Hasselblad lens problems

ec37 · Nov 3, 2015

Hi, newbie here (both to the forums and to film).

I recently acquired a Hasselblad 500CM with an 80mm f/2.8 T* Synchro Compur.
I seem to be having some troubles with the lens...
First off, the shutter speed: no matter what I set the shutter speed to, it doesn't seem to make a difference...whether I have it set at B or 1/500, the shutter closes at top speed immediately no matter how long my finger is holding down the shutter release.
Same thing happens in the self-timer mode, or when I hit the mirror up switch.

Is there something that I'm missing or does my lens need repairs??

Do you think this problem is localized in the lens or would my camera body have anything to do with it as well?

I don't have any film in the camera, but I do have the empty magazine attached, so I assume having film loaded won't make a difference?

thanks,

Sirius Glass · Nov 3, 2015

Welcome to APUG

Given the cost of repair of a Hasselblad lens if one adds to the problem by attempting to fix it themselves, I would recommend that you have a professional Hasselblad repair person take a look at it. Where are you located? Depending on where you are I can recommend several good people.

ec37 · Nov 3, 2015

Thanks for the welcome!

I'm located in Toronto, Canada

Sirius Glass · Nov 3, 2015

Talk to David Odess
David Odess Camera Repair
65 Collins Ave,
Randolph, MA 02368
(781) 963-1166

http://www.yellowpages.com/randolph-ma/mip/david-odess-camera-repair-462733510

bdial · Nov 3, 2015

If things are working correctly, the shutter in the lens should simply close when you pre-release the body (the mirror button under the wind knob).
Then if you press the shutter release the shutter should open then close at whatever speed is set. If the pre-release isn't used, the shutter should close, the mirror and rear "barn door" shutters open, then the shutter opens for the set time then closes.
Presumably, this is not the case?

When the shutter is closed for the mirror going up, the movement is governed by a gear train in the body. If that isn't working right it could be a body problem or the linkage in the lens that connects the winding shaft to the shutter.

David Odess would be a good source for setting it right.

ec37 · Nov 3, 2015

thanks for the recommendation

dbial, i see now that after hitting the pre-release, then hitting the shutter, the shutter does open but again, only for a very short moment even if i have the shutter speed set to a longer exposure. it seem's i'm stuck at 1/500 no matter what i have it set to

i'll get in contact with David Odess...thanks again

cowanw · Nov 3, 2015

I strongly suggest Camtech in Hamilton; much closer and you will have a fine lens when done
Dead Link Removed

HiHoSilver · Nov 3, 2015

For reference, I've had superb service from Paul at Associated Camera in Portland, OR. 2 blads w/ focus issues. He repeatedly discouraged me from having other service done on lens/equip that he didn't think would benefit from it - turning away profitable business. He was factory 'blad service for 30 yrs - talked w/ Bill Maxwell (costly but great focusing screens & also a multi-decade 'Blad service guy) about my particular unit. Anyone near the Pacific North Wet w/ a sick blad would be well served by Paul.
http://associatedcamera.webs.com/

frank · Nov 3, 2015

David Yau in Toronto. Google him for particulars. Very reasonable. Did good work for me.

itsdoable · Nov 3, 2015

The shutter and timing mechanisms are all in the lens, the camera body only triggers the lens shutter. Thus the likely problem is in the lens.

I would use someone closer to home, the V lens shutters were CLA'ed everywhere. I don't know the local Hasselblad specialists in Toronto (but you have been given some local contacts, so I'd check them out), but I can vouch for Roger at Camtech in Hamilton (~1h away).

Jeff L · Nov 3, 2015

Roger at Camtech in Hamilton did good work on my Rolleiflex lens and shutter (Tessar with Compur Rapid).

frank · Nov 3, 2015

David yau is a hasselblad specialist and I recommend him based on a cla done on my hasselblad. I'm also happy with Roger at camtec in Hamilton who has cla'ed some Leica gear for me.

ec37 · Nov 4, 2015

Thanks for all the responses.
I've emailed all of the above, and so far have already gotten some responses.
I'll probably check out David Yau since he's just a short drive away from me

thanks again,

John Koehrer · Nov 4, 2015

UYou can check the shutter by depressing the small pin in the small collar at the bottom of the lens.

Cock it with a coin, push it with your fingernail, repeat, it's just like staring at something shiny.

Don't forget to cock it before you remount it.

BorgeH · Nov 6, 2015

I have recently bought some old Hasselblad lenses (120/4 and 250/5.6). They have had been very slow or were not operating at low speeds, especially 1s, 1/2 s, ...but I got them at a very good price!

I usually when I get them clean the lens and give them some very small drops of thin oil in openings near the timing mechanism and several times exercise the mechanism. I use very little oil or rust solvent! After sometimes up to 30 cycles of operations the lens start to operate normally! I guess the warmth from my hands also helps. In one case I also used a hair-dryer to heat the lens to get every stuck speed loose and operating.

My impression is that sometimes the old Hasselblad lenses are stored in drawers and are not used for long time before they are sold. The oil and the grease in the lens "gums up" or dries. The lens need of course a CLA, but usually for a low cost lens it is sufficient (and cheaper?) with a few drops of oil and a little exercise!

I once read something that I think is a good motto: "If it is not broken, do not mend it!". That is, at least try to get the lens running before you plan to send it in for repair!

Sirius Glass · Nov 6, 2015

BorgeH said:
I have recently bought some old Hasselblad lenses (120/4 and 250/5.6). They have had been very slow or were not operating at low speeds, especially 1s, 1/2 s, ...but I got them at a very good price!

I usually when I get them clean the lens and give them some very small drops of thin oil in openings near the timing mechanism and several times exercise the mechanism. I use very little oil or rust solvent! After sometimes up to 30 cycles of operations the lens start to operate normally! I guess the warmth from my hands also helps. In one case I also used a hair-dryer to heat the lens to get every stuck speed loose and operating.

My impression is that sometimes the old Hasselblad lenses are stored in drawers and are not used for long time before they are sold. The oil and the grease in the lens "gums up" or dries. The lens need of course a CLA, but usually for a low cost lens it is sufficient (and cheaper?) with a few drops of oil and a little exercise!

I once read something that I think is a good motto: "If it is not broken, do not mend it!". That is, at least try to get the lens running before you plan to send it in for repair!

Welcome to APUG

Any camera left unused for years may have the mechanisms gummed up. For those a CLA is in order.

aoresteen · Nov 7, 2015

I've used Hasselblad since 1976. What everyone is telling you is true. All the service persons mentioned are good. Get it serviced! I use David Odess since I'm in the USA. Welcome to the Hasselblad family!

Hasselblad lens problems

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency