Related Local Links:
Grey Market Mail Order Pages
Repair Sources
Repair Tool Resources and Tips
Repair Book Resources
Repair Costs Notes
Classic Bronica Repair Resources
Camera and Lens Testing Tips
Limited Lifespans of LCD Displays and
Chips..
Repair Warnings - Manufacturer Can No Longer Supply Parts:
Hasselblad 2000 Series Bodies
Hasselblad Zeiss Lenses
Bronica ETR early models
Mamiya 645 early models
Mamiya TLR and 645 Super Tips
Mamiya/USA Non-Official Import Repair Policy Change
Nikon FE (shutter repairs)
Leica M Rangefinder Repairs
Fuji Folder Warnings
Bowens International Monoblocs..
This page highlights some of the more recent professional camera models
which can't be repaired, even by the manufacturers, due to a lack of
parts. Where the manufacturers can effect repairs, they often do so by
custom modifications to use a more recent part or assembly (e.g., Leica
rangefinder). One unfortunate reality is that a design defect, such as the
Hasselblad 2000 series exposed shutter, may produce an unusually frequent
major repair, which eats up the available supply of replacement shutters
until there are no more available.
The Internet is making it easier to locate the best - and cheapest -
repair shops, thanks to various news groups and online resources. Most
mailing groups devoted to various brands of
cameras (such as Hasselblad, Minolta, Bronica, Rollei..) will be glad to
help you locate repairers with the skills and resources needed to work on
your brand of camera for out of warranty repairs.
Generally, manufacturers stock more rather than less parts, since repair
parts have much higher markups than the original parts. That is why a
camera built up from parts might cost $5,000 while the list price was
$1,200 and street price near $800.
In the USA, the federal 1976 Magnuson-Moss Consumer Protection Law
protects consumers by providing fair access to repair parts during and
after the sale of consumer (mass produced) goods. For most camera and
optical gear, this law provides a seven (7) year window after the last
models have been sold in inter-state commerce for fair access to buying
parts from the manufacturer or USA importer/distributor. Not only can
trained or factory certified camera repairers buy such parts, but
non-factory trained repairperons or even self-trained repairers or
untrained consumers can also buy such parts directly from the OEM
manufacturer or USA Importer/distributor.
In theory, the manufacturer can't restrict you from buying such parts,
nor keep a reserve of hard to buy parts for their own exclusive use. You
as a consumer or independent repairperson have equal access to what repair
parts they have in stock. So if your repairer can't get a given part from
the manufacturer, neither in theory should the manufacturer or
distributor/importer's repairpersons be able to get that same part.
How about the "got-cha's"? Naturally, the manufacturers or
importer/distributors have their own tricks to try and minimize the
overhead costs of dealing with many individual repairers (e.g.,
consumers). They can arbitrarily price their camera repair manuals (e.g.,
$125 per 20 page manual). They can have high minimum order amounts with
surcharges for smaller volume orders of individual part orders. A major
repairshop will do enough business so as to make such minimum orders often
enough, but individual repairers may find such practices to be a problem.
You won't find a lot of manufacturers advertising that consumers can buy
such parts. In fairness, consumers often mess up even simple repairs, so
the manufacturers are reluctant to promote consumer repairs. More cynical
observers might note that out of warranty repair activities are a major
profit center for manufacturers too.
Our point here is to ask around and check with not only the
manufacturers, but other repairshops, if you want to get the best price. A
few folks will complain that only the distributor/importer really can
fully repair the camera or lens, thanks to their close association with
the overseas manufacturers. Maybe so, but many of these same USA importers
and distributors "farm out" many repairs to the same independent repair
shops that you might deal with directly.
For example, Nikon USA has reportedly closed several of its four USA
repair facilities and has farmed out some of their repairs. Not only does
this process add to the costs and profits we have to pay, but the
"out-house" repairers also add delays to the repair cycle.
Perhaps this "farming out" process explains why nobody at the
importer/distributor repair facility seems to know anything about your
camera repair? I am not against independent camera repairers. I am
jaundiced about sending my camera or lens to the USA importer or
distributor, while paying a 50% to 200%+ premium, only to have the repair
farmed out with added delays.
For tricky repairs, you may be best served by mailing the camera back to
the factory for repairs. The factory will have the full range of test
equipment and mechanical jigs and parts needed for repairs. Moreover, the
cost of factory repairs is often less than some of those importers or
distributors who see repairs are a major profit markup center. Not all do,
so again, it pays to check to see how your distributor or importer treats
out of warranty repairs.
Incidentally, marking your mailout as a "repair
for re-export and return" should avoid delays in customs and shipping both
ways (tip thanks to Bob Shell!).
Date: Mon, 7 Aug 2000
From: "Q.G. de Bakker" qnu@worldonline.nl
To: Robert Monaghan rmonagha@post.cis.smu.edu
Subject: Re: HUG: Advice please regarding 2000FC series
Robert Monaghan wrote:
> DId you ever get further confirmation on problems with parts and repairs > on the hassy 2000 series? I've heard they are hard to work on, esp. > shutter repairs, and that a lot of techs won't work on them, but I'd also > be surprised if hasselblad was supplying parts for 500c and not 2000 series? > > thanks for update! ;-) bobm
It took a while, but here is what Hasselblad has to say:
"We can still repair the 2000 FCW and 2003 FCW but there are problems with
the 2000 FC and FC/M as there are some main spareparts which are no longer
available."
With regards.
From Hasselblad Mailing List:
Date: Mon, 7 Aug 2000
From: "Q.G. de Bakker" qnu@worldonline.nl
To: hasselblad@kelvin.net
Subject: Service 2000FC series
Last month there were some questions regarding Hasselblad 2000 series
cameras. It was mentioned that Hasselblad no longer provides parts for
these cameras.
Here's what Hasselblad's mr. S.E. Kjellberg has to say on this subject:
"We can still repair the 2000 FCW and 2003 FCW but there are problems with
the 2000 FC and FC/M as there are some main spareparts which are no longer
available."
So if your considering getting a 2000-series camera, stay away from any
2000 FC or FC/M (or don't damage them!), but don't worry about FCWs (yet).
Date: Sat, 27 Jan 2001
From: "Q.G. de Bakker" qnu@worldonline.nl
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Hasselblad 200 shutter in 2000 body?
FLEXARET2 wrote:
> I have not seen the Hassy 200 cameras and except for wrnkling do not know of > the defects in the Hassy 2000 shutters. > > However, when the Kiev cameras copied the Hassy 1000F the mistake was copying > the metal blind shutter. In the Kiev cameras this shutter > at two points has to endure a 90 degree turn at the corners- this turn > puts great stress on the camera gears in winding the shutter as well as > releasing it. I noticed this 15 years ago and suggested that the Arsenal > factory replace the metal shutter with rubberized cloth. They are just now > doing my old idea. However as the Kiev does not have an instant return mirror > (as Hassy does) to cover the shutter curtain - the curtain can have a hole > burned into it in bright sunlight. I know this is possible as I did it to a > Pentacon 6 quite by accident. > > Hassy 2000 cameras I have examined seemed to work just fine - I would never > replace the metal curtains with cloth curtains unless there is some essential > defect to this design which prompted Hassy to go > to cloth curtains in their newer models.
The problem with the "wrinkled", corrogated metal foil shutter curtains is
that, as metal has very little elasticity, they dent easily. The metal
used being very thin, it takes very little to do this.
I would consider this an essential defect in the design, and i believe
Hasselblad did too. They really had no choice, since shutter damage was so
common that in the end, hardly noone would touch a 2000 series Hasselblad,
not even with the proverbial pole. And not even though all models
following the original FC were fitted with a shutter retraction feature,
pulling the curtains out of harms way.
Now i do believe this total aversion of the public against the 2000 series
is somewhat over the top. Yet the danger of shutter curtain damage was/is
very real indeed, and the possibility to replace them with cloth versions
would be very welcome. Hasselblad AB for one seem sto think so. That's why
there are no more metal shutter curtains.
However, as long as you manage not to touch the shutter, the 2000 FC/M,
and certainly the FCWs, are very fine cameras indeed. You can pick them up
very cheap (i recently have seen a 2000 FC/M with 2.8 80 mm F Planar and
A12 advertised for (equivalent of) US$ 720.)
But, as mentioned by Robert Monaghan, Hasselblad no longer fully supports
2000 FC and FC/M cameras. So if they do finally get damaged, the only use
left in them is as a museum exhibit.
[Ed. note: great news, thanks to Q.G. de Bakker for sharing this tip!]
From Hasselblad Mailing List:
Date: Wed, 7 Feb 2001
From: "Q.G. de Bakker" qnu@worldonline.nl
Subject: 2000 series shutter problems?
For your information,
I asked Hasselblad AB if it would be possible to replace damaged shutter
curtains in 2000 series Hasselblads with the new, rubberized cloth version
curtains currently being used in the 200 series cameras.
They said that this could, in theory, indeed be done, but that "it's not
something they would recommend at all".
Meaning they won't do it.
Nevertheless, i belief that this can be taken to mean that, if we can find
someone willing to take on this job, there is hope still for all those
2000 series cameras with damaged shutter curtains.
Hasselblad kindly mentioned one repairperson who took on repair jobs that
they themselves decline to do. Perhaps he can do this replacement as well,
they didn't say.
David Knapman Pro Camera Service, Box 115, 438 01 Landvetter Sweden Tel. 31 91 94 03
Is there anybody among us who had such a replacement done already?
From hasselblad mailing list:
Date: Fri, 20 Apr 2001
From: Dennis Schmidt dschmidt@hcad.org
Subject: Re: Henry's Comments and Further Ramblings
I side with Mr. Posner on the issue of ads on the HUG. It is not hard to
find a place to buy something. It is very difficult to find an information
only source. Dan, I believe you made the wrong decision but I hope we can
live with it. We have whipped this poor nag pretty well. Freedom of
speech is wonderful.
A few weeks ago someone posted information on replacing the Titanium
shutters on the 2000 series with cloth shutters like on the 200 series. I
contacted the technician in Sweden and got mixed results. Yes the Titanium
shutters can be replaced but their weight and size reduces the shutter
speed from 1/2000 to something that would have to be determined. The cloth
shutters also had to be custom made. Maybe this is why the newer focal
planes only have 1/1000 shutters speeds except for the 205. The cost was
about $400 in Sweden but with international shipping, customs, and duties
the cost went to $700. That essentially makes it uneconomic to make the
conversion at least from Sweden. The alternative is to be careful with the
2000FC and convert it to a 500 camera once the shutter breaks.
