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OhioGuy asked in Consumer ElectronicsCameras · 9 years ago

hasselblad 500C mirror up?

I recently received (yesterday) an old Hasselblad 500C with zeiss 80mm f/2.8 and A120 film back. This camera has seen much better days, and I wouldn't be surprised if it has been sitting for 10 years without use.

anyway, I got the camera, but the mirror was up, and I can't see anything from the viewfinder/focusing screen (?). I took the lens and back off to take peek inside. Now, when I try to put the lens back on, it refuses to mount. Both the body and lens are coked and ready to fire, but the mirror remains up, and I can't seem to find a way to get it down.

the second problem is that I can't seem to wind the camera itself via the crank, so if I do trigger the camera, I have to recok it by sticking a screwdriver in through the auxiliary shutter and wind it up with the little silver screw crank at the bottom, center of the camera.

is there anything I can do, or should I just get a quote on a complete overhaul/CLA?

also, are there any hassy repair businesses that you recommend?

I'll provide as much additional information as I can, but this being the first time touching a medium format camera, and an old, 50+ year old hassy at that... well, i'll be as helpful as I can

good day.

yes co(c)k is misspelled because it seems that Y!A doesn't like that word

5 Answers

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  • Andrew
    Lv 7
    9 years ago
    Favorite Answer

    I'd go for a CLA. Old Hassies, in working condition, are worth a mint.

    Hasselblad may well provide an instruction manual and their website might carry information on someone who could take a look.

    I do know Hassies don't have instant-return mirrors and can be a little eccentric, but a manual is the first step, otherwise it's an expensive (sorry, that word always comes up with these things) trip to your local distributor, or at least the one for your country.

  • 4 years ago

    Hasselblad 500c Manual

  • ryon
    Lv 4
    4 years ago

    Hasselblad 500cm Manual

  • 9 years ago

    I had my 500C/M repaired by the manufacturer. Their contact information is:

    Hasselblad USA

    333 New Rd Ste 5

    Parsippany NJ 07054-4212

    (973) 227-7320

    service@hasselbladusa.com

    Given the age of your 500C, it *MAY* be difficult to repair it due to availability of parts. However, you won't know without asking.

    My 500C/M had a similar problem, as something had broken within the camera body, and the mirror had become stuck in the up position (I'd also broken something in the lens, too.)

    Dealing with Hassy USA's service center is a delightful experience.

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  • B.E.I.
    Lv 7
    9 years ago

    I have heard good things about http://www.david-odess.com/index.html

    A fellow photog had a CLA done on his 500CM there and was very satisfied.

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