I will attempt to change my Hasselblad 500c screen myself over the next couple months and change the internal light seals - not the dark slide light seals - on an A12 film back (see here for context). I'm leaving up this thread as progress log.
Would it be wiser to send this off to professional? Yes. However, so far, I feel I've seen enough evidence that each is doable. I'll stop and send everything to a professional once something looks dangerous.
Wish me luck. Please share your tips if you've already done this successfully. I have a few questions I have to research:
For the screen
1. What's the part number for the 500c screen's screws? I may try to buy an extra set before starting.
2. What's the part number for any other relevant 500c screen parts? Ditto.
3. Where's an 'official' exploded diagram of the screen and installation instructions?
4. What exact screwdriver type and size should I use to match the screws?
5. What chemicals or lubricants should I have on hand, if any?
6. How do I get a broken screw out if God frowns on me when I try this?
7. Can I re-calibrate focus with a 100mm lens or should I order a 250mm to make it easier?
8. Is there a step by step video out there with helpful viewing angles?
For the A12 film back
1. See questions 1. - 5. above.
2. See question 8. above.
My successful DIY builds and repairs so far
Sputnik stereo camera lens focus calibration
Mamiya RB67 Instax Mini film back build
Mamiya RB67 lens PC sync port replacement
Mamiya RB67 light seals replacement on rotating film back and 120 film back
Yashica 635 Olsen screen installation and focus calibration with shims (2x)
Leica M3 vertical rangefinder adjustment
Leica M2 vertical rangefinder adjustment
Nikon FM focusing screen clean (slight disassembly required)
Nikon FM light seals replacement
Past Photo threads on 500c screen replacement
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Past Photrio threads on Hasselblad A12 internal light seal replacement
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Would it be wiser to send this off to professional? Yes. However, so far, I feel I've seen enough evidence that each is doable. I'll stop and send everything to a professional once something looks dangerous.
Wish me luck. Please share your tips if you've already done this successfully. I have a few questions I have to research:
For the screen
1. What's the part number for the 500c screen's screws? I may try to buy an extra set before starting.
2. What's the part number for any other relevant 500c screen parts? Ditto.
3. Where's an 'official' exploded diagram of the screen and installation instructions?
4. What exact screwdriver type and size should I use to match the screws?
5. What chemicals or lubricants should I have on hand, if any?
6. How do I get a broken screw out if God frowns on me when I try this?
7. Can I re-calibrate focus with a 100mm lens or should I order a 250mm to make it easier?
8. Is there a step by step video out there with helpful viewing angles?
For the A12 film back
1. See questions 1. - 5. above.
2. See question 8. above.
My successful DIY builds and repairs so far
Sputnik stereo camera lens focus calibration
Mamiya RB67 Instax Mini film back build
Mamiya RB67 lens PC sync port replacement
Mamiya RB67 light seals replacement on rotating film back and 120 film back
Yashica 635 Olsen screen installation and focus calibration with shims (2x)
Leica M3 vertical rangefinder adjustment
Leica M2 vertical rangefinder adjustment
Nikon FM focusing screen clean (slight disassembly required)
Nikon FM light seals replacement
Past Photo threads on 500c screen replacement
Hasselblad 500 C - Ground glass Replacement + Other Thoughts
Hey there! I recently picked up a Hasselblad 500C body in a trade, but it arrived without its ground glass focusing screen. Thankfully, the spring that holds the screen in place is still intact. For those familiar with this model, I have a few questions: What’s the best source for a...
How difficult to replace focusing screen in Hasselblad 500c?
Dear Team, Have old 500c with cracked focusing screen, (looks like windshield after traffic accident) Does this need to be done by technician from Sweden, or can I carefully remove 4 screws place unbroken screen in place and carefully re tighten screws holding frame in place? Any comments...
Cange Focus Screen on Hasselblad
Hello. i own Hasselblad 53CXi, i deside to change the focus screen to Acute Matte Split Prism screen. i saw a lots of focusing screen and many different types of focusing screens. is someone can explain or refer me to any web site for learn and compare ? Thanks in advance. Yaacov.
Which Hasselblad to keep? 500c vs 501c
so I have two cameras at the moment and am going to sell one. Both work, but the 501c barn doors seem to be a little worse off for wear? What are everyone's thoughts on this? Better to keep the one that is in better shape? Or the newer one as it still works. How bad do the barn doors look...
Would you fit a Maxwell screen on a 500C ?
Or, if I say it another way : is my 500C worth a new screen ? I have a 500C from 1958, which works fine except for a terrific screen, which makes it difficult to focus when light is low. I'm currently wondering if I should get rid of it and buy a newer model with interchangeable screens, or...
Past Photrio threads on Hasselblad A12 internal light seal replacement
What did I get wrong about the Hasselblad A12 light seal installation for my 500C?
Hi folks. I could use some of your advice. What did I get wrong about the Hasselblad A12 light seal installation for my 500C? I added a fresh set of dark slide seals. However, there's still a light leak. It's not in every frame. I followed the instructions in these videos: 1, 2. Someone on...
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