Problem with Hasselblad 500 EL/M triggering

<p>Hello all,<br /> I recently acquired a used hasselblad 500 EL/M. I can only get the shutter to engage (when pressing the trigger) when the camera is leaned forward or (sometimes) backwards. Generally, if it's facing straight forward the shutter won't trip. That being said, I've had a few periods of time with the camera where it will trip properly (in O mode) without tilting it (once for an entire roll), but there is no reliable method to retain that capability.<br /> I've experimented while holding the trigger button and as I gently lean the unit forward about progressively from 0 to 40 degrees, the shutter will trip at around 40/45 degrees. This makes me think that there may be a mechanical coupling issue or an electrical connection issue that gravity is resolving with the tipping. It doesn't really matter what mode the camera is in (A, O, etc) as this happens at any setting. Any clue if this more likely mechanical (the solenoid position?) versus electronic (cold solder, etc in the motor switch?)?<br>

Has anyone seen this problem before. I intend to open things up myself but would love any insight as to where to focus my attention.</p>

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<p>It doesn't sound like an expensive repair, but don't try it yourself. Send it to Hasselblad in New Jersey or one of the repairmen recommended in Photo.net.</p>

<p>Thanks for the response. I've repaired several cameras in the past, but never a hasselblad. This camera came cheaply ($30) so I intend to open it up, if even for the educational value. Has anyone had a problem like this? I can't be the first:) I'd rather start with the accumulated knowledge of the more enlightened before proceeding. Anyone?</p>

<p>If it has the the SQUARE release button on front, that is the issue. Hasselblad stopped making the square release button due to exacly what you are saying.</p>

<p>Before you open it up, try another release button or cable switch. Here's one on ebay:</p>

<p>http://www.ebay.com/itm/HASSELBLAD-LARGE-RELEASE-BUTTON-500EL-ELM-ELX-553-EXCELLENT-/151740850390?nma=true&si=JExf195Dye1SXmnX201ETHXZ10Y%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557</p>

<p>Try this one:</p>

<p>https://www.keh.com/223940/hasselblad-manual-focus-release-button-el-elm-46116<br>

or a cable switch:</p>

<p>http://www.ebay.com/itm/HASSELBLAD-30cms-CABLE-SWITCH-SHUTTER-RELEASE-/361424091997?hash=item54268dfb5d:g:VTgAAOSweW5VQnk6</p>

<p>Also see:</p>

<p>http://www.photo.net/medium-format-photography-forum/00297N</p>

<p>http://www.photo.net/medium-format-photography-forum/008IRs</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

 

<p>You can also release the camera from the DIN socket, please see the picture. You could also have a mechanical problem with the solenoid release, a connecting lever may have broken, if this DIN socket test fails in the same way I expect that is what it will be.<br>

<img src="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/5279928/DIN%20socket.jpg" alt="" /></p>

 

<p>Thanks Douglas! I hadn't thought of trying to trigger via the DIN. I will dig up the DIN release trigger and try that this weekend. </p>

I'm having a similar issue with my 553 ELX and posted what I'm experiencing in another EL/M thread here: 500 EL/M won't fire with pressing of release button

 

If anyone is still following this thread and has any advice on how I might fix this, I'd be greatly appreciative.

 

Thank you in advance.

I'm having a similar issue with my 553 ELX and posted what I'm experiencing in another EL/M thread here: 500 EL/M won't fire with pressing of release button

 

If anyone is still following this thread and has any advice on how I might fix this, I'd be greatly appreciative.

 

Thank you in advance.

 

The previous suggestions strike me as being sound. What was the result when you tried them?

The previous suggestions strike me as being sound. What was the result when you tried them?

My problem is the same in that the shutter doesn’t consistently trigger, but different, I suspect, in the cause. I’ve tried several things, but not yet the DIN socket suggestion, though I suspect it will have no impact, since my issue seems to be the tension on the release lever spring (see my linked post for details). I’m hoping someone will come across this who has had a similar issue and can offer a solution.