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Summary

READ THIS FIRST: From Capture One 21 (version 14.2) Firewire is no longer supported for tethering.

I am ready to start a photo shoot with a Phase One camera. What do I need to check for? Check that you have the right focusing screen framing, that the lens and viewfinder are properly attached. Check that the back is attached. Make sure you have good and charged batteries. Check your cards and format them in the back. Connect with firewire, USB3 or USB-C and check your cables and connection. IQ4 can connect over Ethernet, check your settings. For more details see below:

In-Depth

In addition to setting up Capture One software and the computer, the Phase One camera body and digital back have to be setup for proper operation.vTo set up a Phase One camera system, please check the following:

Focusing screen is installed correctly

  1. A focusing screen and/or ground glass mask is included with your camera. This must be installed first to ensure correct framing.
  2. Changing the focusing screen is not a trivial task and should only be done by an experienced person or a Phase One Service Center. You can follow the directions in KB article 2177 (linked below) for how to install the focusing screen on a 645 XF, DF or DF+ camera body.

 

Viewfinder is attached properly (XF camera body)

  1. Ensure that the viewfinder’s front locating pins are aligned with the body’s pin registration recesses, located in the front of the XF Viewfinder port (Both the electrical contacts and prism of the viewfinder must be aligned with the body’s contacts and viewfinder screen recess).
  2. Carefully lower the rear of the viewfinder until level with the body, then press the viewfinder down firmly until it clicks into place.

 

NOTE: Ensure the viewfinder is securely attached before turning the power on and using the camera. Failure to ensure the viewfinder and body are properly secured could result in a camera malfunction. There is also a risk of dropping either the camera or the viewfinder if the viewfinder is not securely attached! Always remember to protect the optical elements.

Lens is attached properly

  1. Two different colored index points are available to allow easier attachment of the lens to the camera; looking downwards from the top (blue), or in front of the camera looking from the side (red).
  2. Align the blue or the red index point on the lens with the blue or red index points located on bayonet mount of the XF Camera Body and rotate clockwise on the body until it stops and clicks into position.
  3. On a DF/DF+ camera bodies, there is a white dot which aligns with the red dot on the lens.

IQ Digital Back is attached to the XF Camera Body or mounting plate

  1. Gently place the mounting plate of the IQ Digital Back onto the bottom guide rail of the XF Camera Body or mounting plate.
  2. Push the lock slider and press the release button simultaneously to retract the back’s upper locking mechanism, and then push the IQ Digital Back firmly onto the camera’s twin catches, using the bottom guide rail as a pivot.

Note: The Phase One XF camera body is only compatible with IQ series digital backs. H or P series backs are not compatible.

Batteries

  1. Fully charged batteries are loaded in the XF Camera Body and IQ digital back. Both the XF and IQ back require a battery to operate, even though IQ3 and IQ4 have the ability to share power between the back and body.
  2. On the DF+ camera body, 1 of 3 battery types must be inserted in the grip. Li-ion grip is the best power source.
  3. For stable operation on the DF+ camera, select the correct Battery Type in use with Custom Function 04.

 

CF card is inserted and formatted (IQ1, IQ2, or IQ3)

  1. Insert the CF card into the media storage slot on the left-hand side of the IQ Digital Back with the card’s front label facing the display-screen of the IQ Digital Back. If resistance is felt, stop immediately and check the card is oriented correctly.
  2. Format the card before use inside the IQ digital back main menu > Format Card.

 

XQD card is inserted and formatted (IQ4)

  1. When inserting the XQD card into its media storage slot in the IQ4, make sure that the labeling side on the card is facing towards the front of the back so that the small triangles on the XQD card and the IQ4 XQD slot align.
  2. Slide it straight into the slot until it clicks into place. If resistance is felt, stop immediately, and check whether the card is oriented correctly.
  3. Format the card before use inside the IQ4 digital back main menu > Storage Setup > Format XQD.

SD card is inserted and Formatted (IQ4)

  1. Position the SD card so the label is facing towards the screen on the IQ4 and slide it straight into the SD marked-slot until it clicks into place. You will need to push the SD card into the port until it is recessed about 1 mm to ensure it locks into place. You will hear a click once that point has been reached. If resistance is felt, stop immediately, and check whether the card is oriented correctly.
  2. Format the card before use inside the IQ4 digital back main menu > Storage Setup > Format SD.

