Phase One (company)


Phase One A/S is a Danish company specializing in high-end digital photography equipment and software. It manufactures open platform based medium format camera systems and solutions. Its RAW processing software, Capture One, supports many DSLRs besides their backs.
PODAS workshops is a series of worldwide photography workshops designed for digital photographers interested in working with medium format, high-resolution cameras. PODAS is a part of the Phase One educational division. Each attendee receives a Phase One digital camera system for the duration of the workshop.
On 18 February 2014, it was announced that UK-based private equity firm Silverfleet Capital would acquire a 60% majority stake in the company.
On 17 June 2019, Phase One A/S was once again sold, this time to the Danish investment company Axcel.

Products

Cameras

In 2009, Phase One purchased a major stake in Japanese Mamiya and the two companies developed products together. Phase One's product line includes:
  • Phase One XC
  • Phase One XT
  • Phase One XF
  • Phase One 645DF+
  • Phase One 645DF
  • Phase One 645AF
  • Phase One iXM
  • Phase One iXA
  • Phase One iXG
  • Phase One iXR
  • Phase One iXU
  • Phase One iXU-RS
  • Phase One iXU-RS1900
  • Phase One iXM
  • Phase One iXM-RS
  • Phase One iXM-MV
  • Phase One iXH
  • Phase One iXM-SP
The Phase One 645DF+ and 645DF cameras are medium format cameras which support both focal plane and leaf shutter lenses with shutter speeds ranging from 1/4000s to 60 minutes and flash synchronization up to 1/1600 sec. Among the new features on the 645DF+ are:
  • Fast and accurate auto focus especially in low contrast environments
  • Custom focus fine-tuning adjustment
  • Rechargeable Li-ion battery with up to 10,000 captures on one charge
  • Rugged construction for high volume production use
The Phase One V-Grip Air vertical grip is compatible with the 645DF+/645DF. The V-Grip Air supports a Profoto Air flash trigger for wireless flash synchronization.
The 645DF+/645DF supports digital back interfaces including the IQ and P+ series digital backs as well as 3rd party digital backs from Hasselblad, Leaf and others.
In 2012, Phase One released two specialty cameras: iXR which is made specifically for reproduction and iXA which is made specifically for aerial photography. Both uses the 645 lenses as the normal 645 cameras. Main difference on this camera is they have no viewfinder and very few mechanical moving parts.
In 2013, Phase One signed a collaborative distribution agreement with Digital Transitions to deliver advanced digitization solutions for cultural heritage preservation imaging projects worldwide. The range of Digital Transitions digitization equipment includes a multitude of reprographic benches, purpose-built reprographic cameras, specialized book copy stations, film scanning kits, and accessories that are designed to host the line of Phase One digital capture hardware and Capture One software.
In 2014, Phase One launched a medium format digital back with a CMOS/active pixel sensor: The IQ250. All Phase One digital backs launched prior to the IQ250 have sensors based on the CCD technology.
In 2015, Phase One introduced the XF camera system. It is a new digital camera platform, medium format system built with the intention to upgrade it over a series of updates throughout the product lifetime. At the same time, the IQ3 series digital backs were introduced. This included the IQ3 50MP based on the previous IQ250, the IQ3 60MP based on the previous IQ260 and the newly introduced IQ3 80MP which includes a new CCD sensor exclusive to Phase One.
In 2019, Phase One launched its IQ4 series of digital camera backs at 100MP to 150MP resolution and the Phase One XT IQ4 150MP Camera ), with the 150MP generating 120.26 x 90.19 cm 16-bit color images at 300dpi.

Lenses

The 645DF / DF+ / XF is compatible with the following lenses:

