Phocus by Hasselblad User Manual
Welcome to Phocus It is our hope that you will open Phocus, take a look around, and be inspired to get to work with an imaging workflow that develops according to the way you want things to happen.
About this manual This manual describes the workings of Phocus and how to use it on Macintosh and Windows platforms. The graphical user interfaces are very similar in appearance so the illustrations are based mainly on Macintosh screen captures with additional Windows captures where necessary. Likewise, the operative procedures are almost identical across the two platforms, with the largest difference being shortcuts. Again, these are illustrated and explained where necessary.
Contents Welcome 3 Viewer 20 Layout 21 Resizing 21 Viewer Toolbar 22 Compare view 22 Crop tool 22 Straighten tool 22 Neutralization tool 22 Zoom tool 22 8 Hand tool 23 General description 10 Shadow warning 23 Area over views 11 Highlight warning 23 Grid 23 Overlay 23 About this manual 4 Contents 5 Getting started 7 Layout over view File Browser 13 Previous image 23 14 Nex t image 24 Navigation 14 Switch compare images 24 Capture Destination (Scratchpad)
Tool List 36 Menu 51 Adjustments Browser 36 Menu shor tcuts 52 Camera 36 File 52 Capture Info 36 Edit 52 Color Correc tion 36 Image 52 Crop & Orientation 37 View 53 Cur ves 37 Window 54 Exposure 37 Viewer Tool shor tcuts 55 Grayscale 37 Histogram 38 IPTC Core 38 IPTC Key words 38 Keyboard Shor tcut list 57 Job Info 38 FAQ 58 Lens Correc tions 40 Index 60 Navigator 40 Noise Filter 41 Output Preview 41 Queue 41 Reproduc tion 42 Sharpness 42 White B
Getting Started The Phocus CD contains the application, user manual, video tutorial, sample images and ‘Read me’ files. After installation, you will be asked to register your copy of Phocus to receive e-mails regarding updates and general information. Phocus automatically creates a destination folder on your hard disk when opened for the first time. This folder is called the Scratchpad and appears on the Desktop.
Layout Overview Phocus is designed to be customized to suit your individual workflow. The following is an overview of layout possibilities.
Layout overview The default graphical layout is only one of several possible layouts. The showing, hiding and size of various views and elements are all customizable. Below is an overview of contents and possibilities and does not mention every eventuality. See later sections for detailed descriptions of layout changes. On the far left is the File Browser that lists the information concerning destination folders, folders, collections, hard disks and devices.
File Browser Menu Toolbar Lists the information concerning destination folders, storage folders, collections, hard disks and devices. Includes View, Window and Help for Phocus specific options. Accesses a variety of tools. Viewer Viewer Toolbar Thumbnail Browser Tool Area Displays the image selected in the Thumbnail Browser. A separate Viewer can be created for dualmonitor use, for example. Viewer image size can be changed in size and position.
The following is a brief overview of the main areas. Some shortcuts are mentioned but not all. See relevant sections for detailed information and complete list of keyboard shortcuts. File Browser The File Browser (not to be confused with the Browse Tool tab) consists of Capture Destination, Favorites, Collections, File System and Devices.
• Drag and drop any tool to another position on the list. • Drag and drop any tool to anywhere outside of the Tool Area to remove it. • Click the right hand menu triangle on the tab header to reveal a list of tools. Clicking on a tool will add it to the selected tab. A default tool set is also a choice. • Some tools have a disclosure triangle on the tool header to reveal further options and a check box for activation.
File Browser The File Browser collects all the storage locations under one heading and consists of Capture Destination, Favorites, Collections, File System and Devices.
File Browser � ⎇ ���⎇ ����� The File Browser provides easy access to your complete file system and HO R� TC U T� � �directly � S⎇ �� � ⎇ � links to convenient image folders such as: Capture Destination, Show/Hide Favorites and Collections. A right click in the File Browser opens a menu with command options for: Add to Favorites, Use as Capture Destination, Reveal in Finder, New Folder.
Favorites: Contains aliases of frequently used folders. Drag selected folders to just beneath the Favorites heading to add them to the list. Collections: A Quick Collection is a compilation of links to images, that you want to keep together for various reasons. For example, it could be the best candidates from several folders kept in one place to present to a client. Files are added to the Quick Collection by shortcut or drag and drop to the folder.
Thumbnail Browser The Thumbnail Browser displays all the images in a selected folder. The layout can be altered while the captures can be re-sized and sorted.
