I'm looking for a used back for a 501C and I'm seeing a few different model numbers (30074, 30147, 30212, 30213) which I'm guessing give some indication as to it's vintage, 30213 likely being the latest. Is there site somewhere that will help me identify what years the different models were manufactured? I realize there is the date code on these, but alot of sellers don't state what it is or show it in an image.
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Backs-Model Numbers & Vintage
- Thread starter MarkF_48
- Start date
polypal
Active Member
Film backs by model
After the early models with peephole the model A magazines were introduced in 1968.
Loading was faster and no longer a risk of light leak with fast films because of the peephole.
These backs were improved in 1985, new pressure plate and two "brakes to keep the film flat.
Their releases button is fitted with 12/16/24 depending on the kind of magazine.
In 1996 all film backs were fitted with a darkslide holder.
After the early models with peephole the model A magazines were introduced in 1968.
Loading was faster and no longer a risk of light leak with fast films because of the peephole.
These backs were improved in 1985, new pressure plate and two "brakes to keep the film flat.
Their releases button is fitted with 12/16/24 depending on the kind of magazine.
In 1996 all film backs were fitted with a darkslide holder.
Could this be post 1996? The 501C I have came with a back with a dating of ET (96), and no holder.
Another question...
How important is it to have the insert number matched to the back? Is there an alignment done to match and insert to a specific back? Or is it just a selling point to have them matched?
polypal
Active Member
1996 was the year film backs were upgraded with the darkslide holder.
Of course it is possible that some of the backs made in that year did not yet get the plastic keeper.
Against what many users believe matching numbers are not important.
The film plane adjustment is not influenced by the insert but by the housing of the film back.
Of course it is possible that some of the backs made in that year did not yet get the plastic keeper.
Against what many users believe matching numbers are not important.
The film plane adjustment is not influenced by the insert but by the housing of the film back.
wbulte
Active Member
Non-matching ones do fetch much lower prices though.
I'd rather have a non-matching one where the shell is pristine than a matching one that has been rattling against its fellow-backs in a pro's camera bag.
The backs are in a way the Achilles heel of the V series, the plate of the housing (with the serial number on it) can be deformed without too much force. Keep your backs in good shape with tender loving transportation!
Wilko
polypal
Active Member
One of the disadvantages of a conservative company is the lack of enthusiasm to change existing designs.
The latest film backs are strongly related to the original desgn made in 1949.
It pays to handle film backs with care and avoid the ones with signs of a fall or other mechanical overload when looking for a used film back.
polarcircle
Member
The 12/16/24 realease was that only on backs made from 1985 and onwards?
Were there any differences for the early 12 release backs? If I understand it correctly even backs from the 1000/1600 series are basicly old 12 etc backs.
Ronald
polypal
Active Member
Release button information is correct.
The information about early backs is another chapter especially because not all backs will work with later bodies.
Early backs are collectors items although many early backs are still going strong and perform well in the hands of collectors.
Collectors know the sensational feeling to use cameras from the early days of the Hasselblad company.
An American owner of a 1600F camera send his camera to Sweden to have it repaired.
The camera arrived a week before the start of the midsummer festivities.
He got a letter from Victor Hasselblad stating his camera had arrived safely.
Mr. Hasselblad was sorry the service department was not able to start work on that camera for another three weeks.
These cameras could not be compared with the reliable bodies we know today.
There were real problems to be solved, even trained and experienced repairmen were reluctant to start work on those cameras.
They did not want to spoil the coming festivities by starting work on a problem camera so the job was delayed till after the midsummer festivities.
Todays experienced repairmen who are specialists for early Hasselblads can repair these units and bring them in better condition than they ever were thanks to better materials and more knowledge about these little wonders.
The information about early backs is another chapter especially because not all backs will work with later bodies.
Early backs are collectors items although many early backs are still going strong and perform well in the hands of collectors.
Collectors know the sensational feeling to use cameras from the early days of the Hasselblad company.
An American owner of a 1600F camera send his camera to Sweden to have it repaired.
The camera arrived a week before the start of the midsummer festivities.
He got a letter from Victor Hasselblad stating his camera had arrived safely.
Mr. Hasselblad was sorry the service department was not able to start work on that camera for another three weeks.
These cameras could not be compared with the reliable bodies we know today.
There were real problems to be solved, even trained and experienced repairmen were reluctant to start work on those cameras.
They did not want to spoil the coming festivities by starting work on a problem camera so the job was delayed till after the midsummer festivities.
Todays experienced repairmen who are specialists for early Hasselblads can repair these units and bring them in better condition than they ever were thanks to better materials and more knowledge about these little wonders.