Another A12 back loading question

OK, I've read through the forum, and there are a few similar issues, so I think

I know what the answer to this question may be. But some confirmation that my

suspicions are correct would be useful. TIA.

 

So I just got a new Hassy 503CW complete with A12 back. And I've just developed

a couple of films (just test stuff, nothing important, fortunately)

 

When I loaded the films, I followed the instructions quite carefully and was a

little surprised when the film winder blocked after only about 4.5 turns... but

I ran with it because I figured it must be right, yes? No: this basically means

that the first three shots were on the paper, not on the film.

 

The thing is, I've tried loading a film a few times now and the number of turns

before the winder blocks at what it claims is frame 1 is inconsistent -

sometimes it's 4.5, and sometimes 9. 9ish looks about right for the film I'm

using. But even when I don't load a film at all, the number turns before the

winder blocks is inconsistent - somewhere between 4.5 and 9.5, although mostly

around 7ish. Why it would be inconsistent is a mystery to me. Surely it should

be a deterministic device?

 

Also, there is some overlap on the negs for quite a few of the images. First few

quite a lot, middle ones tend to be OK, but some overlap again later on too.

 

So. Is this back Fubar?

 

Cheers

 

Andy

The counter resets when you remove the insert. How are you lining up the arrow? You should turn the takeup spool by hand. If you use the crank, you will use up turns you need later to put the film in the shooting position.

 

Otherwise, the back may need a CLA (and new seals at the same time).

Thanks Edward

 

I'm doing everything by the book. Lining up the little red arrow with the "start" arrow on the paper by turning the takup spool clockwise by hand, then re-inserting the insert and turning the crank. It's this bit which is inconsistent. Sometimes it turns only 4 and a bit times, other times it turns 9 times - so sometimes the film gets advanced to the rights place, and other times it advances to a bit of paper. And I've tried the operation without using any film too and that has the same problem.

 

I did think it might be a CLA job - or even a return and replace (it's brand new). I'll call the shop tomorrow. Does mean the hassle of packing it all up again. Bah!

 

Thanks

If you are doing it by the book, on a "new" back, that sounds like the insert is bad. Contact the dealer you got it from to arrange for a return. You should not need to CLA a new back.

 

On a related note, I picked up a couple 12 (aka M12) backs for a similar reason. You have to drop the "door" to watch for the "1" to appear in the window. That way you KNOW you are at frame 1, and also that you have not loaded the film upside down...guess how I know that :-(

Andy,<br><br>Return the back to where you got it from, Let the seller provide one that does work without a problem, or pay for getting this one into fully working condition.<br><br>(By the way, Gary, it's not the insert, but the mechanism - in the shell - that will be to blame ;-) ).

The overlapping of the images seems to suggest that the back is fubar, regardless of

whether the film is properly loaded. As those above have said, send it back, send it back....

Thanks to everybody, having spoken to the shop and to Hasselblad UK, I'll be sending the dodgy A12 to the Hasselblad service chaps who have promised to expedite checking it out - everything else seems OK with it, so I'll get myself a spare back (2nd hand though I reckon) and carry on shooting!

 

I realise I could send the whole unit back (I bought the complete camera kit) but this way seems quite reasonable to me and lets me carry on shooting with a body and lens which both seem OK... and give me a chance of taking it on holiday in a few days too. Slightly miffed that I will incur some more postal charges and have to hunt around for bubble wrap and so on, but such is life.

 

Gary: I feel your pain. I spent quite some time looking at, analysing and interpreting the pictures trying to make sure I didn't get the film the wrong way around. I'm a nightmare literalist with this kind of thing. Self assembly furniture is a particular horror.

 

QG: Agreed. 'nuff said.

 

Robert: I agree, although from other posts I've seen on this subject, it is conceivable that a misloaded film would also exhibit this symptom. Apparently it can happen if you don't load the paper behind the little metal thing (no manual to hand and can't remember what it's called) so the film is a bit loose.

 

Now to consider the CFV. Ooh, can't quite justify it yet. I manage to convince myself that it would be a Good Thing, then wake up in cold sweats thinking about the money. Such is life! Need to sort out this A12 problem first anyway. :)