Changing Hasselblad 500c screen & replacing A12 film back internal light seals

[Certain Exposures]

I will attempt to change my Hasselblad 500c screen myself over the next couple months and change the internal light seals - not the dark slide light seals - on an A12 film back (see here for context). I'm leaving up this thread as progress log.

Would it be wiser to send this off to professional? Yes. However, so far, I feel I've seen enough evidence that each is doable. I'll stop and send everything to a professional once something looks dangerous.

Wish me luck. Please share your tips if you've already done this successfully. I have a few questions I have to research:

For the screen
1. What's the part number for the 500c screen's screws? I may try to buy an extra set before starting.
2. What's the part number for any other relevant 500c screen parts? Ditto.
3. Where's an 'official' exploded diagram of the screen and installation instructions?
4. What exact screwdriver type and size should I use to match the screws?
5. What chemicals or lubricants should I have on hand, if any?
6. How do I get a broken screw out if God frowns on me when I try this?
7. Can I re-calibrate focus with a 100mm lens or should I order a 250mm to make it easier?
8. Is there a step by step video out there with helpful viewing angles?

For the A12 film back
1. See questions 1. - 5. above.
2. See question 8. above.

My successful DIY builds and repairs so far
Sputnik stereo camera lens focus calibration
Mamiya RB67 Instax Mini film back build
Mamiya RB67 lens PC sync port replacement
Mamiya RB67 light seals replacement on rotating film back and 120 film back
Yashica 635 Olsen screen installation and focus calibration with shims (2x)
Leica M3 vertical rangefinder adjustment
Leica M2 vertical rangefinder adjustment
Nikon FM focusing screen clean (slight disassembly required)
Nikon FM light seals replacement


Past Photo threads on 500c screen replacement

Hasselblad 500 C - Ground glass Replacement + Other Thoughts

Hey there! I recently picked up a Hasselblad 500C body in a trade, but it arrived without its ground glass focusing screen. Thankfully, the spring that holds the screen in place is still intact. For those familiar with this model, I have a few questions: What’s the best source for a...

www.photrio.com

How difficult to replace focusing screen in Hasselblad 500c?

Dear Team, Have old 500c with cracked focusing screen, (looks like windshield after traffic accident) Does this need to be done by technician from Sweden, or can I carefully remove 4 screws place unbroken screen in place and carefully re tighten screws holding frame in place? Any comments...

www.photrio.com

Cange Focus Screen on Hasselblad

Hello. i own Hasselblad 53CXi, i deside to change the focus screen to Acute Matte Split Prism screen. i saw a lots of focusing screen and many different types of focusing screens. is someone can explain or refer me to any web site for learn and compare ? Thanks in advance. Yaacov.

www.photrio.com

Which Hasselblad to keep? 500c vs 501c

so I have two cameras at the moment and am going to sell one. Both work, but the 501c barn doors seem to be a little worse off for wear? What are everyone's thoughts on this? Better to keep the one that is in better shape? Or the newer one as it still works. How bad do the barn doors look...

www.photrio.com

Would you fit a Maxwell screen on a 500C ?

Or, if I say it another way : is my 500C worth a new screen ? I have a 500C from 1958, which works fine except for a terrific screen, which makes it difficult to focus when light is low. I'm currently wondering if I should get rid of it and buy a newer model with interchangeable screens, or...

www.photrio.com

Past Photrio threads on Hasselblad A12 internal light seal replacement

What did I get wrong about the Hasselblad A12 light seal installation for my 500C?

Hi folks. I could use some of your advice. What did I get wrong about the Hasselblad A12 light seal installation for my 500C? I added a fresh set of dark slide seals. However, there's still a light leak. It's not in every frame. I followed the instructions in these videos: 1, 2. Someone on...

www.photrio.com

 

[koraks]

I'll stop and send everything to a professional once something looks dangerous.

I think in general most professionals don't like to receive a box of parts with a note "at this point things got difficult, now you fix it."

 

[Sirius Glass]

I will attempt to change my Hasselblad 500c screen myself over the next couple months and change the internal light seals - not the dark slide light seals - on an A12 film back (see here for context). I'm leaving up this thread as progress log.

Would it be wiser to send this off to professional? Yes. However, so far, I feel I've seen enough evidence that each is doable. I'll stop and send everything to a professional once something looks dangerous.

Wish me luck. Please share your tips if you've already done this successfully. I have a few questions I have to research:

For the screen
1. What's the part number for the 500c screen's screws? I may try to buy an extra set before starting.
2. What's the part number for any other relevant 500c screen parts? Ditto.
3. Where's an 'official' exploded diagram of the screen and installation instructions?
4. What exact screwdriver type and size should I use to match the screws?
5. What chemicals or lubricants should I have on hand, if any?
6. How do I get a broken screw out if God frowns on me when I try this?
7. Can I re-calibrate focus with a 100mm lens or should I order a 250mm to make it easier?
8. Is there a step by step video out there with helpful viewing angles?