Dick Werner has finished his repair manual for bodies but it omits the
focal plane shutters. Dick, is there any possibility of getting a repair
manual for Titanium shutters? I am assuming that Titanium shutters are
still available from Hasselblad.
Dennis
From Hasselblad Mailing List:
Date: Wed, 07 Feb 2001
From: Lars Hagglund lars.hagglund@ljusdal.se
Subject: [Fwd: Re: 2000 series shutter problems?]
David is a competent repairman, and have a good reputation here in
Sweden. I think one of his specials is to replace 2000 shutter curtains
with clothes curtains.
For me he has mounted a Bronica SQ screen in a 500C. Price including
parts and clo about 100$ plus vat. I am very pleased with the result.
Lars
...
From: mr500cm@pipeline.com (Mr500CM)
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Date: Thu, 08 Feb 2001
Subject: Re: Hasselblad 2000 series shutterblinds
....
David was a factory tech who left Hasselblad and started his own
repair business, he also bought all the parts and tools to repair the
1600/1000 series cameras. He's one of the only people left with
factory parts. I've been told by repair people that the 200 series
parts will not work in the 2000F bodies. Hasselblad will no longer
repair them, so what you will have is a really expensive paper weight.
Best of luck getting them fixed.
Lance
rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
From: gcrimmins@yahoo.com
[1] Update on Hasseblad 2000 series shutter
Date: Wed Mar 21 2001
I spoke today with someone who has a Hasseblad 2000FCW that has had
its titanium shutter replaced with a rubberized cloth shutter from a
201F. I'm not sure if this can be done with the 2000FC and 2000FCM as
well, but sounds like it is worth looking into. I have not talked to
the repair shop who did this, so I don't know how much it costs,
whether they still offer this service, etc. At any rate, this camera
was modified a technician named Ray at:
Pro Cam 5303 Broadview Parma, OH 44134 216-661-8666
I hope this information is helpful some people on the list.
--Geoff Crimmins
Date: Fri, 25 Jan 2002
From: Tana Lee Alves tanalee@yahoo.com
To: medium-format@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [medium-format] newbie questions
hey Everybody,
I need some advice. My father gave me his hasselblad
outfit last August. I sent it to Hasselblad they
charged me 750 dollars to refurbish it. Then it jammed
sent it back a month later. It jammed again. Sent it
back. Just got it back two weeks ago, put two rolls
through it and you guessed it. Now I have to send it
back. The guy at Hasselblad felt bad for me and said
"your 2000fc has problems that we can't solve because
there are no new parts made for it anymore" I
shouldn't quote because that's basically what he said
but not exactly.
The guy said I could send it in and they'd fix it
again but what do you all recommend. My dark room's
all set up for medium format. I'll be using my graflex
in the meantime. I know some of you like Rolleis but I
got everything Hasselblad right now. I figure I can
only lose by selling it all on ebay. That stuff
doesn't seem to be moving too well.
Anyway thanks for listening,
Tana
From: Evan J. Dong [ejdong@optonline.net] Sent: Sat 1/10/2004 To: Q.G. de Bakker; hasselblad@kelvin.net Subject: Re: [HUG] If not a 500 series, what is recommended in the 200 series? Hi Q.G. de Bakker and all, All of my information has been based on my actual experience with Hasselblad USA. I personally drove the 2 hour from my home to converse with their folks. Don Synder is the Service Manager and John Connolly, their Head Service Technican were my source at Hasselblad. My 2000FCM was serviced within the last 8 months. Spare parts they had plenty of and they will only repair what coomes into their facility. No older parts for the 2000FC and 2000FCM will be sold to outside vendors. Based on my conversation with several individuals, most of the 3rd Party repairmen DID NOT invest into the 2000/200 tools and spare parts. Most odf them were not trained on them too. Majority of them referred that I sent the camera and their respective lenses into Hasselblad directly for repairs. They have several people trained solely on the 2000/200 series and parts are available. The SWC/M kits are available directly from Hasselblad USA but again they will not sell to anyone. All parts will be used on all cameras coming into Hasselblad USA directly for repairs. I had my SWC that I use for overseas travel, retrofitted for the SWC/M kit that included the name plate. The 2000FC upgrade to 2000FCM kit are no longer available. I checked for my friend who hasa 2000FC. What Hasselblad did was giveit a complete overhaul and instructed him to keep everything away form the rear curtains. Wow! Speaking of being extra carefully! Thank GOD I have the FCM. when that goes out, I will go for the 203 body IF it still available then. FOr now, I am happy to use it with my assortment of lenses, being original Zeiss for Hasselblad and also my 3rd Party lenses that were modified fo rit. Evan Dong ----- Original Message ----- From: "Q.G. de Bakker" qnu@tiscali.nl To: hasselblad@kelvin.net Sent: Saturday, January 10, 2004 Subject: Re: [HUG] If not a 500 series, what is recommended in the 200 series? > Evan J. Dong wrote: > > > Austin is correct on this. I had my 2000FCM recently CLA and they told me > > that they HAD ALL THE PARTS for this body and model. Regarding the 2000FC, > > they told me that parts are limited and som eare just no longer available. > > "We can still repair the 2000 FCW and 2003 FCW but there are problems with > the 2000 FC and FC/M as there are some main spareparts which are no longer > available." > > Sven-Erik Kjellberg, Service Manager, Victor Hasselblad AB, August 2000. > > I guess the spare parts issue is rather confused, with some repair shops > still having some (or perhaps believing they can still get some), while > others don't. Some will "slaughter" other cameras to get the parts they > can't get new, while others will not. Etcetera. > > With the metal foil shutter curtains being the things that are most likely > to suffer, i asked Hasselblad if it would be possible to replace these by > the less vulnerable cloth curtains used in the 2000-series. > They replied: "it is in theory possible but it's not something they would > recommend at all, so the answer in practice is no, unfortunately". > They didn't say why they do not recommend it. Could be that it involved too > much work? And perhaps too difficult as well (at the time, most Hasselblad > repair persons did not like working on 2000-series shutters, some even > refusing to do so at all)? > > Anyway, if you're planning to get a camera now for use during the next three > or four decades, you'd perhaps better steer away from the 2000-series. If > you are willing to take a (small) risk, there's no reason not to get at > least a FCW. Just make sure the shutter curtains are both still in good > condition. Avoid the ones with wrinkles and dents. > > > The Upgrade kit going from FC to FCM, is no longer available. HOWEVER, the > > SWC to SWCM kit is still available and they still have parts for the SWC and > > SWCM. > > As far as i know the SWC-conversion kit isn't available any more. > But i don't think you need the kit to upgrade a SWC. You can simply replace > the parts involved even by ones used in the current production model. Though > you won't get the new SWC/M name plate that was included in the kit. > > I don't know the "kit" to upgrade the FC to FC/M on offer. Did it have a > serial number, like the SWC conversion kit?
From: Ulrik Neupert [ulrik.neupert@int.fhg.de] Sent: Thu 4/1/2004 To: HUG Subject: [HUG] WTB Titanium shutter Dear friends, I am looking for a replacement titanium shutter for my 2003 FCW. The shutter has a hole in an area where it is not visible and does not expose the film, so the camera can still be used. But the shutter may not last for ever. Does anybody have this spare part or maybe a 2000 series camera that died for other reasons than its shutter? From what the Hasselblad technician said the spare part is the same for 2000 FC, 2000 FC/M, 2000 FCW and 2003 FCW. Ulrik
From: Mose, J P [j.p.mose@lmco.com] Sent: Fri 4/2/2004 To: 'hasselblad@kelvin.net' Subject: [HUG] WTB Titanium Shutter Dear Ulrik, This part is available at Hasselblad USA (in New Jersey) for around $350. They have less than 10 left, so I would take that into consideration. Of course a second hand shutter would be much cheaper....it's just finding a good one! Good luck. Regards, J. P. Mose
[Ed. note: many thanks to Peter Hjortzberg for providing this info on Hasselblad 1000f/1600f repairs!]
Date: Tue, 20 Aug 2002
From: "Hjortzberg-Nordlund, Peter" peter.hjortzberg-nordlund@cgey.com
To: "'rmonagha@mail.smu.edu'" rmonagha@post.cis.smu.edu
Subject: Hasselblad 1600f "spare parts are no longer available for repairs !!"Greetings from Sweden!
When I was reading your interesting article concerning the old Hasselblad models 1600f and 1000f you did mention, "spare parts are no longer available for repairs". For your information did a former Hasselblad employee did buy all the remaining spare parts to 1600f and 1000f from Hasselblad. He is a well-known and respected technician in Sweden with. He is doing a lot of work for Hasselblad collectors in Japan principally 1600f and 1000f.
Pro-Camerara Service Box 115 S-438 23 Landvetter SWEDEN Phone: +46-31-919403Best regards
Peter Hjortzberg Peter Hjortzberg-Nordlund Anders Lundstr"ms g 4 S-16973 Solna SWEDEN Phone: +46-8-7665876 E-mail: peter.hjortzberg@chello.se
Zeiss Lenses (for Hasselblad)
[Ed. note: some good news to share on repairs...] Date: Sun, 9 Feb 2003 From: J D hasselblad.repairs@ntlworld.com To: Robert Monaghan rmonagha@post.cis.smu.edu Subject: Re: Web Page I don't seem able to submit my listing. I read on the old site that people had problems with lack of spares for older Hasselblad lenses, I still fit an original main spring on all shutter services & there seems to be a supply of most parts available. Also I have a number of complete shutters & slow speed mechs for Mamiya twin lenses, old & new. Regards John Dellera J D CamTech London
From Hasselblad Mailing List;
Date: Sat, 28 Jul 2001
From: Dan Cardish dcardish@sympatico.ca
Subject: support for C lenses discontinuingAccording to Lisle-Kelco, Hasselblad will be discontinuing supplying parts for "C" type Hasselblad lenses as of September 2001. Something to think about!
Dan C.
From Hasselblad Mailing List:
Date: Wed, 04 Oct 2000
From: Ian Goodrick goodrick@appleonline.net
Subject: C-series lens sparesIn a feature in today's British Journal of Photogaphy about service departments at camera suppliers. There is a comment that parts for C-series lenses are no longer going to be made , so only simple repairs will be possible in the future.
The item gives no detail, or defines what is a simple repair, but this is the first time I have seen this published, and can not see any reference in the archive, (only a quick look).
Is this only a policy by Hasselblad(UK) Ltd, or is around thr world?
Has anyone more information?
--
Ian Goodrickgoodrick@appleonline.net
From hasselblad Mailing List:
Date: Wed, 4 Oct 2000
From: "Ernie G." eggent@eazy.net
Subject: Re: C-series lens sparesIan,
I would think this will be a world wide, in as much as Hasselblad has little or no control over what Prontor will do with the older series "C" (1210) lenses. Hasselblad has discontinued the manufacture of the older 12 and 24 series magazines parts. What ever they have in stock at this time is all that is available.
Many parts for the very early "C" (1210)type shutter are no longer available and have not been for some years. In addition to that there are a number of parts for the 500C and 500EL that are not available. I do not know how much longer parts for the last series of the "C" (1210) will be available. The later CF and CB and other such lenses that use shutter other than the 1210 series are in the process of being changed now.
Personally I am sorry to see this, I like the older 1210 shutter, it was a fairly reliable and durable shutter assembly. I am not so sure about the newer ones, 1240 and later.
Ernie G.
....
From Hasselblad mailing list;
Date: Mon, 30 Jul 2001
From: "Q.G. de Bakker" qnu@worldonline.nl
Subject: Re: spares stopping for C type lensian barnes wrote:
I suppose the obvious thing would be to e-mail lobby Hasselblad to NOT stop the spares supply.
I would imagine they stopped making parts for Synchro-Compur shutters long ago, and that the announcement is because of stocks running out. So perhaps there is nothing to be done, save starting up production of the old Synchro-Compur shutter. ;-)
[Ed. note: thanks to Ron for sharing this tip on finding replacement parts for our hasselblads ;-)] From: Ron Schwarz [rs@clubvb.com] Sent: Sat 12/13/2003 To: rmonagha@engr.smu.edu Subject: Hasselblad parts Bob, ISTR reading that Kelly Camera is manufacturing replacement mainsprings for the Compur shutters in the "C" lenses. Ron -- Rare Stuff: http://www.clubvb.com
[Ed. note: I pulled the quote re: SWC and 500C and lenses etc.]
From Hasselblad Mailing List;
Date: Wed, 10 Jan 2001
From: Jim Brick jim@brick.org
Reply to: hasselblad@kelvin.net
To: ericarm@alum.calberkeley.org
Subject: Re: anyone ever repaired a chipped lens rear element?....
Eric Armstrong wrote:
>Hi - > >I purchased a SWC for a bargain price. It was a bargain because it has a >pinhead nick on the rear element. Testing I did on the camera before >handing over the money seemed to indicate that claims the defect had no >effect on exposures were true. > >Unfortunately, after a few hundred rolls of use, I've discovered that >under certain exposure conditions, the nick will show up as a small >roundish shadow on the film. It seems to be related to the angle of light >coming into the lens at exposure, but have not tested extensively enough >to determine the precise conditions. This shadow shows up in perhaps one >of 25 shots. (If you have ideas about how to test to determine exact >cause, I'm interested to hear from you, but my real question is below)... > >I have inquired of Zeiss whether they can provide a replacement rear >element for me and they claim not to provide spare optical or mechanical >parts for the old C lenses. (it's a T*, ser# UR 141047, lens serial >number Nr5767052, modified by Hasselblad USA to be a SWC/M) > >In looking at the lens schematic on Zeiss' website, and looking at the >camera itself, it appears the rear element is separate from the rest of >the lens construction, and is simply held in by a retaining ring. Does >anyone know if a repair can be effected on this camera? Does anyone have >a SWC with a ruined FRONT element (clean T* rear element) they'd like to >get a couple hundred bucks for? > >regards, >-Eric >Eric Armstrong >~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ >e-mail: ericarm@alum.calberkeley.org >http://alum.calberkeley.org/~ericarm
From hasselblad mailing list:
Date: Mon, 18 Mar 2002
From: blackbird711@earthlink.net
Subject: Re: [HUG] 50mm T* lens with heavy marksIf you want glass for this or any other Zeiss lens, this is the guy to try.
Wilco Jansen Hassy Parts Int. Geik 34 1276 Je Huizen N.H. Holland Telephone:035-525-7119 Fax:035-526-2596He reworks Hassy lenses and puts other glass into them. Therefore, he has a lot of standard Zeiss lens glass. His prices are right.
You can also email Zeiss in Germany and you will find that their prices are just a fraction of what Hasselblad USA will charge.
On Jansen's last price list, he lists the front glass for a 50C/T* for $216 and the rear glass for $215. It is nothing to change the glass in a lens. The most you will have to do is refocus the lens which is no big deal.
Hope this helps,
--
Dick Werner
112 South Brighton St.
Burbank, Ca., 91506
(818) 845-4667
blackbird711@earthlink.net
From Hasselblad Mailing List;
Date: Thu, 5 Oct 2000
From: InfinityDT@aol.com
Subject: Re: polarizer for Hassyjim_brick@agilent.com writes:
After all, who wants to pay $2000-$3000 (or more) for a Zeiss lens, only to have it degraded to a $75 lens by a lousy filter.
In my experience, the same person who doesn't consider that a $2000-3000 lens can be degraded to a $75 lens by a couple grains of grit left when when wiping the front element at the end of a long day, even after careful brushing and canned air. Me, in other words, once upon a time.
The front element (only sold as a group) of a 50/4 C T* cost $1100 (about $400 less than I paid for the lens used), but is no longer available so the lens got sold for $500 as-is. Same thing happened to a Leica telephoto lens. One lesson evidently wasn't enough for me. Two definitely did the trick.
I use a variety of different filters, have had them all tested on a camera repairman-friend's collimeter. Oddly, Tiffen filters have the highest consistency of flatness, but the worst (i.e. none) coating. My favorite filters for UV are the Nikon L37C's which are multicoated, and the Hasselblads. The Hoya UV-O is not color neutral, it's very slightly tinted orange-brown. In polarizers, the only multi-coated one I've used is the Hoya. The coatings are very susceptible to scratching. Most of my polarizers are Hoya (double-coated) and B+W. I must be lucky because I've bought almost all of them used and they're all of equal quality, per collimeter. If you really want a good laugh, look at a resin filter through a collimeter. I now use Tiffen glass split ND grads.
From hasselblad Mailing List:
Date: Sat, 28 Oct 2000
From: Robert Welch robertwelch@earthlink.net
Subject: unrepairable Zeiss lenses listing (besides 50mm f/4 C T*..?)I can relate an experience I've had with my 80mm CT* lens...it had the shutter rebuilt due to only operating at the fastest speed (regardless of what speed the lens was set at). When I got it back it seemed ok, but the focusing barrel became very hard to turn, sent it back and they said the barrel was damaged due to impact (I could never figure out how because I never dropped it, oh well...).
They first told me it would be $200 to fix, then they came back a month later and said Hasselblad has raised the cost on the parts to $350, not including labor. Now this lens is probably worth about $450 in top condition, and I'd already spent $100 on it. They finally cannibalized another lens (chrome) and fixed it for the original bid.
Then I got it back and it was triggering the shutter release on the camera body--a 500 C/M--everytime I took it off the body, which was very hard to do. I sent it back (via a local camera repair shop, who I know well and was sending it to a legitimate company in Arizona, who will remain nameless--because I don't know their name, but was assured they are a quality company...even when I protested that this is ridiculous!).
Turned out that the screw holding the shutter release pin that contacts the release on the camera was stripped, and a new back plate on the lens was needed. Guess what, the back plate wasn't available (or was was way too much money, can't remember which now). They finally took it to a machine shop and had it rethreaded larger (the manager was personally handling this lens at this point, I guess he didn't want to see it anymore).
Well, I've finally gotten the lens working and it's like new in my mind, which is mainly because I've paid for it twice! The main point though is that Hassleblad seems to be getting reluctant to providing parts for this lens, and I've heard that all the pre-CF lenses are on the bubble as it were, though that was just in my casual discussions during all this. Related to this is that I was told all the pre-500 C/M bodies are getting little or no support from Hassleblad...anyone had any problems with getting a 500 C repaired?
Robert
http://www.rwphotography.com
From: mr500cm@pipeline.com (Mr500CM)
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Date: Tue, 13 Feb 2001
Subject: Re: Service for Hasselblad "C" Lenses"Q.G. de Bakker" qnu@worldonline.nl wrote:
>There is no (or very limited) Hasselblad factory support for C lenses. >But many independent repairshops do service them still, and probably will do >until they run out of spares. Spare parts are taken from lenses that are >beyond repair. > >If you're planning to buy a new old Hasselblad lens, do try to find the >newest version.The factory here in the USA has no problem servicing "C" lenses at all. The problem is in certain parts like shutter speed bands that wear out with age. There are people that refinsh them or you can buy a new one (it won't match but it will work) from the factory.
What parts are you taking about?
Lance
From Hasselblad Mailing List;
Date: Mon, 5 Mar 2001
From: Peter Klosky Peter.Klosky@marcgs.com
Subject: Re: which 150mm lens to buy?Myself, I sold my 150C and bought a 150CF. The 150C I had, while in excellent cosmetic condition, required expensive service and Hasselblad told me parts would not be available forever. I'd expect you'd get longer, better service from the 150CF.
Peter
...
[Ed. Note: surprising notes about 1000f/1600f repairs sources...] From: "Q.G. de Bakker" qnu@tiscali.nl Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format Subject: Re: Need Hassy Repair Person! Date: Sun, 8 Aug 2004 Ted Azito wrote: > Hasselblad in my opinion pissed on their own feet with the way they > dumped 1600/1000 focal plane system owners, Service for these is still (!!!) available through David Knapman, former Hasselblad's Repair Instructor. As far as parts are stil available, or can be reproduced. Not quite Hasselblad AB itself, but certainly not bad... > and then again with the > early electronic focal plane bodies, They too will be serviced. By Hasselblad. As long as necessary parts are still available. > and they are doing it again with > their Hasselblad USA policies especially on nonwarranty repair. That i don't know about. > Many > Hasselblad products are simply overpriced-but then again is it their > fault for charging what the market wil pay? Or the fault of > competitors who won't undercut them with compatible products priced > lower and of good quality? Yes. That is an question. Sadly though, they have always cost what they cost. :-(
Bronica ETR
Bronica ETR/S Model Pages
From: "Mike" NEDSNAKE@email.msn.com
Subject: Re: Bronica Etr?
