I have actually used the classicv service 3 times. Once to service a 501CM (with lens and back, total cost £400+...) and twice to service a 500ELX. I must say even though a camera may appear to work ok it may be worth servicing it. When I first serviced the ELX it came back and sounded and operated much smoother, you could just tell immediately by how smoother the motor sounded. So I would say servicing a body once every 4-5 years depending on usage is not unreasonable and is certainly better to service stuff than wait till they break (as the service could have prevented the damage). Also bear in mind that regardless of usage some things will break down over time anyway, eg lubricants and foam seals. Some of these will degrade more or less depending on things like climate.
Saying that,, classicv is the most expensive of the lot, ApertureUK for example will do you a service for 150 or thereabouts (I have used them for servicing a Leica lens). Douglas form ClassicV was indeed the official Hasselblad UK repairer but in the end you have to decide whether that warrants the extra £100 or not, a basic service is a basic service, if the repair knows their stuff then...
Saying that,, classicv is the most expensive of the lot, ApertureUK for example will do you a service for 150 or thereabouts (I have used them for servicing a Leica lens). Douglas form ClassicV was indeed the official Hasselblad UK repairer but in the end you have to decide whether that warrants the extra £100 or not, a basic service is a basic service, if the repair knows their stuff then...
