Where to find a good Hasselblad 500/501?

T

Tzelet

Guest
I've been bitten by the bug, and have started looking for a good Hasselblad setup. I did own one a while back that was nothing but trouble, so this time around I want something that works.

KEH has good prices, but I know from experience that they don't check the functionality of their gear - but offer to take returns. That would be fine, except that I live in Europe and have to pay VAT on everything imported. And it is just a pain to get the VAT refunded once the gear is returned. So, does anyone know of a dealer that actually checks the equipment? I know this would bring the price up, but I'm fine with that.
 
Well, this probably isn't very useful to you, but I've gotten quite a bit of Hasselblad gear from KEH and never had a problem. I've heard they can pull an item from inventory to take a look at it if you request.

Another option might be to have it mailed to a repair tech in the US for a check-up / CLA? This would save you the overseas shipping.
 
Hadn't thought about that, but I think that may be a good idea - thanks!
 
David Odess is the go-to guy for Hasselblad repairs in the USA and he also has some equipment for sale on his page. It is a bit more expensive than KEH but you can be sure that it's properly cla'd and tested prior to being shipped to you. Beware, though, I hear that everything that has been to his shop comes back with a distinct smell of tobacco 😉. I'm sure it wears off after a while.
If you want to buy from within the EU there's the German seller Hassi-Foto but they're rather pricey.
 
I'd second the idea of buying a camera from David Odess. It will be more money initially, but you know that it will work right and have a warranty.
 
jbannow said:
Well, this probably isn't very useful to you, but I've gotten quite a bit of Hasselblad gear from KEH and never had a problem. I've heard they can pull an item from inventory to take a look at it if you request.

Another option might be to have it mailed to a repair tech in the US for a check-up / CLA? This would save you the overseas shipping.
Click to expand...



They will pull the item you're looking to buy and describe it to you...maybe even check it's functionality...
KEH also has a Repair Dept. so they could do a CLA before it even leaves the building...
I've been very pleased by all I've purchased from them...
 
Jamie123 said:
David Odess is the go-to guy for Hasselblad repairs in the USA and he also has some equipment for sale on his page. It is a bit more expensive than KEH but you can be sure that it's properly cla'd and tested prior to being shipped to you. Beware, though, I hear that everything that has been to his shop comes back with a distinct smell of tobacco 😉. I'm sure it wears off after a while.
If you want to buy from within the EU there's the German seller Hassi-Foto but they're rather pricey.
Click to expand...

David Odess repaired a Hasselblad lens for me a couple years ago and it did not smell like tobacco when it came back.
 
Shac said:
Sam - will they? I've never been able to get them to do that. Any tips?
Click to expand...

Phone. Person to person. Or email. Person to person. Then a phone call when they have the item or items in hand. Never ever buy from KEH online by clicking a few buttons. One reason: The online inventory may lag behind actual sales. You could think you are buying something, only to find out later that the item had already sold.

ps: I just visited David's pages. I need to take very good care of my camera.
 
Last edited:
Chriscrawfordphoto said:
David Odess repaired a Hasselblad lens for me a couple years ago and it did not smell like tobacco when it came back.
Click to expand...

I guess metal doesn't take on the smell as much as leather. Either that or he quit smoking.

Anyways, I have only good things to say about David Odess. I've never had anything repaired by him but he once was of great assistance to me by e-mail. Free of charce, of course.
 
Jamie123 said:
David Odess is the go-to guy for Hasselblad repairs in the USA and he also has some equipment for sale on his page. It is a bit more expensive than KEH but you can be sure that it's properly cla'd and tested prior to being shipped to you. Beware, though, I hear that everything that has been to his shop comes back with a distinct smell of tobacco 😉. I'm sure it wears off after a while.
If you want to buy from within the EU there's the German seller Hassi-Foto but they're rather pricey.
Click to expand...


I've had over a dozen items repaired by David Odess at different times, none has ever smelled of tobacco.

Where do you get that?
 
Nokton48 said:
I've had over a dozen items repaired by David Odess at different times, none has ever smelled of tobacco.

Where do you get that?
Click to expand...

I used to read that a lot on different boards on the internet. Those were never complaints, just humorous remarks. I don't have any personal experience, though, so I don't want to create any rumors.
 
Patience is a virtue and it doesn't hurt to put a WTB in the classifieds with a link and a mention in your signature.

My 500cm body, WL viewfinder, A12 back and 80mm lens all came from different members here at RFF ... it all works perfectly and owes me under $500.00 They're a brilliant camera once you get a feel for them.
 
venchka said:
Phone. Person to person. Or email. Person to person. Then a phone call when they have the item or items in hand.
Click to expand...

I called in and talked with a sales rep...he called me back when he got the item I was wanting...this was a few years ago...hopefully they still practice this...It was what I was looking for and in great shape so I bought it...Good customer service will sell...😀😉
 
The very best thing to do is go to a local camera shop in your city.
There's lots of Hassy stuff in local shops second hand and if anything goes wrong they should put it right.
Make sure they will stand by their goods before buying.

The thing is... Buying online is good but often leads to disappointment.
These cameras are getting long in the tooth so having local support is valuable and that's worth a few bucks.

I bought my 903SWC locally and couldn't be happier with it. (and for a surprisingly good price)

Good luck on your quest.

SWC.jpg
 
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