How to access Hasselblad CF 50/4 (non FLE) front elements?

Hi everyone,

I have noticed some fungus on one element of the front group on my CF50 (non FLE). The rear group is quite accessible. However after screwing out the name plate in front of the front group, I'm not sure how to proceed. There is slots (?) for lens spanner, but I have tried to apply reasonable force but it wont move. Is there another way I could tackle this? If some one has the lens assembly for it, I'd be very grateful.

I'm almost positive someone else will mention it, but David Odess does excellent Hasselblad repair (East Coast, USA.)

That being said, I have a Distagon C 50 (the first version, in chrome) and found this thread on another forum where the person managed to get the lens semi-open. If it the construction of the CF version is the same, then I think you can forget about accessing the rear surface of the front element. Though I could be wrong.

If it has slots for a spanner but will not turn it is most likely sealed with Glyptal. Glyptal is a clear thread locker similar to clear fingernail polish. It can be dissolved with Acetone or finger nail polish remover. Apply to the threads just above the ring and allow to sit a few minutes. I frequently dip a cotton swab in the acetone then swab or drip the acetone onto the threads or screw. When applying holding pressure to the lens barrel be sure to keep the pressure equal around the barrel as it may distort easily just enough to cause a jam.

You just need more force, sometimes the front group is threaded in really tight, or seized. There are a few lenses that I was not able to disassemble, it is possible that some prior service may have added an inappropriate thread lock compound.

The worse lens (that I really wanted to dismantle) - I set up the lens spanner in a vise with appropriate support such that I could apply torque to the body using an oil filter tool to unscrew the front group. It was pretty messy.

Hasselblad optical blocks are pretty easy to remove, so dust and fungus on the outside of the optical blocks are usually easy to clean. If you get one that still has a lot of dust or fungus, then there is a chance that the optical block is seized (or just really tight).

If the fungus is inside the front block, you will have to disassemble the block after it is removed.

IloveTLRs said:

I'm almost positive someone else will mention it, but David Odess does excellent Hasselblad repair (East Coast, USA.)

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+1. It's really easy to convert a Hasselblad lens into an expensive paperweight.

Welcome to APUG

Do not make a paper weight or door stop. Have it CLA'd by a Hasselblad repairman.