Hasselblad focusing screen mess

[Antje]

Hi there,

Focusing woes again - I have my 500C in for a CLA (since Feb 8th... :rolleyes: ), and they claim they can't install a new focusing screen because, well, it's not possible to install another screen because it's not a CM. I sent an Acute Matte D in with the CLA (which they lost first, took them a week to find it in the brown envelope with big red letters saying "EINSTELLSCHEIBE" on it). They destroyed the screen that came with the camera and told me they'll now install a regular screen that "fits my model". Has anyone ever experienced something like that? I thought it wasn't possible to get a screen that isn't compatible with my model.

Please tell me they're just slightly incompetent and that I'll get my Hassy back alive and well... *sigh*

Antje

 

[mikebarger]

I had David Odess install a Brightscreen brand screen in my 500C while doing a CLA, NO problems at all. Great screen!

Good luck

Mike

 

[resummerfield]

I thought any screen could be installed on an older C, but I'm no expert. Perhaps for a "second opinion", you could post a question on Hasselbladinfo.com, giving the particulars and serial number of your camera. There are several experts who watch that site, including Q. G. de Bakker or David Odess.

 

[bdial]

My time of owning a 500c was quite a while ago, but if memory serves me, you can certainly can change screens in the 500C, but it requires turning screws, as opposed to a more user friendly system in the C/M's. It may well be that C/M screens are not installable in a 500C however. But an informed second opinion is certainly worthwhile. A different shop might be worthwhile as well.

 

[John Koehrer]

Sounds like they're not all that competant with the Hasselblad.
The screen's held in with four screws through a frame. The main difference is that there are springs pushing the screen upward toward the frame & the screen needs to be adjusted for accuracy of focus. Obviously the CM screens are drop-ins.

 

[Antje]

Thanks guys... That's what I feared. Sadly, I cannot just get the camera back and send it somewhere else because I already signed to have it CLA'd - TWELVE days ago! They told me it would take one week including shipping... Well, I'll look for another repair shop next time. This was the biggest one with the best record I could find. This is so frustrating. I should have sent it in *before* becoming attached to it at least. Ow. Hurts.

Antje

 

[Antje]

What really annoys me is that this guy told me cheerfully on the phone that "There is a problem with your camera", as if breaking it while performing a maintenance task was either my problem or my camera's. I think it was the cheerful part that did it... After some explaining on his part, I asked him what he expected me to say now (probably something like "Oh, don't worry honey, it's not your fault, just bill me 300 bucks for it"), and then he told me they were replacing the screen with a standard one and basically hung up on me.

Antje, furious

 

[mikebarger]

I "think" to use the 500CM screen all that needs to happen is remove the metal frame. I "think" the actual screen is the same.

I'm sure someone will know for sure about the c vs CM.

Mike

 

[George Papantoniou]

John's right. The C/M has interchangeable screens (that is, you change them yourself by releasing two small metal levers on their sides) and the C doesn't.

That means that in order to change the focusing screen of a C, you have to unscrew the frame that holds it, putting its alignment in danger. If you don't install it correctly, the camera might not focus accurately. The repairman might have messed with it and broken or scratched it. The new screens (for the C/M) probably won't fit the C.

If you need more detailed info on that, PM me and I will try to contact my friend the Hassie repairman.

 

[Roger Hicks]

What really annoys me is that this guy told me cheerfully on the phone that "There is a problem with your camera", as if breaking it while performing a maintenance task was either my problem or my camera's. I think it was the cheerful part that did it... After some explaining on his part, I asked him what he expected me to say now (probably something like "Oh, don't worry honey, it's not your fault, just bill me 300 bucks for it"), and then he told me they were replacing the screen with a standard one and basically hung up on me.

Antje, furious

Dear Antje,

Have you a Small Claims Court in Germany? In the UK, this sort of thing can be handled comparatively cheaply and easily (much easier than a normal court action).

I'd be inclined to write to them saying that you have no confidence in their work and will need to have the camera examined and repaired by someone competent, and would therefore like the camera back plus (say) 200 euros to cover your expenses and another X euros for a replacement screen. Copy this to your local Chamber of Commerce (Syndicat d'Initiative in French -- sorry, don't know the German) and to any trade organization to which the repairer belongs, and wait for their reaction.

To echo what the others have said, yes, you can change screens on a 500C and I'm pretty sure I changed the screen on mine. As I sold it a quarter of a century ago, I don't remember: I think I recall doing it, but I can't think why I'd have done it.

Cheers,

R.

 

[Ulrich Drolshagen]

Hi Antje,

lots of useful information on Hasselblads in german you may find here:

http://www.stefanheymann.de/501cm/index.htm

I am sure Stefan can answer your question regarding a change of the screen.


Ulrich

 

[Antje]

Hi guys, here's an update: I got my camera back today, and it's cleaned and in good condition. They replaced the old standard screen (which they claim they broke) with a new standards screen free of charge. But they didn't return the Acute Matte I had sent in. At least I cannot find it in the box, and the little box I had sent it in to them now holds the old standard screen. As far as I can tell, that screen has no broken glass.
I'll contact them on Monday and ask if they forgot to return the AM.

This is so - I don't know. Definitely not what I would consider good business conduct. I feel cheated. I would have paid for the new standard screen, but I'd like to have my AM back.

Antje, feeling sick now

 

[Matthew Gorringe]

Sorry to hear your tale Antje.

I think you've done the right thing by not naming them, yet.

Roger's advice seems best, especially if they "have trouble finding" your acute matte screen. Ask to speak to the owner about your problem when you ring, it could just be an incompetent employee rather than the whole business.