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553 ELX and hot batteries

rmuscio

rmuscio

Member
I just picked up a 553 ELX on ebay in great condition. However, upon inserting 5 new batteries the left side of motor get warm after about 5-10 minutes. When I open the cover the 2 batteries in the rear compartment are so hot you can't hold them. I assume this is not normal and I should return the camera????

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Ron
 
not OK

That is absolutely not normal and based on my experience with one of polypal's 553s it is most likely a defective battery cover. Search the forum, I have posted pictures once I figured out what was wrong.

Wilko
 
Searching the forum may not proof very easy.

Wilko was very kind to check my 553ELX cameras and came up with an astonishing conclusion.
The contacts and wiring in the battery lid are insulated by some sort of foam.
That foam is falling apart sometimes "helped" by neglected and leaking batteries causing a short circuit.

There are two ways to solve this problem:

Try to fit or have fitted better material to insulate the contacts and wiring in the existing battery lid.
Order a new battery lid.
Keep in mind Hasselblad did not change the construction which may lead to new problems after several years.

Hasselblad UK has a new black battery lid in stock at 64 GBP plus VAT.
You can contact HB UK : service@hasselbladco.uk
If you decide to contact HB UK Give my regards to Paul Gould who deals with parts and service.

Parts that have to be ordered like a chrome battery lid may demand much higher prices due to the fact that all parts for V series cameras are ordered from independent suppliers.

Of course if you have the option to return the camera that may be the third solution.
Most EL cameras with AA type batteries are likely to develop this problem.
If the 553ELX suits you a repaired or new battery lid may be the thing to go for.


Paul
 
Paul, Wilko, and Blowupster.........

Thanks for the great info.

The guy I bought it from is contacting Hasselblad USA to see about them repairing it as his cost naturally. We'll see what their recommendation is before I return it. If they will ship me the new lid, that would seem to be the best solution.

Thanks again.

Ron
 
wbulte said:
That is absolutely not normal and based on my experience with one of polypal's 553s it is most likely a defective battery cover. Search the forum, I have posted pictures once I figured out what was wrong.

Wilko
Click to expand...


Hi Wilko,

I found your post, but did not see what the solution was for isolating the contact from the lid??

I don't see any signs of laekage/corrosion in the battery compartment of my body, so I assume a new lid will be the solution. Would like to know what you used to isolate contact for future reference.

Thanks,
Ron
 
rmuscio said:
. If they will ship me the new lid, that would seem to be the best solution.

Thanks again.

Ron
Click to expand...


Fitting new high tech insulation material would be a better long lasting solution.

The problem is known at Hasselblad service centers.
Some of them like HB UK do repair the batery lids in stead of replace them.


Paul
 
Thanks to all who responded.............

The end result is that I'm returning the camera on Monday for a refund.

Maybe there will be another one in my future, but for now I'll be happy with my 503CW kit.

Ron
 
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