Thumbnail Browser � ⎇ ���⎇ ����� The Thumbnail Browser is headed by a bar naming the selected folder. It also HO R� TC U T� � �shows � S⎇ �� � ⎇ � how many images are in the selected folder, as well as the available free space on the hard disk. Plus and minus symbols are also included for rapid viewing-size changes. A scroll bar can be displayed along the bottom of the Thumbnail Browser. In the top right hand corner of the Thumbnail Browser is a disclosure symbol to open an options panel.
Viewing and sorting 1 Click on the disclosure symbol 1 in the top right hand corner of the view to open an option panel. This allows you to filter and sort the thumbnails in a variety of different ways: Filter: To view by approval rating, click on the desired IAA approval marker 2 or markers to display only those captures with the selected ratings. Alt/ Ctrl click on the desired rating icon to show only those in the browser. Sort: Click on the arrow 3 to select ascending or descending sorting.
Options menu Ctrl click / Right click thumbnails to open a list of timesaving options. Works individually or in multiples. Layout example � ⎇ �� �⎇ � �� � � � � ⎇ �� �⎇ � �� � � � � ⎇ �� �⎇ � �� � � � � ⎇ �� �⎇ � �� � � � This layout is achievable by clicking on Layout on the Toolbar then � ⎇ +�� � +⎇ �B /��Ctrl+ �� � ⎇ +�� � +⎇ �T /�� � � � �+ B to hide the File Browser. Pressing Ctrl+ + T would hide the Tools as well if an even larger are was required.
Viewer The Viewer displays an enlarged view of images, allowing detailed examination and adjustment of individual images. A Viewer Toolbar is available in the same view.
Viewer � ⎇ ���⎇ ����� HO R� TC U T� � �Layout � S⎇ �� � ⎇ � At the default setting, the Viewer is located in the middle of the screen above Show/Hide the Thumbnail Browser. The Viewer is headed by a bar naming the selected image. It also shows the approval level and size in percent of the selected image. It also contains a plus and a minus icon for zoom in/zoom out changes. A Viewer Toolbar runs along the bottom of the Viewer Area.
VIEWER TOOLBAR Either press on the icons or use the shortcuts to access the following tools. Both methods have a toggle function. Compare View w/w Allows Compare View where two images are shown side-by-side in the Viewer. Images from different folders can be compared. Toggle function back to normal view. Press the ‘S’ key to open a selected thumbnail as the comparison image, automatically locating on the left hand side of the Viewer. Double-click another thumbnail to be the second image.
Hand tool h / h ⎇ �when � �zoomed � Used to move the image in the� Viewer in. Hold down the spacebar for temporary use. �⎇���� �⎇���� �⎇���� ^ + � +D ⎇ /�Ctrl �+�D � Shadow warning for options ^ + � +W ⎇ /�Ctrl+W ��� Marks areas of the image that are rated as underexposed. These areas appear as light magenta (default) and cover the affected areas of image. Choose Menu > View > Warning Options to change threshold settings and the �⎇���� warning color.
�⎇���� �⎇���� Next image � +⎇/ � Ctrl+ �� � Displays next image in the Thumbnail Browser, replacing the current image in the Viewer. Switch compare images S/S Switches the position of the two images in Compare View in the Viewer from left to right and vice versa. Color Info Provides an input RGB, Output or Lab readout of the area beneath the cursor located on an image in the Viewer. TIP Full screen view fills the whole Viewer area.
Importing Captures Captures can be imported from a CF card in the camera, a CF card reader or from an ImageBank-II.
Importing captures Non-tethered captures are stored as 3FR files on a CF card or an ImageBank-II. When these files are imported into Phocus they are processed into 3F files. See FAQ chapter towards the end of this manual for more indepth information about 3FR/3F files. 1 1. Connect the camera to a computer and choose the File Browser 1. 2. Choose Devices 2. 3. Click on the icon’s disclosure triangle 3 to reveal the capture destination folder 4. 4. Click the folder. 2 3 4 5 5.
Tethered Capture Allows the control of Hasselblad digital camera products when connected by FireWire to a computer.
Tethered capture �⎇���� �R T⎇ SHO C U� T Connection ��� Capture Connect the digital camera system to a computer via a FireWire cable. An icon will appear under Devices 1 in the File Browser and a heading in the Camera tool 2 affirms that connection has been made. Regarding storage space, you can check the amount left by selecting the Capture Destination folder in the Finder and reading the figure displayed to the right in the Thumbnails Browser bar.
�⎇���� �⎇���� � +⎇ L ���� Ctrl + L Live Video Both H and V-system cameras can utilize the Live Video function, though the H-system offers a greater opportunity for automation. This function is intended for tethered operation in studio set-up environments for product and similar non-moving subjects where careful compositional placing in conjunction with layout sketches, etc is required.
� ⎇ ���⎇���� � � � ⎇ ���⎇���� � � +⎇ A���� � �Focus checking �+ ⎇ +��� ^ Ctrl ++A By using the Zoom tool in the Viewer Toolbar, you can obtain a close up of the section of the image you want to check for focus. The Viewer image changes format and displays a view beneath. This is the Focus view which plots the accuracy of the focus setting displaying it in the form of a continually updated graph.
Tool Area The Tool Area is on the right hand side of the screen. It consists of four individual collections of tools called tabs. Each tab can be customized for content. The view remains in the same position in the layout but can be hidden to increase working space.
Tool Area � ⎇ ���⎇ ����� Tools are grouped under four tabs for convenience; Capture, Browse, Adjust HO R� TC U T� � �and � S⎇ �� � ⎇ �Export. This grouping is customizable and so the default setting should only be seen as a starting point for your own workflow procedures. Any combination of tools, including duplicates, can be grouped under any tab. After selection, tools are opened by a triangle 1 to reveal slider control 2 and numerical 3 options. A check box 4 applies setting changes.
Tool Presets 2 1 Many of the tools in the Tool Area include the option for creating presets. These are simply shortcuts to saved settings (relevant to that particular tool) that you want to apply to other files. To create a preset, proceed as follows: 1. Check the box 1 on the Tool header to preview the adjustments and settings you make. 2. Click the smaller menu triangle 2 on the right hand side of the Tool header to access the options 3. 4 3 3.
Presets - general Presets are essentially shortcuts to default or user created and stored settings. They save time and effort as well as provide security regarding various automated tasks. 11 2 3 In Phocus, presets occur as an integral part of a number of different actions. Some presets can also be accessed from different locations. For example, in Output Preview in Tools, you might choose TIFF as your preferred format in the Preset menu.
Presets - continued Name presets Name presets are dealt with in the same manner. Similarly, Name Preset is accessible from more than one location; when exporting (see section above) or from the Job Info tool (File Name > Edit). 1 2 3 4 In this example, ‘Job Name’ could be removed by selec ting it in Template 1 and deleting it (backspace). Selecting ‘Date Format’ 2 would also allow a Full Date 3 and Medium Time 4 for instance, chosen from the menu, to appear instead, etc.
TOOL LIST Adjustments Browser See full explanation in the Toolbar chapter. Camera Reflects the settings from a tethered camera, according to model. An H-system model will provide more information—focus mode, exposure mode, mirror up, for example—than a V-system model due to its greater digital capabilities and integration (see description of ‘Live Video’ under ‘Tethered Capture’ for full details).
Crop & Orientation A list of constraints is available (default: None) to set the format as well as orientation of the Crop tool. Clicking on the Mask icon will access a view where both color and opacity of the mask can be selected. The Straighten function has quick 90° buttons as well as a slider that allows a finer adjustment of +20° to -20° shift in orientation. The Straighten function is also accessible by way of the Viewer Toolbar.
Histogram �⎇���� Graphs of combined or separate channels can be displayed (default: com�⎇� � � settings can be typed in or set by bined). Shadow, highlight and�gamma using the slider controls. Alt key � key� when By holding down � the ⎇ /� � using the sliders you can see when clipping occurs (in the Viewer) in the shadows and highlights. This produces the same effect as the ‘Shadow Warning’ and ‘Highlight Warning’.
IPTC Core The IPTC Core settings can contain a good deal of information. By grouping information into three presets – Small, Medium and Large – you can quickly restrict the amount of information displayed. Small Medium Large Editing and managing IPTC keywords 1 With ‘All Keywords’ chosen on the menu bar, all keywords from all sets will appear as ‘buttons’ below and any can be selected (singly or in multiples) to add to the selected file.
Name: A new job name can be entered here. File name: Choose from the four presets to change the way that files are named or make an edit. Next Sequence Number: Enter the desired number for the new sequence. Metadata: This links an IPTC Preset (see below) to the file. The chosen IPTC Preset controls the amount and type of metadata that is included in the raw file with tethered capture, or with the Import function when importing. To create a new preset, click on Edit to reveal the options panel.
