Hasselblad 201f - Mirror won't go all the way up

logan.egbert · Jan 27, 2017

Hello All,

I just bought a 201f from a reputable dealer (thank god) and unfortunately, I think it's DOA.

You can see what I mean here.

Does anyone know if this is a small fix I can do myself? Or should I just send it back. I know that David Odess and my local Hassy guy aren't keen on working on 200 series bodies, so I fear it's going to be heading back. Just want to make sure before I reach out to the shop.

Thanks!

Sirius Glass · Jan 27, 2017

If they will repair that camera at their cost, have them repair or exchange the camera.
If they will exchange the camera, try the exchange.
If they will not repair nor exchange the camera, return the camera.

itsdoable · Jan 27, 2017

Check to see if the light baffle at the back of the mirror (near where it would hinge) has broken off, and is obstructing the mirror, preventing it from rising completely. It will look like a narrow strip of plastic stuck in the mechanism. You can also take out the focus screen to get a better view from that side.

The lens key completes it's rotation, so the body is mechanically completing it's movement. That means the spring that pushes up the mirror is probably working, and something (either in the mirror box or in the mechanism) is preventing the mirror from completing the swing.

For reference, this thread has a picture of the baffle (second page for close-ups) :
(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

If not this, then something else...

logan.egbert · Jan 28, 2017

It doesn't look like the light baffle has broken off.

It's so strange, it just won't push up to the focusing screen.

Do you see something I don't?

Thank you for the post!

itsdoable said:
Check to see if the light baffle at the back of the mirror (near where it would hinge) has broken off, and is obstructing the mirror, preventing it from rising completely. It will look like a narrow strip of plastic stuck in the mechanism. You can also take out the focus screen to get a better view from that side.

The lens key completes it's rotation, so the body is mechanically completing it's movement. That means the spring that pushes up the mirror is probably working, and something (either in the mirror box or in the mechanism) is preventing the mirror from completing the swing.

For reference, this thread has a picture of the baffle (second page for close-ups) :
(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

If not this, then something else...

itsdoable · Jan 28, 2017

logan.egbert said:
It doesn't look like the light baffle has broken off.
...
Do you see something I don't?

Baffle and parts look all right to me.

If you gently push up on the mirror, will it complete it's travel, or dose it feel like something is stopping it?

Could be the spring is weak, and can no longer complete the motion, and/or the mechanism has become a bit sticky.

I think at this point, it's time to send it back for a proper check.

Chris Livsey · Jan 29, 2017

I am not an expert in the 200 series, in fact I am short of any experience but in your clip you are releasing via a cable release, I just wondered if this had any significance at all and this link may help diagnosis and explains why i have never ventured down the focal plane Hasselblad route, good luck.
http://photo.net/medium-format-photography-forum/00Wmi9

aoresteen · Jan 29, 2017

I'd replace the battery and see if a fresh one solves the problem.

logan.egbert · Jan 30, 2017

aoresteen said:
I'd replace the battery and see if a fresh one solves the problem.

I did, no dice

logan.egbert · Jan 30, 2017

itsdoable said:
Baffle and parts look all right to me.

If you gently push up on the mirror, will it complete it's travel, or dose it feel like something is stopping it?

Could be the spring is weak, and can no longer complete the motion, and/or the mechanism has become a bit sticky.

I think at this point, it's time to send it back for a proper check.

I think you're right!

Chadinko · Jan 31, 2017

I think you have managed to get the only working half-frame Hassie! You should feel honored.

But really, that sucks.

aoresteen · Dec 27, 2017

Any update? Did you have it serviced?

logan.egbert · Dec 27, 2017

aoresteen said:
Any update? Did you have it serviced?

I did! I sent it off to Hasselbladbron and they did the repair. It wasn't cheap, but it came back working perfectly.

Chris Livsey · Dec 28, 2017

logan.egbert said:
I did! I sent it off to Hasselbladbron and they did the repair. It wasn't cheap, but it came back working perfectly.

Good news, Hasselblad-cheap = oxymoron

GarageBoy · Dec 30, 2017

Who is hasselbladbron? How much was the CLA?

Hasselblad 201f - Mirror won't go all the way up

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