Hasselblad 500C/M Film Back Jamming

Alsodrew · Dec 18, 2020

just got my hands on a Hasselblad 500cm and I’m super excited to start shooting with it. However I’ve run into a bit of an issue. Before loading any film into it I decided to just get familiar with the functions and mechanisms. The problem is that pretty much every time I fire the shutter with the film back on (on what would be the first exposure according to the little window on the side of the film back), the re-cocking knob on the side will not advance fully, either advancing a little bit then jamming, or advancing almost all the way then jamming.

At first I thought it was a lens issue, but I discovered that the problem would resolve on the camera body once I removed the film back. Whenever I put the back on again, the issue repeats itself, and it never advances the film to the second frame. I feel like I’m doing most everything right, making sure both the body and back are ready to be fired, connecting them correctly, removing the dark slide etc. But since I’m a newbie with hasselblad their might be something I’m missing. Something that worries me a bit is when I turn the lever for advancing film on the film back the single visible cog does not seem to turn with it at a consistent rate, and then afterwards the cog will slowly spin in the opposite direction for a short while.

Any suggestions or advice is greatly appreciated!

jeffreyg · Dec 18, 2020

If you can get a hold of another back try it with that back. If it works okay the issue is with the back and a repair is indicated. It may be possible to find a back that costs less or around what a repair will run.

http://www.jeffreyglasser.com/

http://www.sculptureandphotography.com/

Pieter12 · Dec 18, 2020

I had a very similar issue with my 500 SWC. The repairman replaced a spring in the body/shutter cocking mechanism.

Sirius Glass · Dec 18, 2020

Pieter12 said:
I had a very similar issue with my 500 SWC. The repairman replaced a spring in the body/shutter cocking mechanism.

Have Hasselblad repairman check out and adjust the back and take a look at the back's light seals.

Kodachromeguy · Dec 18, 2020

jeffreyg said:
. It may be possible to find a back that costs less or around what a repair will run.

I think you are way out of date for USA prices. Junkers are well over $100 that I have seen. Decent type II and III are $300 or more.

Sirius Glass · Dec 18, 2020

jeffreyg said:
It may be possible to find a back that costs less or around what a repair will run.

It always cost less to repair film backs. You are either misinformed or you have the wrong repair person.

etn · Dec 19, 2020

You are most certainly aware that the film back - provided it works properly - will prevent exposure in the following cases:
- if the dark slide is inserted,
- or after frame #12 has been reached. When that happens, taking the film holder out of the back and inserting it again (as you do when changing rolls) will reset the mechanism.

If you cannot trigger an exposure at frame #1, with dark slide out, something is defective indeed.
Any chance you can get your hands on a 2nd back for a test? e.g. at a local store?

Alsodrew · Dec 19, 2020

etn said:
You are most certainly aware that the film back - provided it works properly - will prevent exposure in the following cases:
- if the dark slide is inserted,
- or after frame #12 has been reached. When that happens, taking the film holder out of the back and inserting it again (as you do when changing rolls) will reset the mechanism.

If you cannot trigger an exposure at frame #1, with dark slide out, something is defective indeed.
Any chance you can get your hands on a 2nd back for a test? e.g. at a local store?

yeah, I’m heading to a local store today to have someone look at it. Hopefully is not a major issue!

Pieter12 · Dec 19, 2020

I wouldn't jump to the conclusion that the problem is with the back. Better to have a tech take a look. Also, buying another back does not guarantee that the new one won't have problems. If the back you have is in decent condition otherwise, having it repaired might be a safer bet.

etn · Dec 20, 2020

Pieter12 said:
I wouldn't jump to the conclusion that the problem is with the back. Better to have a tech take a look. Also, buying another back does not guarantee that the new one won't have problems. If the back you have is in decent condition otherwise, having it repaired might be a safer bet.

Agree, but the probability of having 2 backs experiencing the exact same problem would be very low. This would hint towards an issue with the body.

@Alsodrew, did you give it a try without the lens as well?

Alsodrew · Dec 20, 2020

etn said:
Agree, but the probability of having 2 backs experiencing the exact same problem would be very low. This would hint towards an issue with the body.

