Hasselblad A12 back won't close

[sterioma]

I have just bought my first used Hasselblad (a 501 C/M with an 80 CF lens in almost mint condition) - and payed good money for it.

After shooting a roll today (my third ever with this camera) having removed the film back (yes, I know it's not strictly required to rewind the film and get it off the insert), now it does not attach to the camera body any more.

When pivoting the magazine to the bottom of the camera body, moving the tops together will not get the hooks from the body into the holes in the magazine, even applying a slight pressure to the slider on the magazine. I don't know whether the problem is the holes not opening up enough for the hooks to engage, or there's something else going on.

I have tried with both the shutter cocked and uncocked, and with and without the magazine insert.

I am waiting to hear back from the seller (I am still within the return period), but maybe I am doing something wrong? Any idea?

 

[BrianShaw]

Check the dark slide. It works best of the “roll” faces rearward. Otherwise it might give a symptom as you describe.

 

[sterioma]

Thank you Brian, that was it.
Actually I had forgotten the dark slide entirely (did not know it mattered at all for closing, thought it was just important when trying to open)