Date: Thu, 22 Apr 1999I have been repairing Bronica equipment for over 15 years. I received a notice several months ago from Tamron that the Bronica factory wll no longer supply repair parts for cameras over 10 years old......
some parts are interchangeable between the ETR & ETRSi. As to the statement that 95% of repairs dont require parts.....not true IMO.......
Mike
Robert Monaghan wrote in message
> they are both right ;-) > > since current ETRS/i shares many parts with old cameras, those parts are > available. > > since ETR is past seven years parts window under consumer protection in > USA - Magnuson-Moss Law, any parts specific to ETR and not later models > would not necessarily be available. > > however, there are lots of repairers out there who can do work on ETR > > 95% of all camera fixes do not involve parts, just CLA mostly... > > see http://www.smu.edu/~rmonagha/mf/repairsites.html for repair shop lists > > regards bobm
From Mamiya 645 Pages:Date: 09 Dec 1999
From: eosman@aol.com (Eosman)
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Mamiya model differences...
>Hi, > >I've recently become interested in starting in the medium format >world. It's been pretty easy to find basic information for all >of the major models, but one thing I haven't been able to find >is information on older Mamiya 645 models. What I'm wondering is >where might I find information on the differences between >the 645J, 645 Super, 645 Pro, etc., etc.?I don't know what exactly is different between the 645 and 645j. The 645 1000s had the maximum shutter increased to 1/1000 sec. None of these earlier versions had interchangeable backs. Most accessories are interchangeable between the 645, 645j, and 1000s.
The 645 Super was the first step in the evolution to the current 645 models. It had a redesigned finder configuration and most importantly offered interchangeable backs. A couple of differences between the Super and the Pro are the Pro is supposedly more durable (according to Mamiya many of the internal components were "beefed" up). Can't say I can tell just by holding it. The Pro also has a self timer feature although you sacrifice the fully mechanical 1/60 second shutter (no battery required) of the Super. Many accessories are interchangeable between the Super and Pro.
The current models 645 Pro and Pro TL are the same except for the TL providing TTL flash control when paired with a compatible speedlight.
All of the 645s are good cameras but be aware that Mamiya has stopped producing many of the parts for the models before the Super. It may be hard to have them repaired.
I recently was in the same boat and chose a used Super at about a third of the price of a new Pro. I am pleased so far.
Date: Thu, 28 Jun 2001
From: rafeb@channel1.com (Rafe B.)
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Mamiya 645EJohn Blodgett blodgett@mail.aracnet.com wrote:
>My apologies for repeating a question that is no longer on my ISPs server >for me to reference. > >The Mamiya 645E is significantly less expensive than the next model up. >Where exactly did Mamiya cut corners if any? And should this be able to >handle most situations? I don't care about motor drives, TTL flash, etc.; >I'm interested in a solid, well-built system with a wide range of lenses >available.Service on this camera is iffy. This I know from experience. It's built in China and Mamiya USA doesn't necessarily have all the parts available for repairs. For a serious repair, you could be S.O.L. Email me for further details if you like.
rafe b.
Date: Tue, 10 Oct 2000
From: Stephen Gandy Stephen@CameraQuest.com
To: Robert Monaghan rmonagha@post.cis.smu.edu
Subject: Nikon Partsrepair parts for the M are seldom a problem, good repair shops usually have them if Leica does not.
I have a lot of Nikon parts for sale, including your elusive FRE
http://cameraquest.com/nikparts.htm
Stephen
....
Robert Monaghan wrote:
> I was a bit disconcerted to learn that some repair parts are not available > for some Leica M series cameras (at least from Leica, presumably from > donor bodies or old parts stock?). Is there a listing of which parts are > unavailable, and what kinds of repairs are involved? Is this a non-problem > due to repairer stocks of parts, or is it a problem likely to compromise > repairability of the Leica M (M2..) in the forseeable future? After having > spent 6+ months/3 repair shops getting an Ebay "excellent" Nikon FE > repaired due to dead FRE shutter electronics (not available from Nikon), I > am a bit concerned to end up with a Leica/Leicaflex/R body I can't get fixed? > Thanks for your insights! regards bobm
From: Stefan Patric tootek2@yahoo.com Subject: Re: Buying Nikon from ebay vs buying used vs buying new ? Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.35mm,rec.photo.misc Date: Sun, 6 Apr 2003 ... > Any advice? If you want Aperture priority auto-exposure, you'll have to get the FM3. The FM, FM2, and FM2n are ALL manual. No auto anything. Don't get an FM. While it is a good camera, and sells cheaply on eBay, it is no longer supported by Nikon having not been made since about 1980. I wore out the shutters on all three of mine with 20 years of professional shooting. Even Nikon Professional Service couldn't replace the old shutters with new ones: "Parts no longer available; uneconomical repair . . ." was all that was on my repair order. I replaced them with FM2n's, lightly used, off eBay. Paid around $250 to $300 each for 3 black bodies. This was about 18 months ago. FM2n's go for less now. As far as Black or Silver body: I prefer black; less extraneous reflections to deal with. -- Stefan Patric tootek2@yahoo.com
[Ed. note: update - it appears Leica's no-parts sale policy has been rescinded for now, viz: From leica topica mailing list: Date: Fri, 1 Aug 2003 From: "Dave Saalsaa" SaalsD@cni-usa.com Subject: Re: parts policy - Leica's response Karen, I would doubt very much Leica got many complaints about outside party repairs. This is just an example of "corporate speak" justifying a lame policy. They had to come up with something that sounded legitimate other than we are trying to get more money out of our Leica customers by monopolizing our repair parts. Thank God the letters made them realize just how shortsighted it was before damage was done. Dave Saalsaa ----- Original Message ----- From: "Karen Nakamura" mail@gpsy.com To: leica@topica.com Sent: Friday, August 01, 2003 Subject: Re: parts policy - Leica's response > Here's the text of the e-mail message I received from Leica just this > minute. Cool! I'm not quite sure how they got this e-mail address > since when I wrote to them, I wrote on my school's letterhead using > my university mail address, but I'm thrilled nonetheless! > > BTW, who complained about their "repairs of their Leica equipment > done by outside parties." We'll have to break their legs! > > Karen > > --- > Dear Leica User: > > As you are aware, several weeks ago, Leica Camera Inc. instituted a > policy of restricting sales of all parts that required special tools, > special expertise or special test equipment to all outside parties. > This change was based on an increasing level of customer complaints > pertaining to repairs of their Leica equipment done by outside parties. > While acknowledging that there are some excellent repair facilities > outside of Leica Camera, there are also many repair outlets that do not > provide the level of service that Leica customers are entitled to. > > There are many Leica owners that are not as well informed about repair > facilities as LHSA members, or members of the LUG, and therefore have > not always had the positive service experience that you have had. > > We appreciate having customers that care enough to take the time to > provide us with their valuable feedback. As a result of this feedback > and your desire to be able to choose your service provider, we have > rescinded the above policy effective immediately. > > > > Roger W. Horn Raymond Tomaselli > President, Leica Camera Inc. V.P. Operations, Leica > Camera Inc.
[Ed. note: the ban on selling replacement parts to leica repairpersons is a major issue...] From leica topica mailing list: Date: Thu, 24 Jul 2003 From: "Dave" SaalsD@cni-usa.com Subject: Re: Leica USA no longer selling repair parts This is a very interesting turn of events. How it affects repair persons such as Don G. and John V and Sherry K is that it is a pain in the arse. It will drive up repair prices because now parts cameras must be employed as their stocks of parts are depleted. Will it drive them out of business? Unlikely, because they can repair other brands as well. Don started out as a Minolta repairman and is still very well versed on my vintage Minolta cameras. It is very likely that what Leica is doing is illegal but unless someone challenges it in some class action suit, it is likely nothing will change with Leica, Solms. Even if a law suit is won on behalf of the independent repair people, all Leica has to say is sorry that part is out of stock. Very difficult to enforce this type of thing. Leica must figure that the repair market is very lucrative and that their own repair facilities are not busy enough to warrant maintaining them without this new directive from Solms. It could be much worse if Leica decides no longer to produce and stock repair parts for cameras older than 10 years such as many other camera companies have done. Will this drive up the prices on used Leica cameras to be used as parts sources or drive the prices down as repairs become more expensive and difficult to obtain. I can tell you from my experience with Minolta classics is that I have many parts cameras and prices are the lowest they have been in years on most models. Certain model's prices, in particular a particular rangerfinder model, have risen 500% in two years because of a camera mags glowing report on it. My gut feeling is that because of this difficulty in obtaining parts, the prices of repairs by the independants will go up substantially. A simple "can't get parts" explanation will cover the justification. Dave Saalsaa ----- Original Message ----- From: ClassicVW@aol.com To: leica@topica.com Sent: Thursday, July 24, 2003 Subject: Re: Leica USA no longer selling repair parts Doug, I thought you had probably done that, but I was hoping..... I would also be of the belief that this policy is illegal. If it wasn't, I'm certain that car manufacturers ( and appliance manufacturers) would have done this years ago. They could cite "sensitive electronics require a factory trained and employed technician...blah, blah, blah......." George S. telyt@earthlink.net writes: Prior to posting my original message on this subject I e-mailed both Sherry Krauter and Don Goldberg, both of whom stated that the ban on selling repair parts applies to them, too. I was originally allerted to the issue by John Van Stelton, who is also affected. Doug Herr Birdman of Sacramento http://www.wildlightphoto.com
From Leica Mailing List:
Date: Tue, 10 Oct 2000
From: John Collier jbcollier@home.com
Subject: Re: [Leica] query re: unrepairable Leica Ms (R..)From my discussions with Kindermann Canada there are some parts that are no longer available. Finders for the M3 are not available or repairable from Leica. There are some people resilvering M finders but I cannot say how successfully.
All the other early finders can only be replaced (by Leica) with a M4-P finder, this can be done with an M3 but it requires some machining (read dollars).
M4 and earlier hinged backs are no longer available and are replaced with M4-2(P) backs. The shutters are also replaced with new ones which are different (the subject of much LUG minutia) but still fit in the older bodies.
