Hasselblad problems

[flashbulbman]

Just bought a 500 ELM on Ebay with 50 Distagon, Kiev finder, and old style back. Mailman delivered it in small crushed box. Upon opening it, a noticed the UV filter was smashed to pieces. The seller packed it horribly in newspaper and a shoebox. I had a Hasselbad 23 years ago with the old film back. It has the round window which shows the printed number 1 on which is on the actual film backing paper. No crank handle. You have to turn it like winding a clock, by hand to advance it to #1. However, I could not see into the magazine since that view hole had a black plastic plug in it. The door that closes over the hole was broken and remains open. Has anyone seen such a black plastic hole plug like this before? Why would it be there? It prevents you from seeing the film numbers on the paper backing of the film. It is the size of a dime. I poked it out of the hole and noticed that it had the name Hasslebad on it. The two original batteries that came with the camera apparently were not charged well. After about 14 shots the camera stopped working. I am charging the batteries now. I had tested it at slow shutter speeds down to 1 sec. I then took off the lens and tried putting the lens back on, but it would not go on anymore. It does not turn to the right when you mount it. ANyone know what is going on? I now regret getting the motorize Hasselblad, should have gotten a simple 500C. Too many modes, levers and dials. A real Hassle. Also, which battery compartment should you use if you are charging and using only one battery?
Had very bad luck on Ebay with the last 4 purchases. I got a Koni Omega that was broke, a back that leaked, a Summicron with separation of lens elements, and an almost mint Canon F1 with a light leak that no one could find. I am more concerned with the Hasselblad at this point since I needed it for a sports group shoot I am doing in 10 days. Oh, I forgot to add that the Keiv prism finder was bent and would not go on the camera all the way.

 

[terrydent]

Wow! You have a lot going on! First the plug in the hole in the back allows the use of 220 film which has no backing paper. It was a regular Hasselblad product. It is removed when using 120 film. If the cover is broken tape it shut.
When using only one battery it can go in either hole. If the batteries are dead, is the camera only half cycled, meaning not fully cocked? Is the mirror completely down? If not the lens will not mount. The lens winding key at the bottom of the lens mount should be horizontal when cocked.
What you really need is a manual for this camera. They are readily available on the internet for free. Just do a Google search.
Good luck!

Terry

 

[flashbulbman]

Thank you kind sir !

 

[Daniel Unkefer]

The two original batteries that came with the camera apparently were not charged well. After about 14 shots the camera stopped working. I am charging the batteries now.

I have two EL/M bodies myself, and I like them. But the original Nicad batteries are a major pain. I bought two Alkaline 9v battery adapters on Ebay, they are not expensive, and do not harm the motors. Much better now.

 

[flashbulbman]

Thank you Daniel, I saw the device you mentioned and ordered two of them. Very nice idea using a 9 volt battery in the adapter.

 

[flashbulbman]

Another new problem

Well, I have had my 500 ELM one day now and see another dilemma. The old style chrome 50 Distagon F4 that came with the camera needs a lens shade. I do not know which adapter to use for the old Pro Lens shade. Is this a 60 or 50 bayonet adapter or is there a screw in adapter made for it? It had a 67mm UV filter on it but that was shattered by the mailman. Looks like a tight fit for the filter and I wonder it someone just screwed it in since it fits if you sort of force it. Also, is there a metal screw in lens shade for this old but neat looking lens?

I love the old cameras and lenses. I hate digital cameras and plastic lens mounts. My old Speed Graphic 4x5 was my main camera for 47 years and it still works. I use it with flashbulbs (have cases of press 25s in the garage). However, I have health problems and a back injury. The big cameras, especially my 5x7 and 8x10 view cameras are too much for me since I am almost 70 now. I thought the Hasselblad would be a nice compromise since it has great optics and built like a tank. I plan on getting an 80mm and 150mm this week. Just need to get the proper lens shade for the old style 50mm Distagon at this time.

Thanks in advance

I LOVE THE SMELL OF FLASHBULBS IN THE MORNING

 

[Victorh]

Early Proshades

Early covers more than one proshade.
I haved a hunch you mean the shade with non collapsible rails.




Shade 40231 with chrome and black adapters for Distagon 50 and 60 lenses.
The 40231 pros shade is suitable for lenses with B50, B60 and 63 mm threaded lens mounts.




Close up of the chrome 63 mm adapter ring.
This ring looks much the same as the filter locking ring for these lenses.
It has a wider rim though that is used to secure the adapter to the proshade.





Second model proshade with 63 mm adapter.
This pro shade with collapsible rails is used for lenses with B50, B60, B70 size bayonet and
63 mm threaded lenses like the C series Distagons.

Adapters for the 40231 shade are not so difficult to find.
Prices vary from 15 to 25 USD.

The 63 mm adapter for the second proshade is much rarer.
A clean adapter will go for 30-40 USD.


Vic.

 

[flashbulbman]

Vic, The 40231 is the shade I want to get. Therefore, to put it on my old 50mm Distagon, I will need which adapter? Will it also work for a chrome old style 80mm Planar (Bay 50) and the old chrome 150 Sonar, which I will also need the same shade for?
Thanks in advance for your info.

 

[Victorh]

Hasselblad made a mess of bayonets and threads for lenses that allow you to fit a regular or a pro shade.

Bayonet 50 is actually 57 mm and so on.

Inlay fliters for Distagon lenses are 63 mm the thread is 67 mm but not the one use with other manifacturers. Hasselblad lenses accept the other 67 mm thread but only for a couple of turns......

Planar and Sonnar lenses from the C series use B 50 to connect shades or the adapter ring from the proshade.

With the model 40231 proshade you will need both adapters B 50 and 63 mm threaded.

Black or chrome 63 mm ring is not important only cosmetic.


Vic.