A12 vs. 12 Film Backs

[abintraphoto]

What are the differences between the A12 and the '12' film backs for

HB..... Please share your experience with with either or both...I

have a chance to buy a 'mint'12 for 225$ ... Good price ?? The clock

is ticking as well . . . Thanks

[russell_britt]

The 12 back is worth about $100-125 max. . It is a manual back, you advance the film, and look through a hole in the back for number 1 frame and then start shooting. But a advanage is you can shoot 220 film in a 12 back IF YOU HAVE THE HASSELBLAD RUBBER STOPPER for the hole in the back. A used A-12 back you just load the film and advance to the start arrow and put the insert in the back advance film untill it stops automatically. A A-12 back is worth about $225-250 used and about $400-500 new.Iwould not buy any used back without a chance to shoot a few rolls and check for spacing on the exposures.Hassey service on used backs is about $100 per back.

[todd frederick]

The major problem I found with ALL Hassie backs is the need to have the light baffle checked on a regular basis (every 2 years) to prevent light leaks where the dark slide enters. Also, the 12 backs will cause light leaks through the number viewing port. I had to stuff cloth in them and tape them over to prevent leaks, and then devise a winding/counting system to advance the film to the proper frame. It's not worth the effort!

 

The cheapness of the 12 backs is attractive if you want to add a couple hundred onto the price to have them restored.

 

There are much better system available.

[barry schmetter]

I have a number of A-12 backs and a single 12 back (circa 1957). The 12 back performs as well as any of the A-12 backs. It is only slightly more inconvenient to use, but at $225 it's no deal. You should check eBay for current pricing, but realistically, I think it's worth $150-160. $225 will get you an older A-12 in decent condition.

 

The fact that you can use 220 film in a 12 magazine is almost useless. I would never trust the uneven spacing on a commercial assignment and 120 is fine for personal use. Finally, you should know that A-12 backs are the most liquid Hasselblad commodity, being constantly bought and sold. If you have a little patience, you should be able to get an A-12 for close to $200.

[abintraphoto]

Gentlemen,

I've been watching ebay and Shutterbug magazine religiously and have never seen ANY HB film back for less than the 225$ I mentioned ....

As I noted in mint condition or any condition for that matter ..... Please direct me to your source for HB film backs in the price ranges you mention.

 

Thanks ........... Ken

[tito sobrinho]

Todd wrote: "Also,the 12 backs will cause light leaks through the number viewing port" Years ago, I bought three brand new 12 backs and never experienced this kind of light leaks. I still use them. Like Ken, I would also like to know the source for a HB back in excellent +++ and or mint condition for around $200. Thanks for your response, Tito.

[marc p.]

In the past year, I bought two A-12 film backs on eBay in excellent condition (both just checked by HB USA) for $225 and $240 respectively. Just be patient, watch eBay daily and you will see them come and go.

[douglas_tourtelot]

I own three 12 backs and they all work perfectly. No leaks and no spacing problems. I replace the light traps myself with parts from Hasselblad (It's easy!) I paid about $200 for each of them and that is about market value as far as I can tell. The gentleman who bought the A12s for under $250 was quite lucky. They are very rare at that price, even on eBay if they don't need a major overhaul (add $100 to the price for that from an indie service center) and I sure as heck wouldn't sell my 12s for $100 to $150. A good 12 back is fine, and easy to use (put a Lindahl darkslide holder on it and it goes from being good to being fabulous!)

[abintraphoto]

....... sol