Hassy lens issues... What am I missing?

LMNOP · Jan 20, 2016

Hey APUG!

The beast that is my GAS is satisfied this week, I received my BGN condition 150mm f4 Hassy lens in black.

I've shot a half roll with it, and decided this evening to try the self timer, which I had not needed to use so far. After successfully playing with that function, I found the lens acting like Bulb mode for 1 second exposures. This is really weird, and when I change the light value, it buzzes a bit like it was timing an exposure all of the sudden. I am just firing off shots with the back off and it seems to work at all speeds except 1 second. For that, it is acting just like bulb mode, but when I release the shutter, the baffles close, and the lens stays open at the selected aperture, until I reset the mirror and the lens goes back to wide open.

Any thoughts? This DOES NOT happen when I switch back to my 80mm.

Luis-F-S · Jan 20, 2016

It's called it needs a CLA. L

Sirius Glass · Jan 20, 2016

I agree with Luis-F-S said about a CLA. The Hasselblad repairman that I use strongly advises against using the lens self timers which if I recall correctly are on the C model lenses. He told me a few weeks ago that the lens self timers caused more problems than they are worth. Furthermore he told me specifically not to use ever the self timer on the one C lens that I have.

frank · Jan 20, 2016

Avoid the use of self timers on vintage cameras as well. They seem to be the first thing that dried lubrication gums up, and unfortunately incapacitates the whole camera, which would still have worked without the use of its self timer.

Theo Sulphate · Jan 20, 2016

Erratic or non-functional slow speeds are the first indications of needing a CLA, as mentioned above.

I am strange in that I insist my self-timers and slow speeds on all cameras or lenses always be working, from Minox to Exakta, to Hasselblad, to Speed Graphic. I don't want to be afraid of using the timer or slow speeds.

frank · Jan 20, 2016

Theo Sulphate said:
Erratic or non-functional slow speeds are the first indications of needing a CLA, as mentioned above.

I am strange in that I insist my self-timers and slow speeds on all cameras or lenses always be working, from Minox to Exakta, to Hasselblad, to Speed Graphic. I don't want to be afraid of using the timer or slow speeds.

If you have the skill to fix these yourself, or the money to have it done for you, by all means, use those self timers!

LMNOP · Jan 20, 2016

Well... This sucks. I feared the answer would be CLA. I just received this from KEH so I assume I could send it right back for replacement. I hope I did not mess up my 80mm by trying the timer. This is quite discouraging considering I waited about 4 weeks for this lens, since it was the result of a return. Thanks for the info.

Theo Sulphate · Jan 21, 2016

Looking at KEH's grading system,

Dead Link Removed

even a BGN lens should be fully functional. I would return it to them for a CLA (should be no cost to you). When you get it back, you will then have a fully functioning CLA'd lens - which should give you peace of mind knowing its condition. That's probably better than buying a nicer looking lens somewhere else that seems to work, but fails six months later.

Occasionally KEH misses things. Long ago, I bought an F2S in either LN- or EX+ condition and discovered just a bit too late that the Photomic S head (DP2) wouldn't show an aperture wider than f/5.6 in its external indexing window (which tells the meter your widest aperture). That was unfortunate, since I mounted a 55/1.2 lens on it.

BrianShaw · Jan 21, 2016

frank said:
If you have the skill to fix these yourself, or the money to have it done for you, by all means, use those self timers!

Exactly right. Self-timers are only a problem when there is a pending problem with the shutter that needs to be resolved.

BrianShaw · Jan 21, 2016

LMNOP said:
Well... This sucks. I feared the answer would be CLA. ...

You bought an older bargain grade lens... this should not be a surprise. Expecting an older bargain grade lens to be perfect might be a tad unreasonable. And expecting the seller to put an older bargain grade lens into perfect condition may be also.

Luis-F-S · Jan 21, 2016

When I was using my cameras regularly I sent them to VHI every 2 years for service, sometimes more often. It wasn't usually an overhaul but some minor "Class B" service, so I was on a first name basis with Don Snyder the service manager. Blads may be reasonably cheap now, but they are complex mechanical cameras made for professional use, AND professional service. It's unrealistic to expect a camera that's been sitting for years not to need a CLA.

Sirius Glass · Jan 21, 2016

LMNOP said:
Well... This sucks. I feared the answer would be CLA. I just received this from KEH so I assume I could send it right back for replacement. I hope I did not mess up my 80mm by trying the timer. This is quite discouraging considering I waited about 4 weeks for this lens, since it was the result of a return. Thanks for the info.

KEH is very good about doing a CLA under warranty within the first six months. They would rather fix something than take it back.

mike c · Jan 21, 2016

Just thinking about the self timer and the need to pull the shutter release locking lever to lock position (T) when using self timer.

bdial · Jan 21, 2016

BrianShaw said:
You bought an older bargain grade lens... this should not be a surprise. Expecting an older bargain grade lens to be perfect might be a tad unreasonable. And expecting the seller to put an older bargain grade lens into perfect condition may be also.

KEH's BGN grade is supposed to be fully functional, just not necessarily pretty. So returning it for either a CLA or exchange is perfectly reasonable.

Sirius Glass · Jan 21, 2016

I have a separate self time to use with my Hasselblads, if I ever need one. It is like this one.

BrianShaw · Jan 21, 2016

bdial said:
KEH's BGN grade is supposed to be fully functional, just not necessarily pretty. So returning it for either a CLA or exchange is perfectly reasonable.

Yes, technically speaking (and with the full concurrence of KEH) you are correct. I'm just a bit more skeptical of that when it comes to older pro gear that has been through the mill.

LMNOP · Jan 21, 2016

BrianShaw said:
Yes, technically speaking (and with the full concurrence of KEH) you are correct. I'm just a bit more skeptical of that when it comes to older pro gear that has been through the mill.

I do not agree that expecting working condition, as described, is unreasonable. I have dealt with their used department many times and never had an issue with BGN condition, not like this. If this lens was tested AT ALL, this issue would have surfaced.

I also purchased a ball head in EX condition and it arrived defective. Life happens.

LMNOP · Jan 21, 2016

KEH agreed to ship me a replacement in exchange for the defective one, and I provided tracking info so they can release the product before receiving the original unit. This is about as good of a solution as I could hope for, they've assured me that the replacement will be thoroughly inspected.

BrianShaw · Jan 21, 2016

LMNOP said:
KEH agreed to ship me a replacement in exchange for the defective one, and I provided tracking info so they can release the product before receiving the original unit. This is about as good of a solution as I could hope for, they've assured me that the replacement will be thoroughly inspected.

Glad to hear that they are making things right for you. That is their promise, and that is their reputation.

I apologize to you for using the word "unreasonable" when I really meant to say "unrealistic". But it's not even that if one interprets KEH promise literally... which they appear to do. The point I was trying to make, and not doing that so good, is that unless an older bargain-grade shutter is completely overhauled they will be susceptible to failure upon receipt or sometime thereafter (maybe sooner than later) due to the fact that they are older and well used. Sorry if I insulted you in any way; that was not my intent.

I hope you are staying warm in VT.

Sirius Glass · Jan 21, 2016

LMNOP said:
I do not agree that expecting working condition, as described, is unreasonable. I have dealt with their used department many times and never had an issue with BGN condition, not like this. If this lens was tested AT ALL, this issue would have surfaced.

I also purchased a ball head in EX condition and it arrived defective. Life happens.

I do agree that expecting working condition, as described, is reasonable.

LMNOP said:
KEH agreed to ship me a replacement in exchange for the defective one, and I provided tracking info so they can release the product before receiving the original unit. This is about as good of a solution as I could hope for, they've assured me that the replacement will be thoroughly inspected.

This is what they have done for me in the past. That is why I prefer to use them over any other on line store. Of course the most preferred is still face to face over a counter.

