Check to Spec Special, V system alive & well.

[hawaiiankava]

In case you folks haven't seen this check to spec offering by H'blad USA: http://hasselbladusa.com/61869.aspx

My V system had been gathering dust, film backs had their leatherette skins coming off; the 903swc developed a white coating in its interior body near the rear lens, viewfinder was foggy and missing its rubber eyecup and shutter would not release; the 500 also had its leatherette skin peeling & sticky, shutter release threading for the cable release was stripped, rear doors had a a sticky black residue; and the lenses appeared to be locked. I had ignored and improperly stored the hassies for over 10 years. It was a very depressing sight.

Now a week later after sending it in, I am very happy with the results. The USA office appeared to have taken very meticulous care in the restoration and even packing (lots of bubble wrap and foam peanuts). Everything appears to be as good as new. I expect it to be elated when I get my first two rolls of film, C-41 & E-6, developed.

As I renew the romance with the Hassy 500 & 900 series I just wanted to say thanks to all of you who are a part of this forum. Perhaps more than ever, film and hybrid V system shooters will need to encourage and support this most elegant and enduring system. I think it brings back the fun into photography, which I think leads to better picture taking. I can also only hope that Hasselblad continues to support, further develop (e.g., full-frame also 900 series compatible digital) and even expand on the V system. I would wager that there are a lot more V than H system cameras out there and whose owners would also be encouraged to invest back in. This would speak volumes. The great check to spec special is a great start!

 

[terrydent]

How much more than $99 did all the work cost?

Terry

 

[mikej]

My question also - is this just a check/adjust or a real CLA with a reset to factory specs?
Cheers,
Mike

 

[hawaiiankava]

Thanks Terry/Mike, romancing the hassies didn't come cheap. I think everybody knew this when they got started. The $99 and additional items special pricing is deducted from the cost of repair. I have to look for the invoice but the total was under $2000. Definitely more than cla.

If you call them they can give you typical costs for servicing backs, lens shutters, bodies, etc. so it won't be a surprise. Maybe this is akin to servicing a fine mechanical watch. Anyway, I feel it was worth it as it got the system back into operation and a pleasure to use. I am anxiously waiting for the weekend to take some morning shots, then find a scanner - I'd like to post them here.

I understand there are alternative repair sites. However, I had no reference so I went with NJ so there'd be no excuses.

 

[terrydent]

There is no problem with sending equipment to Hasselblad USA. It couldn't be in better hands! I sent my 205tcc, 30mm CF and E12 in for the $99 special. It ended up costing $627. The 205 needed a little upgrade for $212. The 30mm CF had issues with the shutter that I knew about. They fixed it for $308. Not bad I thought. The E12 needed a standard service, $103. It's good feeling to have your equipment fully serviced! Gives you a feeling of confidence!

Terry

 

[michaelhcothran]

In my opinion, this offer is very misleading (at least to me), as I presumed it was a CLA, but it is not. It is only an inspection fee.
According to the NJ service center, if nothing is wrong with your camera, you would pay $99 for the honor and priviledge of having them look at your camera. But if anything is out of alignment, or in need of repair, the $99/$15 fee would no longer apply. However, they stated they will give you a 20% discount on labor since it was sent in on this "special offer," and subtract the $99 you've just paid from the total cost of repair/alignment.
Hmmm...

 

[hawaiiankava]

Agreed that the ad could have been explicit by saying that the special is not a CLA per se. That's why I called first.

Overall, I'm very happy with the results as the equipment is in top-shape and now a quite a pleasure to use. To me if there's any time for CLA or repair it's definitely now when the special program is active.

 

[hawaiiankava]

First batch 10+ years of disrepair, then a one-week Hassy restoration.

Thought I'd share this after more than 10 years of disrepair, then fine camera & lenses restoration by Hasselblad USA. Taken wide open on the 80, 120 & 180, respectively, Velvia 100F. Scanned by the local neighborhood shop into jpeg... I'm rusty as it's been quite a long time since I last handled the hassy.