Hasselblad C12 back problem

Alan W · Sep 4, 2023

I have a C12 back that I can’t reset.Turning the crank backwards doesn’t reset the number wheel.I can wind it forward and it will transport film.It will mount on the camera body and the camera will transport film but because the frame counter won’t reset the shutter will not fire.When the darkslide is removed it makes no difference-the back is “telling “ the camera that the slide is in.I presume opening the back up and rectifying the counter problem would solve my problems-My question is-has anyone had a similar problem and how was it rectified?I am mechanically inclined and I’m not worried about losing the back.

Photomultiplier · Sep 4, 2023

In old mechanisms that probably have not been serviced for a long time, i always suspect old and dried lubricants to be a possible source of problems (among others, of course).

I encountered this multiple times when servicing my A12 backs. But i do not know the old non automatic backs.

There even is a article which treats the old mechanism: https://www.instructables.com/Hasselblack-film-back-cleanup/

Sirius Glass · Sep 4, 2023

Photomultiplier said:
In old mechanisms that probably have not been serviced for a long time, i always suspect old and dried lubricants to be a possible source of problems (among others, of course).

I encountered this multiple times when servicing my A12 backs. But i do not know the old non automatic backs.

There even is a article which treats the old mechanism: https://www.instructables.com/Hasselblack-film-back-cleanup/

Time for a CLA.

Alan W · Sep 4, 2023

I’ll buy a cla’d one,I’m just curious about the workings of these things.This thing is older than me!

Sirius Glass · Sep 4, 2023

Alan W said:
I’ll buy a cla’d one,I’m just curious about the workings of these things.This thing is older than me!

At this point it would be cheaper to CLA the one you have.

Alan W · Sep 4, 2023

Thanks for the link and the suggestion,by the way!

Alan W · Sep 4, 2023

Who do you recommend for a CLA?

Sirius Glass · Sep 4, 2023

Alan W said:
Who do you recommend for a CLA?

I take mine to Samy's Camera on Fairfax in Los Angeles. Once you put it in the mail, in the US, the distance does not matter.

Los Angeles Store & Rentals

431 S. Fairfax Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90036

Telephone: 323-938-2420
Fax: 323-937-2919 | E-Mail: lacamera@samys.com

Monday-Saturday: 10:00am-6:00pm; Closed Sundays. Rentals: Monday-Friday: 9:00am-6:00pm; Closed Saturdays & Sundays.

or KEH.com

Steven Lee · Sep 4, 2023

@Sirius Glass I looked all over Samy's website and couldn't find a word about camera repair services. Seems like a hidden benefit, or maybe their repair guy is overwhelmed servicing only the gear they sell? Do they have a separate website with this information?

@Alan W Hasselblad USA based in CA also services bodies and backs. The info is on their website.

Sirius Glass · Sep 4, 2023

Steven Lee said:
@Sirius Glass I looked all over Samy's website and couldn't find a word about camera repair services. Seems like a hidden benefit, or maybe their repair guy is overwhelmed servicing only the gear they sell? Do they have a separate website with this information?

@Alan W Hasselblad USA based in CA also services bodies and backs. The info is on their website.

Silly me! I have been using Samy's Camera for repairs since 2007! Am I walking around with unrepaired cameras?!?

BrianShaw · Sep 4, 2023

Steve’s Camera Service Center in Culver City, CA has a long corporate history with Hasselblad maintenance and repair. Might be worth a call and you can judge for yourself if they meet your expectations and needs. I’ve had them overhaul large format shutters and small format cameras in the past with 100% satisfaction.

Steve's Camera Service Center | Camera Repair | Culver City

Leica Canon Nikon Sony Hasselblad Camera Lens Repair Service CLA Collimation Focus Repairs

www.stevecamera.com

Steven Lee · Sep 4, 2023

Sirius Glass said:
Silly me! I have been using Samy's Camera for repairs since 2007! Am I walking around with unrepaired cameras?!?

But why don't they tell anyone about this service? Aren't you curious yourself?

Steven Lee · Sep 4, 2023

With Dave Odess passing, I am now slightly nervous about longevity of my gear. In my notes I now have just 3 places left, and they're all listed in this thread: Samy's in LA, Hasselblad USA, and Steve's Camera Repair. There's also Seawood Photo in San Rafael and they have an in-house repairman, but he does not specialize in any particular brand, which is probably not a good thing.

Is there anyone else?

Sirius Glass · Sep 4, 2023

Steven Lee said:
But why don't they tell anyone about this service? Aren't you curious yourself?

No.

jeffreyg · Sep 4, 2023

I had a repair and CLA with Hasselblad in CA and was very pleased with their service. You might want to call first.

BrianShaw · Sep 4, 2023

Wel,l I’m curious but not enough to call and ask…

What about these folks? I know nothing except what I read on their web page

Hasselblad — PCW

www.precisioncameraworks.com

4season · Sep 4, 2023

Alan W said:
I have a C12 back that I can’t reset.Turning the crank backwards doesn’t reset the number wheel.I can wind it forward and it will transport film.It will mount on the camera body and the camera will transport film but because the frame counter won’t reset the shutter will not fire.When the darkslide is removed it makes no difference-the back is “telling “ the camera that the slide is in.I presume opening the back up and rectifying the counter problem would solve my problems-My question is-has anyone had a similar problem and how was it rectified?I am mechanically inclined and I’m not worried about losing the back.

Dunno that it's the same problem, but my last C12 could be reset, but counter would stop at some random place. It turned out that there was a plastic bumper which was supposed to stop the film counter at "0" but the tip of it had broken off. Replaced it with a hand-cut part made from scrap material, probably LDPE, and that worked great.

Alan W · Sep 4, 2023

Thanks.I might just open this thing up and look around!

Hasselblad C12 back problem

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