I understand that original parts for the winding mechanism for the M2, MP, M1 and MD are getting a little thin on the ground; and, of course, parts for the winding mechanism of the M2R are extinct.*
There are NOS vulcanite body shells about but for how long is a good (moot for me as they are so expensive) question. Thankfully, Leica does manufacture PVC replacement covers for its older cameras. I think that all the M cameras will be repairable by some means or other long after the last EOS-1V and F5 has fried its circuit boards.
John Collier
*If anyone has these parts, please call me first! gear 1MP28 bushing 1MP31 take-up spool 1MP32 holding shaft 1MP33I think I could make or use current M6 parts for the rest.
> From: chucko@siteconnect.com (Chuck Albertson) > > Where did you hear this? I thought Leica had spares for all M models going > back to the M3.POSTSCRIPT:
[Ed. note: thanks to John COllier for providing this update!...]
Date: Mon, 16 Jul 2001
From: John Collier jbcollier@powersurfr.com
To: rmonagha@mail.smu.edu
Subject: Startled to find he is famous.Regarding the unrepairable professional cameras section. You quote me in support of the M3 finder being unrepairable. The original finders are unavailable but Leica has been using 0.85 finders to repair M3 cameras. The magnification is not quite as great (the M3 is 0.91) but the customers seem happy. The price is similar to a finder replacement in any M camera ($500US or so).
Cheers,
John Collier
From Leica Mailing List:
Date: Tue, 10 Oct 2000
From: "Steve LeHuray" icommag@toad.net
Subject: Re: [Leica] query re: unrepairable Leica Ms (R..)And on this parts topic, do you know if M4/M6 rapid load parts are available. I am still considering the takeup spool on my M2 over to the later Rapid Load system (not the kit).
Steve
Annapolis
From Leica Mailing List:
Date: Tue, 10 Oct 2000
From: John Collier jbcollier@home.com
Subject: Re: [Leica] query re: unrepairable Leica Ms (R..)DAG (and others) will do the conversion but they have to machine your old take-up spool shaft to fit an M6 tulip take-up spool on. I have heard from people that I trust, both that the work is excellent, and... that it is Mickey Mouse. You pick :-). Then just pick up a used base plate or have your old one modified to accept the film locator wheel. I have both an M6 and an M2 with a rapid load kit and they both are equally fast to load so I never pursued the after market conversion. If you use the original M4/6 parts you have to change your top plate and counter mechanism to...you guessed it...M4/6 type. It is much cheaper to purchase Nubian slaves to load your film and they are very helpful around the house as well.* :-)
John Collier
....
From Leica Mailing List:
Date: Fri, 22 Jun 2001
From: Stephen Gandy leicanikon@earthlink.net
Subject: [Leica] R 6.2 Dead ?According to a friend in Europe, the 6.2 was just discontinued.
Can anyone confirm this ?
Stephen
From leica user group mailing list:
Date: Tue, 15 Jan 2002
From: "B. D. Colen" bdcolen@earthlink.net
Subject: RE: [Leica] M DurabilityMore power to you, Mark - But old cameras do die, just like old cars die, old home appliances die, and old people die - no matter how well they're maintained. In the case of Ms, the finders go belly up - and, if one believes Sherry Krauter, cannot be reliably repaired when they do (although they can be replaced with a more modern rangefinder) - and the shutter curtain roller mechanism goes.
But again, its a matter of what you're personally comfortable with. I certainly know that when I'm on a job something can go wrong with one of my M6s, but I know that that is less likely to happen if I am using a relatively new M6 than it is if I am using an M3 from 1954 - it's just a sad fact of life.
B. D.
...
From Rollei Mailing List:
Date: Wed, 29 Nov 2000
From: John Hicks jbh@magicnet.net
Subject: Re: [Rollei] Rollei Users list digest V8 #239you wrote:
>Max, > >Watch out for one thing on used T90 cameras.A Canon T-90 owner told me a year ago that he'd learned from Canon that they're no longer willing to service them. I have no idea if that's correct, but it'd be worth checking before buying a T-90.
John Hicks
jbh@magicnet.net
[Ed. note: a simply amazing email...]
Date: Wed, 13 Dec 2000
From: czichos@kamera-werk-dresden.de
Reply to: panorama-l@sci.monash.edu.au
To: Panorama-l@sci.monash.edu.au
Subject: NOBLEX cameras without warrantyWe, KAMERA WERK DRESDEN, are the manufacturer of NOBLEX panoramic cameras and would like to give the following information to the panorama group: At present NOBLEX cameras are offered by unauthorized distributors in the Asian region via internet. Contrary to the assurance of these distributors warranty is not granted for these cameras by KAMERA WERK DRESDEN. The following models are affected:
NOBLEX 135 U NOBLEX PRO 6/150 HS NOBLEX PRO 6/150 FE NOBLEX PRO 6/150 SAll cameras were produced between 1992 and 1996. To find out whether a camera offered to you is one of the cameras affected you can check with the following serial numbers:
135 U: 101391, 101428, 101704, 101768, 101921, 101929, 101930, 101941, 101970, 101981, 101983, 101986, 101993, 102034, 102045, 102046, 102060, 102177, 102179, 102228, 102229, 102238, 102247, 102249, 102250, 102254, 102263, 102265, 102268, 102277, 102298, 102305, 102332, 102360, 102362, 102363, 102375, 102381, 102382, 102386, 102389, 102418, 102541, 102543, 102546, 102549, 102550, 102554, 102564, 102565, 102586 PRO 6/150 HS: 000899, 000901, 001622, 001624, 001626, PRO 6/150 FE: 002631, 002641, 002646, 002665, 002668 PRO 6/150 S: 000760, 001018, 001488, 001489We would appreciate it if you could spread this information to other people as well. As manufacturer we are sorry for chosing this way to give the information to the public. However, we think that it is the best way to spread it as quickly as possible.
Kind regards
KAMERA WERK DRESDEN GmbH
[Ed. note: and my response to this anti-consumer position:]
Date: Wed, 13 Dec 2000
From: Robert Monaghan rmonagha@post.cis.smu.edu
To: panorama-l@sci.monash.edu.au
Cc: czichos@kamera-werk-dresden.de
Subject: Wow! PR Disasters was Re: NOBLEX cameras without warrantyWow! What an incredibly bad disaster to inflict upon your corporation's reputation! Talk about sowing fear and doubt in the marketplace and shooting yourselves in the foot. Did your lawyers read and approve this?
So you are going to refuse to provide factory warranties or defect support on brand new in the box Noblex cameras and plan on leaving us poor consumers in the lurch with unrepairable and unsupported brand new Noblex cameras? And WE are supposed to keep track of which ones by model and s/n?
Thanks for the warning. Trust me, I will never, ever buy one of your products, and I will warn anybody I see online asking about panoramic cameras to do so too - no sense in us poor consumers taking a chance on getting stuck with one of these expensive Noblex cameras you have arbitrarily decided to orphan and refuse to support while new in the box.
Thanks for the warning - I'm really taking it to heart... bobm
* Robert Monaghan POB752182 Dallas Tx 75275-2182 rmonagha@post.cis.smu.edu * * Medium Format Cameras: http://www.smu.edu/~rmonagha/mf/index.html megasite*
Date: Wed, 13 Dec 2000
From: Robert Monaghan rmonagha@post.cis.smu.edu
Reply to: panorama-l@sci.monash.edu.au
To: panorama-l@sci.monash.edu.au
Cc: czichos@kamera-werk-dresden.de
Subject: Wow! PR Disasters was Re: NOBLEX cameras without warrantyWow! What an incredibly bad disaster to inflict upon your corporation's reputation! Talk about sowing fear and doubt in the marketplace and shooting yourselves in the foot. Did your lawyers read and approve this?
So you are going to refuse to provide factory warranties or defect support on brand new in the box Noblex cameras and plan on leaving us poor consumers in the lurch with unrepairable and unsupported brand new Noblex cameras? And WE are supposed to keep track of which ones by model and s/n?
Thanks for the warning. Trust me, I will never, ever buy one of your products, and I will warn anybody I see online asking about panoramic cameras to do so too - no sense in us poor consumers taking a chance on getting stuck with one of these expensive Noblex cameras you have arbitrarily decided to orphan and refuse to support while new in the box.
Thanks for the warning - I'm really taking it to heart... bobm
* Robert Monaghan POB752182 Dallas Tx 75275-2182 rmonagha@post.cis.smu.edu * * Medium Format Cameras: http://www.smu.edu/~rmonagha/mf/index.html megasite*
[Ed. note: thanks to David Grabowski for sharing this useful tip!]
Date: Sat, 10 Feb 2001
From: nimages@capecod.net (David Grabowski)
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Opinions on Mamiya 645 1000s...
As to the 1000S and the original poster , I would be leary of parts stock, call Mamiya and see how the parts situation is holding out. I called them recently about stock for the TLRs and they said it was getting low, and the same for the 645 Super. Quite honestly, if I were looking to move into older systems right now, I'd seriously look at Hassy ( maybe 500cm) or just plain old Rolleiflex both of which seem always repairable. However in terms of useability, the 1000S should be a good camera, just a matter of for how long.
David Grabowski
rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
From: "Mike" NEDSNAKE@email.msn.com
[1] Re: Opinions on Mamiya 645 1000s
Date: Mon Feb 12 2001
The parts situation on the older 645 is not good. Many of the key parts are no longer available. I have had to return several cameras to their owners for that reason.
I have the same problem with some Bronica ETR parts.
"Art Begun" beguna@mindspring.com wrote
> Its always a pleasure calling Mamiya because a helpful > person always answers the phone.
[Ed. note: Fuji folders MUST! be set to infinity (lens minimum setting) before closing the folder as forcing the folder to close with lens out can or will cause breakage. The result is a run on parts, so be forewarned!]
From Rollei Mailing List:
Date: Tue, 27 Feb 2001
From: Bob Shell bob@bobshell.com
Subject: Re: [Rollei] OT: Bronica 645 vs. Super Ikonta
> From: John Hicks jbh@magicnet.net > Date: Tue, 27 Feb 2001 > Subject: Re: [Rollei] OT: Bronica 645 vs. Super Ikonta > > The problems are that the shutter must be cocked and the lens focused to > infinity before folding the camera; failure to do that will break important > things. > That's exactly what many owners proceeded to do, and what I think > prompted Fuji to discontinue the camera.That, and they just wear out if used much. Fuji's advice to owners is not to fold them but keep them unfolded all the time. New bellows and other parts are running out.
