Hi all,
since two years I'm using the CFVI 16MP on a 503CW and control the back over a 4.5 m 400/800 firewire-cable. Since a few weeks the controlling over the 400/800 (6/9pin) cable doesn't work any more. Well, the camera defently get power with the cable, but it doesn't show "controlled per phocus". I tried different firewire-cables (long an short ones 400/800) and also tried to control per Flexcolor. Also on different computers. The mad thing is, with a 2 m 800/800 fire-wire-cable the camera works fine. Does anybody know help?
The back has the newest firmware and also newest flecolor and phocus installed.
Thanks, Lawrence
4.5 meter cable should be fine. That is what I use all the time. If you go longer, then a "repeater" should be considered. These are hubs which have to be separately plugged into an AC outlet that boost the signal back up to adequate levels.
Some considerations to try Lawrence:
These digital backs are very sensitive to inadequate connections or feed. Firewires must be treated carefully. I once rolled my chair over one and the camera stopped working. The back was powered on, but wouldn't allow control from the computer anymore.
That you tried other 800/400 cables makes me think this is NOT the issue.
BTW, if you have the battery in place on the CFV digital back, and the Firewire connection fails, the camera will stay on. It doesn't mean the Firewire is powering the back, the battery is. Remove the battery if you had it mounted and see if the Firewire at least powers the back. This is the first diagnostic step to take.
Now if the Firewire isn't working at all after you have removed the battery ... and ... considering your specific description ... it makes me think that your firewire 400 connection to the computer might have failed or is failing (computer problem, not a digital back problem). Since the 800/800 cable works, and no 800/400 cable does, it could be the 400 plug into the computer, or the firewire 400 system. Have you tried using a different 400 outlet on your computer? And, does that 400 outlet power another high draw device?
If it is the computer, you can try to restart the computer as a re-set start up ... on a Mac you press the start button until you hear the buzz and then let go. That will re-set everything. Then see if the firewire 400 works. I had the same issue once and a computer reset fixed it. (Be aware that you may lose some of your user set preferences when doing this).
None of these may be the solution, but they are diagnostic and helpful in figuring out the next steps before even considering sending the back to Hasselblad ( I seriously doubt the back is at fault here because the 800/800 cable does work)
No matter what, you should have 2 or 3 firewire cords in the length you use. They love to fail at the most inopportune moment.
For the most heavy duty Firewire cables consider this source (they sell longer 800/800 cables as well as 800/400 ones ... and sell repeaters also),
http://www.granitedigital.com/firewireproducts.aspx
Marc (The Hasselblad Detective) ... LOL!
