I was on a trip in New York City and it happened, the worst thing a photographer can imagine. My camera stopped working. The error 8888 on the back of my XPan…
I’d noticed subtle issues in the days leading up to it: the shutter stuttered occasionally but always recovered. I chalked it up to temperature fluctuations. But when I loaded a new roll—my third of the trip—the film advanced normally. I held the camera up, framed the shot, focussed on my subject and pressed the shutter, nothing happened.
I checked the power switch, it was on. Tried again. Click, still nothing.. No shutter sound, no film winding, no shot taken.
Then I saw it… The 8888 on the back of my camera.
Panic…
My heart beats fast when I pull out my phone and start to google the error. Is it a common error? What do I do? Can it be fixed?
Google wasn’t much of help, little information was available and even less potential fixes were showcased. I felt stranded…
Fast forwards, 18 months. I had contacted many different specialists, shipped the camera to three different analogue camera repair shops, and received estimates ranging from $300 to $2,500. In the end I found a reliable repair specialist who fixed the shutter engine, main board soldering and selector knob issues in a months time for 1600$, and it it works like a charm again.
This blog is meant to give as much detail as possible to prevent such cases from happening. What kind of common analogue camera and Hasselblad XPan issues there are, what kind of misconceptions exist, how to maintain an analogue camera, and where to get your analogue camera repaired.
A close up of the Hasselblad XPan logo
Common panoramic film cameras issues
There are many common issues for analogue film cameras. These will be the same across the board, no matter the film camera, because these are often a direct result of the age of these cameras.
Some of the most frequent include:
Light leaks
This is when the rubber, also known as light seals, that makes sure that the film is not exposed at any point to light has deteriorated over time. It might have lost its elasticity and therefore does not fully seal the film chamber anymore. This can often easily be replaced by any experienced technician.
Lens Fungus
Fungus can grow inside older lenses exposed to high humidity, especially when the moisture becomes trapped in the vintage lens. Creating the perfect circumstances for fungus to grow. It spreads rapidly and can ruin multiple lenses if stored together. Resulting in potentially ruining all your lenses. Store lenses in dry environments and use silica gel or dehumidifier packs.
Shutter Issues
The last common problem is a slow responding, jamming or misfiring shutter. These analogue film camera shutters have withstand the test of time and have seen a lot of use. Without proper care these shutters tend to freeze up over time. Regular cleaning and occasional servicing can extend shutter life significantly.
Common Hasselblad XPan and Fuji tx 1 issues
Beyond general film camera problems, the Hasselblad Xpan and Fuji tx 1 have some common, unique to their own, issues as well. These cameras are electro-mechanical with a lot of moving parts, big parts to be precise. This makes them more likely to fail as big moving parts create a lot of momentum and need to withstand a lot more force over time. Due to the scale of their internal components, they are prone to wear and tear, particularly involving electronics and moving parts.
Viewfinder misalignment
The XPan and TX-1 use different viewfinder configurations depending on the lens: 45mm and 90mm lenses adjust the internal framing lines; the 30mm requires a dedicated external viewfinder. Over time, these mechanisms can misalign. When that happens, your composition may look fine through the viewfinder, but the image won't match.
Battery drain
The camera often fails because of the battery consumption. The cameras drain the two CR2 batteries and with it, the camera sometimes shuts down, even when the batteries are not completely drained yet. Slightly low batteries can cause system errors or mid-roll failures. Always carry spare batteries, as battery issues are one of the easiest to mistake for something more serious.
Stiff power switch
The on/off switch is infamously stiff especially in cold conditions. With temperature changes can cause minor expansions or contraction of components, making the switch difficult to move. Don’t force the switch, warm it by your hands and try again.
The Dreaded 8888 error
A more serious issue amongst the Hasselblad XPan and Fuji tx 1 is the 8888 error, which will appear on the back screen. This is not too common, but amongst the more serious issues the most common. It can mean different things, but often means the oil in the shutter engine has dried up. This can easily be replaced by a professional and wont cost too much money.
Common Repair Misconceptions – Is My Hasselblad XPan Really Broken?
The Hasselblad Xpan and the Fuji tx 1 are both known to be very expensive, and some might even say overpriced. With that a lot of people tend to forget that these cameras also potentially need repairs at some point. The price range for professional fixes can vary a lot, but not to worry, not everything is expensive!
Obviously, replacing the camera can also be considered a repair and then yes, it is expensive. However, the common issue described in “Common panoramic film camera issues” are not more than 300USD. Additionally, for most of the common problems you don’t even need a dedicated XPan or tx 1 technician. I do have to say, when you can, I highly recommend a XPan or tx 1 technician over a general film camera technician. You’ll benefit from their familiarity with common failure points and avoid unnecessary delays or risks.
Approach any issues with simplicity, turn the camera off and on, change batteries, check the film door. I know, your heart will skip a beat when it happens for the first time, but can often be fixed by one of those simple actions. However, if you're uncertain, do not attempt internal repairs. These cameras are delicate. You could make the problem worse.
