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Hasselblad goes back to the future with the V System CMOS sensor back

By Simon Crisp
July 22, 2014
Hasselblad goes back to the future with the V System CMOS sensor back
The Hasselblad CFV-50c features a 50-megapixel CMOS sensor
The Hasselblad CFV-50c features a 50-megapixel CMOS sensor
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On the rear of the Hasselblad CFV-50c is a three-inch LCD
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On the rear of the Hasselblad CFV-50c is a three-inch LCD
The Hasselblad CFV-50c features a 50-megapixel CMOS sensor
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The Hasselblad CFV-50c features a 50-megapixel CMOS sensor
The Hasselblad CFV-50c will retail for a €11,000 (around US$14,800) price tag when it goes on sale
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The Hasselblad CFV-50c will retail for a €11,000 (around US$14,800) price tag when it goes on sale
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Hasselblad has revealed that its iconic V System is set to get new lease of life, with the release of a new CMOS sensor-based digital back. The new digital back, which will work with almost every V camera made since 1957, is said to offer the same functionality and performance as the recent H5D-50c camera.

The new CFV-50c means V System shooters who want to go digital can experience the sort of medium-format CMOS sensor goodness seen with the Phase One IQ250 and Pentax 645Z. After attaching the digital back in the same way as a film magazine, no cables required, they'll be able to shoot high-quality digital files at high ISO levels and with long exposures.

The Hasselblad CFV-50c will retail for a €11,000 (around US$14,800) price tag when it goes on sale
The Hasselblad CFV-50c will retail for a €11,000 (around US$14,800) price tag when it goes on sale

Boasting the same 43.8 x 32.9 mm 50-megapixel (8272 x 6200 pixels) CMOS sensor as the H5D-50c, it's unsurprising that the new digital back also shares much of its spec sheet. It has an ISO range of 100-6,400, can shoot 1.5 frames per second, and has a maximum exposure time of 12 minutes. It also features an option to shoot 12.5-megapixel JPEGs in addition to its RAW 3FR files (which come in at around 65 MB) and TIFF files (around 154 MB).

The classically styled back measures 90 x 92 x 57 mm (3.5 x 3.6 x 2.2 inch) and weighs 530 g (20 oz), excluding battery and CF card. On the rear is a three-inch TFT LCD and a simple button layout which is used to navigate a new menu system. This includes the ability to shoot with a classic Hasselblad square crop option. The CFV-50c is also able to deliver a much higher frame rate in Live Video than earlier CCD-based CFV backs.

The Hasselblad CFV-50c will retail for a €11,000 (around US$14,800) price tag when it goes on sale. No release date has been confirmed.

Product page: Hasselblad CFV-50c

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PhotographyPhotographyMedium Format CamerasHasselblad
6 comments
Simon Crisp
Simon is a journalist and photographer who has spent the last ten years working for national UK newspapers - but has never hacked a mobile phone - and specializes in writing about weird products and photography technology. When not writing for New Atlas, Simon is often found playing with LEGO and drinking far too much coffee.

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6 comments
f8lee
Well, at least this is a step in the right direction - I was worried that Hassy lost their way what with the ridiculous rebadged and overprices Sony cameras they introduced of late. If this works, it could raise the value of all the film-based Hasselblad gear as well - I'd best look for that SW-C soon!
RichardU
At last they have seen the light. There was nothing wrong with the older cameras. Really good kit.
LHLite
Well now, this may be the most revolutionary and important interface item Hassy has built yet. Considering I still retain over $50K US in the 903SWC, 555ELD, 503CW, 203FE, 30, 40, 50, 60, 80, 110(FE), 120 Macro, 150, all CFE or CFi, 250SA, 2-45deg viewfinders, 8/120, 6/220 film backs, multiple, custom built, Bill Maxwell focusing screens and untold accessories. Not too mention Lee Filter System and tons of crazy expensive Bay 93 & 60 filters (23).
I hope this is a trend for Hasselblad, somehow I doubt it, but the HD system just doesn't seem to fit in the world. BUT, there are hundreds and thousands of Hasselblad V users world wide that surely could benefit greatly from an upgrade tool like this. Well done Hasselblad, thank you for remembering the V users!
John Banister
With 46% coverage of the 56mm x 56mm image area that can be captured using the V system with film, I still want to call this sensor the APS-c of medium format. One nice thing about a V mount back is that almost every view camera manufacturer has made a V mount adapter allowing you to use a V mount back with a wide variety of lenses. As near as I can tell, this back on Hasselblad V cameras is in landscape orientation only, so it might be nicer to use it on an Alpa camera as the adapter will mount in either landscape or portrait orientation.
Er. A.K.Mittal
I'm a photography illiterate inspite of having CANON 5DIII, 70D, and Legria HF M300 plus tele lens etc. But an enthusiast I am. As i have understood these MF cameras are good for studio shooting or similar applications. Do they or some others make similar MF cameras BUT good for both, still as well as VDOs ? Full frame ones are good for both, for example.
uksnapper
I offloaded all my Hasselblad kit a long time ago as the only full frame back to fit it was the Phase One scan back I used in the studio. Unsuitable for location work as it had to be tethered and a scan could take several minutes. I desperately wanted to retain the Superwide,a simply fabulous camera, but alas their 16mp back had a chip of only about 25x25mm. Hasselblad still dont accommodate V system owners with a true wide angle image so much in demand by industrial and commercial shooters. One has to get the H series body to make use of their 24mm wide angle.