the H3D 31, preserving old film shooters' investments in glass.

 

Waist-level finder – For those who wish they were Luddite, Hasselblad makes a waist-level finder, for users who want to bend over a reversed image as they shoot.