Recover Deleted 3FR Files in Hasselblad Cameras (5 Ways)

If you have a genuine interest in digital cameras or photography, chances are you're familiar with the 3FR file format. Similar to other image formats, it's not uncommon for these files to be unintentionally deleted due to storage media issue.

Fortunately, there are reliable methods available to recover 3FR files. Simply follow the steps outlined in this comprehensive guide, and hopefully, you'll be able to get your 3FR files back in a short time.

What Exactly Is a 3FR File?

3FR file is a type of patented RAW image in Hasselblad cameras, allowing for greater flexibility during the editing process. Also, it’s the successor of the Imacon 3FR file format.

The .3fr image supports Hasselblad’s Natural Color Solution (HNCS) technology. It uses a 16-bit color depth, CMOS sensitivity features, special algorithms, and filter aspects to produce natural colors.

Why Were 3FR Files Deleted from Hasselblad Cameras?

Absolutely! You are able to recover deleted 3FR files in Hasselblad cameras but the possibilities depend largely on the reasons behind them. Let’s dive into it!  

• Format the camera card without keeping a backup.
• Accidentally delete 3FR files.
• Malware or virus infection.
• Power failure while transferring 3FR images.
• Improper removable camera card.
• The read or write switch of the camera is off.
• Physical damage.

In general, you can effortlessly recover deleted files from SD cards as long as the data on it is not overwritten. But certain Hasselblad cameras feature internal memory accessible solely through the brand's Phocus application and it lacks a recovery feature. So you cannot use data recovery software to retrieve files.

Most Effective Way to Recover Deleted 3FR Files

The most effective method for recovering deleted 3FR images from a Hasselblad camera is using a top-ranking data recovery software. Please be sure the following things:

• Don’t use the full format method. Unlike quick format, it does not allow you to recover files from formatted SD card. It will erase data on the disk sectors completely.
• Your camera card is not physically damaged.
• Don’t add new files to this card. Otherwise, your 3FR files will be overwritten.
• Start the 3FR file recovery as soon as possible. It increases the data recovery success rate.

In this guide, you will get the best Windows data recovery software - MyRecover and an in-depth guide to retrieve 3FR files.

Best Windows Data Recovery Software - MyRecover

MyRecover, one of the best Windows data recovery software, has an excellent recovery rate (up to 95%), fast scanning, and a well-designed user interface. It supports thoroughly search of all sectors for files and recovers them quickly without losing quality.

Additionally, it offers several excellent features, including:

• A wide range of SD card types, such as SDHC and SDXC cards, which are used in many Hasselblad cameras.
• All kinds of photo and video file formats including the patented 3FR file format in Hasselblad cameras.
• All-inclusive data loss scenarios, such as accidental deletion, disk format (eg: recover data from quick format), virus infection, etc.

Now please download this data recovery software. Disconnect the SD card in Hasselblad cameras and connect it to your computer as well. You can then follow the steps below to recover 3FR files.

How to Perform 3FR File Recovery Step by Step

Step 1: Install and launch this powerful data recovery software - MyRecover. Hover the mouse over the SD card saved deleted 3FR files before, and click Scan.

Step 2: It will run two advanced scanning methods automatically and display all the found files on the selected card. You can filter and preview files in the card. Here are two methods:

• Click Filter and select a file type, such as Images.
• Expand the Other Missing Files tab and go to the folder containing deleted 3FR files.

Step 3: Select all the deleted 3FR files on the card and click the Recover x files button. You will then be asked to select a location. Please select a new location instead of the original location.

Notes:  

• The restore button will display the number of selected 3FR files and their full size. You can use it to determine the integrity of the recovered 3FR files.
• Saving the recovered 3FR files to original location may cause data corruption or further data loss.
• You can recover 3FR files for free, up to 500MB. To recover all of them, try advanced editions.

Except for retrieving 3FR files, you can also use it to recover MXF files, ORF files, FH files, X3F files etc.

Other Methods to Restore Delete 3FR Files in Hasselblad Cameras

If using the data recovery software doesn't yield satisfactory results, or you prefer to try free methods first, there are several methods to recover 3FR files.

Way 1: Restore Deleted 3FR Files from Recycle Bin

Unlike computers, memory cards do not have Recycle Bins. However, if you delete a 3FR file from your computer using the Delete key or the Right-click > Delete method, it may have been moved to your computer's Recycle Bin. Therefore, make sure to check there.

Step 1. Double-click the Recycle Bin icon on your Desktop.

Step 2. Find and select the recently deleted 3FR file. Right-click it and select the Restore option.

Notes:

• The deleted 3FR files will be restored to original location.
• To restore multiple files, hold Ctrl and select all of them. Then, select Restore the selected items instead.

Way 2: Check Disk for File System Error

If your problem is related to the camera card, try disk check tool. It will scan the integrity of your card and fixs any file system errors it detects.

Step 1. Type cmd in the search box and select Run as administrator.

Step 2. In the command prompt window, type chkdsk drive letter: /f /r and press Enter. It will start the scanning process and repair any found disk error.

Way 3: Restore Deleted 3FR Images from Backup

Backup is the key to preventing data loss. It includes all files on the camera card and gives you a chance to restore files from backup if the original files are deleted or lost. You can try this method if you happen to have a backup image.

Step 1. Go to Control Panel > System and Security > select Backup and Restore (Windows 7). Then, click Restore my files.

Step 2. Click the Search, Browse for files, or Browse for folders options to find the deleted 3FR files.

Step 3. Select where you want to restore your files - original location or new location and then click the Restore button.

Way 4: Contact a Specialized Data Recovery Service

If none of the above methods are successful, your best action is to consult a qualified data recovery service (eg: Geek Squad). These services employ experts who specialize in retrieving data from severe data loss situations and are equipped with professional equipment. So they can handle different data recovery tasks quickly and effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

✍ How can I open a 3FR file?

3FR file is a RAW image in Hasselblad cameras, so you can open it in Windows Photos, or tools like Corel PaintShop Pro X9, File Viewer Plus, Adobe Photoshop Elements 14, Engelmann Media Photomizer Pro, etc.

✍ How to prevent 3FR file loss

Like other file types, to avoid data loss, the best practice is to backup files to an external hard drive or other device automatically. All you need is a free and reliable Windows backup software. We recommend you use AOMEI Backupper Standard.

✍ How do I recover shift deleted files without software?

The shift deleted files will bypass Recycle Bin and be deleted permanently. But it still remains there. If create a copy of your files with File History or Backup and Restore, try to restore files from backup. It will contain all the shift deleted files.