Phase One

Focal lengthMaximum Aperture rangeDesignatorOptical ConstructionShutter speedMinimum focusing distanceFilter threadEquivalent 35mm Focal LengthDimensionWeight
28mm4.5–32AF Aspherical14 elements, 10 groupsN/A35 cm /1.15 ftRear sheet filter / Optional LEE SW150 filter17mm136 x 90mm / 5.35 x 3. 54"886g / 31.01 oz. 1.9 lbs.
35mm3.5–22AF9 elements, 5 groupsN/A35 cm / 1.15 ft77mm22mm62mm x 84mm 2.4” x 3.3”480g
45mm2.8–22AF9 elements, 7 groupsN/A45 cm / 1.4 ft.67mm29mm49.5 x 77mm / 1.9 x 3"492 g. / 17.35 oz. / 1.1 lbs.
80mm2.8.5–22AF6 elements, 5 groupsN/A70 cm / 2.3 ft.67mm50mm51.5 x 80.5mm / 2 x 3.2"330 g. / 0.7 lbs / 11.6 oz.
120mm4–22MF Macro9 elements, 8 groupsN/A40 cm / 1.3 ft.67mm73mm111 x 83mm / 4.4 x 3.25"835 g. / 1.8 lbs / 29.2 oz.
120mm4–22AF Macro9 elements, 8 groupsN/A0.37 m / 1.21 ft72mm73mm107 x 91 mm / 4.2 x 3.6 "960 g / 2.12 lbs. /33.86 oz.
120mm5.6-22TS 6 elements, 4 groupsN/A0.84m104mm72mm135 x 106 mm
150mm2.8–22AF IF8 elements, 7 groupsN/A100 cm / 3.3 ft.72mm93mm120 x 85mm / 4.7 x 33"780 g. / 1.7 lbs / 27.03 oz.
75-150mm4.5-32AF Zoom11 elements, 10 groupsN/A1.00m / 3.3 ft.77mm47mm-93mm145 x 86mm 7 5.7 x 3.4"1114 g. / 2.5 lbs / 38.99 oz.

[Schneider Kreuznach]

Focal lengthMaximum Aperture rangeDesignatorOptical ConstructionShutter speedMinimum focusing distanceFilter threadEquivalent 35mm Focal LengthDimensionWeight
28mm4.5–32LS Aspherical14 elements, 10 groups1/160035 cm /1.15 ftRear sheet filter / Optional LEE SW150 filter17mm90 x 136mm / 3.5 x 5.5”1100g /2.43bs / 38.80 oz.
55mm2.8–32LS7 elements, 6 groups1/160045 cm / 1.47 ft.72mm34mm77.6 x 86.5mm / 3 x 3.4660 g / 1.3 lbs. / 21.15 oz.
80mm2.8–22LS6 elements, 5 groups1/160070 cm / 2.3 ft.72mm50mm64.4 x 86.5 / 2.5 x 3.4"500g / 1.1 lbs. / 17.6 oz.
110mm2.8–22LS6 elements, 5 groups1/160090 cm / 2.9 ft.72mm68mm83.3 x 86.5mm / 3.2 x 3.4"700g / 1.5 lbs. / 24.69 oz
150mm3.5–32LS5 elements, 5 groups1/1600150 cm / 4.92 ft.72mm96mm87.1 x 86.5mm / 3.4 x 3.4"652g / 1.43 lbs. / 22.99 oz.
240mm4.5–22LS IF8 elements, 8 groups1/1000170 cm /5.58 ft86mm149mm169 x 104.5mm / 6.7 x 4.1”1600g /3.53bs / 56.44 oz.
40-80mm4–32 / 5.6–45LS15 elements, 11 groups1/16000.60m / 1.97 ft.105mm25mm-50mm5.90 x 4.40 " / 150 x 111 mm4.1 lbs. / 1860 g / 65.60 oz.
75-150mm4–22 / 5.6-45LS11 elements, 10 groups1/16001.00m / 3.28 ft.95mm47mm-93mm172 x 105.5mm / 6.8 x 4.2”1800g / 3.96 lb / 63.49 oz.