@Alsodrew, did you give it a try without the lens as well?

I did. I took it to a technician yesterday who said he has never seen an issue like this before, but he definitely think it’s an issue with the back.

I’m working it out with the seller now, because I was promised a fully working system I’m trying to get some money refunded in order to buy another film back

etn · Dec 21, 2020

Alsodrew said:
I did. I took it to a technician yesterday who said he has never seen an issue like this before, but he definitely think it’s an issue with the back.

I’m working it out with the seller now, because I was promised a fully working system I’m trying to get some money refunded in order to buy another film back

2 backs are never too many with a Hasselblad. Even if you decide to use only 1 single type of film for the rest of your life, you will like the convenience of having a full magazine ready to go when one runs out.

I've never seen anyone taping 2 Hassy backs together "jungle style" ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jungle_style_(firearm_magazines) ) but hey, why not
(joking)

Pieter12 · Dec 21, 2020

etn said:
2 backs are never too many with a Hasselblad. Even if you decide to use only 1 single type of film for the rest of your life, you will like the convenience of having a full magazine ready to go when one runs out.

I've never seen anyone taping 2 Hassy backs together "jungle style" ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jungle_style_(firearm_magazines) ) but hey, why not
(joking)

I don't subscribe to the myth of needing matching numbers for the inserts and backs, so a second insert is really all you need to carry if you don't intend to switch film stock in the middle of a shoot.

etn · Dec 21, 2020

Pieter12 said:
I don't subscribe to the myth of needing matching numbers for the inserts and backs, so a second insert is really all you need to carry if you don't intend to switch film stock in the middle of a shoot.

Pieter, do you really carry a film, ready to go pre- loaded on an insert, without the protection of the rest of the back?
I find this risky... I would prefer to forego a 2nd back and take my time changing rolls. But to each his/her own of course.

Pieter12 · Dec 21, 2020

Not that dif

etn said:
Pieter, do you really carry a film, ready to go pre- loaded on an insert, without the protection of the rest of the back?
I find this risky... I would prefer to forego a 2nd back and take my time changing rolls. But to each his/her own of course.

Not that difficult or risky if you wrap it in a protective cloth like one of these https://www.adorama.com/prolw15.html

cayenne · Dec 21, 2020

etn said:
2 backs are never too many with a Hasselblad. Even if you decide to use only 1 single type of film for the rest of your life, you will like the convenience of having a full magazine ready to go when one runs out.

I've never seen anyone taping 2 Hassy backs together "jungle style" ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jungle_style_(firearm_magazines) ) but hey, why not
(joking)

Yup, I have two backs that work great...one always with 400 B&W and the other with 400 Portra for color. I do have a 3rd one, that needs a bit of CLA I think, but that one is for 3200 when I have to have some speed.

But yes, I don't think you can really have "too" many backs.

And if you're patient, you can find numbers matching ones, in good shape for under $200.
I did.

cayenne

Sirius Glass · Dec 21, 2020

etn said:
Agree, but the probability of having 2 backs experiencing the exact same problem would be very low. This would hint towards an issue with the body.

@Alsodrew, did you give it a try without the lens as well?

I have six backs and all of them match. I switch backs mid-roll all the time.

Ariston · Dec 21, 2020

Pieter12 said:
I don't subscribe to the myth of needing matching numbers for the inserts.

None of mine match, and they all work fine. I gladly pay less for non-matching backs, as long as they work. Maybe it would matter more for wide open macro work...

etn · Dec 22, 2020

Sirius Glass said:
I have six backs and all of them match. I switch backs mid-roll all the time.

Yes, same here - on average i have 3-4 backs loaded all the time with different or same film stock.

cayenne · Dec 22, 2020

etn said:
Yes, same here - on average i have 3-4 backs loaded all the time with different or same film stock.

Hear Hear!!

This is actually one of the huge benefits of the V System. Take advantage of it.

Of course, you don't have to buy multiple backs all at once, they can be a bit pricey...but then again, deals can be found. Pick them up over time and then, like you said keep different film stocks in there.....it's basically the old fashioned way of changing your ISO on the fly.

C

Hasselblad 500C/M Film Back Jamming

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