Resources/options for repair or CLA of MF cameras - Hasselblad

[Pieter12]

don't want to "waste" their time on something a bit more complicated.

Most camera technicians charge by the hour. Nothing is wasted, just maybe upsetting the customer who will end up paying a lot of money and maybe not even get back a functioning camera.

 

[BrianShaw]

It seems important, perhaps, to distinguish between "repair" and "routine service (AKA overhaul/CLA)". The former generally needs parts; the latter quite often does not. The problem becomes the gray/grey area where routine service is ignored to the point where any servicing becomes a probably repair job, or for camera where replacement of some parts is a defined part of the routine service regimen.

 

[Pieter12]

It seems important, perhaps, to distinguish between "repair" and "routine service (AKA overhaul/CLA)". The former generally needs parts; the latter quite often does not. The problem becomes the gray/grey area where routine service is ignored to the point where any servicing becomes a probably repair job, or for camera where replacement of some parts is a defined part of the routine service regimen.

It still comes down to the risk that when an older camera is opened and inspected, something might fail or is on the brink of failure and cannot be repaired. Many techs do not want to take responsibility for that. And to complicated everything, today's supply-chain woes can add big delays for what should be a simple repair.

 

[Sirius Glass]

It still comes down to the risk that when an older camera is opened and inspected, something might fail or is on the brink of failure and cannot be repaired. Many techs do not want to take responsibility for that. And to complicated everything, today's supply-chain woes can add big delays for what should be a simple repair.

I have talked with Hasselblad repairmen who know how to do maintenance on the 1000 and1600 pre-1957 Hasselblads as well as the newer 200 and 2000 Hasselblad, but they have told me that if they open them up for cleaning after having gotten informed consent from the owners that there may be damage or damage can occur which cannot be fixed, that if a problem arises, the situation is most unpleasant. Therefore even if their employer would allow a basic cleaning, they would rather not start the cleaning based on past owner reactions. Look back on the recent thread in which a lens owner was upset that when the repairman attempted to split lenses apart to repair a separation, one of the lenses shattered and the owner was serious angry even though they had decades of good past history. Just because someone is informed that if something turns out the camera or lens cannot be repaired, does not mean that person will react in an understanding way to a bad result.

 

[BrianShaw]

Not bad in concept, Steve, but terrible example. Separating lens elements is soooooop verrrrrry far different than a body overhaul or repair.

But all of the legal and corporate mumbojumbo aside, a good tech can often size up the situation by examining the camera and know what’s likely to go wrong and if it’s worth their while to take the job. Any tech that takes a job where they aren’t confident of being successful or might run into “customer problems” is a bit foolish.

 

[Pieter12]

Not bad in concept, Steve, but terrible example. Separating lens elements is soooooop verrrrrry far different than a body overhaul or repair.

But all of the legal and corporate mumbojumbo aside, a good tech can often size up the situation by examining the camera and know what’s likely to go wrong and if it’s worth their while to take the job. Any tech that takes a job where they aren’t confident of being successful or might run into “customer problems” is a bit foolish.

Sometimes a customer can be stubborn, and when it comes down to accepting the fact that the item is not repairable, they still complain. I had a Nikon lens serviced by a local, reputable technician who told me after the first step of disassembly there was a good chance the lens would still not operate smoothly. I accepted that but regret the decision to spend the extra bucks on the chance it might come out right. After all, the repairman probably has the best idea of the outcome of the work.

 

[test_realm]

David Odess is great but I think its a 6 month wait.

 

[dynachrome]

Ken Ruth used to have the equipment to make all kinds of springs. He retired several years ago.

 

[GLS]

In the UK there's Classic V (http://www.classicv.co.uk/).

I've used them to repair and service my 100mm Planar CFi, which had a broken flash sync port cover. They did very good work.

 

[LeiHass]

David Odess is great but I think its a 6 month wait.

He is a one-person shop. Don't know how backed up he is in this digital age(or his marketing strategy?!). His price could be high and takes a long time. The camera came back with a heavy smell of cigarette. I would check directly with Hassy in NJ for proper advice before sending off to an independent repairman.

 

[LeiHass]

Hi,

Thank you for your messages : )!!!

Besides the different services you guys mention, KEH.com the camera seller, does camera and lens repairs and CLAs.

I was looking at the David Odess page and he lists the price for his services:
http://www.david-odess.com/repair.html

The KEH.com webpage has a list with its prices for CLA. Perhaps Sammy's does too.

I wonder a bit about what prices in Europe may be like. May I ask what may be charged for a CLA of body, lens and
magazine?

Thank you again, kind regards!

I have used KEH for repair of my Hassy body and Leica. Very happy with the service, and reasonable price.

Also had service done with David. Don't know how great he is. His price could be high and took a long time (don't know how backup he is in the digital age) and camera came back with heavy smell of smoke.