Back to the original post and a few questions for the OP based on the first post ... in an effort to assist rather than making stuff up to bash Hasselbald:
Since no-one has been through each step along the way looking for a solution in this specific case, and Nick's offer to assist in finding a solution apparently hasn't been met with acceptance, all anyone can do is offer speculative solutions or ask specific questions. One can use multiple cameras, different computers, swap out tether cords, etc, ... however, if the same mistake is made with each attempt, then the result is likely to be the same.
I say this because it is highly unlikely that multiple H4 cameras, using different computers, are all defective or have an inherent design flaw when others have indicated no issues with the same H4 model ... I had a H4D/40 and then a H4D/60, and my former partner has a H4D/50 ... and the tethered operation was quite stable allowing continuous use all day.
One poster here offered the suggestion to run the Disk Utility application and clean up Permissions (or the PC equivalent). That is the first suggestion my dealer makes when there are issues. Run it multiple times. In past, I recall some trashing their preferences altogether, but you need to know the specific ones to trash. Nick probably knows which. My dealer did it for me when we first set up the camera. There has been no response from the OP on this suggestion.
In setting up the tethered operation, was a folder created on the desktop to shoot to?
I also mentioned that since the back is not powered by a separate battery (the grip battery powers the camera and the back), and the backs are very power sensitive, (more so than other FW800 devices), some computers (such as some laptops) may not have the juice through the FW port to run tethered consistently. Aux power may be required. My laptop is an older Mac Pro 15" with 8 gigs of RAM ...but when using it in the field for longer shoots, I plug it into either a Profoto BatPac, or now a much smaller, less expensive PCB Lithium inverter. I also went to using an AC powered grip to maintain a very consistent level of power in studio. No discussion or clarification on this from the OP.
The above may be why those who use a H2 or H4X camera and Phase back have no issues, Phase backs have a separate power source for the back.
In terms of power management, Hasselblad has increased the juice in the grip battery for the H5D to accommodate new more demanding functions, but according to my rep and Hasselblad NJ, it can be used on the H4D cameras ... it may also be of some help when using a laptop with poor FW power management (???). The new configuration on the H5 backs now accepts a separate battery and that battery will be usable on the H4D/60. My assumption was this was done so the backs could be used on an untethered tech camera. Of course that is of no help to those with a H4D/40 or 50, but the new grip battery may ... however, I'm not sure if it will if all of the power for the back is switched over to the computer source when tethered to a laptop with inconsistent FW power management.
I also assume that all components of the camera and software were configured consistently. There is firmware for the body/finder, lenses, and digital magazine which have to be in concert with the correct version of Phocus. All are available on the Hasselblad website and are user doable.
The camera's FW port itself can be an issue if not seated correctly, or if too much downward torque is applied when in use. I installed a simple Tether Tools device that removes any possibility of such torque or accidental yanking of the cord during shooting.
The tether cord cannot exceed a certain length as power diminishes with any longer cord for almost anything. For example, when you add extensions to a strobe cord, the effective W/s is cut. IMO, an even shorter FW cord is sometimes required when working with certain Laptops.
So, this is more in the spirit of possible solutions rather than bashing Hasselblad or seeking fodder for a lawsuit ... which of course remains the OP's option.
- Marc
If you have "figured out the problem" ... what was it?Hello all,
I have owned or tested 4 Hasselblad H4's over the past two years and currently own two H4D's which I use professionally. I wont bore you all with the entire story here however, I have had countless problems getting this camera to work correctly tethered to the point that it does not work in a professional setting as a tethered camera. I have tried absolutely everything, changed cables, computers etc. etc and have been given a phenomenal amount of "run around" by Hasselblad. In the end, I have figured out the problem and Hasselblad's solution was to come up with the H5 and change the configuration while pretending I'm the only person who has had trouble with the H4.
If you own or owned an H4 and use it tethered or have had a problem using it tethered, I'd like to hear from you and find out what your experience has been or if you found a solution. Please message me if you have any experience or thoughts on Hasselblad H4's and any issues related to tethering.
Thanks
Since no-one has been through each step along the way looking for a solution in this specific case, and Nick's offer to assist in finding a solution apparently hasn't been met with acceptance, all anyone can do is offer speculative solutions or ask specific questions. One can use multiple cameras, different computers, swap out tether cords, etc, ... however, if the same mistake is made with each attempt, then the result is likely to be the same.
I say this because it is highly unlikely that multiple H4 cameras, using different computers, are all defective or have an inherent design flaw when others have indicated no issues with the same H4 model ... I had a H4D/40 and then a H4D/60, and my former partner has a H4D/50 ... and the tethered operation was quite stable allowing continuous use all day.
One poster here offered the suggestion to run the Disk Utility application and clean up Permissions (or the PC equivalent). That is the first suggestion my dealer makes when there are issues. Run it multiple times. In past, I recall some trashing their preferences altogether, but you need to know the specific ones to trash. Nick probably knows which. My dealer did it for me when we first set up the camera. There has been no response from the OP on this suggestion.
In setting up the tethered operation, was a folder created on the desktop to shoot to?
I also mentioned that since the back is not powered by a separate battery (the grip battery powers the camera and the back), and the backs are very power sensitive, (more so than other FW800 devices), some computers (such as some laptops) may not have the juice through the FW port to run tethered consistently. Aux power may be required. My laptop is an older Mac Pro 15" with 8 gigs of RAM ...but when using it in the field for longer shoots, I plug it into either a Profoto BatPac, or now a much smaller, less expensive PCB Lithium inverter. I also went to using an AC powered grip to maintain a very consistent level of power in studio. No discussion or clarification on this from the OP.
The above may be why those who use a H2 or H4X camera and Phase back have no issues, Phase backs have a separate power source for the back.
In terms of power management, Hasselblad has increased the juice in the grip battery for the H5D to accommodate new more demanding functions, but according to my rep and Hasselblad NJ, it can be used on the H4D cameras ... it may also be of some help when using a laptop with poor FW power management (???). The new configuration on the H5 backs now accepts a separate battery and that battery will be usable on the H4D/60. My assumption was this was done so the backs could be used on an untethered tech camera. Of course that is of no help to those with a H4D/40 or 50, but the new grip battery may ... however, I'm not sure if it will if all of the power for the back is switched over to the computer source when tethered to a laptop with inconsistent FW power management.
I also assume that all components of the camera and software were configured consistently. There is firmware for the body/finder, lenses, and digital magazine which have to be in concert with the correct version of Phocus. All are available on the Hasselblad website and are user doable.
The camera's FW port itself can be an issue if not seated correctly, or if too much downward torque is applied when in use. I installed a simple Tether Tools device that removes any possibility of such torque or accidental yanking of the cord during shooting.
The tether cord cannot exceed a certain length as power diminishes with any longer cord for almost anything. For example, when you add extensions to a strobe cord, the effective W/s is cut. IMO, an even shorter FW cord is sometimes required when working with certain Laptops.
So, this is more in the spirit of possible solutions rather than bashing Hasselblad or seeking fodder for a lawsuit ... which of course remains the OP's option.
- Marc