Focal lengthMaximum Aperture rangeDesignatorOptical ConstructionShutter speedMinimum focusing distanceFilter threadEquivalent 35mm Focal LengthDimensionWeight
35mm3.5–32LS Blue Ring11 elements, 8 groups1/16000.5m / 1.64 ft105mm22mm111mm x 119mm, 4.4" x 4.7"1370g
45mm3.5–32LS Blue Ring10 elements, 7 groups1/160055 cm / 1.80 ft95mm28mm101 x 122.9mm /4.0 x 4.8”
55mm2.8–32LS Blue Ring7 elements, 6 groups1/160045 cm / 1.47 ft.72mm34mm77.6 x 86.5mm / 3 x 3.4660 g / 1.3 lbs. / 21.15 oz.
80mm2.8–22LS Blue Ring6 elements, 5 groups1/160070 cm / 2.3 ft.72mm50mm64.4 x 86.5 / 2.5 x 3.4"500g / 1.1 lbs. / 17.6 oz.
80mm Mark II2.8–32LS Blue Ring8 elements, 6 groups1/160070 cm / 2.3 ft.72mm50mm85.4 x 87.2 / 3.4 x 3.4"765g / 1.69 lbs.
110mm2.8–22LS Blue Ring6 elements, 5 groups1/160090 cm / 2.9 ft.72mm68mm83.3 x 86.5mm / 3.2 x 3.4"700g / 1.5 lbs. / 24.69 oz
120mm4–22LS Macro Blue Ring9 elements, 8 groups1/160040 cm / 1.3 ft.86mm73mm111 x 83mm / 4.4 x 3.25"835 g. / 1.8 lbs / 29.2 oz.
150mm3.5–32LS Blue Ring5 elements, 5 groups1/1600150 cm / 4.92 ft.72mm96mm87.1 x 86.5mm / 3.4 x 3.4"652g / 1.43 lbs. / 22.99 oz.
150mm2.8–22LS IF Blue Ring8 elements, 7 groups1/16001.0m / 3.28 ft95mm96mm115 x 141.6mm /4.5 x 5.6”1.658g / 3.65 lb
240mm4.5–22LS IF Blue Ring8 elements, 8 groups1/1000170 cm /5.58 ft86mm149mm169 x 104.5mm / 6.7 x 4.1”1600g /3.53bs / 56.44 oz.
40-80mm4–32 / 5.6–45LS Blue Ring15 elements, 11 groups1/16000.60m / 1.97 ft.105mm25mm-50mm5.90 x 4.40 " / 150 x 111 mm4.1 lbs. / 1860 g / 65.60 oz.
75-150mm4–22 / 5.6-45LS Blue Ring11 elements, 10 groups1/16001.00m / 3.28 ft.95mm47mm-93mm172 x 105.5mm / 6.8 x 4.2”1800g / 3.96 lb / 63.49 oz.

Rodenstock">Rodenstock Photo Optics">Rodenstock

Phase One XT compatible lenses
Focal lengthDesignatorMaximum Aperture rangeGlass manufacturarShutter speedFilter thread
23mmHR Digaron S5.6–22Rodenstock1/100072mm
32mmHR Digaron W4–22Rodenstock1/100086mm
40mm TiltHR Digaron W4–22Rodenstock1/100067mm
50mmHR Digaron W4–22Rodenstock1/100067mm
70mmHR Digaron W5.6–22Rodenstock1/100058mm
90mmHR Digaron W5.6–22Rodenstock1/100072mm
150mmHO-S SB5.6–22Phase One1/100072mm

*In addition, any medium or large format lens which has sufficient image circle and resolution with the Cambo lens mount

Industrial lenses

RS Lenses compatible with iXM-RS
Focal lengthMaximum Aperture rangeGlass manufacturarShutter speedFilter threadWeight
32mm4–22Rodenstock1/250086mm970g
40mm4–22Rodenstock1/250067mm730g
50mm4–22Rodenstock1/250067mm800g
70mm5.6–22Rodenstock1/250058mm580g
90mm5.6–22Rodenstock1/250072mm1150g
110mm4–22Schneider-Kreuznach1/250058mm620g
150mm5.6–22Schneider-Kreuznach1/250067mm1150g
180mm6.3–22Rodenstock1/200067mm1400g

RSM lenses compatible with iXM
Focal lengthMaximum Aperture rangeFocus distanceGlass manufacturarShutter speedFilter threadWeight
35mm5.6–22InfinityPhase One1/250058mm540g
80mm5.6–22InfinityPhase One1/250058mm470g
80mm AF5.6–223m to InfinityPhase One1/250058mm630g
150mm AF5.6–2210m to InfinityPhase One1/250058mm744g
300mm8–3210m to InfinityPhase One1/200086mm1900g

