Hassie Needs Help

[500r420]

So I just got a 500c/m, my first medium format camera

The focus through the viewfinder is different than the actual focus.
When I set the lens to 14 feet, an object at 10 feet away looks sharp
the object at 14 feet is sharp on the negative
When it set to infinity, objects at infinity are still not quite lining up on the split-screen
the camera takes well-focused images if I focus by distance, but this is impractical
It does this with a standard (non split) screen as well as with the metal thingy instead of the prism

Can someone help?

[uaiomex]

So I just got a 500c/m, my first medium format camera

The focus through the viewfinder is different than the actual focus.
When I set the lens to 14 feet, an object at 10 feet away looks sharp
the object at 14 feet is sharp on the negative
When it set to infinity, objects at infinity are still not quite lining up on the split-screen
the camera takes well-focused images if I focus by distance, but this is impractical
It does this with a standard (non split) screen as well as with the metal thingy instead of the prism

Can someone help?
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=115577\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

I've had that same problem with 2 different Hassies. A 500 CM and an ELM. The problem was the mirror doesn't park properly in viewing mode due to bad linings underneath the reflex mirror. So, when you focus with the groundglass, the image is off at film plane. This happens because the linings get old , dirty and dry. Service and replacement is the answer. I paid around $300 usd a decade ago. Good luck.
Eduardo

[500r420]

I've had that same problem with 2 different Hassies. A 500 CM and an ELM. The problem was the mirror doesn't park properly in viewing mode due to bad linings underneath the reflex mirror. So, when you focus with the groundglass, the image is off at film plane. This happens because the linings get old , dirty and dry. Service and replacement is the answer. I paid around $300 usd a decade ago. Good luck.
Eduardo
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=115601\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

When you say $300, is that because expensive parts are required. David Odess will fix the camera for $120 after student discount but are parts going to be the killer?

[uaiomex]

When you say $300, is that because expensive parts are required. David Odess will fix the camera for $120 after student discount but are parts going to be the killer?
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=115618\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

Sorry.
I wouldn't know. That is what I was charged at an "authorized" Hasselblad repair shop in Dallas back then. Maybe I was ripped off. You know? The thing with Hasselblad is like having an expensive german car. Not only you have to pay a premium for the product, you also have to pay dearly for service and parts. Well, at leat that has been my experience. As far as I'm concern Hasselblads (V system) are a real pain in the ass. Despite this, they are lovable. Love/Hate issue.

Best

Eduardo

[500r420]

It was just over $80 btw, with re-sealing of the back as well.

[500r420]

The camera is back, focus is good, but Ive got a new problem
the Cushion which the mirror hits is literally falling apart
every time i fire it leaves residue on the mirror
there is still a fair bit of cushion left
is it safe to use over the summer as I am leaving friday?
any way I can fix this myself?

[uaiomex]

Sorry to hear that.
I'm surprised about your new problem. It startles me, because I always thought that dry out cushion was part of the equation with Hassies missfocusing.
I guess it may be safe to use it if it has some cushion left. Get a good blower (Giotto's Rocket is best) and tune your ears for a difference in the sound while shooting. One more thing, develop soon and watch if focus is still on target.

Eduardo


.

The camera is back, focus is good, but Ive got a new problem
the Cushion which the mirror hits is literally falling apart
every time i fire it leaves residue on the mirror
there is still a fair bit of cushion left
is it safe to use over the summer as I am leaving friday?
any way I can fix this myself?
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=122541\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

[500r420]

Sorry to hear that.
I'm surprised about your new problem. It startles me, because I always thought that dry out cushion was part of the equation with Hassies missfocusing.
I guess it may be safe to use it if it has some cushion left. Get a good blower (Giotto's Rocket is best) and tune your ears for a difference in the sound while shooting. One more thing, develop soon and watch if focus is still on target.

Eduardo
.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=123063\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

Thanks, I can actually tell if the focus is good (to a certain amount of accuracy) by infinity focus

wont be able to develop for 3 months
gonna keep that color film in the food cooler!