Mirror foam replacement for Hasselblad H1?

Huss

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Just received a 'perfect, needs nothing, ready to shoot' H1...
While it is in perfect outward cosmetic condition, I noticed a bunch of flecks in the VF. So I took the lens off and gave a few puffs of air up into the mirror box area with a blower brush. Big chunks of black junk dropped out. Looks like the two mirror foams (at the top hinge, and at the bottom resting point) need replacement.
So... easy to do? How much to expect this to cost if I pay someone? I've done this numerous times on 35mm slrs, because kits were readily available. But this camera I don't want to risk.
I'll let the seller know - with pics - before I do anything as his description obviously was not entirely accurate.
 

Sirius Glass

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Check with Steve's Camera in Culver City or Samys on Fairfax in Los Angeles.
 
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Huss

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Sirius Glass said:
Check with Steve's Camera in Culver City or Samys on Fairfax in Los Angeles.
Click to expand...

Just got back from Steve's. They wouldn't touch it! Just two foam strips!!

I called Dean's Camera Repair in Torrance and they said no problem. Anyone have experience with them? They have good reviews. I would go to Samys on Fairfax if I had no other options just because I have had a not so great experience with them (CLA on a Leica M3, then the shutter speed dial became so loose it would not lock on a position. They fixed it on the 2nd visit but I never had an issue with that before taking it to them)
 

Sirius Glass

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I only deal with Michael at Samys for all my cameras and have never had a problem with him or his Hasselblad work in ten years. The others I have not dealt with.
 
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Huss

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Sirius Glass said:
I only deal with Michael at Samys for all my cameras and have never had a problem with him or his Hasselblad work in ten years. The others I have not dealt with.
Click to expand...

Thanks, I'll give him a call.

edit: Called. Will not touch it, needs to go to Hasselblad. To replace two foam mirror damper strips.
I have to say I am a bit surprised. They said it needs a special density foam, not just any old foam strip.
Eesh, not sure what to think of that.
 
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Huss

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Anyone know if you actually need that Hasselblad issue foam strip, or can felt strips be used? Dean's Camera repair say they use felt because it lasts forever. They of course closed 15 minutes before advertised closing time when I tried to get there today..
 

MattKing

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The requirements for mirror foam are a lot more demanding than light seal foam.
 

MattKing

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Huss said:
Thanks Matt so Dean’s saying they replace w felt is a no go? I want this done right or I’ll send it back.
Click to expand...
I don't know the answer to your question, but I do understand why and how it could (and maybe will) make a difference.
Do Dean's have the experience and necessary equipment to be able to confirm that their felt option provides the necessary accuracy both initially and over time? Ask them about their experience with your specific camera and needs.
 
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Huss

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Thanks Matt. I doubt it, sounded just like they use felt as a default repair for all cameras they use, regardless of type.
I sent an email to Hasselblad's service dept asking how much it would be to replace this, and hopefully will hear back from them some time next week.

What is very very cool, is that Hasselblad still services the H1 .
 
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Huss

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I went with Dean's as the seller mentioned they had a trained Hasselblad tech on staff (and gave his name) who said Hasselblad would do the same thing.
Dean's repair in Torrance did it while I waited, and cleaned the mirror and focus screen. All for $38!
Now to go use it!

If there is an issue, I will send to the mothership. But testing around my home all seems ok.
 
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Huss

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To be clear, Dean's is NOT the seller. The seller mentioned that their Hassie tech recommended the method that Dean used. Dean also just opened up and cleaned a Mamiya lens for me.

His contact info:

Dean's Camera Repair
1055 W Carson St, Torrance, CA 90502
(310) 782-8619

He is on vacation from Dec 1-17
 
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