Hasselblad Updates Firmware, Releases XH Converter
Update adds a Distance Scale overlay to Live View and enhances options for exposure metering and frame selection in Interval Timer. Converter enables users to access new H System lens capabilities.
Hasselblad has released Firmware Update 1.4.0, which adds new functionality for an enhanced shooting experience with the X1D II 50C, 907X Special Edition and 907X 50C cameras. A Distance Scale overlay has been added to Live View; Interval Timer has upgraded options for exposure metering and frame selection, and Phocus Mobile 2 functionality has been updated, in addition to general system improvements.
The Distance Scale overlay in Live View provides information about the currently set focus position as well as the close range for the actual lens. In addition, it is possible to choose between using meters or feet in the distance scale. (This function requires the new Firmware Update 0.6.0 for all XCD Lenses except for XCD 45P, which requires Firmware Update 0.1.26.)
Firmware 1.4.0 also enables users to select exposure metering for each individual frame in a series of shots. (Previously, the user could only select exposure metering for the first frame when shooting multiple images.) Whereas it was previously only possible to choose up to 99 frames to be taken with Interval Timer, it is now possible to specify up to 1,000 frames where the photographer has the option of every number between 2-25, intervals of five between 25-100, and intervals of 50 between 100-1,000. (No limit is still an option.)
Live View quality on Phocus Mobile 2 has been enhanced. As well, a change in the white-balance setting in Phocus Mobile 2 will now synchronize with X1D II 50C and 907X cameras.
Firmware 1.4.0 can be downloaded here.
Hasselblad has also released XH Converter 0.8, which enables users to access a new set of H System lens capabilities. The XH Converter 0.8, used on HC/HCD lenses attached to an X System or 907X camera, reduces the focal length of the lens by a factor of 0.8x, which delivers a wider field of view and improves the maximum aperture of the lens by 2/3 stop. Additionally, the converter improves lens performance in terms of contrast and apparent sharpness across the entire frame.
When the converter is attached to the HC f/2.2 100mm lens, it transforms the aperture and focal length to f/1.8 and 80mm, respectively; until now, the XCD f/1.9 80mm lens has been the highest aperture lens option for X and 907X camera systems. When the converter is combined with the HCD f/4.8 24mm lens, it creates an aperture of f/3.8 with a 19mm focal length; this results in an even wider lens option than the XCD 21, the widest lens in the X System.
The XH Converter 0.8 joins a range of Hasselblad adapters and converters, including the XH Lens Adapter. The addition of the converter provides these systems with enhanced functionality for H Lenses. In addition, H System users who decide to branch into the X or 907X systems gain more versatility from their current HC/HCD Lens options.
All H System lenses with firmware 18.0.0 or later must be updated to the newest version, 19.1.0, to work with the XH Converter 0.8 and to get auto focus. (HC 120 and HC 120 II can only be used in manual-focus mode.) Other H System lenses (except HC 120 and HC 120 II) with firmware older than 18.0.0 will work, but only in manual-focus mode.
Only HC/HCD lenses with firmware 18.0.0 or later can be updated to 19.1.0. Additionally, the X1D-50c must be updated with firmware 1.25.0 or later, and the X1D II 50C, 907X 50C and 907X Special Edition cameras must all be updated with firmware 1.4.0 or later.
The XH Converter 0.8 lists for $944.
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