Lenses for iXM-MV
NOTE: iXM-MV is also compatible with Schneider-Kreuznach medium format lenses
Focal lengthMaximum Aperture rangeFocus distanceGlass manufacturarShutter speedFilter threadWeight
60mm4–22334mm to InfinityLinosN/A60mm240g
100mm4–22570mm to InfinityLinosN/AM58X0.75 mm340g
105mm5.6–22183mm to 241mmLinosN/AM43X0.75 mm360g
105mm Float5.6–16100mm to 417mmLinosN/AM43X0.75 mm360g

Digital backs

IQ1 series

The IQ series Phase One backs included many industry-first innovations. It was the first camera series to utilize a USB 3 connection. At the time of the release, this was not very widespread, but did allow for backwards compatibility with USB 2.0. It was also the first camera series to include a high resolution multi-touch display, similar to the "Retina" screen used in the iPhone 4.
ModelSensor sizeSensor typeResolution Active pixelsISO range Dynamic rangeFrames per Second Lens conversion factorDisplayStorageHost connectionReleased
IQ1 100MP53.7 × 40.4 mmCMOS101 MP, 16-bit11608 × 870850–12800 15 f-stops0.7 / 1.03.2-inch 1.5-megapixel Retina-type touchscreenCF up to UDMA 6IEE1394b Firewire800, USB3 / USB22016
IQ18053.7 × 40.4 mmCCD80 MP, 16-bit10328 × 776035–800 12.5 f-stops0.7 / 1.03.2-inch 1.5-megapixel Retina-type touchscreenCF up to UDMA 6IEE1394b Firewire800, USB3 / USB22011
IQ16053.9 × 40.4 mmCCD60.5 MP, 16-bit8984 × 673250–800 12.5 f-stops1.0 / 1.03.2-inch 1.5-megapixel Retina-type touchscreenCF up to UDMA 6IEE1394b Firewire800, USB3 / USB22011
IQ15044.0 × 33.0 mmCMOS50.0 MP, 14-bit8280 × 6208100 - 640014 f-stops1.21.33.2-inch 1.5-megapixel Retina-type touchscreenCF up to UDMA 6IEE1394b Firewire800, USB3 / USB22014
IQ14043.9 × 32.9 mmCCD40 MP, 16-bit7320 × 548450–800 12 f-stops1.2 / 1.33.2-inch 1.5-megapixel Retina-type touchscreenCF up to UDMA 6IEE1394b Firewire800, USB3 / USB22011

P+ series

The P+ series are similar to the normal P series but have higher capture speeds, better response to long exposure times, and add Live Preview, which allows the user to focus and compose on a monitor while tethered. Also, a new high resolution LCD screen was implemented with better resolution and luminance.
ModelSensor sizeResolution Active pixelsISO range Dynamic rangeFrames per Second Lens conversion factorDisplayStorageHost connectionReleased
P65+53.9 × 40.4mm60.5 MP, 16-bit8984 × 673250–800 12.5 f-stops1.0 / 1.02.2-inch 230,000 px TFTCFIEEE 1394 Firewire2008
P45+49.1 × 36.8 mm39 MP, 16-bit7216 × 541250–80012 f-stops0.671.152.2-inch 230,000 px TFTCFIEEE 1394 Firewire2007
P40+43.9 × 32.9 mm40 MP, 16-bit7320 × 548450–800 12 f-stops1.2 / 1.252.2-inch 230,000 px TFTCFIEEE 1394 Firewire2009
P30+44.2 × 33.1 mm31.6 MP, 16-bit6496 × 4872100–160012 f-stops0.81.252.2-inch 230,000 px TFTCFIEEE 1394 Firewire2007
P25+48.9 × 36.7 mm22 MP, 16-bit5436 × 408050–80012 f-stops0.671.152.2-inch 230,000 px TFTCFIEEE 1394 Firewire2007
P21+44.2 × 33.1 mm18 MP, 16-bit4904 × 3678100–80012 f-stops1.251.252.2-inch 230,000 px TFTCFIEEE 1394 Firewire2007
P20+36.9 × 36.9 mm16 MP, 16-bit4080 × 408050–80012 f-stops0.871.52.2-inch 230,000 px TFTCFIEEE 1394 Firewire2007