 

Connecting via FireWire / USB 3.0 Tethered Capture (IQ1, IQ2, or IQ3)

  1. To connect to a computer running Capture One, insert the supplied FireWire 800 or USB 3.0 interface cable. The ports on the IQ Digital Back are protected behind hinged covers. When connected, the camera will spontaneously power- up and the settings will be automatically shared with Capture One.
  2. In the default Auto Storage setting, the IQ Digital Back will return to the untethered mode of operation when the interface cable is removed.

 

Connecting via USB-C Tethered Capture (IQ4)

  1. Use the supplied USB-C to USB-C cable (3 meters) to connect the IQ4 to a computer with a USB-C port like a newer MacBook Pro. Make sure that you insert the end with the transparent cover into the IQ4 port in order to make a firm connection that can’t wiggle during use.
  2. The supplied USB-C cable and the USB-C connection on the IQ4 is compatible with all standard USB-C connections, including the ports on newer Mac’s that have additional support for Thunderbolt 3. They are also compatible with the USB 3.1 Gen 2 standard (data transfer up to 10 Gbps.). If you have a computer with an USB 3.0 Type A port, use the supplied USB-C to Type A cable.

Connecting via Gigabit Ethernet Tethered Capture (IQ4)

  1. Connect the supplied Gigabit Ethernet cable to the RJ45 port on the IQ4 and the other end to a network port on a router or switch. Connect another Ethernet cable between the computer and the router or network. The IQ4 requires a Category 6a (or better) of highest quality to deliver a fast and reliable tethering experience. It is possible to use a length of up to 90 meters.
  2. Connect the supplied Gigabit Ethernet cable to the RJ45 port on the IQ4 and the other end to a network port on a router or switch. Connect another Ethernet cable between the computer and the router or network. The IQ4 requires a Category 6a (or better) of highest quality to deliver a fast and reliable tethering experience. It is possible to use a length of up to 90 meters.
  3. Launch Capture One version 11.2.1 (or later). IQ4 can automatically establish an IP connection over Ethernet (or WiFi) to Capture One on your computer via the built-in Bonjour feature. There is no need to configure the IP connection; you just select the IQ4 as the connected camera system from drop-down menu in the Camera tool in Capture One, and you are ready to start setting up your capture session.

Note: The automatic IP connection feature works natively on the macOS, but if you’re working on a Windows pc, you need to have Apple’s Bonjour installed. This is done by downloading and installing either iTunes for Windows or Bonjour Print Services for Windows from Apple.

Additional Notes for an XF Camera System

  • External shutter releases for the XF can be inserted into the 12-pin multiport on the left side of the XF Camera body.
  • If using Flash, the Flash Sync Cable is connected to the XF Viewfinder Prism sync port, not to the digital back.

 

Notes for using a Phase One digital camera back on 3rd party cameras

  • If using an IQ back, a sync cable is always connected from the lens to the small connector in the front plate on either the left or right side of the IQ back.  If using an H or P-series camera back, connect the supplied sync cable from the lens' flash sync to either the connector on the Phase One camera back marked "C" or to the Mamiya Mounting plate.
  • If a motorized camera is used, the cable is connected between the multi-connector on the IQ back and the DIN connector on the Hasselblad. If using an H or P-series camera back, the motorized cable is connected to the connector on the right-hand side of the back, marked "M."
  • If a Mamiya RZ67 Pro II is used, connect the mounting plate to the camera and then connect the cable from the mounting plate to the connector on the front of the Mamiya. Ensure that the cable is connected and locked properly; the latching mechanism will be on the bottom side. Use RZ mode with P65+/P40+ or IQ back.
  • The flash sync connector on the IQ back is only intended for use with other large format / technical camera adaptors. If using flash with an IQ back an XF camera body, the flash sync cable (not included) is always connected to the XF camera body. If using Flash with an H or P series digital back, connect the Flash Sync Cable, from the strobes to the connector on the right side of the camera back, marked “F.” 
  • With H-series camera backs, ensure that the back is firmly connected to the camera before releasing it. The small screw on the top of the Phase One camera back H series can be tightened with the screwdriver supplied to prevent it from being accidentally removed.
  • For the Mamiya RZ, the camera must be set to take multiple exposures in order to use the Phase One camera back. The multiple exposure selector (M) is combined with the film back revolve switch (R). Use RZ mode with P65+/P40+ or IQ back.

 

 

 

Keywords: hardware; setup; XF Camera body; IQ digital back; XF; IQ; camera; equipment; cables; usb-c; usb; hardware;