Bob
[Ed. note: more tips on how to BREAK your Fuji folder ;-)]
Date: Tue, 27 Feb 2001
From: John Hicks jbh@magicnet.net
Subject: Re: [Rollei] OT: Bronica 645 vs. Super Ikontayou wrote:
>Ah I see. Wouldn't it take some force to do that?Yes, but unfortunately that doesn't slow down most people. "If it doesn't work, force it." {g}
In some of the last production Fuji even resorted to putting warning stickers on two places on the cameras....
Anyway...it's really a case of bad design in that two conditions must be fulfilled or it'll break...but that's the way it is. Also, if I remember correctly, the shutter speed _must not_ be changed if the self-timer has been set but not triggered.
The camera also has a reputation for really weak bellows.
All that aside...I have one and I think it's a great little camera, just a bit too big for a jacket pocket but workable in a belt bag. The lens is very good even at f3.4 but doesn't have any character, which may be good or bad.
Of course this doesn't have anything to do with Rollei other than that the RF cameras are much easier to focus accurately in available darkness.
John Hicks
jbh@magicnet.net
[Ed. note: and a helpful tip on alternative source for bellows - Thanks John!]
From Rollei Mailing List:
Date: Tue, 27 Feb 2001
From: John Hicks jbh@magicnet.net
Subject: Re: [Rollei] OT: Bronica 645 vs. Super Ikontayou wrote:
>That, and they just wear out if used much.I see the point; it's certainly not a hockey-puck camera.
>parts are running out.I understand Camera Wiz (no idea the url) has an alternate source of bellows and does good work on the little Fujis.
John Hicks
From Leica Mailing List;
Date: Wed, 18 Apr 2001
From: Mike Quinn mlquinn@san.rr.com
Subject: Re: [Leica] The Nikon FMDunno about the FM, but the EM is the ONLY camera I've personally done in. (Unless you count the Pentax that refused to work when it got cold, but that was a case of temperament rather than demise.) Dropped the EM 4 feet and it couldn't be revived. My local repairman says there are no parts left to fix it. Note: Leicas twice as old are still going strong!
Mike Quinn
[Ed. note: why old lens components can't be replaced - it's the GLASS! pollution laws vs. lead glass mfgering...]
Date: Sat, 12 May 2001
From: Ferdi Stutterheim ferdi@stutterheim.nl
Subject: RE: [Rollei] Rollei 6000 AF camera to comeSlobodan,
Reintroduction of Tele and Wide is unlikely. Rollei will have to make a real profit now. No one else to pick up the tab. Their main interest is in the 6000 series and digital components and cameras. TLR production is (very) low. They make a small run now and then. They still have the production staff, the tools, so why not. Mostly special editions like the 2,8 FX. I can offer some comfort. One member produced his old and battered bayIV shun shade and asked to have it repainted.They took it on. So, be carefull while buying mint equipment ;-).
Another reason: the Distagon and the Sonnar will have to be recomputed. I was told (replacement parts for) old lenses cannYt be produced anymore. Neither Rollei, Carl Zeiss nor Schneider. ItYs the glass! Old style glass with components like Lead are out of production for environmental reasons. For new glass types a complete new lens has to be developed and computed.
Lens production at Rollei started with the take over of VoiglSnder Optical Works from Zeiss-Ikon. Rollei and Carl Zeiss were co-owners. Later Rollei took over the CZ share and transferred machines and staff to the Rollei Werke. TodayYs lenses are produced using modern computer controlled grinding and polishing machines. As soon as the new lens meets its specifications the machine stops. No need to do this in Japan.
Some of the old VoigtlSnder machines are still there in the lens development department. We took a look at the real hand work. It is still old VoigtlSnder staff who are working in this section. They supervise the machines, take a look, add some polishing paste, attend the next machine, come back, measure, paste again and so on. If they take their coffee break too long a few lenses can be thrown in the bin ;-).
Produced are the 2,8/80 mm for TLR and 6000, the EL line of lenses and the Rolleigons for the slide projectors. The Rolleigons are calculated by Rollei the other ones by C.Z. In my view, it is fair to say that the Rolleigons are the only real VoigtlSnder made lenses of today.
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The Power-interface for the 6000 is available. I have the data sheet in English for anyone interested. Send me a private mail. Demand is low, so it will not be stocked by all national import firms. They can order it in Braunschweig.
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Rollei 6000 bodies looking a bit dull can be polished to factory standards with a few drops of Glycerine (Glycerolum 85% Ph. Eur.) on a soft cloth. The grease from your dirty fingers is to be removed first, using a drop of alcohol.
It was a great visit to the Rollei factory!
Ferdi Stutterheim, Drachten, The Netherlands. ferdi@stutterheim.nl http://www.stutterheim.org
[Ed. note: you might want to check with Bowens International before buying an older product!]
From PPN - British Journal of Photography online newsletter:
Sat, 25 Aug. 2001
Bowens International has dropped support on many of its earlier production models of monoblocks and
generators. They claim obsolescence and non-availability of certain key components force this change.Models include:
Mono 400,
Mono 750 Special,
Mono 200E/400E/800E,
Mono 200D/400D,
Mono Bronze/Silver/Gold,
Quad 2000/2002,
and Quadmatic 2000.
From: evanjoe610@aol.com (Evanjoe610) Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format Date: 26 Sep 2001 Subject: Re: hassy 2000FC description Robert, Hasselblad USA is still repairing the 2000 series curtain. They will repair and overhaul all 2000 series bodies till they exhaust all parts. Afterwards, they reccommend that you either upgrade to a newer body of the 200 series. My 2000 FCM is undergoing this overhaul. I will hope that I will extend the life of this body by at least 10 years. That depends on how hard I use it, as photography is only a hobby to me, not my source of livelihood. Evan
From: "Wayne Sircoulomb" wsircoulomb@kscable.com> Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format Subject: Re: hassy 2000FC description Date: Mon, 01 Oct 2001 Hasselblad will gladly replace the shutter for about $800. I have had the shutter replaced once and the thing needs it again. It may go on the shelf with my other old and not working cameras. The lens is still in good condition but I still have not decided whether or not to sell it. I really liked the instant return mirror. Wayne "Q.G. de Bakker" qnu@worldonline.nl> wrote > Robert Monaghan wrote: > > > I thought there was someone repairing the shutters in 2000 FC series? > > http://medfmt.8k.com/mf/nofix.html#hassy2k > > You're right. You can send the thing to Sweden (not to Hasselblad AB though) > and someone there will try to fix it. > > > or maybe a donor body for repairman, or maybe a collector on a budget > > or they may not know repairs are problematic? ;-) > > :-))
From: "Q.G. de Bakker" qnu@worldonline.nl> Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format Subject: Re: hassy 2000FC description Date: Mon, 1 Oct 2001 Wayne Sircoulomb wrote: > Hasselblad will gladly replace the shutter for about $800. >From Hasselblad Head Office, G"teborg, Sweden, August 2000. "We can still repair the 2000 FCW and 2003 FCW but there are problems with the 2000 FC and FC/M as there are some main spareparts which are no longer available." Availability of spare parts thus is the gamble you take when buying a 2000 FC or FC/M with damaged (or even missing) shutter. You may be in luck. You may not. So buyer beware!
From: evanjoe610@aol.com (Evanjoe610) Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format Date: 01 Oct 2001 Subject: Re: hassy 2000FC description Hi Q.G. de Bakker, What you wrote in your posting is partially correct. "We can still repair the 2000 FCW and 2003 FCW but there are problems with the 2000 FC and FC/M as there are some main spareparts which are no longer available." The only reason Hasselblad is saying this, is for people to stop buying into the older 2000 series bodies such as the 2000 FC / FCM. I had my 2000FCM undergo an overhaul. Thank God my curtains were good. Now as to the parts as Hasselblad SE stated above, I mentioned this to Hasselblad USA, they told me that they have all the spare parts to repair all the camera bodies. BUT, once it is exhausted, there will be no new manufactured parts to be had. I brought my 2000 FCM into Hasselblad USA on Aug. 29 of this year, and asked about the complete overhaul WITH new curtains. This will cost $625. Since I didn't need the curtains, my overhaul will cost me about $215. Its worth it in the sense trhat it will last me for about a good 10 years. THAT is provided I take extra care not to damage the curtains. The FCM had that extra protection of the rear curtain retracking whenever a magazine comes off. Evan Dong
Date: Mon, 12 Nov 2001 From: "Eugene A. Pallat" eapallat@apk.net> To: hasselblad@kelvin.net Subject: Re: [HUG] Silver C Lens vs CF or CFE "Dr. Rob" wrote: > I like the way the old silver 80mm 2.8 C lens looks. > It is more compact and the Black lenses scratch > too easily. So, > > 1. Is there any reason why you wouldn't want to > own and use a Silver C lens? > > 2. Is the newer CFE lenses that much better that the > CF or Silver C lenses? > > For a working wedding photographer, which lens > would you want to own and operate. Hasselblad will no longer make parts for servicing the chrome lenses. What ever parts are in the pipeline and camera repair shops are the only parts available. Periodically, all lenses will need a CLA, and if any parts are needed, you might be OOL. The newest lenses have a better attachment for the flash sync cord and are supposed to have better lens coatings. Gene Pallat
Date: Mon, 12 Nov 2001 Subject: Re: [HUG] Silver C Lens vs CF or CFE From: Tim Franklin tim_franklin@mac.com> To: hasselblad@kelvin.net> Dr. Rob at rob168@mediaone.net wrote: > I like the way the old silver 80mm 2.8 C lens looks. > It is more compact and the Black lenses scratch > too easily. So, > > 1. Is there any reason why you wouldn't want to > own and use a Silver C lens? > > 2. Is the newer CFE lenses that much better that the > CF or Silver C lenses? > > For a working wedding photographer, which lens > would you want to own and operate. > > Dr. Rob > 818 890-4542 > Van Nuys California On Question One: These lenses are quite old, and the supply of spares at Carl Zeiss is beginning to run short (Hasselblad News #34) On Question Two: Newer lenses will have superior coatings, and will reap benefits for colour work. For B & W the old lenses may be entirely adequate still.