P series

The P series are fully untethered backs available for many different camera mounts.
ModelSensor sizeResolutionActive pixelsISO rangeDynamic rangeFrames per SecondLens conversion factorDisplayStorageHost connectionReleased
P4549.1 × 36.8 mm39 MP, 16-bit7216 × 541250–40012 f-stops0,581.152.2-inch 116,000 px TFTCFIEEE 1394 Firewire2005
P3044.2 × 33.1 mm31.6 MP, 16-bit6496 × 4872100–80012 f-stops0,671.252.2-inch 116,000 px TFTCFIEEE 1394 Firewire2005
P2548.9 × 36.7 mm22 MP, 16-bit5436 × 408050–80012 f-stops0,581.152.2-inch 116,000 px TFTCFIEEE 1394 Firewire2004
P2144.2 × 33.1 mm18 MP, 16-bit4904 × 3678100–80012 f-stops1,01.252.2-inch 116,000 px TFTCFIEEE 1394 Firewire2005
P2036.9 × 36.9 mm16 MP, 16-bit4080 × 408050–80012 f-stops0,71.52.2-inch 116,000 px TFTCFIEEE 1394 Firewire2004

H series

The H series are tethered backs available for many different camera mounts. Camera back connects through standard 6pin IEEE 1394. Originally this type of camera back was released as the "Lightphase", a continuation of Phase One's previous tradition of using the name "phase" in the name of the product. This changed with the release of the "H20", which was originally called "Lightphase H20" but the name was changed to "Phase One H20" for better brand recognition.
ModelSensor sizeResolutionActive pixelsISO rangeDynamic rangeFrames per SecondLens conversion factorDisplayStorageHost connectionReleased
H2548.9 × 36.7 mm22 MP, 16-bit5436 × 408050–40012 f-stops0,51.15N/AN/AIEEE 1394 Firewire2003
H2036.9 × 36.9 mm16 MP, 16-bit4080 × 408050–10012 f-stops0,331.5N/AN/AIEEE 1394 Firewire2001
H101 / H1036.9 × 24.6 mm11 MP, 16-bit3992 × 265650–4001.65N/AN/AIEEE 1394 Firewire2002
H5/H1036 × 24 mm6 MP, 16-bit3056 × 203250–1001.65N/AN/AIEEE 1394 Firewire2002
Lightphase36 × 24 mm6 MP, 16-bit3056 × 203250–1001.65N/AN/AIEEE 1394 Firewire1998

Scan backs

The Scan backs are tethered digital scan backs. All use SCSI connection except for PowerPhase FX, which uses IEEE 1394 "Firewire". The very early models, which were known as the CB6x and FC70, were made in plastic and had an external control unit that connected to a computer through NuBus.
ModelSensor sizeResolutionISO rangeHost connectionReleased
PowerPhase FX/FX+12,600 steps × 10,500 pixels132 MP, 14-bit100–1600IEEE 1394 Firewire2000
PowerPhase7,000 steps × 7,000 pixels36 MP, 12-bitN/ASCSI1997
PhotoPhase7,200 steps × 5,000 pixels36 MP, 10-bitN/ASCSI1996
StudioKit3,600 steps × 2,500 pixels9 MP, 10-bitN/ASCSI1996

XF Camera System feature updates

The XF Camera System is upgradable and received various planned new features and functionality over its product lifetime.
  • Feature Update #1 - October 2015
  • * Vibration Delay, Bullseye Level Tool, Hyperfocal Point Tool, Capture One Focus Step
  • Feature Update #2 - March 2016
  • * Focus Stacking Tool, Timelapse Tool, HAP-1 Update, OneTouch UI
  • Feature Update #3 - October 2016
  • * Profoto Air Tool, Electronic Shutter, Flash Analysis, Icon Control
  • Feature Update #4 - September 2017
  • * Autofocus & Recompose, Automatic Focus Stack Calculator, Focus Trim Tool, Vibration Analysis
  • Creative Control Enhancement - July 2019
  • *Automated Frame Averaging, Custom IQ Styles, Storage Flexibility Options
  • XT Update Package - October 2019
  • *Update to support the new XT body and lenses
  • Phase One Lab update - March 2020
  • *Support for new Dual Exposure+
  • Feature Update #8 - December 2020
  • *Support for CFExpress, higher capture rate on XF body, ETTR option, Ad-Hoc WiFi.

