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Posts Tagged ‘adapter’

Nikon FTZ adapter lets you use over 360 F-mount lenses on Z-series bodies

26 Aug

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One question many people have when a new camera system is announced is ‘but will my old lenses work?’ In the case of the Nikon Z system, the answer is ‘yes’ in the vast majority of cases, with no reduction of image quality or performance, according to the company.

With the optional FTZ adapter over 90 AF-S lenses will be fully compatible with the Z 7 and Z 6. They can take advantage of the camera’s in-body image stabilization and, if you’re using a VR-equipped lens, it will have 5-axis stabilization. (Non-VR lenses will now have 3-axis VR.)

Take an in-depth look at the FTZ’s functionality and our initial performance impressions

The adapter supports the silent shooting and focus peaking functions of the Z-series cameras and, like the Z 7 and Z 6, it’s also weather-sealed.

The FTZ adapter will ship at the end of September for $ 249. When purchased with a Nikon Z 6 or Z 7 through December 31 2018, Nikon will offer a $ 100 discount.

Press Release

NIKON RELEASES THE NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S, NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S, NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S, AND THE MOUNT ADAPTER FTZ, AND DEVELOPS THE NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S NOCT

Designed Exclusively for the Nikon Z Mount System, Featuring a New, Larger-Diameter Mount

MELVILLE, NY (AUGUST 23, 2018 AT 1:01 A.M. EDT) – Nikon Inc. is pleased to announce the release of three new lenses designed for the next-generation Nikon Z mount system’s full-frame (Nikon FX format) mirrorless cameras, for which a new larger-diameter mount has been adopted. The three new lenses are the standard zoom NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S, the wide-angle prime NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S, and the standard prime NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S. Nikon has also announced the Mount Adapter FTZ for Z System compatibility with existing NIKKOR F mount lenses and development of the NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct lens1.

NIKKOR Z lenses pursue a new dimension in optical performance, by taking advantage of the superior design flexibility made possible by the combination of the larger Z mount with its inner diameter of 55mm, and a short flange focal distance of 16mm. The lenses offer sharp resolution with both still-image and video recording, and are equipped with functions that include: compensation for focus breathing (the shifting of the angle of view when focus is adjusted), quiet operation, smooth exposure control, a control ring and performance that is well suited for video capture.

The NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S, NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S, and NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S are S-Line interchangeable lenses. The S-Line is a newly designated grade of NIKKOR Z lenses that adhere to a new benchmark in optical performance, realizing rendering performance that surpasses that of conventional f/4 standard zoom lenses and f/1.8 wide-angle or standard prime lenses. From maximum aperture, clear and sharp resolution can be achieved as well as beautiful bokeh characteristics.

Additionally, the Mount Adapter FTZ has been designed to allow users of Nikon SLR cameras to utilize their existing NIKKOR F mount lenses with the Z mount system and enjoy taking advantage of an even wider variety of lens characteristics with their photography.

Development of the NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct

Nikon is currently developing the NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct, a standard prime manual focus lens and the fastest lens in Nikon’s history. The design of the Noct lens exemplifies Nikon’s mission to pursue the ultimate optical performance in the mirrorless category. As the result, the Noct is positioned at the top of the S-Line. In addition, Nikon is planning on releasing a variety of new lenses that will continue to expand its line of attractive, high-performance NIKKOR Z lenses that further extend photographers’ creative expressions.

NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S Primary Features

  • Standard focal-length range from wide-angle 24mm to medium-telephoto 70mm can effectively cover a wide variety of scenes and subjects with rendering performance that will change the perception of what is possible with zoom lenses with a maximum aperture of f/4
  • Optical design that suppresses variations in aberrations from shooting distances of close-up to infinity, demonstrating sharp resolution even in the peripheral areas of the frame from the maximum aperture, as well as fine point-image reproduction
  • Achieved a minimum focus distance of just 0.3 m across the zoom range
  • Adoption of an ED glass element, an aspherical ED lens element, and three aspherical lens elements
  • Nano Crystal Coat adopted to suppress ghosting and flare
  • Has the size needed to deliver an extremely high standard of optical performance, yet provides outstanding portability; employs a retracting mechanism that can be set on/off without pressing a button and reduces total length for a compact lens that can easily be taken anywhere
  • In consideration to a dust- and drip-resistance, the entire lens, including moving parts, has been sealed
  • Fluorine coat applied to front lens surface

NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S Primary Features

  • Rendering performance that redefines perceptions of what a 35 mm f/1.8 lens can do
  • Sharp resolution even in the peripheral areas of the frame from the maximum aperture, effective suppression of sagittal coma flare that enables superb point-image reproduction when capturing point light sources in night landscapes, and the soft and natural bokeh characteristics expected of a fast (bright) lens
  • Adoption of a new multi-focusing system featuring two AF drive units providing driving power at high speed and with high accuracy that achieves quiet, fast, and accurate AF control, as well as high image-forming performance at any focus distance
  • Adoption of two ED glass elements, and three aspherical lens elements
  • Nano Crystal Coat adopted to suppress ghosting and flare
  • In consideration to a dust- and drip-resistance, the entire lens, including moving parts, has been sealed

NIKKOR Z 50 mm f/1.8 S Primary Features

  • Superior rendering ignites creativity, and redefines perceptions of what a 50mm f/1.8 lens can do
  • Thorough suppression of axial chromatic aberration ensures superior resolution with faithful reproduction of the fine textures in subjects, even from maximum aperture
  • Sharp and clear rendering of details from the center of the frame to the peripheral edges, regardless of the shooting distance
  • The soft and beautiful bokeh characteristics at any shooting distance possible only with a fast (bright) lens
  • Adoption of two ED glass, and two aspherical lens elements
  • Nano Crystal Coat adopted to suppress ghosting and flare
  • Adoption of a new, powerful stepping motor (STM) enables quiet and accurate AF control during both still-image capture and video recording
  • In consideration to a dust- and drip-resistance, the entire lens, including moving parts, has been sealed

Mount Adapter FTZ Primary Features

  • Full compatibility with more than 90 lenses and functionality with approximately 360 existing NIKKOR F lenses from AI type onwards2
  • The unique characteristics of NIKKOR F mount lenses can be applied to Z mount system image quality
  • In-camera VR (Vibration Reduction) with three-axis VR is available when attaching a NIKKOR F lens without built-in VR; in-camera VR also performs well with stills and video recording
  • When attaching a NIKKOR F lens with built-in VR, lens VR and in-camera VR effectively work together to compensate for camera shake by enabling three-axis VR.
  • Various sections of the adapter are effectively sealed to ensure dust- and drip-resistant performance equivalent to that of NIKKOR F lenses
  • Designed to be lightweight yet tough with consideration for superior operability as a part of a complete system

Development of the New NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct Lens that Pursues Ultimate Optical Performance

The NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct that Nikon is currently developing will be a large aperture, standard 58mm prime focal-length, the fastest lens in Nikon’s history3, manual-focus lens positioned at the very top of the S-Line. It will stand to symbolize the Nikon Z mount system’s new dimension in optical performance.

It has inherited the design concept behind the original AI Noct-NIKKOR 58mm f/1.2, a standard prime lens released in 1977, named for “Nocturne” (a musical composition inspired by or evocative of the night), and was popular for its ability to finely reproduce point light sources as point images. This new Noct lens that is currently in development will take advantage of the advanced design flexibility afforded by the Z mount, pursuing ultimate optical performance. Development continues with the goals of achieving an extremely fast maximum aperture of f/0.95, offering the ultimate in NIKKOR rendering performance with superior detail and sharpness. Additionally, the goal is to achieve beautiful blur characteristics, or bokeh, with good continuity, and ensure outstanding point-image reproduction capabilities for more compelling, three-dimensional imaging.

The NIKKOR Z Lens Roadmap

Information in the roadmap, including release dates, are subject to change. Product names after the NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct are not yet finalized.

Price and Availability

The NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S and NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S will be available September 27 for the suggested retail prices (SRP) of $ 999.95* and $ 849.95*, respectively. The NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S lens will be available in late October for the SRP of $ 599.95*. The Mount Adapter FTZ will be available September 27 for $ 249.95* SRP (Additional $ 100 savings when purchased together with a Z 7 or Z 6, through 12/31/2018). For more information on these and other Nikon products, please visit www.nikonusa.com.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Hasselblad releases pricing for XV mount adapter

17 Aug

Owners of V-mount Hasselblad lenses will now be able to use their modern and historic glass on the front of the Hasselblad X1D. The XV adapter hinted at late last year has now been officially announced and will cost €199 / $ 249 / £179.

