What not to do with a Hasselblad 500 CM?

pete_mod · Apr 5, 2016

Just got got my camera in the mail today. I know there are some major "don't do's" with this camera that can lock the camera up and require it to be serviced. Can someone please give me a quick run down?

Thanks, it is very much appreciated!

BrianShaw · Apr 5, 2016

Don't try to remove or replace a lens unless both body and lens are cocked.

Don't drop it in a toilet or any other body of water.

Don't press the shutter release unless the image is well focused and well composed.

BrianShaw · Apr 5, 2016

Other than that it's really about the same as any camera.

Enjoy!

Kevin Caulfield · Apr 5, 2016

If you're using the self timer, it won't work with a cable release fitted to the camera.

Kevin Caulfield · Apr 5, 2016

Kevin Caulfield said:
If you're using the self timer, it won't work with a cable release fitted to the camera.

That wouldn't require a repair but may give you a nasty surprise when the image is missing.

bdial · Apr 5, 2016

The manual is available at this site;
http://www.hasselbladhistorical.eu

Another item in the do's and don'ts is that if you're using a slow shutter speed you need to keep the shutter released pressed long enough for the shutter to fully cycle. The camera has an auxiliary shutter to protect the film when the lens's shutter is open (which is most of the time).
The first thing that happens when you press the release is that the auxiliary opens, and it closes as soon as you release the button. The shutter in the lens is operating somewhat independently.

pete_mod · Apr 5, 2016

Thanks for the quick reply....

I now ran into an issue.... I noticed that the shutter button is a little sticky (slow to release)... after working fine for several test fires, it now didn't release and I can't crank/cock the shutter... Any suggestions (aside from a CLA)?

BrianShaw · Apr 5, 2016

Think about how old the camera is. A servicing wouldn't be unreasonable. Only other option - return it.

pete_mod · Apr 5, 2016

How do I do that? I promise to read the manual thoroughly tomorrow

pete_mod · Apr 5, 2016

fixed it

Kyle M. · Apr 5, 2016

pete_mod said:
How do I do that? I promise to read the manual thoroughly tomorrow

Easiest and quickest way is to pull the insert out of the film back, voila counter reset.

paul ron · Apr 5, 2016

dont ever store it in the dark!

GO OUT N SHOOT THE HELL OUT OF IT WHILE WE STILL HAVE FILM!

just a suggestion.

BrianShaw · Apr 5, 2016

Do not operate without previously reading the manual.

Just a suggestion.

Theo Sulphate · Apr 5, 2016

For loading film, read the instructions very carefully. Do you have instructions for your film back?

On the pressure plate side, ensure the film rides underneath the upper and lower clamp rails (i.e. the film is between the rail and the pressure plate).

paul ron · Apr 5, 2016

bdial said:
The manual is available at this site;
http://www.hasselbladhistorical.eu

Another item in the do's and don'ts is that if you're using a slow shutter speed you need to keep the shutter released pressed long enough for the shutter to fully cycle. The camera has an auxiliary shutter to protect the film when the lens's shutter is open (which is most of the time).
The first thing that happens when you press the release is that the auxiliary opens, and it closes as soon as you release the button. The shutter in the lens is operating somewhat independently.

That also ensures you wont shake while the shutter is open. Many people using these types of cameras think like the 35mm cameras returned the mirrors instantly.... when you fire it. BUT... the barn door move out of the way first as it stops down the iris.... AND then.... the shutter fires. The barn door doesn't come down so you may not realize the shutter is still open as you move after a shot. So spend that extra mini second holding it steady when firing.

It wouldn't be unreasonable to have it serviced so you'll be sure to have a reliable camera for the next few decades.

HiHoSilver · Apr 5, 2016

If you're only used to SLRs, its an adjustment, but you don't won't need to pursue higher quality - pretty much ever. The frame counter reset (kudos user 19) is for the earlier A12 backs (maybe others I don't know about) where the the winding knob/crank folds over flush like the cassette removal knob/crank. If your unit hasn't been serviced in a while & images aren't good - get it to a competent tech. Sirius has recommended one in L.A. In the NW, Paul at Associated camera has 30 yrs as blad factory service & had factory tooling.

Otherwise - Paul Ron's advise about go shoot the hell out of it applies. Glee when you see the negatives & prints is to be expected. Other cameras are good too, but these are reliably good & you have a great bunch here to ask about any quirks.

Enjoy alot.

Sirius Glass · Apr 5, 2016

Some how to's:

http://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/6325347
http://www.david-odess.com/faq.html#q18
http://www.dmin-dmax.fr/photoe2b.htm
http://www.hasselbladhistorical.eu/HT/HTSeal.aspx
http://www.instructables.com/id/Hasselblack-film-back-cleanup/
http://www.instructables.com/id/Has...tep2/Remove-light-seal-clips-and-spring-rods/
Dead Link Removed
http://www.hasselbladhistorical.eu/HW/HWLds.aspx

Slixtiesix · Apr 6, 2016

If you ever buy extension tubes or converters, please mount the tubes/converters first, then the lens afterwards. When de-mounting, take off the lens first and the tubes/converters second. Never try to attach a tube/converter already mounted to the lens on the camera and never take off a tube/converter together with the lens. The camera could lock up. When mounting several of these accessories, always go one by one from and to the camera.

RalphLambrecht · Apr 6, 2016

APUGuser19 said:
At exposure 12, the camera will not operate. Reset the counter to 0.

the camera thinks you are at the end of the roll.Take the film insert ut of the back and insert it again.Now the camera will operate normally.

pgomena · Apr 9, 2016

Do not use the camera as a hammer or a wrench.

Actually, I recently learned that it is possible to damage a Hasselblad by twisting the camera that little bit extra to secure it tightly onto the tripod head. My repair person said my backfocus problem likely was caused by the camera being out-of-square. A *ahem* few dollars later, the body has been readjusted to spec. In the meantime, I bought a Hasselblad quick-release on the big auction site. I'll twist that instead of the camera in the future.

Sirius Glass · Apr 9, 2016

That can happen with any camera, Rollei, Mamiya, Nikon, Canon, Minolta, ...

benjiboy · Apr 10, 2016

BrianShaw said:
Don't try to remove or replace a lens unless both body and lens are cocked.

Don't drop it in a toilet or any other body of water.

Don't press the shutter release unless the image is well focused and well composed.

I never heard of a Hasselblad being dropped down the toilet it would break the porcelain, only cell phones.

Sirius Glass · Apr 10, 2016

benjiboy said:
I never heard of a Hasselblad being dropped down the toilet it would break the porcelain, only cell phones.

Yep, my grandson dropped his mother's iPhone in the toilet. Why he had access to the iPhone and why he was not being more closely watched are not subjects that I would broach.

Nokton48 · Apr 10, 2016

Don't drop it onto a concrete floor. Repairs are expensive (Ask me how I lnow).

benjiboy · Apr 11, 2016

Nokton48 said:
Don't drop it onto a concrete floor. Repairs are expensive (Ask me how I lnow).

To the camera , or the concrete floor ?

What not to do with a Hasselblad 500 CM?

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency