PHASE ONE P45 SENSOR + INSIDE PELICAN #1150 CASE w/BATTERIES + FRONT SCREEN
INTRO
Digital backs have always been one of the more flexible tools in my kit. With the right mounting plate, they move easily from one camera to another, which extends their usefulness in a very practical way.
I first stepped into that world in 2012 with an Arca Swiss ML2 paired with a P45 for studio work. Within a year, that same P45 found its way onto an ALPA Max, which says a lot about how adaptable these systems can be.
The P45 is a 39MP CCD back with a 37 × 49mm sensor. Today, it serves as a backup to my Hasselblad CFV II 50c, which uses a 50MP CMOS sensor measuring 33 × 44mm. Each has its own strengths. I still prefer the larger sensor area of the P45, and there is something about CCD color that I continue to appreciate. At the same time, it lacks live view, which is a meaningful limitation.
The CFV II 50c, on the other hand, offers an excellent live view, improved low-light performance, and higher resolution. What I struggle with most is the smaller sensor size, as the 33 × 44mm format introduces a noticeable crop compared to the 37 × 49mm of the P45.
In the end, they complement each other well, and I am glad to have both available.
DOWNLOAD PHASE ONE’S P SERIES MANUAL HERE
P45 IMAGE GALLERY
PHASE ONE LightPhase FlexAdaptor
The Phase One LightPhase FlexAdaptor is designed to mount digital backs onto 4×5 large format cameras. Its sliding mechanism allows for precise positioning of the digital back, making multi-capture stitching possible for higher-resolution results. The version I use is made for Sinar cameras and requires removing the Graflock back.
For composition, the FlexAdaptor includes a dedicated focusing screen with marked guidelines, shown here with the loupe removed. These guides indicate the image areas for one-, two-, or three-capture modes, allowing you to plan the final stitched frame with accuracy.
On the right side of the unit is a small position selector scale, marked by a series of dots with four color-coded stops. Each stop corresponds to a specific stitching position. For precise alignment and workflow, it’s best to refer to the manual for detailed instructions.
FLEXADAPTER: Three Image Pano Stitching Example
Below is an example of an image I created using the Flexadapter with the P45 on a Sinar Norma view camera. Scroll through to see the three individual slices that were combined to produce the final image, Mums In Blue.
ALPA PHASE ONE WAKE-UP CABLE
ALPA PHASE ONE WAKE-UP CABLE
This specialized cable is designed specifically for cameras equipped with mechanical shutters and Phase One digital backs. It features an 8-pin Phase One back connector, a PC connector for the lens, and a plunger for waking up the back when needed. I rely on these cables whenever I’m shooting with the P45 digital back.