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CW winder for 503cw

cs_foto

cs_foto

Member
Hi I am considering getting the CW winder but I have some concerns...

As I like the full mechanical, reliable and failure proof (fingers crossed) that the 503cw is -without the winder- I am a bit worried in adding a component that will need batteries to operate, as well I have heard stories about the winder causing jams and other pertinent problems -like the advance knob breaking or the body needing service a lot more than without the accesory, can someone tell me a bit about it?

I think I really need the quick and automatic film advance in some shoots (not all of them but some), but don't want to compromise the reliability of my system...

Thanks
 
For the price of of the CW winder you can find a nice 500elx or a slightly less nice 553elx body. These bodies are made to be hammered and I think make a more reliable outfit. Recently I bought a bargain condition 553elx body for $99. Works great. Also got a real nice 500elx for $129. Get the left hand grip for it and it makes a nice combination. And you will have a backup body!
 
The winder does not cause any extra wear.
So far only one case of problems is known to me reported by a forum user.
I do not recall whether this problem was caused by the winder or whether the problem originated from the lens or the body.

Some users manage to seize or lock an otherwise perfect combination of lens and body.
I just got a 500CM with 80 CF lens in perfect condition that was locked.
After I removed the lens the body reset itself.
I refitted the lens and released that camera with lens at least 100 times without any problems.
No idea what caused this event.
 
Hi I am considering getting the CW winder but I have some concerns...
********
I like my winder..no problems but I do keep the winding "knob" in the travel case. The only disadvantage is the added weight, IMO.

Steve
 
I have a pair of 503CWs that I occassionally use to shoot weddings with, one is equipped with the CW winder.

In 10 years it has never failed, jammed, or missed a beat. Batteries are hardly an issue since it uses AAs which can be had anywhere unless you are in a remote location for a long time (which I wouldn't use a winder for anyway) ... and they last a long time.

The advantages are multiple. The mirror instantly returns for sequence work ... for example, when shooting people like I do at weddings. The ergonomics of the winder grip with strap are excellent, making the camera easy to carry for long periods of time like I have to do at weddings. IMO the CW is superior to the 200 series camera winder I have which is less comfortable to use. Plus, the CW can be used with the IR remote wireless release for tripod work (that IR comes with the winder, so if you buy used make sure it's included).

I also had a 555ELD with built in motor ... trouble is you can't remove the motor for lighter travel applications, ect. Those Hassey's are more work horses for higher volumn studio production work like day-in-day-out catalog shooting where 300 to 500 shots a day are not uncommon.
 
I have the winder with my month old CW and had some of the same concerns - but so far find it a very welcome addition. It comes off it ten seconds, uses easy to find AA batteries and looks built solid enough to hurt a charging rhino and stop him in his tracks. I use the crank most of the time, but with people I can imagine that it is invaluable to have and I am glad I have mine. THe only small minor complaint I can think of is the fact that I'm trying to undo years of using the left hand to focus and set the aperture. The grip of course pushes one back to slr like habits, just as I'm seeing the virtue of using the right hand for all of that.

The grip makes the Hassy wonderfully versatile.
 
Pavel said:
The grip of course pushes one back to slr like habits, just as I'm seeing the virtue of using the right hand for all of that..
Click to expand...

I think you are right maybe we focus better with our right hand(?)

Thanks for all the responses....

One thing though, I dont understand why the CW winder is £850 brand new and you can get it second hand for £250, are the second hand units that bad?
 
cs_foto said:
I think you are right maybe we focus better with our right hand(?)

Thanks for all the responses....

One thing though, I dont understand why the CW winder is £850 brand new and you can get it second hand for £250, are the second hand units that bad?
Click to expand...

Not necessarily bad ... it's supply and demand pricing. The winder has been around for a long time and there are many used units to be had with less people wanting them, or wanting to pay for one, or preferring to shoot a 503 as a classic Hasselblad with a crank winder.
 
cs_foto said:
I think you are right maybe we focus better with our right hand(?)

Thanks for all the responses....

One thing though, I dont understand why the CW winder is £850 brand new and you can get it second hand for £250, are the second hand units that bad?
Click to expand...

When i bought my 503cw back in 2002, Hasselblad was offering the kit
with a free winder. As far as i remember, that offering was made for quite
some time so no surprise there are cheap winders out there.

Regards,
Ralf
 
I use my winder a lot - it makes handling really easy (if heavy).
I started using recharchable batteries, when I found alkalines not lasting very long, which was disasterous until I got some really high powered ones (2850 MAh) - then it flies and last me a whole wedding.
BUT the only problems I have had have been with batteries running out mid wind. Total jam until inserting new batteries. Couldn't wind on, couldn't remove lens, so couldn't remove winder. So I always carry a spare pack of alkaline AA's just in case.
It is my preferrd way of using the 503 especially on a tripod with the IR remote.

Tim
 
Spot on Tim. As a rule I have spare batteries for every item that uses them in each bag - that way when I run out the door with say my XPan, I know its bag has a set of spare batteries. I also remove them after use if I do not have short term plans soon to shoot with that kit.
 
Hi Marc,

Does the CW winder work on a 503CW with the CFV back attached, or it only for use with a film back?

Gary
Alaska

fotografz said:
I have a pair of 503CWs that I occassionally use to shoot weddings with, one is equipped with the CW winder.

In 10 years it has never failed, jammed, or missed a beat. Batteries are hardly an issue since it uses AAs which can be had anywhere unless you are in a remote location for a long time (which I wouldn't use a winder for anyway) ... and they last a long time.

The advantages are multiple. The mirror instantly returns for sequence work ... for example, when shooting people like I do at weddings. The ergonomics of the winder grip with strap are excellent, making the camera easy to carry for long periods of time like I have to do at weddings. IMO the CW is superior to the 200 series camera winder I have which is less comfortable to use. Plus, the CW can be used with the IR remote wireless release for tripod work (that IR comes with the winder, so if you buy used make sure it's included).
Click to expand...
 
Thanks Jurgen. Looks like it should work fine. My 503CW always has the CFV back installed, so I don't need it for film, but thought it would be nice to have from an operability standpoint....sounds like it works well for handheld shooting.

Gary
 
bensonga said:
Thanks Jurgen. Looks like it should work fine. My 503CW always has the CFV back installed, so I don't need it for film, but thought it would be nice to have from an operability standpoint....sounds like it works well for handheld shooting.

Gary
Click to expand...
********
I have a 503CW + Winder + CFV and it works just fine. It is my usual set-up. You just need to set the CVF to the correct camera system. If you want to shoot tethered, there is a short cable that connects the CFV to the winder.

Steve
 
I found one at KEH in LN- condition and ordered it this afternoon. Includes the strap and infrared remote. Look forward to giving it a try this weekend.

Gary
Alaska
 
Look forward to giving it a try this weekend.
*******
That set up works really well with a "top loading" case..The camera is protected and it it easy to pull out with winder.
 
It is an excellent piece of equipment. It is terrific for hand-held shooting giving more conventional feel.

A great benefit is in the field like shooting landscapes and waiting for good light. Take a seat and use the remore when the light is nice!

Like Steve said the only disadvantage is the very considerable extra weight it adds.

Mine has been fitted for 3 years now and nothing about it could add any wear to my mint 503CW.

If you hunt carefully they can be had for much more reasonable money these days. Good luck.
 
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