Noise Filter Reduces noise in the image. Basic noise reduction is in place for all images, but certain textures under certain lighting conditions can produce extra noise. The filtering tools are: Color: Neutralizes the coloration of colored “noisy” pixels, typically in areas with very fine detail such as hair or on fine textured materials. Luminance: For use with long exposures and high ISO rated images. Reduces the effect of pixels showing up as “noise” in dark areas.
Reproduction Allows the possibility of specifying a custom input profile. This tool is not included in the initial default setting as it not commonly required. It can be added by clicking on the menu triangle on the tool header. When generating the input file to be used by your profiling tool, it is important to export with an output preset where the profile is set to "Source". Using the "Source" profile means that no ICC transformations will be applied to the data in the file.
Toolbar The Toolbar is accessible in most, but not all, layout configurations above the File Browser, Viewer and Tool Area. It consists of a number of frequently used tools for general use.
Toolbar Illustrated above is the default setting for the Toolbar display. Ctrl click the bar (Mac only at present), to select a number of display options. By selecting ‘Customize Toolbar’ you will open the dialog below. This provides the opportunity to customize the layout by drag and drop, to change the size of the icons and text etc. You can drag and drop selected items or the default set onto the bar and delete items by drag and drop off the bar.
Export New Images Automatically 1 You can speed up the export of files by using the 'Export New Images utomatically' function. A selected folder (any folder, new or already A existing) is classified as a 'hot' folder where placed files can be individually or mass processed according to a set of chosen options that apply specifically to that folder. 2 The folder can be used as a 'drag-and-drop' folder or as an import folder. Even the Capture Folder can be classified as a 'hot' folder if you wish.
Import See ‘Importing Captures’ in previous section and ‘Adjustments’ later in this section. Modify Opens a dialog offering a list of choices for batch modification of selected (shift clicked) thumbnails. See illustrations below. Delete Sends selected image directly to the Trash. Alternatively press Delete or Backspace on the keyboard. In these two cases a dialog opens for approval before trashing the files. Print Dialog offers not only the standard printer choice but also PDF and Preview opportunities.
Preferences Open preferences by choosing: �⎇���� �⎇���� • Toolbar > Preferences • ,) � � � � Menu > Phocus > Preferences ( � +⎇ • Menu > File > Preferences ( Alt + F, then R) The dialog contains the following: Embedded Preview Size: Small, Medium, Large Initial Approval Level: Sets the approval rating of incoming files from Ixpress units. Files from other models automatically retain the default approval level already assigned. Save adjustments: Sets how adjustments are saved.
Adjustments A digital image is the result of light acting on silicon. Red, green, and blue filters separate the light falling on pixels which in turn create electrical signals. Various digital processes adjust the signals in a variety of ways to finally recompose them into a perceptual image. The original raw image has thus already undergone a set of transformations before it becomes the perceivable image on the computer screen.
Adjustments - continued In this way, the Adjustment section of the Toolbar also acts as a shortcut to directly choose – or change your choice of – adjustments (as a quick alternative to going through the longer process of selecting and loading new adjustments from the Adjustments Browser Tool). Adjustment Preferences Under Preferences (in the Toolbar) you can choose how the current adjustments are to be saved when browsing to the next image.
Adjustments - continued Current: This illustrates the current total set of adjustments for the selected image in the viewer. It illustrates the effect on the current image made for any loaded adjustment plus any changes made afterwards. Please note that the ‘Current’ set of adjustments has not necessarily been saved as an adjustment at this point. 1 3 2 4 5 6 Adjustment example In the illustration here, a selected file appears in the Viewer.
Menu As well as the operating system requirements, the Menu contains several Phocus-specific items: Image, View, Window (all listing several keyboard shortcuts) and Help.
Menu Shortcuts �⎇���� �⎇���� �⎇���� MAC WIN �⎇���� under File) � +⎇ , � � �(see � �⎇���� � +⎇ Q � � �(see�under File) �⎇���� �⎇���� �⎇���� �⎇���� �� +⎇ N⎇� ����Ctrl �� �+ N �⎇���� � +⎇ �+ F4 W � � � Alt �⎇���� � +⎇ � +S S � � �Ctrl Phocus (Mac only) Preferences: Opens the Preferences menu. Quit Phocus: Closes the application. File Capture: Triggers a tethered camera. Close: Closes the active window. Also closes application (Win only). Export: Exports the current image.
