Hasselblad 201F mirror sticking

<p>I've just received a used Hasselblad 201F. <br>

When held level horizontally looking down - as would be normal with a WLF, all is well.</p>

<p>But when the camera is held on it's side or vertical the mirror does not always instantly return : sometimes it's delayed or does not return at all.<br>

It never returns when the camera is inverted - until it's cocked and fired again when horizontal and level.<br>

If I apply gentle finger pressure ( with lens removed ) the mirror easily frees and completes it's travel.</p>

<p>I did the button in and crank wind on after changing the battery and the battery check LED lights.</p>

<p>Before I send the camera back, I just want to poll opinions on reliability : should ask for a repair or refund.<br>

Is this just a CLA service that's needed ?</p>

<p>Thanks,<br>

Donald.</p>

<p>Well, I never owned an F series, but I have quite a few HBs here and they are of the finest quality, but occasionally they need TLC. So, if it is a nice clean lightly used camera I would think CLA. But, if it looks like a well used beater, might be better to return it. At one point I was using four very new film backs. One that was on it's first assignment jammed and another that was only a few months old had a part that was not working internally making wind through problems. Others had thousands of exposures ithout a blink.</p>

<p>Dave, the camera looks like it's in good external condition, but has lots of wear marks on the rear magazine plate and inner lens bayonet: I guess it's had a professional working life.<br /> With a bit more investigating, I'm beginning to think that springs on the underside of the mirror, which seem to connect to a fulcrum/balance might be stretched. <br>

I've fired the shutter a few hundred times now - and let it sit fired up-side down for a while and it's actually getting better - so might be that it has been sitting idle on a shelf for too long.<br>

( Photo is a rough blend of two focus zones )<br /> <img src="http://www.donaldingram.com/ForumImages/Hassy201F_mirror.jpg" alt="" /></p>

<p>Donald, whenever I've purchased a Hasselblad body (or lens), I always assume I'm sending it in for CLA and inspection. I just like a base level of confidence in my equipment. Logic tells me that if the price was substantially less than a CLA, I'd fix it. My gut tells me that I'd return it.</p>

<p>Donald,</p>

<p>First thing, I would make sure that the battery is a fresh or new one. Then check it in CF lens mode as thought you were using the shutter in the lens, not the one in the body. Call Hasselblad USA and ask for Dennis Greco for his opinion about the problem.<br>

For intend, I would te seller to have the body repaired before you keep it. If he doesn't want to repair it, please return the camera for a full refund. The repairs on these camera bodies tend to be pretty expensive and there are just a handfull of technicans that can work on the 2000 and 200 series body. Sohrt of these recommendation, the 201F is a fantastic body like the rest of the 200 lineup. I have a 201F, 205TCC and a 2000FCM.</p>

<p>Evan</p>

<p>It also appears from your picture that mirror or plate at body top, (bottom in photo)is out of whack, crooked at a slight angle. This should all be square and straight. I think it's best to unload this thing before it becomes a money pit. Donald makes a very good point in that the repairs are costly and omewhat limited in who can repair them competently.</p>

<p>Without a doubt it needs a CLA. Price the repair at Hasselbald USA then return the body!<br>

I use a pair of 2000FC/M bodies and they are still running like new.</p>

<p>It was back to it old sticky ways this morning : so x100 operations did not do that much.<br>

I will send it back to Leicashop Vienna ( where it came from ) and ask them for a CLA and spring replacement.<br>

The mirror starts parallel but goes askew as moves to the point show - so I think the springs are unbalanced ?</p>

<p>However it did serve it's intended purpose today : A couple of weeks ago I found an old F series 110mm f/2 lens hiding away in a local Edinburgh camera shop. <br>

When I went back this morning, they still had it, so was able to test it on a F body before I bought it.<br>

It's all slowly coming together ... just need that CLA now.</p>

<p> </p>

<p>Donald,<br>

Have the seller look it over and see if they would honor a CLA through Hasselblad. Make sure that you get an invoice from Hasselblad highlighting the repair that was done if there is any warranty on it.I have the 50mm F, 80mm F, 110mm F, and 150mm F to use on my 2000/200 series bodies. The fastest lenses available for a non-shutter lenses, especially ZEISS lenses!</p>

<p>That said, the 201F is the best of the non-metering 2000/200 series bodies. In the event the focal shutter goes out in the future, you will have a "501CM" body to use for all other C, CF,CFi,and CFe lenses. I enjoy my 201F and a word of precaution: if the camera is not used for a prelong period, remove the battery to avoid a complete drain on the battery. The 2000 series did not have this sort of problem as with the later 200 series. I also encounter this with my 205TCC too.</p>

<p>Evan</p>

<p> </p>

<p><em>"In the event the focal shutter goes out in the future, you will have a "501CM" body to use for all other C, CF,CFi,and CFe lenses."</em></p>

<p>More like a 503 CW even: TTL flash, and it will take a winder.<br>

;-)</p>

 

<p>Q.G.de Bakker, it would take a winder but why bother? TTL is good but not sure if it could be used with a digital back, I'm not there yet! Thanks for the update going from 501Cm to 503CW.</p>