This adapter opens the X1D system to over sixty lenses that go back to the beginning of the Hasselblad square format and right up to the beginning of the H system, while the XH adapter allows the fitting of lenses up to the current day. With the XPan adapter as well, Hasselblad now has a solution to allow all its lenses to be used on the X1D.

As there are no mechanical connects between the camera and the lens adapter the X1D will only function in electronic shutter mode and of course focus and aperture control will be manual only. The adapter weighs 227g, and measures 64mm in length and 84mm in diameter.

For more information see the Hasselblad website.

Press release

HASSELBLAD XV LENS ADAPTER EXPANDS CAPABILITIES OF MEDIUM FORMAT MIRRORLESS PHOTOGRAPHY, LINKING THE FUTURE TO THE PAST

Hasselblad bridges its legacy and future with the new XV Lens Adapter, providing compatibility for the X1D-50c mirrorless medium format camera to the large range of V System lenses.

Hasselblad’s iconic V System of cameras and lenses are closely linked to the heritage of many professional image makers. With the new XV Lens Adapter, Hasselblad extends the X1D-50c to the full line of C, CB, CF, CFI, CFE, F and FE lenses; each lens functions solely with the use of the X1D-50c’s electronic shutter feature.

With over sixty lenses with focal lengths from 30 to 500mm in the V System, the XV Lens Adapter represents expansion of the X System and capabilities of the world’s most compact digital medium format camera.

The sleek new adapter joins Hasselblad’s other available lenses and accessories for the X System of cameras. Currently, five native XCD Lenses from 21mm to 120mm are available along with support of Hasselblad’s HC/HCD and XPan Lenses.

The XV Lens Adapter is available now for purchase with a MSRP of €199 / $ 249 / £179 /JPY ?29,000 (excl. VAT) / CNY?2499 (incl. VAT).

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Leica releases Elpro 52 close-up lens adapter

10 Aug

Leica has announced the Elpro 52, a new close-up converter lens for select Leica M and TL lenses.

As its name suggests, the Elpro 52 can be screwed onto the front of any Leica M and TL lens that has a 52mm front filter thread. It also comes with stepping ring adapters so it’ll work with 46mm and 49mm front filter threads as well, making it compatible with more than 20 different lenses.

‘The Leica Elpro 52 will expand upon the capabilities of selected Leica M- and TL-Lenses, making them more suitable for macro photography,’ says Leica in the press release. ‘This lens holds true to the standard focusing and aperture settings Leica is known for, and ensures a light-weight and compact style as to not interfere with the lens handling while mounted.’

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The lens is available now for $ 395. It comes with the two aforementioned stepping rings and a protective case to house it all.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Alpa’s HXD adapter lets you mount Alpa lenses on Hasselblad’s 50MP X1D camera

02 Jul

Swiss camera and lens manufacturer Alpa has launched ALPA HXD, a new adapter for mounting Alpa lenses on Hasselblad X-mount cameras.

An interesting feature of the adapter is that in addition to mounting individual Alpa lenses onto Hasselblad X1D camera bodies, you can also mount an X1D directly onto the back of an entire Alpa camera module, effectively turning the X1D into a digital back for Alpa camera systems.

The adapter works with Alpa and Rodenstock SB17 and SB34 lenses with focal lengths between 32mm and 180mm. Longer focal length SB34 lenses can also be used if you stitch multiple photos together in post-production, but Alpa says to check the online compatibility guide.

Alpa notes ‘lenses for Hasselblad V, Pentax 67 and those with PL mount can be attached via the respective ALPA lens modules’ as well. Below is a gallery of images captured with various Alpa/Rodenstock lenses and camera modules attached to a Hasselblad X1D via the adapter:

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Shooting can be done in full manual mode, as expected, but Alpa specifically mentions the ability to use the Hasselblad X1D’s aperture priority mode for ‘comfortable and easy’ shooting. Alpa also emphasizes how the electronic viewfinder on the Hasselblad X1D makes it easy to focus with its focus peaking function.

The Alpa HXD is priced at CHF 759.00, which comes out to roughly USD $ 762 at the current exchange rate. You can find more information and order an adapter on Alpa’s website.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Review of Metabones Adapter Mark V – Canon EF to Sony E-Mount

25 Apr

For Canon shooters thinking about switching to Sony mirrorless cameras, the Metabones adapter is often suggested to help with the transition. Lens mount adapters are often frowned upon as they historically have had limited functionality, such as no autofocus and simply not working well or consistently.