Jim Noel · Jan 21, 2016

frank said:
Avoid the use of self timers on vintage cameras as well. They seem to be the first thing that dried lubrication gums up, and unfortunately incapacitates the whole camera, which would still have worked without the use of its self timer.

Agreed. Years ago my repairman told me to never use a self timer that they are capable of doing more damage to a shutter than anything else. I had him remove them from several shutters.

LMNOP · Jan 21, 2016

BrianShaw said:
Glad to hear that they are making things right for you. That is their promise, and that is their reputation.

I apologize to you for using the word "unreasonable" when I really meant to say "unrealistic". But it's not even that if one interprets KEH promise literally... which they appear to do. The point I was trying to make, and not doing that so good, is that unless an older bargain-grade shutter is completely overhauled they will be susceptible to failure upon receipt or sometime thereafter (maybe sooner than later) due to the fact that they are older and well used. Sorry if I insulted you in any way; that was not my intent.

I hope you are staying warm in VT.

Haha no sweat, text always reads so flat, my response was remaining an optimistic tone. I don't want to be a pain for KEH, I work for a company that is exactly like KEH but a different product, not cameras, so I understand how these things go.

VT is just getting to the best part of winter, hence the Hassy starting to get more use, I love the battery-free operation. I've been walking on frozen ponds just about daily!

LMNOP · Jan 21, 2016

It is really good to know about the self timer (which I don't need) I just like to understand ALL functions and try them out. I hope my 80mm is not too disrupted by the self timer test.

BorgeH · Jan 24, 2016

I would like to add a sentence I like very much:"If it is not broken, never try to fix it!". Most errors disappear after some manipulations. You do not have to send your lens away to service if it is not broken. Of course, a CLA can be good in may cases, but for many low cost lenses it is as costly (work+freight) as the lens. So why do the service when you can buy an other lens?

I have bought several low cost Hasselblad lenses, among them a S-Planar 5.6/120 mm. I got it for a very low price (about US $100 in my currency) as the low speeds were irregular. The higher speeds however were OK.

When I got it I also tried the self-timer. It of course stuck at once. I guess the lens have not been used in many years. Probably standing in some cupboard until the owner needed the money.

I forced carefully by hand the self-timer lever of the lens to the end, so that the lens actuated. I then tried to exercise the lens, I made several actuations with-out film in the camera. I also added very sparesly one or two drops of thin oil in the openings nearby the self-timer. After some exercises everything started to operate normally. I guess the thin oil and the warmth of my hands helped in the process.

I guess it is with old Hasselblad lenses as it is with all older camera equipment, you have to use them. If not, exercise them at least once a month. Otherwise they will stuck! So, before sending your lens away, try to exercise it!

Sirius Glass · Jan 24, 2016

BorgeH said:
I would like to add a sentence I like very much:"If it is not broken, never try to fix it!". Most errors disappear after some manipulations. You do not have to send your lens away to service if it is not broken. Of course, a CLA can be good in may cases, but for many low cost lenses it is as costly (work+freight) as the lens. So why do the service when you can buy an other lens?

I have bought several low cost Hasselblad lenses, among them a S-Planar 5.6/120 mm. I got it for a very low price (about US $100 in my currency) as the low speeds were irregular. The higher speeds however were OK.

When I got it I also tried the self-timer. It of course stuck at once. I guess the lens have not been used in many years. Probably standing in some cupboard until the owner needed the money.

I forced carefully by hand the self-timer lever of the lens to the end, so that the lens actuated. I then tried to exercise the lens, I made several actuations with-out film in the camera. I also added very sparesly one or two drops of thin oil in the openings nearby the self-timer. After some exercises everything started to operate normally. I guess the thin oil and the warmth of my hands helped in the process.

I guess it is with old Hasselblad lenses as it is with all older camera equipment, you have to use them. If not, exercise them at least once a month. Otherwise they will stuck! So, before sending your lens away, try to exercise it!

Welcome to APUG. We can always use another Hasselblad user.

Hassy lens issues... What am I missing?

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