For the A12 film back
1. See questions 1. - 5. above.
2. See question 8. above.

My successful DIY builds and repairs so far
Sputnik stereo camera lens focus calibration
Mamiya RB67 Instax Mini film back build
Mamiya RB67 lens PC sync port replacement
Mamiya RB67 light seals replacement on rotating film back and 120 film back
Yashica 635 Olsen screen installation and focus calibration with shims (2x)
Leica M3 vertical rangefinder adjustment
Leica M2 vertical rangefinder adjustment
Nikon FM focusing screen clean (slight disassembly required)
Nikon FM light seals replacement


Past Photo threads on 500c screen replacement

Hasselblad 500 C - Ground glass Replacement + Other Thoughts

Hey there! I recently picked up a Hasselblad 500C body in a trade, but it arrived without its ground glass focusing screen. Thankfully, the spring that holds the screen in place is still intact. For those familiar with this model, I have a few questions: What’s the best source for a...

www.photrio.com

How difficult to replace focusing screen in Hasselblad 500c?

Dear Team, Have old 500c with cracked focusing screen, (looks like windshield after traffic accident) Does this need to be done by technician from Sweden, or can I carefully remove 4 screws place unbroken screen in place and carefully re tighten screws holding frame in place? Any comments...

www.photrio.com

Cange Focus Screen on Hasselblad

Hello. i own Hasselblad 53CXi, i deside to change the focus screen to Acute Matte Split Prism screen. i saw a lots of focusing screen and many different types of focusing screens. is someone can explain or refer me to any web site for learn and compare ? Thanks in advance. Yaacov.

www.photrio.com

Which Hasselblad to keep? 500c vs 501c

so I have two cameras at the moment and am going to sell one. Both work, but the 501c barn doors seem to be a little worse off for wear? What are everyone's thoughts on this? Better to keep the one that is in better shape? Or the newer one as it still works. How bad do the barn doors look...

www.photrio.com

Would you fit a Maxwell screen on a 500C ?

Or, if I say it another way : is my 500C worth a new screen ? I have a 500C from 1958, which works fine except for a terrific screen, which makes it difficult to focus when light is low. I'm currently wondering if I should get rid of it and buy a newer model with interchangeable screens, or...

www.photrio.com

Past Photrio threads on Hasselblad A12 internal light seal replacement

What did I get wrong about the Hasselblad A12 light seal installation for my 500C?

Hi folks. I could use some of your advice. What did I get wrong about the Hasselblad A12 light seal installation for my 500C? I added a fresh set of dark slide seals. However, there's still a light leak. It's not in every frame. I followed the instructions in these videos: 1, 2. Someone on...

www.photrio.com

Would it be wiser to send this off to professional? That depends on your ability to repair cameras and lenses properly and how much you are willing to invest in the proper tools. For example the is a Japanese version of a Phillip's screwdriver which works better than the standard Phillip's screwdriver on Japanese cameras and lenses, are you will to buy such tools.

 

[Certain Exposures]

I think in general most professionals don't like to receive a box of parts with a note "at this point things got difficult, now you fix it."

You're right! Let's hope things don't get that rough.

Would it be wiser to send this off to professional? That depends on your ability to repair cameras and lenses properly and how much you are willing to invest in the proper tools. For example the is a Japanese version of a Phillip's screwdriver which works better than the standard Phillip's screwdriver on Japanese cameras and lenses, are you will to buy such tools.

Yes, I have a Japanese Industrial Standard screwdriver set for work on the Nikon and Mamiya. I'll look around on information for Hasselblad specific items depending on the price.

 

[bdial]

I changed the screen on the 500C I had 40’ish years ago. my memory of the event is that it wasn’t very difficult. As I recall the new screen came with instructions, but the instructions are probably long gone with anything you can buy nowadays.
I think the screws are slotted, so no issues about JIS cross head screws. But you do want to make sure the driver blade fits the screw slot.
You may be able to find repair instructions at learncamerarepair.com

 

[Certain Exposures]

Thanks @bdial , that inspires some confidence.

 

[Certain Exposures]

I'm looking around online for an affordable 250mm lens for the calibration step. Preferably one with T* coating because I like to use backlight for portraits.

 

[Certain Exposures]

I will stream my first attempt at 6:15 PM EST today. If you have any experience and could offer warnings while I am at it please join. Curious folks are welcome, too. I do not have a 250mm yet. I'll have to arrange the calibration step on a clear night with a bright moon.

Hasselblad 500c Screen Swap Repair Attempt (Day 1)

Day 1: I successfully swapped the focusing screen on my Hasselblad 500c without breaking any parts and started the calibration step. On Day 2 (coming) I need...

www.youtube.com

 

[Certain Exposures]

@bdial did you have to use nail polish to ‘pot’ screws? I assume it ‘pot’ means ‘lock’ in this context. A few posts online repeat this suggestion.

 

[bdial]

@bdial did you have to use nail polish to ‘pot’ screws? I assume it ‘pot’ means ‘lock’ in this context. A few posts online repeat this suggestion.

Sorry, I don’t remember. Yes, a small dab of nail polish, bridging the screw head and the substrate used to be a common method for locking screws. It also is a visual way of indicating the screw has moved.
It wouldn’t hurt, but I don’t know if it’s necessary.

 

[Certain Exposures]

Thanks! I uploaded a new stream because the first got stuck in vertical mode.

Hasselblad 500c Screen Swap Repair Attempt (Day 1)

Day 1: I successfully swapped the focusing screen on my Hasselblad 500c without breaking any parts and started the calibration step. On Day 2 (coming) I need...

www.youtube.com

 

[Certain Exposures]

Is ROR fluid safe to clean the mirror?

Edit: It seems to be. I tested on another camera first then used it on the Hasselblad mirror with a Kimtech wipe.

 

[Certain Exposures]

Current status:

Good so far. I replaced the screen with the new one. I did not damage any parts to my knowledge. I have not fully calibrated the screen yet. It's still focusing just shy of infinity. The screws are getting hard to turn. I'll revisit this tomorrow.

Main questions:

- Where can I get replacement screws? One is especially hard to turn due to a shallow groove.
- What's my next step if I cannot tighten the screw enough to reach infinity? One subscriber suggested I may need to shave down the spacer. That seems like a solid first step.
- Does it matter what 'type' of nail polish I get? Is there a 'better' substance to use for technical purposes like this?

Follow Ups:

- I need to finish up calibration.
- I need to do a test roll.
- I found this lens focus test in a random comment. I may try it: https://migalvanas.com/wp-content/u...Photography-Lens-AF-Calibration-card-v1.2.pdf


Edit: the deleted comment below was my last line above.

 

[Certain Exposures]

Day 2 7:45 PM EST stream.

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

www.youtube.com

 

[Certain Exposures]

Day 3: 7 PM EST Stream.

Hasselblad 500c Screen Replacement Attempt (Day 3)

Not sponsored. Day 1: I successfully swapped the focusing screen on my Hasselblad 500c without breaking any parts and started the calibration step. On Day 2 ...

www.youtube.com

 

[Certain Exposures]

Long story short, the Lord wants me to go further with this repair than I anticipated.

Today, I removed my damaged part 20955. It's the frame that houses the screen for the 500c. I may also need new foam of some kind that sits in the front of the frame.

My guess is it will be difficult to source the part.

Part circled in yellow below:

 

[Certain Exposures]

I changed the screen on the 500C I had 40’ish years ago. my memory of the event is that it wasn’t very difficult. As I recall the new screen came with instructions, but the instructions are probably long gone with anything you can buy nowadays.
I think the screws are slotted, so no issues about JIS cross head screws. But you do want to make sure the driver blade fits the screw slot.
You may be able to find repair instructions at learncamerarepair.com

Do you recall if your new screen required shims? Was it a Hasselblad screen?

 

[bdial]

I don’t remember, yes it was a Hasselblad screen, purchased new.

 

[Certain Exposures]

Okay, thanks.

Today, I removed my damaged part 20955. It's the frame that houses the screen for the 500c. I may also need new foam of some kind that sits in the front of the frame.

It looks like the foam might be parts 13211 and 13351.

 

[Certain Exposures]

Interesting comment from the manual. I am surprised it says days instead of months or years. However, the text was not for a general audience:

 

[mshchem]

Oh no. You're a braver man than I.

I've replaced the light seal in a couple A12 backs that's about it.

 

[Certain Exposures]

Brave or reckless? I suppose we will find out.

This will have to stay unresolved until I acquire the part. That could be a long time.

 

[Certain Exposures]

Current status:

Good so far. I replaced the screen with the new one. I did not damage any parts to my knowledge. I have not fully calibrated the screen yet. It's still focusing just shy of infinity. The screws are getting hard to turn. I'll revisit this tomorrow.

I forgot to share this image. The initial step of changing the screen went well. I did manage to install it. View below. You should be able to do this yourself if you're more careful than I was.

I created my trouble during the calibration step. I may have succeeded if I'd stopped, rethought the instructions, and adjusted my approach.

 

[Certain Exposures]

I've replaced the light seal in a couple A12 backs that's about it.

Yeah, I also replaced the dark slide light seals in an A12 back. That task has a low chance of an expensive failure. However, apparently, there are more light seals in the film backs that could cause leaks. See this related thread I made.

 

[Certain Exposures]

UPDATE:

I posted a video for how to install an Olsen Bright Screen in the Hasselblad 500C/M (one with the screen change tabs) because I didn't see one available out there. I am currently testing out the accuracy of this screen. It comes with a shim.



In hindsight, I wish I would have paid the extra cash for a Hasselblad body with the focusing screen tabs because of the risk involved with changing the 500C screen if you are clumsy.

I did manage to get sharp frames with the original 500C screen. However, I underestimated how right the complaints I read online were about its murkiness. They are not over-exaggerating.