The Third Episode of “Hasselblad’s Home” Is All About Testing Process
Hasselblad has released the third episode in its “Hasselblad’s Home” series where the company provides an intimate look into the “core of Hasselblad” and the thoughts and processes involved in the development and manufacturing of its medium format cameras. Today this video showcase how the Swedish company produces and tests its X System medium format cameras inside its Gothenburg headquarters.
Throughout the four-minute video, Hasselblad shows the five-step production and testing process it uses to ensure all X System cameras are properly constructed and programmed to get the best image quality possible.
Made at their headquarters in Gothenburg, Sweden, the X-system cameras are put through a precise production schedule in addition to rigorous testing and sensor calibration processes with each production technician following a specific training procedure that can vary from one hour to several days depending on the task in the assembly line. Many of these technicians have refined their skills working on these systems at Hasselblad for over 30 years.
The company says that many of the minuscule components require the utmost concentration while assembling to ensure there are absolutely zero flaws, additionally, some parts require a “human touch” to achieve the results it looks for.
The X-System production is divided into five stages. The first step in the process is a cosmetic check to ensure the camera body itself is undamaged from the manufacturing process. If it clears the cosmetic check, that camera is assigned a serial number, which will follow it until it reaches the hands of the customer. Next, the cameras are programmed and fully assembled and have the latest available firmware loaded into the system.
Hasselblad says it tests each sensor independently — by capturing over 700 test shots — and uses that data to create a calibration profile that is then installed on the camera that specific sensor unit is installed in. The camera will apply that specific calibration profile to each image before data is saved to the recording media. From there, it’s onto the digital unit test, wherein Hasselblad workers adjust focus, remove dust and apply other quality control measures before moving onto the final photo quality test. In the final step is all about photo quality, where images are taken in a studio environment testing against color charts for tonal accuracy, issues with flare, and color accuracy.
More info on Hasselblad’s Channel.
