HASSELBLAD’S HOME
Hasselblad’s Home is our invitation to you to join us behind-the-scenes at our headquarters in Gothenburg, Sweden for a more intimate look into the core of Hasselblad. Hear from our designers and engineers about our thoughts and processes behind the development of our medium format cameras and the philosophies underpinning the foundation of how we bring Scandinavian design and craftsmanship to creators around the world.
EPISODE 3
PRODUCTION AND TESTING
OF THE X SYSTEM
X System cameras are put through a precise production schedule in addition to rigorous testing and sensor calibration processes. Hasselblad cameras contain miniscule details that require the highest concentration in order to avoid any flaws. Additionally, some parts do need a human touch to achieve optimal results.
Each production technician follows a specific training process, which can vary from one hour to a few days, depending on their task in the assembly line, with many having refined their skills while working on Hasselblad cameras for over 30 years.
X SYSTEM PRODUCTION STAGES
X System production is divided into five stages.
First, the parts are checked for cosmetic issues before they are registered with a serial number in the system, allowing us to trace their path from the start of assembly to final delivery.
After that, the production team programs the camera followed by full assembly and updating the system with the latest firmware.
Next, we test and calibrate the sensor unit.
After that is the digital unit test, where we adjust the focus, remove any dust, and test camera power, noise, and other elements of the camera, including removal of any potential hot pixels.
The final stage is the photo quality test. In this phase, images are taken in a studio environment, testing against colour charts for tonal accuracy, issues with glare and other scenarios. After an automatic system check, the photos are then manually inspected to look for any irregularities the previous automated tests might have missed. These potential irregularities are previously unknown issues which the system has not been programmed to look for.
The sensors are calibrated separately from the camera body in a calibration station. Over 700 images are taken, testing the sensor under various settings, and then a specialized software calculates compensation parameters and produces a calibration file specific to that sensor.
The most delicate part of the production process is cleaning the dust under the filter and sensor. In the sensor cleaning process, we use a special wipe and a mix of Ethyl and Isopropanol. This mostly takes place under a fume hood to avoid the health hazards that arise from smelling the alcohol. Additionally, you have to be very careful to not damage the sensor while cleaning.