Remove GPS Module to Save Battery Power

[JoeC]

This from Eric Peterson, Hasselblad Field Service Specialist:

Q. Is it best practice to remove the GPS accessory when the camera is stored?

A. I think it's a good practice to remove the GPS from the hot shoe when not in use, it "does" draw on the battery power. At this time, we have no data to present on how much it does and if that's consistent from one camera system to the next.

Joe

[JoeC]

I've removed the unit altogether. Waste of effort. Never consistently connects with satellites and when it does it loses the signal at any opportunity. Besides which, I generally know where I've taken my photographs!

Don't shoot the messenger. Apparently my post wasn't directed at you. There may be some who use the GPS module and who may find the information useful. Just sayin'.

Joe

[ChrisL]

At this time, we have no data to present on how much it does

It's not difficult to measure the current draw and whoever makes the unit will have the specs.

[TimH]

Mine fell off in the field somewhere.  After the initial panic I realized that I didn't miss it.  I prefer keeping a notebook anyway as it makes the record more complete. 

[BillW]

I am curious just how many folks use their GPS module. I attached mine then took it off. Besides the fact I do not care for the data, it added an extra lump on the top of my camera I did not really want. 

[satijntje]

I have my GPS unit constantly attached onto the X1D body.
It indeed felt of twice, but this happened when I returned the camera into the original X1D bag which is quite tight.

But I cannot report any problems at all with connectivity.
All my pictures that are taken outside are properly tagged.

I do not see any difference in power consumption.
The only difference in power consumption I saw was when I used a HC lens, the consumption is really much less (no autofocus).

Strange to see all these different experiences :-)
John

[JoeC]

Like John, I have my GPS accessory always mounted when I'm in the field. It works reliably, always giving me the location of the image unless I'm hidden from the GPS satellites (as is the case in some valley locations in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park) or haven't given the GPS module sufficient time to lock on to the satellites. For me, it's more of a historical reference of where I've photographed. I've been using GPS since my Nikon days when I learned more about the technology and even designed and built a GPS accessory prototype for Nikon cameras with the 10-pin connector. The Hasselblad GPS accessory is unobtrusive, IMHO, and its design matches the design ethos of the camera body. Yes, I'd rather have the function be internal to the camera body as was the original intent and messaging from Hasselblad (a la the Leica S Type 006 and 007), but I'll settle for what I have.

Joe