203FE I am stuck

[luisito]

Hello everybody. Lately I have replaced my 500C for a 203FE.

Now I am trying to take my first pictures but until now I have been unable to do so. I am going to try to explain what have found.

The shutter speed dial does not move past the 1 number. I mean it cannot reach B or C. So my first quesion is why? Is there any reason for this dial to be blocked for passing that point on? Can it be released someway. I remember to have been able to set C mode but I am unable to set it now.

Second, the shutter release button does nothing. I have been unable to perform a release using this button. According to the manual by lightly pressing down the release button I should see the digital display data but I cannot see anything. I can see only the display data by pressing the button on the mode selection wheel.

I am able to load the film and the camera gets mounted. But in order to release it again I need to apply the trick of pressing down the middle of the winding crank. I cannot use the release button for this purpose.

I have replaced the battery.
I have tried with and without film in the magazine.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[polypal]

First of all welcome here at hasselbladinfo forum.

I am sorry to repeat what other users have mentioned several times before:
Get a manual for the camera you are using although you may think you know already how to operate your camera.
Please note: This last remark does not concern you Luis.

Now back to your current problems.

To select B or C you need to press the lens release button first.
Sofar nothing wrong with your camera.

Release problem.
I hardly dare ask but did you remove the darkslide before attempting to make an exposure?
What happens when you try to release the camera without a film magazine mounted?
If the body still refuses to operate without the magazine it could mean the body is seized.
In C mode the camera operates as a mechanical camera like the 500 CM
even without a battery.

You can download a manual for your 203FE body free of charge after registering at :

www.hasselblad.se

Please note Hasselblad asks you to fill in the serial number of the camera you own. That is all.

If the problems you are having are still present do not hesitate to report your findings here again.
The 203FE is a wonderful camera that offers excellent metering and gives great results when used in auto mode.


Paul