Date: Mon, 12 Nov 2001 To: hasselblad@kelvin.net From: Marc James Small msmall@roanoke.infi.net> Subject: Re: [HUG] Silver C Lens vs CF or CFE Eugene A. Pallat wrote: >Hasselblad will no longer make parts for servicing the chrome lenses. What ever parts are in the pipeline and camera repair shops are the only parts available. Periodically, all lenses will need a CLA, and if any parts are needed, >you might be OOL. To be fair, Hasselblad will no longer SUPPLY the parts. Hasselblad doesn't make any of the parts in these lenses save for the mounts -- the lenses are from Carl Zeiss and the shutters were made by a Zeiss subsidiary, FW Deckel, which has been spurlos versunkt for years. This is not a major problem: Zeiss will always supply a part, for a hefty price, I am certain, and Compur parts are available in huge supply= worldwide. Marc msmall@roanoke.infi.net
From: "Austin Franklin" darkroom@ix.netcom.com> To: hasselblad@kelvin.net> Subject: RE: [HUG] Re: hasselblad V1 #1413 Date: Sun, 18 Nov 2001 So far, every recorded "jam" I have has been with a C lense... that could be just because of age, or really could be because of design/material. > Hmmm... > > I've experienced a jam with the 500C(M) and the 60 'C' lens... Ican't > remember if it was the 500c transition or 500cm... > > What's your point? Are the bodies and 'C' version lenses more prone th a > jam? > > Only CF lens I have is the 80, and that usually stays home.
From: "Marc" m.peeters@tijd.com> To: "Hasselblad" hasselblad@kelvin.net> Subject: Re: [HUG] Buying a Hasselblad Date: Thu, 6 Dec 2001 In the latest Hasselblad-News Magazine was told that C lenses will not be repared anymore by Hasselblad-dealers because there will no parts anymore avaleble. These lenses are +20 years old (I have no doubt of the condition). So if you buy an older one there will be some plroblems in the futer. And what within 5 or 10 years when these peaces of fine thechnology are unusable ? At this point of view it is worth the price. Marc > > A good second hand body, a good back and a perfect lens will cost you at > > least 75% of the a new one. So if you want a good one for the > > rest of your > > life (if you are not a pro) buy NEW. > > I haven't found that to be true at all, I'm sure it depends on the model. Certainly a fantastic 500 C/M can be had for around half what the new comparable model would cost you. I stopped buying new some 10 years ago, simply because, especially with Hasselblads, they are built to last. If you do want to buy used, and want to buy from someone reputable, KEH has been great. You pay a slight premium, but it comes with a warranty, and they have a great return policy. > > Austin
Date: Thu, 06 Dec 2001 Subject: Re: [HUG] Buying a Hasselblad From: Peter Rosenthal petroffski@mac.com> To: hasselblad@kelvin.net> > I believe the CF lenses are still fully supported, are they not? I also don't > know how often a lense needs a replacement part from just normal use, as > opposed to just a good cleaning every few years. > > Austin My own thoughts are that if you use your lens professionally then you should probably consider getting the newest you can afford. While outright parts failure (read: replacement parts needed) is rare enough, it does happen. The parts that go on a regular basis are the shutter spring and the shutter blades themselves. The flash synch contact on old C lenses die all the time but are still available. The speed escapement can die but it's a very distant fourth. All of these parts will be available for even C lenses (they are the mostly the same parts for CF's) for a long time as I'd guess that, what, 80-90% of all Hasselblad equipment being used fits on 500 series bodies. I believe (I don't know where I heard this) that by law a parts supply for discontinued equipment has to be maintained by manufacturers for 7 years. The problem comes when an old discontinued lens element gets chipped or a lens gets dropped, caving in a long forgotten mechanism. If you are an amateur who shoots only occasionally, you can play the odds and gamble that some odd, discontinued part won't break but pros who shoot a lot may want to be more cautious. I would. Come to think of it, in 22 years of repairing Hasselblad equipment, I've NEVER had to "86" ANY Hassy equipment because parts were no longer available. I wonder how long that will last... Wordier than usual- Peter -- Peter Rosenthal PR Camera Repair 111 E. Aspen #1 Flagstaff, AZ 86001 928 779-5263
From bronica mailing list: Date: Fri, 25 Jan 200 From: Tana Lee Alves tanalee@yahoo.com> Subject: Re: newbie questions hey Everybody, I need some advice. My father gave me his hasselblad outfit last August. I sent it to Hasselblad they charged me 750 dollars to refurbish it. Then it jammed sent it back a month later. It jammed again. Sent it back. Just got it back two weeks ago, put two rolls through it and you guessed it. Now I have to send it back. The guy at Hasselblad felt bad for me and said "your 2000fc has problems that we can't solve because there are no new parts made for it anymore" I shouldn't quote because that's basically what he said but not exactly. The guy said I could send it in and they'd fix it again but what do you all recommend. My dark room's all set up for medium format. I'll be using my graflex in the meantime. I know some of you like Rolleis but I got everything Hasselblad right now. I figure I can only lose by selling it all on ebay. That stuff doesn't seem to be moving too well. Anyway thanks for listening, Tana ....
From bronica mailing list: Date: Fri, 25 Jan 2002 From: Tana Lee Alves tanalee@yahoo.com Subject: Re: newbie questions hey Everybody, I need some advice. My father gave me his hasselblad outfit last August. I sent it to Hasselblad they charged me 750 dollars to refurbish it. Then it jammed sent it back a month later. It jammed again. Sent it back. Just got it back two weeks ago, put two rolls through it and you guessed it. Now I have to send it back. The guy at Hasselblad felt bad for me and said "your 2000fc has problems that we can't solve because there are no new parts made for it anymore" I shouldn't quote because that's basically what he said but not exactly. The guy said I could send it in and they'd fix it again but what do you all recommend. My dark room's all set up for medium format. I'll be using my graflex in the meantime. I know some of you like Rolleis but I got everything Hasselblad right now. I figure I can only lose by selling it all on ebay. That stuff doesn't seem to be moving too well. Anyway thanks for listening, Tana ....
From hasselblad mailing list: Date: Tue, 19 Mar 2002 From: "ian.barnes" ian@ianbarnes.co.uk To: hasselblad@kelvin.net Subject: RE: [HUG] 50mm T* lens with heavy marks Interesting strand. I was given a 150 c which has been dunked and has a big ding on the front element.(Looks like an air gun pellet has hit it) I have had a lot of fun stripping it and reworking it but have yet to test to see if the ding affects the image.I have been advised by Peter R to paint the ding with black to reduce the flare.I looked into getting a new front element and from memory Zeiss no longer do them and the price would be uneconomic. My opticians said it would be possible but as the lens was a 'doublet' and we did not know the refrective index of the glass would not be practicle.The cheapest conclusion is to try it and hope for the best or try to find a right off 150 with a good front element and make one good one from two.It may be possbile to get yours polished professionally? In my case I know of a dealer who has a 150 with a badly dinged front casing and it would be easy to mix and match. I know the rear element comes out as a group of lens in a carrier.(similar to removing a spark plug but a bit more exciting).For ease I would assume the whole lot would have to be replaced in your case.Why not contact Peter R and the other pro repair men in the USA and see if they have a spare back element? How about trying to price the new / secondhand element (or polishing it), add on a value for a cla and put this to the seller. May be offer $100.I would have thought if it does the job at $150 that was pretty good if you are happy to live with it.If it is black already the smoke damage would blend in well. IMHO these lens are worth restoring as they are bullet proof and if like me you cannot afford a newer lens $100 - 150 sounds like a good idea. Ian -----Original Message----- From: Christopher Williams [mailto:LeicaChris@worldnet.att.net] Sent: 19 March 2002 03:41 To: hasselblad@kelvin.net Subject: [HUG] 50mm T* lens with heavy marks I just recently looked at a very ugly 50mm T* chrome lens. After going through a small fire, the lens has seen better days. The rear element has many scratches and coating marks, and a few dings. The front element is in better condition. I tested this lens with a roll of XP2 400 and to my surprise, the images looked damn good! I was always told that if the rear elements have deep marks, move on. Even at 8x8 sixe, there was no softening or glare. Images were shot inside and outside. Lens is going for $150. Is it possible to order new rear elements for this lens? Chris Williams New Orleans
[Ed. note: a reminder of a great resource for repairing "unfixable" cameras, thanks to Sam Sherman!] Date: Wed, 14 Feb 2001 From: "S. Sherman" flexaret@sprynet.com To: rmonagha@post.cis.smu.edu Subject: Repairs and Noblex too Bob, Now camera is unfixable as long as we have great technicians like Ken Ruth (Photography on Bald Mountain) and Frank Marshman (Camera Wiz) - their ads are in the back of Shutterbug each issue. Ken Ruth repaired and overhauled an old Master Reflex for me with new shutter curtains and parts he made. He repaired an old Koniflex TLR for me that needed wind and focus parts, which he made. He designed and made a Polaroid film pack back (with 4x5 Graflex fitting) to fit an old Graflex B. (only Graflock backs could take polaroid backs). He overhauled an old Norita type camera with parts he made. Frank Marshman replaced the entire mirror unit (complete stripdown required) on my Bronica S2 and replaced it with Bronica S2A parts from a parts camera. No fear - people like this will keep all cameras running. ...
Date: Tue, 7 May 2002 From: "Q.G. de Bakker" qnu@worldonline.nl To: hasselblad@kelvin.net Subject: Re: [HUG] 80mm F lens missing focus rubber. David S. Argabright wrote: > I just acquired an otherwise beautiful 80mm F lens missing the focus > rubber. According to the auth. repair facility in San Antonio TX, the > part # is 901-096-80, but it is out of stock at Hasselblad USA and they > do not know if they will EVER get it in. > > Anybody have any ideas? Have you tried asking Hasselblad in Sweden (info@hasselblad.se)? They are very nice people, and i wouldn't be surprised if they would send you this item no charge (but don't count on it. It's just that if they did i wouldn't be surprised ;-)) Failing that, the original manufacturer is, off course, Zeiss. They have on-line technical support, where you can order spare parts as well. Go to http://www.zeiss.de Next, choose "English"; "Photography"; and finally "Photo Service". One caution: I believe that Zeiss prices aren't what one might call low.
