553 ELX

jimgoss · Feb 27, 2016

First let me say that I'm new to the Hasselblad system. I purchased an 553 ELX and I'm unable to mount the lens because the shutter has been tripped and the cocking slot in the body does not match the orientation of the slot in the lens. Is there a way to manually cock the body so that the orientation is correct enabling me to mount the lens without damaging either the body and/or the lens?
Thank you

Theo Sulphate · Feb 27, 2016

On the motorized Hasselblads the body is always recocked after each exposure. The body indicator should show white in the round window and the mirror should be down. Not sure how yours got into an uncocked state (mirror is up, body indicator is red). If your mirror is down, the body is cocked - so maybe the mismatch you see is that the lens is not cocked?

Also, make sure your mode selector is in normal mode: "o", not "SR" - conceivably that would keep it in a pre-release state.

Anyway, do as APUGUser19 suggested; it should be fine.

I have a 553ELX as well. Be sure not to lose the spare fuse from its compartment when you're replacing the batteries!

Welcome to APUG!

jimgoss · Feb 27, 2016

Thank you both for the quick response. I am OK with the lens, the lever in the lens is in the right orientation. The lever on the body is not aligned with the red mark adjacent to the lever (or tab or whatever it is called). Go ahead and try and mount the lens with it in this position?
Thanks again.

Sirius Glass · Feb 27, 2016

Welcome to APUG

Hasselblad owners are always welcome here.

Theo Sulphate · Feb 27, 2016

No - don't mount the lens until you know the body is cocked.

You should see mode selector at "o", mirror down, indicator in window is white, and the screw is aligned.

jimgoss · Feb 27, 2016

Mode selector is "O", window is white, battery check is OK:, mirror is up, and the lever is not aligned to the red dot. Any Suggestions?
Thanks

Theo Sulphate · Feb 27, 2016

Seems like a "jammed" condition. I can offer this for reference and photos, however it is for a manual Hasselblad, not a motorized one:

Dead Link Removed

First, I'd double check fresh batteries are in and installed correctly. Battery check can show ok even w/weak batteries.[/B]

Theo Sulphate · Feb 27, 2016

APUGuser19 said:
The manuals and electrics are totally different inside. No similarity whatsoever.

OK. I haven't taken these apart and I know you have

So, on the OP's camera, it seems that power just isn't getting to the motor to cycle the camera body, despite what the battery check shows.

Corroded contacts somewhere?

Sirius Glass · Feb 27, 2016

Hasselblad manuals:
http://www.hasselbladhistorical.eu/HW/HWVSys.aspx
http://www.butkus.org/chinon/hasselblad.htm

jimgoss · Feb 27, 2016

Battery check indicates it has power. I have checked everything suggested. Time for the repair shop I assume?
Thanks to all for the guidance and the links to the manuals. . Much appreciated.

Sirius Glass · Feb 28, 2016

jimgoss said:
Battery check indicates it has power. I have checked everything suggested. Time for the repair shop I assume?
Thanks to all for the guidance and the links to the manuals. . Much appreciated.

Where are you located??

jimgoss · Feb 28, 2016

Tried all suggestions. Live in Southeastern Pa.

jimgoss · Feb 28, 2016

I don't have much in it so I think it will be worth it to me to invest in a repair. Thanks. I'll keep you posted.

Theo Sulphate · Feb 28, 2016

jimgoss said:
Battery check indicates it has power. ...

Still, I'm thinking no power is getting beyond the battery housing and into the motorized part of the body to cycle the camera.

When you press the release, is there any sound at all?

On the "L O T" selector (not the mode selector I mentioned earlier), is that selector on "O"?

I was hoping it was a simple back issue (frame 12) or darkslide issue. :-(

Anyway, the 553ELX is a great camera as are the lenses. Well worth it to repair and CLA. Keep us posted.

jimgoss · Feb 28, 2016

No sound from shutter release.
Selector at "O".
I have tried two different backs.

71.40?

Sirius Glass · Feb 28, 2016

jimgoss said:
Tried all suggestions. Live in Southeastern Pa.

I heard that David Odess does good work. http://www.david-odess.com/

ParkerSmithPhoto · Feb 28, 2016

jimgoss said:
First let me say that I'm new to the Hasselblad system. I purchased an 553 ELX and I'm unable to mount the lens because the shutter has been tripped and the cocking slot in the body does not match the orientation of the slot in the lens. Is there a way to manually cock the body so that the orientation is correct enabling me to mount the lens without damaging either the body and/or the lens?

I recently acquired a 553ELX and had some problems getting it going. (there was a url link here which no longer exists), see the advice offered as well as the solution. You may need to check for shorts as well as corrosion. Be sure to use a flashlight and look down into the battery cavity. I also included a link for fuses.

There is a Hassy tool made by FotoDiox that is pricy but well worth it. That being said, David Odess recommends against trying to cock the body on motorized models. See his FAQ.

jimgoss · Feb 28, 2016

Thanks Parker and Sirius.

553 ELX

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