MF back reliability

puketronic · Jun 9, 2012

How relibable are the backs? If make matters then I'm thinking Hasselblad and Bronica SQ, mostly. I have an SQ but oftentimes think of switching to 'Blad.

I have an SQai with 4 backs (bought as a kit). I really do not need this many backs, so I was thinking of releasing one or two. MF SLR's tend to be geared towards professionals who use and abuse theirs everyday, but I'm a light user in this regard. Also, what is the going rate of repairing/cla'ing a back?

tkamiya · Jun 9, 2012

I only have experiences with Mamiya products.

My M645Super/Pro backs had a few issues. One had an shutter interlock fail because an electrical switch inside it came lose. (I fixed that myself) It also had a persistent scratch issue. I eventually sold this back for $5.00 here on APUG with full disclosure.

RB that I tried to buy and I went through 4 or so backs all had light leaks from various places.

RZ that I tried to buy and I went through 3, I believe had light leak issues as well.

So... they do fail.

Light seals are available as kits from Mr. John Goodman. (well known name for light seal kits) They are something like $10 or $12, last time I bought one. I have no idea what professional CLA/repair would cost.

E76 · Jun 9, 2012

I own two backs for my Hasselblad and haven't had any issues with them. One back's frame spacing was off when I first got it (used) but it fixed itself after the first roll.

The common problem with a Hasselblad back is worn light traps. Overtime the foam deteriorates, causing a light light. They are, however, easy to replace and cost around $15.

thegman · Jun 9, 2012

I was only a light user of Hasselblad, but never had an issue.

moto-uno · Jun 9, 2012

I have 4 for my Bronica ETR series and never had an issue with any,and they were all bought used.
Bronica=Good
Regards,Peter

Sirius Glass · Jun 9, 2012

I have five Hasselblad backs. Some needed light traps replaced. Two needed more work at Samys on Fairfax; one [it had been dropped] I have to go a quarter turn past the arrow or I will have the first frame light struck. Since the work I have had not problems.

CGW · Jun 9, 2012

With Bronica SQ, you're already in survivalist mode, so don't offload the backs since they're potential parts donors. They're tough but if they're having spacing issues, it's from heavy use. Age alone isn't a reliable index of condition. Seals are minimal and easily DIY replaced. 220 backs can do 120 service. There are several good online sources for SQ back seal replacement and overhaul.

DWThomas · Jun 9, 2012

I have four backs for my SQ-A, with no plans to let any go. When I was first cobbling together my Bronica kit, the first two backs I got, one from ePrey, one from KEH, had problems. (The KEH back was just seals, but I thought for EX quality, they should be working.) As individual components, most of the stuff is not a whole lot of money. After about a year I had a weird problem with my SQ-A body which I resolved by buying another, and later, yet another that was in mint condition I snagged for $80. So now I can put two cameras together should I feel inspired!

redrockcoulee · Jun 9, 2012

A few years ago I bought 4 old 12 backs for Hasselblads and only one had a slight light leak. And the newer A12 back that came with my wife's SWC also leaks. Have the kits for them and think paid $18 for them just have not gotten to them yet. One of the backs from my old place of work did not advance properly and would need to be repaired to be used. At least two of my four older backs looked like they were heavily used but for $65 for the 4 I cannot complain. Certainly not a major worry about going MF or not in my mind.

puketronic · Jun 10, 2012

Thank you for your comments. I guess there isn't much point in releasing backs. Best keep them as spares/backups.

Sirius Glass · Jun 10, 2012

puketronic said:
Thank you for your comments. I guess there isn't much point in releasing backs. Best keep them as spares/backups.

He broke the code! We have another winner!

revdocjim · Jun 10, 2012

I have three or four backs for my SQ-A and haven't had any problems. All were purchased used for cheap money.
Of the four backs I have for my GS-1, one of them doesn't meter correctly. Once again all were purchased used.

JonPorter · Jun 10, 2012

I have four 120 backs and six film inserts for my Bronicas (ETRSi, SQ-B, GS) and no problems with any of them. They were bought off eBay and KEH and I'd rate them all in EX+ condition. But nowadays I'd suggest anyone considering a Bronica should try and buy everything you need all at once since some items are starting to get scarce.

DWThomas · Jun 10, 2012

Additional thought -- while I've not yet gone quite this far out (yet), since backs like the Bronica allow mid-roll swapping, one might load backs with color transparency, color negative, B&W and infrared film (that's four! ) for an insane photographic ramble of some sort. I have certainly done two on a number of occasions.

Sirius Glass · Jun 10, 2012

I swap film mid-roll quit often:

C-41 to Black & White
Black & White to C-41
ISO 160 to ISO 400

Never had a problem with the used Hasselblad backs. I would expect the same with Bronica.

agfarapid · Jun 10, 2012

E76 said:
I own two backs for my Hasselblad and haven't had any issues with them. One back's frame spacing was off when I first got it (used) but it fixed itself after the first roll.

The common problem with a Hasselblad back is worn light traps. Overtime the foam deteriorates, causing a light light. They are, however, easy to replace and cost around $15.

I've been experiencing a light leak and spacing issues on my A12 back. Would appreciate info on repairing it. Also have backs for my Mamiya RB and 645 Super. Used one of the kits to fix the RB back and now I've noticed in occurring in a a different spot and I guess I'm going to have to repair that one too. My back for the 645 Super has proven faultless (and it's also about the cheapest backs I've purchased!)

Sirius Glass · Jun 11, 2012

agfarapid said:
I've been experiencing a light leak and spacing issues on my A12 back. Would appreciate info on repairing it. Also have backs for my Mamiya RB and 645 Super. Used one of the kits to fix the RB back and now I've noticed in occurring in a a different spot and I guess I'm going to have to repair that one too. My back for the 645 Super has proven faultless (and it's also about the cheapest backs I've purchased!)

See: http://www.hasselbladhistorical.eu/HT/HTSeal.aspx

skahde · Jun 13, 2012

I have three A12 backs for my Hasselblad and all of them developed problems and had to go to the shop exactly once for more than just replacing the seals. After 30 Years of service I consider this to be normal.

MF back reliability

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