But this latest generation of lens adapters is pretty impressive, offering nearly all of the same features that you would get with a native Sony lens. Here’s my take on the Metabones Adapter Mark V, as used with select Canon EF lenses and a Sony A7rIII and Sony a6300.

Review of Metabones Adapter Mark V - Canon EF to Sony E-Mount

Product Specifications

The Metabones Canon EF to Sony E Mount Smart Adapter Mark V officially debuted in July 2017. It’s all black and made of metal. Compared to previous generation adapters, the Mark V adds three key features:

  1. A dedicated on/off switch for SteadyShot (IBIS)
  2. Rubber gasket weather seals to protect the E-mount connection
  3. An indicator light for basic/advanced modes

Other features offered by the Metabones V include:

  • Fast contrast-detection and phase-detect autofocus
  • Eye autofocus (!!)
  • Powered by camera body (no external power source needed)
  • Support of image stabilization lenses
  • Auto “APS-C Size Capture” on full-frame cameras

Currently, theMetabones Adapter Mark V can be purchased for $ 399 USD.

Review of Metabones Adapter Mark V - Canon EF to Sony E-Mount

Here you see the adapter mounting a Canon EF lens onto a Sony body.

Metabones V Compatibility

Since there are lots of different cameras and lenses out there, so it’s difficult to verify that the Metabones V adapter will work in every case. The Metabones website has a long list of cameras and lenses that should be compatible with this adapter. In this case, the Metabones V adapter worked with the following setups:

  • Sony A7rIII and Sony A6300 camera bodies
  • Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 II
  • Canon 24-70mm f/2.8 II
  • Canon 16-35mm f/1.8 II
  • Canon 50mm f/1.8
  • Canon 35mm f/1.4
  • Canon 85mm f/1.8
  • Canon 100mm f/2.8 macro

Metabones V Canon EF Sony E-Mount adapter

What works well

It works as advertised

I tested the Metabones V adapter primarily with the Sony A7rIII and Canon 24-70mm f/2.8 II, as this is my preferred shooting setup. For comparison with how autofocus would function on a native Sony lens, I also shot with the Zeiss 55mm f/1.8 and Sony 24-240mm lenses.

While testing the adapter, I was blown away by the autofocus system’s speed and accuracy when using my Canon 24-70mm. Not only could I use most of the autofocus settings on the camera (with the exception of Zone area focus), but eye autofocus also worked extremely well. Even when shooting in continuous burst mode at 10 frames per second, there was no lag when using a Canon lens and the adapter.

Metabones V Canon EF Sony E-Mount adapter - 70-200mm lens mounted

Generally speaking, it felt nearly the same as using a native Sony lens on the A7rIII. The same can’t be said for the cheaper FotodioX lens adapter that I was using previously. This other adapter worked with only half of my lenses and had inconsistent and slow autofocus. In that sense, you truly get what you pay for when it comes to camera gear (the FotodioX is $ 99 compared to the Metabones at $ 399).

Small and compact

Weighing in at 5.3 ounces (150g) and measuring 2.6 x 1.4 x 3 inches (6.6 x 3.6 x 7.6 cm), this slick adapter is compact and easy to stash in a camera bag. It feels about equivalent in size to the Canon 1.4X EF Extender. The Metabones V adapter comes in a plastic box that can you use for long-term storage, but unfortunately, there is no carrying case.

Metabones V Adapter

You can easily receive firmware updates

Besides a couple of buttons and indicator lights, there’s also a micro-USB port that can connect the adapter to a computer for firmware upgrades.

Metabones V Canon EF Sony E-Mount adapter

What needs improving

For all of the excellent qualities of the Metabones V adapter, there are two shortcomings worth mentioning.

First is the occasional freezing of the camera screen while trying to autofocus. You can fix the problem by simply turning the camera off and on. However, this lag slows down your workflow and makes you question reliability. This problem happens sporadically, mostly with my Canon 24-70mm f/2.8 II, but it never happens when using native Sony lenses.

Another shortcoming is the loss of touchscreen autofocus when using a Canon lens and the Metabones V adapter. One of the biggest selling points of new Sony cameras such as the A7rIII is touchscreen autofocus. While it’s a bit laggy and imperfect even when using Sony lenses, touchscreen autofocus seems to disappear altogether when using adapted lenses. Hopefully, this will be fixed with future a firmware update.

