Film Spacing Problems On Hasselblad 500c

[Steve M.]

I recently purchased a Hasselblad 500c w/ the silver 80 Planar lens and really love it. Unfortunately, when I got my negs back today, I saw that the first few exposures were showing signs of film spacing/double exposure issues, 5 in the middle were perfect, and the last few were the same as the first shots. Doubt it's film loading error, as you wouldn't see it just on the beginning of the film and the end, but not the middle.

Has anyone experienced anything similar w/ their Hasselblads, and who should I send it to for a CLA?

Oops, I just realized I probably should have posted this on the General Photography Forum. Sorry about that.

 

[Rob-F]

This is to be expected when a Hasselblad film back is due for servicing. It is well worth getting a CLA (cleaning, service, adjustment) in order to have a reliable back. I send mine to David Odess, hblad@comcast.net

There is also a man named Rosenthal, somewhere in Arizona. I have not used him, but he should be googleable, and might be worth checking out.

Edit: Peter Rosenthal, Flagstaff, AZ.

 

[rover]

Hmmm, I wish I knew the answer. Is your back a 120 or 220 and are you using the corresponding film?

 

[JohnTF]

Is the back an A12? If it is the older style back, am not sure it is cost effective at this time to service.

Am not sure if it will work with the 500c, but an old trick was to load the back with a scrap roll, remove the lens, and cycle the camera through 12 exposures, marking the edge of the frames with a pen (carefully) -- then unroll your film and see if the exposure framing is even.

I have only done this with FP Shutter cameras, but it may work to see if the advance is working with the 500c if you can run through a roll with the lens removed. Am pretty sure if it is not possible with a 500c someone will pop up to let us know.

Another approach is to run another roll and just pay for C41 processing to see if the problem is consistent.

I would not pay to repair one of the older non A (automatic) magazines unless it was quite low in cost.

If it is the old style back, am thinking the opening in the back may allow you to see the numbers, and if it says say 9 when you are done with 12 exposures, something is definitely wrong.


Regards, John

 

[Steve M.]

It's the old style back. I agree, it's probably not worth having it CLA'd, but on the other hand I'm a little nervous about buying a used back from KEH or somewhere that may look fine, as this one does, but exhibit problems when I use it. At least w/ an older 12 back that's been CLA'd I'd know it would work properly.

The gentleman that sold me the camera is a neat guy, and when I emailed him he said he would send me another back, and I could ship him the one I have that has problems. When I get the other back from him I am going to try your idea JohnTF of marking the roll and running it through to see if anything obvious shows up. In the end it may be worth the $80 plus shipping to have David Odess CLA it just for peace of mind. Thanks guys.

 

[rover]

I just went and exercised the shutter on my Hassey. I need to take it out this weekend I hope.

 

[Keith]

I have one of those old A12 'peekaboo' backs on my 500CM and have noticed a bit irregularity in the spacing occasionally ... not enough to make me get another back but the instant I find anything overlapping it's in trouble! 😛

 

[JohnTF]

It's the old style back. I agree, it's probably not worth having it CLA'd, but on the other hand I'm a little nervous about buying a used back from KEH or somewhere that may look fine, as this one does, but exhibit problems when I use it. At least w/ an older 12 back that's been CLA'd I'd know it would work properly.

The gentleman that sold me the camera is a neat guy, and when I emailed him he said he would send me another back, and I could ship him the one I have that has problems. When I get the other back from him I am going to try your idea JohnTF of marking the roll and running it through to see if anything obvious shows up. In the end it may be worth the $80 plus shipping to have David Odess CLA it just for peace of mind. Thanks guys.

I would hope KEH or anyone would offer a warranty, I know at the last camera show this past weekend, several guys came in with 500cm's and backs for sale.

Igor of IgorCamera normally has them, but am not entirely sure of what he has in stock at the moment. I know he has more stock than he has time to list on his web page, so best to give him a call.

I had some new A12's that did not stop at exposure 1, just running the roll entirely through,-- were fixed under warranty.

There are an awful lot of these backs around, so you should not have to look far to find a good one. They seemed to hold up rather well, I have some well used ones with mixed numbers and a few knocks I picked up as part of a system for my friend that all seem to work fine. I can recall when they were $700 new, but if you were buying a new outfit they gave you spare backs with the camera, and with each lens.

The cameras are still extraordinary pieces of equipment and great bargains right now, it will all be worth the effort.


Regards, John

 

[FrankHarries]

5 out of 6 of my used A12 backs showed these problems. It can be fixed easily by someone who has experience with those backs. The older ones might not be worth to get a CLA - the A12s are sold pretty cheap - and if you get one with warranty you should be able to get a working one. I had three of mine done and payed with a fourth.

 

[sprokitt]

Common problem

Common problem

probably an older back with a lot of wear
Given how cheap they are now (compared to what they used to be) its probably cheaper to replace and repair.

 

[jan normandale]

I've had spacing variances in my older backs as has been noted by others here but never overlaps nor double exposures.

 

[Wayno]

Spacing problems between the first and second frame are common - there's an adjustment for that. I don't know about spacing issues for the rest of the film, I believe that's less common.

 

[Rob-F]

probably an older back with a lot of wear
Given how cheap they are now (compared to what they used to be) its probably cheaper to replace and repair.

I think it's false economy to buy another back thinking it's going to be any cheaper to than to have the one we own serviced. The next back may very well have the same issues. But if the ailing back is sent for a CLA, then when it is returned to you it should be good for some years. Proper maintenance is the answer. Buying more backs in hopes of getting a good one is like playing roulette. If you pay $100 for a back and $100 or even $200 for service, then you have $200 or $300 invested in a back that will perform like a new one that would have cost $500 or $600.