Hasselblad 553ELX Problems

So I was down in Savannah, GA for the big St. Patrick's Day parade, and had plans for a full day of photos with the Hasselblad 553 ELX.

Well, despite having worked flawlessly for a portrait session the day before, I suddenly was having to push the button twice to get the shutter to release. The first press would make a light click, the second would actually fire the camera.

This worked for about four rolls, then it just stopped working altogether. I tried two different buttons for the front release holes; neither worked. (EDIT: Also changed batteries.)

After experimenting, I realized I could move the LOT switch from O to T and get the shutter to fire and the film to advance. Not great, but I was able to make a few frames on the way back to Atlanta.

Anyone have an idea on this?

Maybe batteries shorting via the side plate? Just a wild guess.

There was a great article here long ago (can't find it, natch) where someone made little insulators to prevent the inevitable shorting that will occur over time.

On my 553ELX I always check to ensure the batteries aren't getting hot or that the fuse hasn't blown.

Theo Sulphate said:

Maybe batteries shorting via the side plate?

Click to expand...

Thanks, I meant to mention that the battery check was fine but I popped in a new set anyway. The camera will fire when set to "T" and the film advances just fine. Just can't fire from the front release.

Okay, so the tale of woe continues. So, back in March I sent this camera to KEH for repair. They had it for about two weeks, I get it back and test the shutter. Nothing. Same little click and that's it. So I box it back up and send it back to them. Three weeks later I get it back, test the shutter a few times, seems to be working okay.

Today, I finally get some time to make some images, but the camera dies again on the 11th frame! The bad thing is, I had popped up the mirror to make the last exposure, so when it died, it locked the lens on (150mm with ex tube!) so I am totally pooped again.

Does anyone have an idea on how to make the lens release? Is there a way to trigger the lens from inside the body?

ParkerSmithPhoto said:

Okay, so the tale of woe continues. So, back in March I sent this camera to KEH for repair. They had it for about two weeks, I get it back and test the shutter. Nothing. Same little click and that's it. So I box it back up and send it back to them. Three weeks later I get it back, test the shutter a few times, seems to be working okay.

Today, I finally get some time to make some images, but the camera dies again on the 11th frame! The bad thing is, I had popped up the mirror to make the last exposure, so when it died, it locked the lens on (150mm with ex tube!) so I am totally pooped again.

Does anyone have an idea on how to make the lens release? Is there a way to trigger the lens from inside the body?

Click to expand...

Sounds like your 553ELX is on the way out or KEH didn't do a good job fixing it. I don't have any real suggestions for you other than trying out a different release button or cable release (such as the short cable release that came with the camera). You can also try using a cable release that attaches to the remote port on the rear. I know you don't want to hear this, but the "good" thing about the 553ELX is that it's relatively cheap on the used market. In fact, it's probably the cheapest Hasselblad body you can buy at around $500 - $600.

I personally have a problem with my battery cover. I dread changing batteries because when I do the camera sometimes doesn't work when I put the cover back on. I usually need to play around cleaning the contacts with a pencil eraser and such (hint-hint to you) and just put it on and off a few times before it works. Also the key knob lock on the cover broke so I had to super glue it back on. It's a pain.

Good luck!