Hasselblad SWC/M - micro scratches

Paul Ozzello · Nov 21, 2012

I read an older article on photo.net that discusses micro-scratching on some pre 903 models of the SWC/M. Is this something that can be repaired ? I bought the camera new in the early 90s, does Hasselblad still service the camera ?

http://photo.net/medium-format-photography-forum/00IWrc?start=10

Paul

BrianShaw · Nov 21, 2012

Hey Slim... IDK if Hassy services them, but there are repair shops who do... like Steve's Camera Repair in Culver City, CA.

http://www.stevecamera.com/service.html

Paul Ozzello · Nov 21, 2012

Would an independant repair shop like Steve's camera be able to remove scratches from a lens ?

BrianShaw · Nov 21, 2012

I don't know. I actually doubt it but call them. They usually answer the phone on the second ring. I really don't think it is that much to worry about, though... especially if you are using a lens hood.

mcd · Nov 21, 2012

Do you have problems with your images? I would just close my eyes and not look for the scratch if you don't. It cannot be fixed or re-polished by Hasselblad. Also, the older C type lenses are running out of spare parts. I wouldn't take the chance. If you saw the condition of the glass on the commercial Ektars I used in the early 1980's at a catalog studio, you would have been horrified. The chromes looked fantastic...

Paul Ozzello · Nov 21, 2012

I haven't noticed anything yet but I'd like to avoid any potential problems - my SWC is my work horse - I would be lost without it It aslo has sentimental value...

mcd · Nov 21, 2012

I have a SWC/M (C type lens) with a scratch. You can barely see it. I cannot see any indication of it when I look at the film, but knowing it's there pisses me off. I wish I never looked for it.
You can always look for a used 503 SWC if you are worried.

Aron · Nov 21, 2012

Why don't you find someone with a pristine SWC relatively close to you to test your SWC against his? Take good film and a stable tripod with you and do an A/B test, photographing scenes with both the Sun and shaded areas in it at various apertures. I bet you won't see a difference (unless the light changes between shots), or if you will, yours will be the one with more contrast and less flare...

bdial · Nov 21, 2012

This link was posted a couple of days ago in another thread, it should put your mind at ease;

http://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2008/10/front-element-scratches

If the scratches really are "micro", along the line of "cleaning marks" it will affect what someone pays you for the camera, but it won't affect the pictures you make. A lens hood may be a good idea though.

Sirius Glass · Nov 21, 2012

fatso said:
I haven't noticed anything yet but I'd like to avoid any potential problems - my SWC is my work horse - I would be lost without it It aslo has sentimental value...

Then do not worry about it. I have a 903 SWC and it is a great camera with optics that I could only dream about before the digital revolution.

Slixtiesix · Nov 22, 2012

As far as I understood you do not have scratches yet but you are concerned that scratches may show up? Do you still have the old SWC/M with the C-style lens? If not then there is no reason to worry at all. Even if there would be scratches I´m sure they won´t affect image image quality in any visible way. If that really worries you then you could sell the camera and buy a 903SWC. I´m watching the prices on Ebay regularly and upgrading won´t cost you much.

Paul Ozzello · Nov 22, 2012

bdial said:
This link was posted a couple of days ago in another thread, it should put your mind at ease;

http://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2008/10/front-element-scratches

If the scratches really are "micro", along the line of "cleaning marks" it will affect what someone pays you for the camera, but it won't affect the pictures you make. A lens hood may be a good idea though.

lol - point well taken

Paul Ozzello · Nov 22, 2012

Slixtiesix said:
As far as I understood you do not have scratches yet but you are concerned that scratches may show up? Do you still have the old SWC/M with the C-style lens? If not then there is no reason to worry at all. Even if there would be scratches I´m sure they won´t affect image image quality in any visible way. If that really worries you then you could sell the camera and buy a 903SWC. I´m watching the prices on Ebay regularly and upgrading won´t cost you much.

I checked out the lens last night with a hi power LED - no signs of scratches but the lenses are filthy ! It's a CF version but apparently some of those were affected as well.

I can't get rid of it - too much sentimental value...

Slixtiesix · Nov 22, 2012

Then just keep it. Does you camera still have a bubble lever on top? Has it the new style viewfinder? If it has the new finder, chances are very low that your camera is affected. If it has no bubble lever any more, you are 100% save. The problem was fixed by Hasselblad somewhen between the change to the new finder and the sacrifice of the lever.

Paul Ozzello · Nov 22, 2012

Slixtiesix said:
Then just keep it. Does you camera still have a bubble lever on top? Has it the new style viewfinder? If it has the new finder, chances are very low that your camera is affected. If it has no bubble lever any more, you are 100% save. The problem was fixed by Hasselblad somewhen between the change to the new finder and the sacrifice of the lever.

Old viewfinder with bubble level on the body...

Can someone recommend a good repair shop in the NYC/NJ/CT area ?

DanG · Nov 23, 2012

Yes, Hasselblad does still service the SWC. I just had mine CLA'd sent by my local dealer, I think that they said it went to New Jersey. check with Hasselblad USA.

DanG

mcd · Nov 24, 2012

I second Hasselblad in NJ. They overhauled my SWC/M in 2003. Great service.

John Wiegerink · Nov 24, 2012

CLA

DanG said:
Yes, Hasselblad does still service the SWC. I just had mine CLA'd sent by my local dealer, I think that they said it went to New Jersey. check with Hasselblad USA.

DanG

Dan,
I've been thinking of getting a CLA on my SWC and was wondering what Hassy,NJ. charges for a CLA? It still works fine, but it's due. JohnW

E. von Hoegh · Nov 24, 2012

fatso said:
Would an independant repair shop like Steve's camera be able to remove scratches from a lens ?

Almost certainly not.

Slixtiesix · Nov 24, 2012

One question? Do you want to send the camera in for a shutter modification (The one that Hasselblad carried out on the later SWC/M). If so I don´t know whether independent repair shops could do this...

Paul Ozzello · Nov 29, 2012

DanG said:
Yes, Hasselblad does still service the SWC. I just had mine CLA'd sent by my local dealer, I think that they said it went to New Jersey. check with Hasselblad USA.

DanG

Excellent, I just contacted Hasselblad NJ and will be sending them my camera !

John Wiegerink · Nov 29, 2012

Quote.........

fatso said:
Excellent, I just contacted Hasselblad NJ and will be sending them my camera !

What are you going to have done? Did they give you a quote? I'm debating on a "private repair" CLA, but maybe Hasselblad, NJ. is better for the buck.

Paul Ozzello · Nov 30, 2012

John Wiegerink said:
What are you going to have done? Did they give you a quote? I'm debating on a "private repair" CLA, but maybe Hasselblad, NJ. is better for the buck.

They weren't able to give me a quote over the phone. I'm having the work done end of December, probably a CLA, and they are going to check for micro-scratches and repair if necessary. I'll give you all the details when I get it back !

Paul

Slixtiesix · Nov 30, 2012

Ask if they can modify the shutter blades! (It was only one that was modified after all, if I remember correctly)

John Wiegerink · Nov 30, 2012

Thanks Paul and I'm in no big hurry since my SWC is still working pretty well. The only thing that is acting up is the self-timer. It hangs if cocked and released, but I never use it on this camera anyway. The SWC was one of my most rewarding camera purchases ever. I remember the first time I took it out for a spin and then that night in the darkroom. All I kept saying was, WOW! I could sell all my other Hasselblad cameras and lenses, but the SWC is staying. JohnW

Hasselblad SWC/M - micro scratches

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