�⎇���� ⎇�⎇ ��� ��� �� �� � ⎇��� Image � �� +⎇ B� +B � �⎇ ⎇�� �� �⎇�� ���� ���Ctrl Add/Remove from Quick Collection: Affects selected images in the Thumbnail Browser. � ⎇������ �� �� � +⎇ S � � Ctrl ++S �⎇ ⎇ +� ��� � Save Adjustments: Saves any adjustments made to currently selected image. Adds adjustment icon to lower right of title bar below thumbnail. �⎇� �⎇ ���� � � ⎇ � � �� ��� �Ctrl �+� �+ R +⎇ R �� � ⎇ +� � Reload Adjustments: Reloads previous adjustments.
�⎇���� � ⎇��� ⎇�⎇ ��� ��� �� � �⎇���� � ⎇��+� � +�0 ⎇ ��� ��� �Ctrl 0�⎇ �⎇���� ��� ��+�� ��+ W +� +⎇ 0�⎇ Ctrl Alt ��⎇⎇ � ���� � +⎇ � +L L � � �Ctrl � ⎇ ���⎇���� � � � +�+�A +⎇ A���Ctrl �+ ⎇ +��� ^ �⎇���� �⎇���� � ⎇ ���⎇���� � � ⎇ ��� ��Alt �+� � + M�⎇ Space � ⎇�� � � � +N � ⎇ ���⎇���� � � � ⎇ ���⎇���� � � � ⎇ ���⎇���� � � �+ T +⎇ T ����+�Ctrl � ⎇ +��� � ⎇ ���⎇���� � � �+ B +⎇ B����+�Ctrl � ⎇ +��� Fit to Window: Chooses the appropriate size of image to fit in Viewer area (By default, the image size is a
�⎇���� �⎇ �⎇ �⎇ �⎇ � 1 � +⎇ ⎇ �⎇ � +⎇ 2 �⎇ � +⎇ 3 � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �� �� �� �� � � �Ctrl � +1 �� �Ctrl � +2 �� �Ctrl � +3 � +⎇ � +4 4 � � �Ctrl Tool Set: Brings specific tab to the front in Tool Area. Capture Browse Adjust Export Bring All to Front: Brings Phocus and Viewer to the front if covered by other applications.
Appendix · Shortcut list · FAQ · Index
KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS Copy this list and keep it handy for quick reference. You can temporarily tape it to the side of your computer screen until you are more familiar with the shortcuts.
Frequently Asked Questions Q. I have downloaded Phocus but it won’t launch! A. Check that both your computer and operating system are compatible with Phocus. You can find this information in the Read Me file that follows each version of Phocus. Q. Where can I get the latest version of Phocus? A. You can download the latest version via our web page—www.hasselblad.com—under the Downloads > Software. section (Log-In required) Q. How do I add my adjustments to a number of images? A.
Q. I want to save time. What are the disadvantages of exporting directly from the browser? A. Exporting 3FR or 3F files directly generates files that exclude the complete set of advantageous adjustments such as white balance, lens corrections, moire, etc. However, this might be acceptable for a rushed set of ‘contact sheets’ for a waiting client. As long as the 3FR/3F files are retained, you can always go back and export a selection, this time with the full benefits that Phocus offers for optimum quality.
Index Adjustments Adjustment, Browser Adjustment, categories Adjustment Example Adjustment, transferring Adjustment, Preferences Adjustment, Saving Capture Capture, import Capture, tethered Capture Destination (Scratchpad) Capture Info Color Info Collections Connection Delete Devices Export Exposure Favorites File Browser Import Importing Captures IPTC Core IPTC Keywords IPTC Presets Job Info Keyboard Shortcuts Layout Layout overview Lens Corrections List of files Live Video Menu Modify Name Presets Navigat
The information in this manual is furnished for informational use only, is subject to change without notice, and should not be construed as a commitment by Victor Hasselblad AB & Hasselblad A/S. The text in this manual cannot be reprinted or reused without the express permission of Victor Hasselblad AB & Hasselblad A/S. The images in this manual cannot be reprinted or reused without the express permission of the photographers who took them.
Hasselblad A/S Hejrevej 30, DK - 2400 Copenhagen, Denmark Victor Hasselblad AB Box 220, SE - 401 23 Göteborg, Sweden 07.