Repro camera solutions

Phase One reprographic camera systems and book capture / scanners are purpose-built to provide preservation-level rapid capture of rare books, circulation materials, manuscripts, documents, photographic slides, photographic negatives and photographic glass-plates.
Phase One repro camera solutions include the following products:

iXG / iXH series

  • Phase One IXR camera body
The above camera systems are purpose-built for the following solutions but compatible with standard Reproduction systems.
  • RG3040 reprographic system
  • RGC180 capture cradle
  • BC100 Book capture system
  • Film scanning kit

Imaging software

The Capture One software comes in several flavours but is still a single binary. License key and option selected determine which version is active:PRO, this is the full features version which supports all cameras which Capture One lists as supported.
  • * PRO for Sony, full featured but only supports Sony branded cameras.
  • * PRO for Fuji, full featured but only supports Fuji branded cameras.
  • * PRO for Nikon, full featured but only supports Nikon branded cameras.Enterprise, this is the full features version which supports all cameras which Capture One lists as supported but has also additional feature for Enterprise license management and specialised features such as barcode reading.CH, specialised version for cultural heritage, has some features which PRO does not, like resolution ruler, auto-crop etc., support only Phase One IIQ RAW files.DB, also called "Capture One for Phase One" free version, full featured like PRO but works only with Phase One IIQ RAW files.
  • * Express for Sony limited featured version, works only with Sony branded camera.
  • * Express for Fuji limited featured version, works only with Fuji branded camera.
  • * Express for Nikon limited featured version, works only with Nikon branded camera.Capture One – Various editions of the software have been available: Capture One, Capture One PRO, Capture One DB, Capture One CH, Capture One Express, Capture One SE, Capture One LE, and Capture One REBEL.
  • Lightphase Capture 2.x
Capture One companion software:
  • Capture Pilot
  • Capture One for iPad

DAM software (discontinued)

Studio management software

  • Portrait One
  • * Portrait One Executive
  • * Portrait One Lite
  • * Portrait One Sales

Product releases (in chronological order)

  • CB6x and FC70 - 1993
  • PhotoPhase - 1995/1996
  • StudioKit - 1996
  • PowerPhase - 1997
  • LightPhase - 1998
  • LightPhase - 1998/1999
  • LightPhase - 1999
  • LightPhase - 1999
  • PowerPhase FX - 2000
  • H20 - 2001
  • PowerPhase FX+ - 2002
  • H5 and H10 6 MP - 2002
  • H10 - 2002
  • H101 - 2002
  • H25 - 2003
  • P20 and P25 - 2004
  • P21, P30, and P45 - 2005
  • P20+, P21+, P25+, P30+, and P45+ - 2007
  • Phase One 645AF - 2008
  • P65+ - 2008
  • Phase One 645DF - 2009
  • P40+ - 2009
  • IQ180, IQ160, IQ140 - 2011
  • Phase One iXR and Phase One iXA - 2012
  • Phase One 645DF+ - 2012
  • IQ280, IQ260, IQ260 achromatic - 2013
  • IQ250 - 2014
  • Phase One iXU - 2014
  • IQ150 - 2014
  • Phase One XF May 2015
  • IQ3 50MP, IQ3 60MP, IQ3 80MP - May 2015
  • IQ3 100MP - January 2016
  • IQ3 100MP Achromatic - April 2017
  • Phase One iXG - August 2017
  • IQ3 100MP Trichromatic - September 2017
  • Phase One iXM - April 2018
  • IQ4 150, IQ4 150 Achromatic, IQ4 100 Trichromatic - August 2018
  • Phase One iXM-RS150F August 2018
  • Phase One iXM-MV - February 2019
  • Phase One XT - September 2019
  • Phase One iXH - April 2020
  • Phase One iXM-RS 280F - April 2020
  • Phase One PAS880 / 880i - December 2020
  • Phase One P3 Drone Payload - April 2021
  • Phase One iXM-GS 120 - January 2022
  • Phase One PAS280 / 280i - February 2022
  • Phase One iXM-SP - May 2023
  • Phase One XC - June 2023
  • Phase One P5 - November 2023
  • Phase One iXM-RS 250F - October 2025