Should an E magazine transfer ISO automatically to a 203FE?

[philip_dygeus2]

<p>Hello everybody</p>

<p>I have read and re-read the manual of my 203FE and am beginning to wonder if my magazine (an ECC-12 with the zone metering control) is faulty.</p>

<p>As I read the manual (p. 41 in the English version), with an E magazine the Pr function is inactive and should show the ISO set on the magazine. The manual says:</p>

<blockquote>

<p>"Setting the film speed is possible only when a common A-magazine is used. With a E-magazine the film speed is set on the magazine dial, the Pr function is inactive and the display shows the magazine dial setting only."</p>

</blockquote>

<p>But I can change ISO in the Pr function with the E magazine attached. And the ISO shown doesn't change when I adjust the dial on the magazine. I have tried after removing the battery and after removing and replacing the magazine but the behaviour remains the same. </p>

<p>I noticed this last night when shooting in A mode and pushing the film by setting the magazine's dial to a higher EI but still getting slower speeds.</p>

<p>Thanks very much for any insight<br>

Philip</p>

[ulrik]

<p>Has your 203 FE been rewired for use with Hasselblad digital backs? If it has, there is no transfer of ISO values from film magazine to camera body any more.</p>

[philip_dygeus2]

<p>Hello Ulrik</p>

<p>Thanks for the quick reply. I actually don't know that. I will email the store and ask.</p>

<p>Is there a way to tell by looking at the camera?</p>

<p>Br<br>

Philip</p>

[ulrik]

<p>After modification a rubber panel on the left side is exchanged which says that it has been modified. So I have no better idea than suggesting to clean the contacts.<br>

Ulrik</p>

[philip_dygeus2]

<p>Thanks Ulrik. I find no rubber panel on the left side of either the back or the rear of the camera (or anywhere else actually). </p>

<p><img src="http://s20.postimg.org/bekqqtnjh/L1040339_s.jpg" alt="" /></p>

<p>Just so I understand. IF the camera has been modified and there is no transfer of ISO values, will the Pr funtion still allow me to adjust ISO up and down? If so that may indicate that my camera has been modified. </p>

<p>Also, I assume on an un-modified camera the Pr ISO function is entirely disabled?<br>

Br<br>

Philip</p>

 

[lee_j1]

<p>That back doesn't have the contacts to communicate with the camera body. If it did it would look like the back here: http://www.leicashop.com/media/catalog/product/cache/2/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/2/3/23930_5.jpg</p>

[philip_dygeus2]

<p>Ah I see, thanks Lee (sheepish smile). So this means I need to set the ISO manually using the Pr function, I guess.</p>

<p>But now I am confused - what kind of magazine is mine? And what does the magazine's ISO and contrast control dials do if the info can't be transferred anywhere?</p>

<p>Thanks in advance<br />Philip</p>

[philip_dygeus2]

<p>Actually a second problem has developed - the magazine insert doesn't come out when I turn the film holder key. It only pops out a few milimetres and is then stuck.</p>

<p>I can remove the magazine from the body and the dark slide can be inserted and taken out. But the insert doesn't come loose at all. </p>

<p>I have a feeling this magazine is a dud...</p>

<p>Is there anyway to unjam the magazine?</p>

<p>br<br />Philip</p>

[lee_j1]

<p>My guess is that the back has been repaired or had the light seals replaced at some point and the original cover part was swapped with that from another back, consequently blocking the contacts and possibly causing the other problems you are now having. It does seem a little odd as the contacts are usually flush with the rest of the back cover, so perhaps they've even been removed. I would open it up and see what's going on.</p>

[philip_dygeus2]

<p>Thanks for the reply Lee. It is confusing because I was told by the dealer that the magazine was an ECC magazine. It certainly looks that way at a quick look. I only noticed the lack of contacts when I tried to use the Pr ISO function.</p>

<p>I'm not very comfortable with opening up the magazine so I'll contact the dealer (who offers a return privilege) but I'm wondering if the insert jam has anything to do with the mix of magazine parts.</p>

<p>Here are a few more photos.</p>

<p><img src="http://s20.postimg.org/hl9mdnhbh/L1040340_s.jpg" alt="" /></p>

<p><img src="http://s20.postimg.org/wv9hkuctp/L1040341_s.jpg" alt="" /></p>

<p><img src="http://s20.postimg.org/9ibg2bwq5/L1040342_s.jpg" alt="" /></p>

<p><img src="http://s20.postimg.org/k6f7166p9/L1040343_s.jpg" alt="" /></p>

[lee_j1]

<p>Oh it's definitely an ECC, but i'm not so sure it's not been tampered with. Does the insert serial match the back serial? It's hard to tell from the photos above, is the black surround absolutely flush with the sliver edge or is there a bit of a bulge? I notice there are a couple of scratches (black marks) on the left hand side of the last picture that may indicate that the internal contacts have been removed (hard to say for sure without removing the plate).<br>

<br /> It is very odd. If you look at the second to last image then the back is clearly not flat, the silver edge should be absolutely straight.</p>

[philip_dygeus2]

<p>Thanks for your reply, Lee. The numbers match. And the bulge is a result of the lens on the point and shoot camera which I used. I shot a bit too close; the edge is perfectly straight. </p>

<p>I also saw those black marks but I don't feel very confident to remove the plate and have a look. Doing so might also affect whether the dealer is willing to replace it. I'll contact him and ask what can be done. But this is clearly not the kind of magazine I was told would come with the camera. </p>

<p>Br<br>

Philip</p>

[evan_dong1]

<p>Philip,</p>

<p>I have a 205TCC that uses the TCC-12 magazines, thus allowing for the film speed and Zone System adjustment.<br>

I wasn't sure of the E magazine, but here is a posting on the various Hasselblad magazines if it helps:</p>

<p><strong>NOTE:</strong> Hasselblad makes three basic types of film magazines: "A", "E", "E-CC". They are interchangeable with all Hasselblad cameras. The "A" type is the standard non-electronic magazine in the Hasselblad line.<br>

The "E" type is specifically designed for the 200 Series and is equipped with a film speed programming dial and electronic databus connections which transfer the film speed to the camera's metering system. It can be used with the 500 Series cameras but only works mechanically.<br>

The "E-CC" magazine is specific to the 205FCC model and is not only equipped with the same "E" features, but also has a contrast control dial ("CC") which is used in conjunction with Zone System black and white photography.<br>

Note: The "E-CC" film magazine is only available in chrome trim</p>

<dl><dd >It comes with a 120 insert which provides 12 exposures for the 6 x 6cm format</dd></dl><dl><dd >This magazine fits all Hasselblad models including the ArcBody and FlexBody</dd></dl><dl><dd >This magazine is equipped with a film speed dial (ISO)</dd></dl><dl><dd >When it is used with the 202FA, 203FE and 205FCC cameras, the film speed is automatically transferred to the camera's metering system</dd></dl><dl><dd >The "E" Type film magazines are available in either black or chrome trim and feature a dark slide pocket and memo clip</dd></dl>

[philip_dygeus2]

<p>Evan, thank you very much, that is really useful information.</p>

<p>In the meantime I have been in touch with the dealer who was mortified about the situation. He's sending me a replacement TCC magazine in very good condition which I'm happy about.</p>

<p>Br<br>

Philip</p>