Date: Tue, 07 May 2002 14:05:23 -0700 From: blackbird711@earthlink.net Reply to: hasselblad@kelvin.net To: hasselblad@kelvin.net Subject: Re:[HUG] 80mm F lens missing focus rubber It has been a long time since I had an 80F lens in my hands, but if memory serves me correctly, the rubber ring that you speak of, is just a rubber band type of ring similar to what you will find on a 80CF lens. You should be able to call Hasselblad and order a rubber ring for the 80CF lens and when you get the rubber band type ring, cut it to fit. Anotherwords, slice the rubber ring in half with a razor blade such that it will be the correct length, and trim the band to desired width. After you have the band cut and fit, simply glue it in place using some Prit Glue Stick. Wipe off the excess glue with a damp rag and you are done. -- Dick Werner 112 South Brighton St. Burbank, Ca., 91506 (818) 845-4667 blackbird711@earthlink.net http://home.earthlink.net/~blackbird711/manuals.html http://home.earthlink.net/~blackbird711/hassequip.html
from minolta mailing list; Date: Wed, 06 Mar 2002 From: "gdstaples" gdstaples@yahoo.com Subject: Minolta 300/600 APO Repairs Just an FYI to the group: If you come across any 300mm or 600mm APO lenses that are older (pre- focus hold button) days, I found out that Minolta USA is no longer repairing/servicing or upgrading these lenses. I was considering picking up another 600/4 APO that was cheap but needed repairs and I was told by a contact at Minolta USA/NY that anything that goes wrong with a lens this old will result in an expensive paperweight. The contact was a bit suprised at this newer Minolta policy as he has had to inform a number of people that spent $5K+ on a lens that Minolta will no longer fix them. We both agreed that this will effect future high-end purchases of Minolta equipment but the policy stands as of today. I just wanted to give everyone a heads up if/when purchasing a used 300/600 APO. Cheers, Duncan
From Minolta mailing list: Date: Wed, 29 May 2002 From: "junebug1701" junebug1701@yahoo.com Subject: FYI: Minolta Discontinuing certain repairs Found this on a camera repair list. I am only including the manual focus gear in this post. For the full list go to this link: http://members.cox.net/minolta16/repair.txt -------------------------- I just received info that as of 06/01/2002 Minolta will no longer be repairing: X-300S/370N/9 MD 70-210/4, 70-300/4.5-5.8 MD 100-300/5.6 Bob Kilbourn Repair Coordinator Bob's One Hour Photo, Inc.
From: Stephen stephen2002@lurker.homeip.net Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format Subject: Re: Mamiya 645 1000s PD prism finder, fine line. Date: Fri, 06 Dec 2002 "Kevin R" eriecomp@iaw.com >Hi can anyone tell me what is causing a fine line to appear horizontaly in >my finder. Is it possible to fix and how...... >thanks >Kevin R The prism is separating where the two pieces are glued together. The only fix is to replace the prism and Mamiya no longer has them. Stephen
From Leica Mailing List: Date: Sat, 22 Feb 2003 From: "Austin Franklin" darkroom@ix.netcom.com Subject: RE: [Leica] Re: Longevity of Leica products > As to the electronics, Leica is making their own circuit boards in > Portugal. So having parts should not be a problem. Sal, There is a huge difference between ASSEMBLING a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) and the components that go on the board. Leica does not make the components. The obsolete component issue is a huge one with electronics. The Contax RX, which has digital focus indication, had to be discontinued due to the unavailability of the focus indicator sensors by the manufacturer, and as I've said, sensors like this cost a LOT more to make than a single gear, because they can not be made in "onesies". Regards, Austin
From Leica Mailing List: Date: Sat, 22 Feb 2003 From: "Frank Filippone" red735i@earthlink.net Subject: RE: [Leica] RE: Longevity of Leica products Sal.. the issue is NOT the circuit boards... it is in the IC's ( chips) that are mounted on them. When they are no longer made by the IC companies, there are no more. ( assumes stock is also used up.) Austin may correct this, but the IC processes have moved forward so quickly that in 5 years, most if not all the older process chips would be un manufacturability. Yes, inventories exist of these chips, but again, when they run out, that is it. Your M7 shutter might as well be a door stop. It is not a matter of desire to support customers, it is the ability to get the parts that is the problem. Long live the M1,M2,M3,M4,M5,M6! All-Mechanical shutters rule! Frank Filippone red735i@earthlink.net
From Leica Mailing List: Date: Sat, 22 Feb 2003 From: "Austin Franklin" darkroom@ix.netcom.com Subject: RE: [Leica] RE: Longevity of Leica products Mike, > It will be THEORETICALLY possible to create a circuit in the future that > will emulate one that used obsolete components. Yes, and I've said exactly that...but...it's not the "circuit" per se that is the bigger problem... I also think, since you responded to a response to Sal's comment, may be confusing two issues. The point that was being made to Sal, was that Leica doesn't make the components on the circuit boards, so they have no control over their availability. > People do this now with the original Nintendo game system. They stuff a > small general-purpose computer into the old case and run emulation > software. Yes, but that is a different issue. The issue, as far as cameras goes, are the sensors and displays. They are both electronic and mechanical...they have, along with their electrical properties, physical dimensions that must be replicated, more or less, exactly, or they won't work. Circuit boards can be made to any size, but you have to rind a sensor that fits in the mechanical position (or can be adapted to fit) that the camera provides. Displays are even worse, as they have less adaptability. Regards, Austin
From: "Mike Elek" mm-elek@nospammers.net Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format Subject: Re: Fuji 6x7 & 6x9 Rangefinders Discontinued ? Date: Tue, 27 May 2003 According to Black and White magazine, Fuji is discontinuing production of the GA645Zi, GW670 and GW690/GSW690. These cameras should be available until the current supplies are sold off. -- -Mike Elek replace "nospammers" with "prodigy" http://host.fptoday.com/melek/pages/cameras.html
From: philipramsden [philipramsden@telstra.com] Sent: Thu 8/21/2003 To: hasselblad@kelvin.net Subject: [HUG] Re: Spares for PCP80 Hi HUGs, I'm trying to get parts for the PCP80 projector. Hasselblad told me to go to CR Kennedy the Australian distributor as the agreement is all parts sales must go that way. Kennedy say no parts available as PCP80 is discontinued. Can this be right? I worked for Leica for 20 years and we stock stuff for 1950s vintage microscopes. Cheers Philip
From: brianc1959@aol.com (brian) Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format Subject: Re: I can't believe how pricing has dropped on MF gear Date: 7 Dec 2003 rmonagha@engr.smu.edu (Bob Monaghan) wrote > Given that you can buy a zoom with 14 elements for $109.95, I am not sure > why a single element should cost $500+ for a lens repair - plus labor? ;-) > Again, I would imagine SRB Inc. or others could knock out some functional > elements, esp. for zapped SWC/M or other high $$ lenses? We also have > recoating services now, and so on. So I am more optimistic that our > mechanical cameras may last a lot longer than they already have ;-) It takes alot of work to replace a lens element: 1) prepare matching test plates for both surfaces; 2) determine the glass type and order a new blank; 3) grind and polish, maintaining original center thickness to +/- 0.02mm or so; 4) center and edge, maintaining original diameter to +0/-0.02mm or better; 5)Apply AR coating. Seems to me that $500 is a bargain for such an effort! Brian www.caldwellphotographic.com
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format From: teveg666@ultranet.com (Stephan Goldstein) Subject: Change in repair policy at Mamiya America Date: Thu, 26 Feb 2004 For those of you who don't read the Mamiya 7 forum on the Mamiya USA Corporation (MAC) website... In the past MAC's policy towards repairs was quite reasonable - they would repair any Mamiya camera or lens, regardless of where it was purchased or how it entered the US. Items purchased through normal US retail channels, i.e. imported by MAC, were eligible for warranty service at no charge, otherwise you had to pay, but at least you could get service. I don't want to start an argument about the cost or quality of that service, I know there are some strong opinions, but I was pleased that MAC was willing to upgrade the viewfinder in my Mamiya 7 to that found in the M7-II for what seemed a quite reasonable fee. It seemed to me this was a no-lose for MAC - they could generate incremental revenue and keep a lot of people reasonably happy at negligible cost. MAC's policy has recently changed, as mentioned, almost in passing, in a recent reply to a question posted in the M7 User's Forum on the MAC website. MAC will no longer provide service for Mamiya items not imported into the US by them. This includes items legally brought in by returning toursits. [US trademark law allows returning citizens to bring in one of any trademarked item, regardless of trademark ownership, provided said item is carries with the retunedd, is for personal use, and is not resold within one year.] This will certainly affect my future buying plans, for both Mamiya and other brands imported by MAC 9Toyo and Sekonic come to mind). I doubt that a letter- or email-writing campaign will have much effect, but I've already registered my own opinion on the MAC forum and encourage any of you who care to do the same, either through their forum or by email. I'm not much of a fan of restraint of trade, and MAC's recent policy change has the look and feel of exactly that. Steve
From: "Mike" ned34@earthdink.net Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format Subject: Re: I can't believe how pricing has dropped on MF gear Date: Wed, 03 Dec 2003 "Bob Monaghan" rmonagha@engr.smu.edu wrote > There aren't enough cracked or damaged "donor parts" lenses, I suspect, > given the huge number (400,000+) C lenses originally sold (see numbers at > http://medfmt.8k.com/mf/lenssold.html and lack of parts for lenses, 500c, > 500el bodies, 12 and 24 original backs etc at mf/nofix.html#hassylenses > etc.). The pros dumping their old backup lenses and kits to buy digital > stuff have pumped a lot of lenses into the market, depressing prices a > lot. As you noted, it is now cheaper to buy the lens than get a badly > scratched or cracked front or back element replaced. > > the problem with repairs from older lenses is that the parts you need are > the ones that tend to go bad in the older shutters, which are already worn > on a used C lens anyway, and so the repairs may be only temporary ;-( ?? > > on the other hand, there are a lot of normal lenses (50% of the C lenses > sold), so I suspect they may supply a number of shutter parts, at least, > for the rarer and more $$ exotic lenses? > > bobm The delemas that face the repair shop goes beyond incorporating used parts of dubious condition in a repair. There is the cost incured in stripping down the parts "donnor" bodies and lenses. Then there is the matter of the warrantee. How does the shop warantee used parts in a repair and would a customer be willing to accept a standard repair charge with a reduced warrantee? Owners of "older" used medium format system are going to have to accept the fact that in "most" cases used parts will be required to make repairs and those repairs in many cases will still be expensive. I guess age catches up with all of us sooner or later. Mike
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