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Experience with Hasselblad check to spec

G

gpdiver

New Member
I just purchased a 203FE, and am looking to have it checked over and adjusted. Everything appears ok, but sometimes the focal plane shutter sticks when taking the first shot and I have to slide the camera shutter speed ring to B to get it to fire.

Does anyone have experience using the Hasselblad check to spec offer on their website which appears to be a good deal at $99?
 
I have used the check to spec service a couple of times. The items I sent in I knew had some issues and if it needs service the $99 is applied towards it. Remember that the $99 is for inspection only for a body, lens, back and viewfinder. You also get a 25% labor discount on needed repairs. If your 203fe needs some attention, I doubt that $99 will fix it! I was very pleased with the service though. The lens I sent in was a 30mm CF that had aperture problems and internal marks on the glass. Total repair for the lens was $308 and it was like new.

Terry
 
In witch mode do you work when it arrives ?
When my battery is low I have such behaviour 60 shots before the end. Instead of passing to B I just re clock the body.
 
I am in auto mode when this happens, and it has occurred with a 50mm FE lens and a 80mm CFE lens in F mode. It appears that the shutter fires, but does not close, like it on an extended speed, but only happens on the first shot or after changing a back. Battery is new, so I doubt that is the case.
 
gpdiver said:
I am in auto mode when this happens, and it has occurred with a 50mm FE lens and a 80mm CFE lens in F mode. It appears that the shutter fires, but does not close, like it on an extended speed, but only happens on the first shot or after changing a back. Battery is new, so I doubt that is the case.
Click to expand...

I have the identical problem. My body was brand new when I bought it last year (sat on the shelf for 15 years) and I had it overhauled at Hasselblad. Earlier this year I had the exact problem you describe, but when I sent it in for a fix they couldn't replicate the problem. I just find now I take a shot or two before I put the film on - it's a pain and I do lose the occasional shot, but all in all it works quite well. I find the battery does make a difference, but it doesn't solve the problem, unfortunately. Aside from letting you know you're not alone, I have no solutions, I'm afraid.
 
Thanks. This sounds like exactly the same issue. I have tried to remove the back and exercise the shutter, but sometimes it still occurs and is random. I will send it in for a check-up. if they find anything. I'll post it.
 
Perhaps this is a bit late, but I just wanted to say I have had a good experience with Check-to-spec. It is a especially good if you include your lenses and back, as they only charge a bit more and it is worth getting them checked out. I bought my 203FE back in 2005 (used), and never had a CLA for it. It completely locked up while firing the 350/4 FE and I could not release the lens by any means. Neither could the Hasselblad repair people here in Iceland. I sent the whole set up to the US and they applied the check-to-spec discount to the repair. It was expensive at around 500 dollars, but that included a CLA for the body, lens and back, as well as the repair. The did the work in about a week.

I have not seen the camera yet (it's a long story to do with fedex, Icelandic customs service etc), but in talking with Hasselblad USA and dealing with them, they were extremely professional and I feel like they charged a fair amount based on it being both a repair and a CLA on a body, back and lens.
 
Hasselblad service

Older service centers with experienced technicians who have good knowledge of V series bodies are worth every cent they charge.
Their service does not come cheap.To quote a good friend:
" The bill looks like a full service for a car including an exchange gearbox. "

200 series cameras are complicated machines.
It takes at least one week of factory training and several years actual service of these cameras to acquire some understanding of the problems that arise.
Of course basic understanding of V series bodies is necessary to begin with.
 
I should also add that one of the reasons the Icelandic authorized Hasselblad service would not deal with my 203FE is that they do not have the tools! Evidently the 200 series and SWC require different tools and equipment than the 500 series. In particular, I think they require a certain block to check the exact body shape of the camera (to see if the focus plane is bent etc), and the one for the 200 series is different than the one for the 500 series. So even if they have the training they need the right equipment.
 
Stuart Richardson said:
I should also add that one of the reasons the Icelandic authorized Hasselblad service would not deal with my 203FE is that they do not have the tools! Evidently the 200 series and SWC require different tools and equipment than the 500 series. In particular, I think they require a certain block to check the exact body shape of the camera (to see if the focus plane is bent etc), and the one for the 200 series is different than the one for the 500 series. So even if they have the training they need the right equipment.
Click to expand...

The 200 series is a very different camera from a 500 series. If you have ever seen the insides you will agree. I'd imagine HB will also check out the electronics of the 200 series. That takes test equipment too.
 
I have had a couple of CF lenses serviced by David Odess. He does excellent work and I would recommend his service.
 
David Odess in the US and David Knapman in Sweden are the only independent service centers I would recommend.

In a way David Knapman is the "father" of all current service specialists because he was employed by Hasselblad to train new staff world wide.
Of course this only concerns V series cameras.

As far as I know there are no independent service centers for H series cameras.
Same goes for anything digital.
 
I have a very old SWA I still use and would like it checked to see if everything is OK because I plan on using this for another 40 years. Any recommendations?
 
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