500c CLA

[jmal]

A friend gave me a 1969 500c body and a 1978 A12 back (with matching insert, if that matters). It appears to be in decent shape. I would say that for its age, it looks to be about Ex by KEH standards. There is a slight amount of paint loss around the lens mount and a few minor scratches on the base near the tripod holes. The tripod threads themselves are fine. There are two things that concern me a little: there is a slight amount of play between the body and the back and the little pin inside the shutter release button (for the cable release) looks corroded and possibly bent. As for the play, it is only enough that when wiggling it, it makes a small, but audible click. Is this normal or could it be problematic? Is the pin a potential problem or is it typical (or at least replaceable)? I guess what I am ultimately asking is if it is worth investing in a lens and cla with someone like David Odess to get the camera going?

 

[mikebarger]

The looseness of the back, with the back off turn the camera upside down and gently, and the key is gently, tap the two prongs that how the back on. Over time the two prongs can be bent slightly downward. This generally happens if you snap the back on, rather than using the button.

Not sure about the other.

I would think it is worth a CLA. But I would sure consider a brighter screen at the same time.

Mike

 

[Q.G.]

You would expect that the back would sit firmly attached to the camera as if both were one, but a little bit of play is absolutely normal. Too much play may be a problem.
So if it indeed is only a tiny amount, don't worry about it.

Corrosion in the interior would be something to have looked at.

A good CLA will be a good investment, i think.
Could be that your camera doesn't really need one for a while, but even so: you will know for sure that you have a camera that will perform well after you had it CLA'd by someone knowing what he's doing.

 

[olwick]

I'd definitely go with David Odess. Read his site to see everything he does during a CLA and you'll see it's worth it.

 

[mikebarger]

I've had very good luck on service from David too. He's the one that advised me on the tapping the body hooks for a tighter fitting back. I used a small tack hammer.


Mike

 

[John Koehrer]

I've had very good luck on service from David too. He's the one that aadvised me on the tapping the body hooks for a tighter fitting back. I used a small tack hammer.

Mike

But when you do it you're abusing the camera. When he does it, he's adjusting it(he uses a calibrated beatin' tool)

 

[bdial]

As QG said, a little play is normal. One person's gentle is another person's way too much. Without an experienced feel for how much force can be applied to an alloy casting, it could be easier to screw it up than to "fix" it.
If your friend gave you the camera, it's well worth the cost of the CLA. Even if you have money into it, it's worth the service cost.

 

[jmal]

Thanks. I looked at the hooks and they appear to be normal. I think I would let a repair person do the beating/tapping. I'm a little hesitant to invest in the camera, but I've always wanted a Hasselblad. The lenses are the killer. $$$$. We'll see what Mr. Taxman brings me.

 

[Ponysoldier]

I can only say that, in my experience, David Odess is absolutely first-rate! As to investing in the camera - there are a lot of older Hasselblad lenses floating around but unless you find one that has recently been CLA'd by a qualified tech, it is a gamble. If you can find a really low-priced "functional" lens and play with the camera enough to make a decision that may be a viable approach for you. Good luck!