Hasselblad A12 Film Back Strangeness

[logan2z]

I recently picked up a second A12 back for my Hasselblad 500 C/M and just loaded some film in it for the first time. I noticed something odd/different about this back when I was pulling the film off of the film spool - the spool was 'stuttering' incrementally as I pulled the film off, almost as if there were regular detents somewhere. I experience no such thing with my other back, the spool turns smoothly/continuously as the film is unwound. I continued to load the film as usual and didn't feel anything odd when I wound it on after re-attaching the back. But I'm wondering if there's something amiss with this back or if it has a slightly different design than my other back and this is 'normal'.

Hoping someone with more knowledge of Hasselblad film backs can shed some light on this...

 

[eli griggs]

Possibly, missing gear teeth, on one or more wheels.

If that's the case, I'd be looking for overlapping or a narrowing of the frame margins, as the roll comes to a conclusion.

Old grease, with voids in coverage, might also skip, but look at the developed film first.

Cheers.

 

[Deleted member 88956]

I'm no expert on Hass stuff at this point in my life, but this sounds like lack of service for a long time. I have 3 backs from different generations, one beat up but recently serviced, and all move through film loading / advance as smooth as one would want.

If you're inclined to look inside, there are a few great YT videos on how to open it up. It will likely become immediately clear whether there is a gear issue or plain old grease dried up inside.

 

[logan2z]

Thanks for the responses and confirmation that something is amiss with this back. I'm within the store's return window so it's probably best if I send it back rather than spending my time - and likely wasting film - to debug this.

 

[Deleted member 88956]

Was the price "right" or rather close to current market? If not a good deal then yes, best to send it back.

 

[logan2z]

Was the price "right" or rather close to current market? If not a good deal then yes, best to send it back.

It was market value, nothing special in terms of price.

 

[Sirius Glass]

If I were you I would return it while you can. It needs a CLA at the minimum and you do not need the aggravation when there are backs in better condition out there for sale.

 

[bdial]

This "stuttering" was occurring before putting the film on to the take up spool? The supply spool should turn freely, I'm not sure what could cause that not to be the case. Maybe a tight fit between the spool and the the little "buttons" that hold it.
Before taking it back, I'd see if the problem is there with a different roll. If it persists, taking it back is probably the best idea.

 

[eli griggs]

Good luck.

 

[logan2z]

This "stuttering" was occurring before putting the film on to the take up spool? The supply spool should turn freely, I'm not sure what could cause that not to be the case. Maybe a tight fit between the spool and the the little "buttons" that hold it.
Before taking it back, I'd see if the problem is there with a different roll. If it persists, taking it back is probably the best idea.

I did check and the problem is there with or without the film roll.

 

[logan2z]

Good luck.

Thanks. The dealer has already sent me a return shipping label and the back is on its way to them. They get a lot of Hasselblad gear in on trade so hopefully they'll be able to replace it with a working back.