ChipMcD
Well-known
This is a satisfied customer plug for David Odess's services repairing Hasselblad products. Recently, I sent him an SWC/M and a 250mm Sonnar C for CLA. He got back to me with an estimate promptly and did the work promptly too. Both the camera and the lens were pretty sticky, and the slower shutter speeds were clearly off. Both now are purring.
I bought an A12 back that he had worked on here on RFF, and it is perfect too.
I don't have a basis for comparison, having not used Hasselblad or other independent techs, but from the rumors I've heard about Hasselblad's high fees, David's fee was quite reasonable, including replacment parts: main spring, flash contact and cocking ring spring. Apparently, these 3 parts are routine replacements in CLAs, and David discusses why on his website's FAQs. The service fee was $215 for the camera and $150 for the lens, and those 3 parts' aggregate cost was $61.04 in both cases. The repair fees are published on his website. The parts' cost may vary. These were for the old C lenses and are no longer manufactured. These prices are lower than the CLA cost of Rolleiflexes that I have paid within the last year.
As mentioned, David's website also has a very good FAQ section on these cameras.
http://www.david-odess.com/
Finally, twice during this transaction, he was willing to take the time to write emails or to call me to discuss specific questions. Unlike some other techs, he is easy to get on the phone, and if he is not around, he calls back promptly. The combination of responsiveness and prompt turnaround are welcome. A cursory reading of some of the threads here discloses that lack of communication and prompt turnaround are issues with a number of otherwise highly regarded camera repairpeople. I have one Leica that has been with a repairperson for 14 months now, but I know it will be done right, when it gets done.
I have no connection to David other than that of a satisfied customer. We see a lot of warnings and grousing around here about camera techs, so it only seems fair to chime in when someone meets and even exceeds expectations.
I bought an A12 back that he had worked on here on RFF, and it is perfect too.
I don't have a basis for comparison, having not used Hasselblad or other independent techs, but from the rumors I've heard about Hasselblad's high fees, David's fee was quite reasonable, including replacment parts: main spring, flash contact and cocking ring spring. Apparently, these 3 parts are routine replacements in CLAs, and David discusses why on his website's FAQs. The service fee was $215 for the camera and $150 for the lens, and those 3 parts' aggregate cost was $61.04 in both cases. The repair fees are published on his website. The parts' cost may vary. These were for the old C lenses and are no longer manufactured. These prices are lower than the CLA cost of Rolleiflexes that I have paid within the last year.
As mentioned, David's website also has a very good FAQ section on these cameras.
http://www.david-odess.com/
Finally, twice during this transaction, he was willing to take the time to write emails or to call me to discuss specific questions. Unlike some other techs, he is easy to get on the phone, and if he is not around, he calls back promptly. The combination of responsiveness and prompt turnaround are welcome. A cursory reading of some of the threads here discloses that lack of communication and prompt turnaround are issues with a number of otherwise highly regarded camera repairpeople. I have one Leica that has been with a repairperson for 14 months now, but I know it will be done right, when it gets done.
I have no connection to David other than that of a satisfied customer. We see a lot of warnings and grousing around here about camera techs, so it only seems fair to chime in when someone meets and even exceeds expectations.
Nokton48
Veteran
Yep.
David does all my work on my Hasselblad system. My experiences mirror the above. He is absolutely the Best of the Best.
David does all my work on my Hasselblad system. My experiences mirror the above. He is absolutely the Best of the Best.
literiter
Well-known
Mr. Odess is Camera God.
He did my SWC (vintage 1959!)and I almost can't recognize it.
He did my SWC (vintage 1959!)and I almost can't recognize it.
Platinum RF
Well-known
Prepare for extra cash, his estimates will be high than what he posted on the web. If you refuse will be charge for it.
From his web.
Estimates
Estimates will be provided for all repairs, and there is no charge for the estimate if you approve it. However, if you refuse the estimate, there will be a $25.00 estimate refusal fee for a single item, and a $50.00 estimate refusal fee for multiple items, plus the cost of return shipping and insurance.
From his web.
Estimates
Estimates will be provided for all repairs, and there is no charge for the estimate if you approve it. However, if you refuse the estimate, there will be a $25.00 estimate refusal fee for a single item, and a $50.00 estimate refusal fee for multiple items, plus the cost of return shipping and insurance.
x-ray
Veteran
I've had nothing but great service from David. I highly recommend him.
Godfrey
somewhat colored
He recently did a full CLA and minor repair to my SWC as well. It's a new camera now. 100% satisfaction with his pricing, his service, everything.
I will send him my Sonnar 150 soon; it definitely needs some work.
G
I will send him my Sonnar 150 soon; it definitely needs some work.
G
rulnacco
Well-known
I'll add another vote in favour of David and his work. He serviced my 553ELX, and it's been working superbly ever since. Not only that, he's quite willing to answer questions in online forums and via e-mail with no guarantee of business to follow--very considerate and helpful.
His prices may *seem* a bit high, but when you consider the complexity of the Hasselblad mechanical cameras, and the fact that we demand so much of them--you don't buy a 'Blad and then settle for anything less than superb sharpness wide open--he's actually very reasonable. (If you don't believe me, read one of the Hasselblad service manuals, which are available from various sources online, and consider the expertise and specialised tools needed to get them back into factory specs. You'll see just why what David is asking is quite fair indeed.)
His prices may *seem* a bit high, but when you consider the complexity of the Hasselblad mechanical cameras, and the fact that we demand so much of them--you don't buy a 'Blad and then settle for anything less than superb sharpness wide open--he's actually very reasonable. (If you don't believe me, read one of the Hasselblad service manuals, which are available from various sources online, and consider the expertise and specialised tools needed to get them back into factory specs. You'll see just why what David is asking is quite fair indeed.)