In very simple terms, a sensor unit holds a light sensitive sensor in place at the film plane.
The electronic signals from the sensor are then processed and stored as a digital file.
As an electronic colour image is made up of three components − red, green and blue which
combine to form a so-called RGB image − the sensor’s task is to convert a multi spectrum
light image into three digital files (red, green and blue) for combination later on.
The H3D uses a CCD (Charged Couple Device) type sensor that has millions of light sensitive
areas on its surface each of which creates a pixel.
Each pixel in the sensor is filtered to create the three separate red, green and blue files.
Software then processes these electronic files as a package into a Hasselblad 3FR file which
in turn is processed in FlexColor to produce Hasselblad 3F files or various other formats such
as DNG, TIFF, JPEG etc.
The three components of the image file are later recombined on the computer screen to
produce the familiar full colour image.
•
The captured image can be temporarily stored internally with a CF card, on a Hasselblad
Imagebank or the hard disk on a computer via FlexColor. When using the camera tethered
in a studio you can control all the digital aspects of camera operation from a computer us-
ing FlexColor. See the separate FlexColor manual for further details.
As the H3D is a purely electronic device, attention to power supply is vital. When working
untethered it is therefore important to plan either battery loading or battery replacement
to ensure continued workflow.
Likewise, image storage is limited, particularly when using flash cards and appropriate
steps should also be taken when planning a shoot.
External storage is accomplished by FireWire connection to a separate hard disk or a com-
puter.
•
When attaching and removing the back, pay particular attention to the image sensor area.
The sensor itself is covered and protected by a glass IR filter but take great care when han-
dling. If you need to clean the filter, see later section for specific details. When storing sepa-
rated from the camera, always ensure you have replaced the protective cover.
If you scratch or mark the filter in any way, it will show up on every shot. Replacements are
expensive so treat the glass surface with at least as much care as you would a lens.
The sensor itself is not accessible for any kind of cleaning or maintenance by a user. Do not
attempt any such action as you will almost certainly damage it irreparably.
As is the case with all electronic devices pay extra care when working in damp environments
and avoid damp conditions for storage.
29
