Help with Hasselblad 203FE

Patricio Suarez , Nov 29, 2007; 11:48 p.m.

I just bought a 203FE in perfect cosmetic shape. It works perfectly in Automatic mode, but when I put it in C mode, the camera jams after firing the shutter. The leaf shutter fires and the mirror moves up, but the rear curtain doesn't move out of the way and the camera jams. I have to move the speed ring of the camera body out of C to unjam it or press the button on the wind crank. This returns the camera to normal operational mode. My lenses are all CF style. Please any light on the issue would be greatly appreciated.

Responses

Stever Max , Nov 30, 2007; 01:07 a.m.

In absence of knowing what country you are in, I have two suggestions:

1) David Odess, a Hasselblad repair technical who frequents this website (search this site or google him).

2) KEH.com also does repairs.

You can call either and get advice.

Steve

Jean-Louis Llech , Nov 30, 2007; 03:35 a.m.

Patricio,
Using a CF lens in C mode with a focal plane shutter camera needs simple but accurate operations. You probably remove your finger too quickly from the release button after the exposure.
When you are in C mode, keep your finger on the release button depressed as long as you don't hear the sound of the focal plane shutter.
You already know that, when using the C mode, the leaf shutter remains closed after the exposure, and, consequently, the screen remains dark until you have rewound the camera

Terry Dent , Nov 30, 2007; 05:52 a.m.

If it does need repair neither David nor KEH can help you. Only Hasselblad New Jersey or Sweden will work on the 200 series cameras.

Evan Dong , Nov 30, 2007; 10:55 a.m.

Patricio,

Did you try to replace the battery with a fresh one? It might help here.

If the problem is still there, it might be related to the magnetic release plate. I have this same issue with my 201F. Dennis Greco at Hasselblad USA is the man who repairs all of the 2000/200 series equipment. If you are not located here in the USA, then e-mail Hasselblad Sweden for instructions whom to sent it to for repairs there.

Jean-Louis Llech , Nov 30, 2007; 01:36 p.m.

Evan,
Patricio says that it works perfectly in Automatic mode.

Before giving it for repair, please, try what I wrote earlier.

Evan Dong , Nov 30, 2007; 04:05 p.m.

Jean,

As I stated, I had the same similar problem but with my 201F. Work in every mode, but not with my CF lens. It was determine to the magnetic release plate. That is a very costly repair.

Q.G. de Bakker , Nov 30, 2007; 04:36 p.m.

Might be that, Evan.

But i think it's hard to draw comparisons between the 201 and the 203. The 201 only has one mode - manual - and it needs a battery even when using leaf shutter lenses.
The fact that the 203 in question works fine, except when the shutter is set to "C", may also suggest a possible other cause: the switch operated by the shutter speed ring.

Patricio Suarez , Dec 03, 2007; 10:29 p.m.

Thank you guys for all your help. After much research and talking to Dennis from Hasselblad, the problem was a minor mechanical adjustment. I live in NY, so I drove the camera to Hasselblad and saw Dennis in person. The problem was the light trap being worn out and a slight adjustment he needs to do. Very simple stuff he said. The repair will be $192 plus parts. Less that $250 I think. The camera will be checked thoroughly and will be like new by the end of this week. He gave me a very good tip. He said that if the timer mode works well, that this alone is a great sign that the camera is working fine. Thanks again for all your help. This is a great forum.

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