In conclusion

If you’re transitioning from Canon to Sony, the Metabones Adapter Mark V is a must-have addition to your photography kit. It’s not perfect, but it is a solution that seems to get better over time. At $ 399, the Metabones V adapter isn’t cheap, but it seems to work more consistently than cheaper options such as the Sigma MC-11.

Have you tried the Metabones lens adapter before? What was your experience like? Let me know in the comments below!

Sample Photos Taken with Sony A7rIII, Metabones V adapter, and Canon lenses:

Metabones V Canon EF Sony E-Mount adapter

Metabones V Canon EF Sony E-Mount adapter

Metabones V Canon EF Sony E-Mount adapter

Metabones V Canon EF Sony E-Mount adapter

Metabones V Canon EF Sony E-Mount adapter

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NAB 2018: This adapter lets you attach huge cinema lenses to your smartphone

12 Apr

A small Shenzhen-based company called Cinematics International Company Ltd. recently caught the eye of No Film School at NAB 2018, and in a second you’ll understand why. The company is showcasing a smartphone DOF lens adapter that enables full-size lenses to be used with an iPhone or Android handset.

Unfortunately, many key details about the adapter—including a product’s name—aren’t provided, but the company representative said Cinematics’ adapter supports just about any lens the user may want to attach to their phone. The product also features a pair of metal handles and what looks like a viewfinder.

When asked whether the handles on the adapter are sufficient enough to support such a large lens, Cinematics’ rep indicated the company has an additional hardware solution for that, one not shown in the video.

It isn’t clear whether Cinematics International Company Ltd. has any immediate plans to sell the adapter—although why would the company bring it to NAB if it didn’t?—but assuming it does, the product will probably appear first on the Cinematics’ eBay store.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Nikon’s ES-2 film digitizing adapter for the D850 will finally ship in March

04 Mar

The ES-2 film digitizing adapter that Nikon introduced alongside the D850 DSLR back in August will finally ship at the end of March. The ES-2 has been available for pre-order since it was first announced, but the product is marked as ‘backordered’ on the Nikon USA website, and the official ship date has been slipping backwards.

The Film Digitize Adapter ES-2 is designed to be used by those wanting to digitize their 35mm negatives and transparencies using their digital SLR, and works by holding your film the correct distance away from a macro lens.

Nikon recommends using the ES-2 with the NIKKOR AF-S Micro 60mm F2.8, having designed the adapter to work easily with the minimum focusing distance of that lens. And while the ES-2 is compatible with a range of Nikon DSLRs, the company suggests pairing it with the D850 because of the camera’s high resolution and the built-in film digitizing mode, which automatically inverts the image and saves a digitial positive as a JPEG.

The Nikon Film Digitize Adapter ES-2 kit—which includes a film strip holder for negatives and transparencies, a slide holder for mounted slides, and a pair of 62mm adapter rings for use with different macro lenses—is due to cost $ 150. However, if you’re looking for a cheaper option, the old ES-1 is still available for $ 60, and designed to be used with the 55mm F2.8 Micro-Nikkor and the PK-13 tube.

For more information, visit the Nikon website.

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Canon patents innovative lens adapter with built-in electronic ND filter

27 Jan

A Canon patent from October, 2017 resurfaced on the Canon rumor mill today, and it describes something pretty innovative from the Japanese camera giant. The patent shows a lens adapter—ostensibly designed for a mirrorless camera—that features a built-in variable-voltage ND filter.

The ND filter component is “formed from an electrochromic device [or a liquid crystal element] which changes light transmittance on application of a voltage.” That way, you could electronically and silently change the amount of light hitting your camera’s sensor without stopping down the lens.

As Canon News points out, this would be particularly useful for video shooting, since it’s silent, and it would allow you to separate depth-of-field control from brightness (i.e. shoot with a shallow depth-of-field in bright light).

We could see this technology more readily appearing in a Cinema EOS system, but Canon has (naturally) written the patent as broadly as possible so that no one else can use the idea for stills. Canon Rumors also speculates that it might be the patent behind a rumored EF/EF-S to EF-M adapter specifically designed to adapt cinema lenses to an EF-M mount camera.

As always with patents, it’s impossible to know what parts of this idea—if any—Canon plans to bring to market. But it’s a rather innovative design that we wouldn’t mind seeing in action.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Hasselblad unveils XPan lens adapter for the mirrorless medium format X1D

22 Dec

Hasselblad has announced an adapter that will allow owners of its XPan film camera to mount their old lenses onto the mirrorless medium format Hasselblad X1D. The new adapter’s launch coincides with yesterday’s v1.2 firmware update for the X1D, which introduced an XPan crop mode to the viewfinder and rear LCD.

