Can't take lens off.

[flashbulbman]

My camera jammed early this morning and my lens will not come off. This happened when I tried out an old style 12 back I got on Ebay. The numbers on the insert and shell do not match. When I put the back on my 500 EL, I pulled the slde and fired it. The back bolted back violently as if an explosion had taken place inside the camera. I was not able to fire it again. I put the slide back in and took off the back. I fired it to close the shutters. I tried again. I put on the film back, pulled the dark slide and fired the camera. Again, the back jolted backwards violently with a loud brief grinding sound, not advancing the film. I took off the back after replacing the slide. I put back on my A12 back but could not fire the camera. I tried several things like winding the film counterclockwise to reset the number to 1 on the dial. However, I note now that I can not take the lens off. It will not turn when I depress the silver lens release button. I took it to the camera repair shop I dealt with in the past, but he wanted $135 to "fix things". I was ticked off since I had just bought a Polaroid back that does not fit the camera. I also had a defective 50 Distagon that was broken in the mail with which I have a claim in with the Post Office. In my 50 years as a photographer, I have had a Hassleblad twice in the past prior to buying this one. I had nothing but problems with those cameras and sold them after about a month. I should have learned but went ahead and bought this one, which was my 3rd attempt to try the Hassleblad system. The guy I got the back from on Ebay indicated NO RETURNS. I have decided to go back to my 4x5 Speed Graphic which has served me well with no problems since 1967. I am giving my Hassleblad, 3 finders, two magazines and two lenses to my daughters school as a gift to the photography department. I really loved the camera but it did not like me.

 

[Victorh]

You have been struck by a series of unlucky events that I have not seen before with Hasselblad equipment.
Please note I do not mean you are to blame in any way.

It is good to remember that Hasselblad cameras were most likely used by a professional.
That means quite a lot of gear is high mileage.
Nothing wrong with that as long as high mileage gear gets the service and attention it deserves.
That is unfortunately not always the case.
It is good practise to have gear with unknown service history inspected and serviced by an experienced technician.

Starters who have unsufficient knowledge of the equipment should not look at ebay to buy their kit.
Buy from a professional trader who knows his gear, even better buy from a seller that has facilities to inspect and service what he sells.

I would like to recommend David Odess as a source for quality equipment and service to factory standards.
http://www.david-odess.com/

For now lets see how we can get flashbulb going without breaking the bank.



Vic.

 

[flashbulbman]

Thanks Vic

Vic, I tried to answer two private messages you sent me but for some reason, they do not go through. Just want to say thank you for all your help. You are fantastic and extremely helpful. You convinced me to stay with my camera. In fact, I just ordered another lens and two backs.

 

[Victorh]

Good news, although I did not receive those pm's.

I wish you had a better start.
From now on things can only get better.



Vic.

 

[john_r_smith]

Why, oh why, do folks insist on buying equipment of this complexity and and calibre fom e-bay? Most the problems related in this and several other posts would have been either avoided in thr first place or dealt with promptly if you had bought your camera gear from a reputable dealer who offers a returns policy and a warranty on used equipment.

John

 

[Victorh]

Buying at auctionsites takes some expertise.
Those unfamiliar with Hasselblad cameras should indeed look for other sources to buy gear.

Please note not all traders have sufficient knowledge or spend enough time to check what they offer for sale.
With a reputable dealer the buyer has the option to return what is not in good working order for an exchange or a refund.


Vic.

 

[flashbulbman]

The 3 pro shops I dealt with for over 40 years have all gone out of business due to the digital invasion. A couple of pro shops some distance from me do not have anything decent. I saw only three 500 ELM bodies at high prices, collecting dust. They had cases of used beat up Nikons, RB 67s, and were leaning heavily toward digtial.

 

[stever]

PM me and I will tell you reliable places to buy equipment. We are discouraged from posting sellers on this website.

Steve

 

[Victorh]

That situation sounds quite familiar.
Just heard the news the oldest Hasselblad dealer in my area sold his business to a box mover.
Box movers are companies that sell goods from a website to unknown customers.
No service, no back up, just shifting boxes at a small profit margin.

There are at least three larger companies in the US that offer decent Hasselblad gear at competitive prices.

Try KEH in Atlanta.
Their valuation system is quite conservative.
Many buyers are delighted with KEHs bargain items.

http://www.keh.com/Camera/format-Medium-Format/system-Hasselblad?s=1&bc=42&bcode=HH&bco=515&

Their website is not only a treat when you are considering buying a lens etc.
It also gives a good idea of current prices.
Please note anything from condition "bargain" and up will suit most buyers.

Vic.

 

[stever]

Try KEH in Atlanta.

Number one on the list.

Steve

 

[flashbulbman]

Thanks guys. KEH it shall be.