The adapter is purely mechanical and transfers no data to the camera. It is designed to accept Hasselblad’s 30mm, 45mm and 90mm XPan lenses, but will of course also take the lenses of the Fujifilm TX-1 and TX-2. All lenses in use will need to have apertures manually adjusted; focus is manual too, of course.

Interestingly, the company that manufactured the XPan lenses also manufactures the lens for the X1D, and the covering circle of the XPan models is slightly wider than those designed for the X1D, as the film the XPan lenses had to cover was wider than the sensor of the X1D.

The adapter will go on sale mid-January and will cost €180 / US $ 180 / £160 including VAT. The company says it also plans to make an adapter that will allow V system lenses to be used on the X1D, but hasn’t revealed when that adapter might see the light of day.

For more information, visit the Hasselblad website.

Press Release

Hasselblad Launches XPan Lens Adapter for the X System

Hasselblad expands its range of accessories for the X System with the new XPan Lens Adapter, allowing photographers to use their legacy XPan lenses on the award-winning X System

The Hasselblad XPan lens series was released in 1998 and the new adapter bridges the iconic optics with the latest imaging capabilities from the mirrorless X1D system, just recently benchmarking the highest score by DxO Mark. The sleek new adapter is lightweight, compact, and works seamlessly into the setup.

“The original XPan lenses inspired us when we introduced the current X1D lenses,” said Ove Bengtsson – Product Manager. “The new XPan Lens Adapter speaks to two major aspects of Hasselblad, our drive to innovate and push medium format technology such as the X1D and also to our respect for the legacy equipment that many photographers still rely on to this day. This adapter is the merger of those ideas and that’s what makes this announcement so exciting.”

Customers utilizing the new XPan Lens Adapter first are advised to update their X1D to Firmware 1.20, launched on December 19, 2017. This update also includes a new Selectable Crop Mode that features the classic proportions of the XPan system. Hasselblad will continue to support its legacy and new products alike with plans to create a V to X system adapter and a dual battery charger for the X1D.

The XPan Adapter will be available in mid-January and will retail at €179 / US $ 179 / £159 / RMB ¥ 1,580 / JPY ¥ 21,999 incl. VAT.

Supported XPan lenses:

  • 30mm f5.6
  • 45mm f4
  • 90mm f4

XPan Lens Adapter:

  • Diameter: 73mm
  • Height: 21.4mm
  • Weight: 112g

*XPan lenses are no longer manufactured nor sold by Hasselblad.

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Hasselblad adds X-Pan mode and EVF preview to X1D, plus AF to H lenses on the X system adapter

19 Dec
The X-Pan crop mode with the XCD 30mm F3.5

Hasselblad has released new firmware for its X1D mirrorless medium format camera that brings it as close to a digital X-Pan (you can read Hamish Gill’s writeup of the 35mm X-Pan II here) as we can sensibly hope for. Firmware v1.20 adds a series of crop modes that includes the 65:24 X-Pan ratio, as well as classic 1:1 square and other well-known medium format proportions.

The update also brings the much needed instant image preview mode to the camera’s EVF as well as the ability to review captured pictures via the viewfinder. And now autofocus can be used with certain H system lenses when they are fitted to the X1D via the XH adapter.

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During a recent trip to Hasselblad’s factory I was able to shoot with a camera loaded with the new firmware to try out the new features. I have to say I was disproportionally excited to use the X-Pan crop mode, and once I’d set it I had trouble switching it off because it makes everything look so good.

The camera had been set so the different crops could be cycled through using the front custom button, and with 50 million pixels on hand on the sensor I wasn’t too worried about a heavy crop leaving me with no resolution. Even with the dramatic crop that the X-Pan mode makes we are still left with an image area of 8272×3062 pixels – or 25.3MP.

Only the Raw files show the crop, and the crop isn’t permanent – at can be shifted, altered and undone entirely so the full image can be used.

While we get to see the crop in the viewfinder and on the rear screen of the camera, even the JPEG files are captured as whole 4:3 images. The crop only appears on the Raw files when they are displayed in Hasselblad’s Phocus software – and even the crop can be adjusted, shifted around or switched off.

Of course, you can crop any image you want to 65×24 using any software, but the fun here is in seeing the letter-box in the viewfinder and in the atmosphere composing with this anamorphic-style format creates. The unused area of the viewfinder is blacked out, but users can adjust the density of the mask so the whole scene can be viewed to make composition easier.

The new crop modes:

  • X-Pan Ratio (65:24),
  • 1:1
  • 7:6
  • 5:4
  • 3:2
  • 16:9
  • 2:1
  • A4
  • US Letter

The new preview mode in the viewfinder is nothing special, but shows Hasselblad catching up with a feature offered by every other mirrorless camera. The new option to back-up images from one SD card to the other in slot two is hardly revolutionary either, but very useful all the same.

Ove Bengtsson, Hasselblad product manager, explains that the HC lenses are designed for a phase detection system, but that they can now be used with AF on the X1D

What will be interesting to existing H system users is the ability to use contrast detect AF with certain HC lenses with the XH adapter. Ove Bengtsson, Hasselblad’s product manager, explained that while the AF would be fast enough for a hand-held portrait it won’t be quick enough to shoot sport or action.

‘Our AF system is designed to be accurate rather than quick’ he told me. ‘These are lenses designed for phase detection systems, and we have to move a lot of glass. We don’t use internal focusing systems with small AF groups as these will, at some focus positions, compromise image quality. We often have to move the whole lens construction during focusing, so when working with a contrast-detection system the most difficult thing is to stop the lens after it has passed the peak and bring it back to the correct position. But as I said, image quality is our priority – not AF speed.’

The X1D can now provide contrast detection AF with certain H system lenses when they are mounted via the XH adapter.

To bring AF to the HC series the lens needs its firmware updates as well as the camera. The following lenses will be compatible:

  • HCD 4/28mm
  • HC 3,5/35mm
  • HC 3,5/50 mm
  • HC 3,5/50 mm II
  • HC 2,8/80 mm
  • HC 2,2/100mm

New v1.20.0 firmware for the H6D brings many of the updates that the X1D received, including the crop modes in Live View, dual card back-up and the lens data inserted into image EXIF information. Both cameras also have a new display mode when the spirit level is active that includes basic exposure information instead of just showing a blank screen.
For more information see the Hasselblad website, where you can download the X1D firmware and the H6D firmware.

Press release

HASSELBLAD FIRMWARE UPDATE 1.20 FOR X AND H SYSTEMS

Hasselblad continues to push the development of their systems further with new features in the 1.20 Firmware update.

Hasselblad continues to expand on the capabilities of its highly unique and renowned camera systems with the latest firmware update. The 1.20 Firmware brings exciting new updates and functionality to the X and H Systems that allow photographers and artists help capture their creative vision.

These new features include Instant Preview and Imaging Browsing through the X1D EVF, a beneficial utility that many photographers rely on. Firmware 1.20 also offers creative Selectable Crop Modes including the popular X-Pan Ratio (65:24), 1:1, 7:6, 5:4, 3:2, 16:9, 2:1, A4, US Letter and more.

“Hasselblad is a company that designs and creates tools for photographers. We have released many firmware updates in the past year. It shows our dedication to our customers and that we are listening to their feedback on how to improve.” said Ove Bengtsson, Product Manager.

Hasselblad is pleased to also announce contrast autofocus compatibility using the XH lens adapter with a select group of HC/HCD lenses. A full list of updates for the X and H Systems can be found below along with compatible lenses for the XH lens adapter.

https://www.hasselblad.com/x1d/firmware/
https://www.hasselblad.com/h6d/firmware/

X1D: v1.20.0

  • Instant preview and image browsing in EVF
  • Selectable crop modes
  • Back-up to secondary card
  • Added EXIF tag: Lens Model
  • Spirit level overlay: More info added (Exposure time, Aperture value, ISO)
  • Touchpad: Pan in zoomed-in EVF live view
  • Touchpad; Move focus point with HDMI attached screen
  • Contrast auto focus with XH adapter*
    *works now with following lenses:
    HCD 4/28mm
    HC 3,5/35mm
    HC 3,5/50 mm
    HC 3,5/50 mm II
    HC 2,8/80 mm
    HC 2,2/100mm

The lenses need to be upgraded to lens firmware version 19.0.2
More info here: https://www.hasselblad.com/x1d/firmware/

H6D: v1.20.0

  • Selectable crop modes in Live View
  • Back-up to secondary card
  • Added EXIF tag: Lens Model
  • Spirit level overlay: More info added (Exposure time, Aperture value, ISO

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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