 

[MarkF_48]

I'll vouch for KEH as well. Most of my medium format gear including several Hasselblad items have been purchased there with no problems at all. One of my better purchases was a Hasselblad bargain grade NC-2 prism finder that almost looked new for $17 + s/h.

 

[hassyman1]

I have had nothing but good experiences with my Hasselblad equipment purchased from ebay.

Hasselblad ELM body ( seller NEVER put film through camera) with Varta battery that still holds a charge!
70mm back
A-12 back
2 A-24 backs
A-16s back
cut film adapter
cut film holders
Hasselblad 100 Polaroid back
50mm f4 Distagon with filter retaining ring
150mm f4 Sonnar
250mm f5.6 Sonnar

Along with numerous filters and accessories ALL purchased on Ebay!!
With not 1 problem.

 

[hassyman1]

Keh can be a good source but the salesmen CANNOT tell you in what actual condition an item is in. That's because most of them have never even seen the items they are selling. Items are stored in a warehouse not in an actual glass case where they can go and see the item in person. That's why they have a 14 day return because they don't even see those items, they just sell them. You may get lucky but I found Keh a little pricey. I'll stick with Ebay where I can see the exact condition of the item I'm buying and my purchases are covered in full by Paypal.

Secondly, I don't think your older style back is causing your lens not to be removed. They don't have anything to do with each other! It may be a body issue not a back issue.

 

[hassyman1]

MY own experience with KEH left me wanting. The salesman told me that the 4x5 lens for my Sinar F1 view camera was a BGN lens. I asked if this was cosmetic, mechanical or issues with the glass, he couldn't answer because he had never seen the lens in question. IMHO buyer beware!!!
I want to know how items look before I buy them. All of the pictures of items on the KEH site are STOCK photos. You NEVER buy items without pictures or stock images!!!! You never know what you are buying. So KEH is not the way to go IMHO.

 

[Victorh]

Íf you do not approve of the way KEH operates do not buy from them.

A certain amount of their items is not what buyers expect.
That is why KEH offers to exchange the item or refund the money.


My recent ebay experience:
Seller states condition 8.5 which means the lens is free from scratches.
Now he says they are only small and it is an old lens.
Next thing will be no doubt they do not influence performance.
Pictures and description on ebay do not tell everything.
A pity these guys spoil it for honest dealers at ebay.


Vic.

 

[MarkF_48]

MY own experience with KEH left me wanting. The salesman told me that the 4x5 lens for my Sinar F1 view camera was a BGN lens. I asked if this was cosmetic, mechanical or issues with the glass, he couldn't answer because he had never seen the lens in question. IMHO buyer beware!!!
I want to know how items look before I buy them. All of the pictures of items on the KEH site are STOCK photos. You NEVER buy items without pictures or stock images!!!! You never know what you are buying. So KEH is not the way to go IMHO.

Interestingly, KEH's ebay sales include actual photos of the items which really aids in deciding on a purchase. I suspect that whatever they put on ebay is likely stock that's not moving.

My Hasselblad 501C kit came from a seller on ebay. He primarily deals in Hasselblads and Leicas. His prices are maybe slightly high, but for the items I've purchased, they've all been in top notch condition and he has a decent return policy. I've stayed away from ebay sellers that have a pawn shop inventory of a little bit of everything. If anyone is interested in this ebay seller, let me know and I can PM the link. He posts excellent images of what he sells and generally lists serial numbers for dating. He's USA based, but says will ship worldwide.

 

[Victorh]

I want to know how items look before I buy them. All of the pictures of items on the KEH site are STOCK photos. You NEVER buy items without pictures or stock images!!!! You never know what you are buying. So KEH is not the way to go IMHO.

What good is the description of a salesman whose standard of valuation you do not know?
Pictures show at best real disasters.


Take a look at these:







That lens was returned to me because the buyer expected a mint+ lens whatever that is.

I described this lens "as new".
No scratches on the barrel, unmarked glass, only minor traces of prior use on the front bayonet.

Some people are impossible to please.


Vic.

 

[flashbulbman]

Vic, Your lens is beautiful. I would have been happy to own it. I am very easy to please. All I need to get is something that works. Yours looked pristeen and mint to me.

 

[Victorh]

Thanks!
In fact I was glad to get this lens back.
A beauty like this comes along only once in several years.

I do not offer returns on items for sale because not all buyers are honest.
Lenses have been returned with front or rear lenses swapped etc.
A clumsy buyer can drop the lens resulting in a damaged helicoid.

Only two times have items been returned to me.
The first was a black A12 film back.
I was too much in a hurry to pack it and mistakenly send the wrong one.
The buyer could not believe I use a back like that for spares.
Knowing prices for spare parts would change his mind.
The little crank on the LH side is over 50 USD now.

The second time was this 150 silver C lens.
It was fully serviced before the sale just to make buying this lens a happy experience.
It has been said before, some buyers simply can not be pleased.


Vic.