How to maintain your Fuji tx 1 and Hasselblad xpan
The best approach to anything is, prevention. Prevent your analogue film camera from deteriorating faster than needed and requiring professional repairs. There are preventative measures that can be utilised. These preventative measures are can be categorised as maintenance, but I see them more how to properly take care of your camera.
Here’s what I do:
Store the camera in a ziplock bag with a dehumidifier pack to prevent fungus.
Use a leather half-case when shooting to protect the paint and absorb minor shocks.
Remove the batteries when not in use for extended periods to prevent leakage.
After each outing, wipe the body with a microfiber cloth and use an air blower to remove dust.
These simple habits go a long way toward long-term maintenance and repair for the Hasselblad XPan or Fuji TX-1.
How to Determine if Your Hasselblad XPan Needs Professional Repair
Troubleshooting common issues with Hasselblad Xpan
The viewfinder stuck or misalignment. When switching from the 45mm f4 lens to the 90mm f4 lens the lens in the viewfinder changes. Sometimes this gets stuck or does not completely move to the right place. This can happen because of dust ending up in the chamber. When they misalign and it is visually noticeable, you can remove the eye piece and actually touch the lenses. Carefully remove the lens from the body which will make the viewfinder lenses move, whilst doing that carefully inspect the chamber and see if some sort of dust is present. If there is, carefully remove it with an air blower. The best way to do it is hold it up side down and use the air blower to dislocate the dust particles and let gravity work in your favour. Be careful not to smear the lenses with greasy fingers.
Camera freezes or stopped working suddenly. When the camera suddenly freezes up without proper reason, start with rebooting the camera, if that doesn’t work replace the batteries. Most of the time with fresh batteries the camera will function as normal again. If all fails, rewind the film with the tiny button on the back and bring it to a technician.
Stiff power switch. When the on and off switch of the Hasselblad XPan or Fuji tx 1 gets stuck, don’t force it. Warm the switch with your hands if you can and see if the temperature change affects the operability of the switch.
If troubleshooting didn’t work
The 8888 error on the back of the Hasselblad XPan, can sometimes resolve itself in different temperatures as well. The problem is often a result of thicker oil in the shutter engine, which changes consistency in different temperatures. If exposing it to a different temperature does not fix it, then it probably needs professional repair. Either way it might be a good time to get the engine oil replaced, before it is too late. Don’t try this at home unless you have sufficient technical knowledge and the proper equipment.
The unfortunate sign of leaking light into the camera and onto the film is often after your have finished a role of film. At this point in time, you can check if the light seals are actually affected permanently or whether something was in the way. Asses the condition of the light seals and see if they are still “springy”, if not then they probably need to be replaced. Get it done by an expert.
Where to repair film cameras
There are many different film camera repair shops and technicians. However, every camera is different and depending on the severity you might or might not need an expert.
Over time I have had to get several film cameras fixed and have been in touch with many technicians. Some of the key take aways were:
See what brands they specialise in
How long they have been around
Don’t be afraid to ask technical questions before sending in your camera.
Ask for approach before it gets fixed, always ask for a quote.
When in doubt, retrieve the camera after the quote and go somewhere else and get another quote.You often pay very little for quotes and are worth it, because I have had quotes that didn’t make sense in the end after getting another quote and a proper fix. Bare in mind a cheaper quote is not necessarily a better fix at all times!
I’ve interacted with many camera repair professionals. While not all of them worked on my cameras, most were helpful and knowledgeable. Here’s a list of starting points if you’re looking for a repair specialist for Fujifilm TX-1 or XPan.
General film camera repair shops
Kamera-service, Zoetermeer, Nederland - Has serviced and repaired my Hasselblad once upon a time, but only does Leica at the moment.
Camera works, Manchester, UK
Aperture, London, UK
Classic V, Bushey, UK
Sedean cameras in London, UK
Recommended repairers for classic panoramic film cameras
Les Victor, Paris, France - repaired my broken Hasselblad Xpan
PPP cameras Birmingham, UK - checked my broken Hasselblad Xpan, but informed me that he was not able to source parts to fully restore my camera
Hasselblad Service Repair Technicians (locations in Dusseldorf, Germany, and Paris, France) - heard great things about them, was gonna be my next option for repair
Ulf Kühn Service, Germany - Was recommended to me, but not aware of a website, is part of the Hasselblad recommended list of technicians
Away Repair, Russian - does one offs.
Amsterdam Camera Repairs, The Netherlands - Never been, but has a good reputation
Conclusion
Prevention is the best, get it serviced, store it well, use it appropriately, and don’t drop it. Once upon a time the technician of Kamera-service said, which I took very seriously from then, you service your car ever year, because you want it to last, your camera deserves the same treatment if you really care about it. However, the camera might need to be repaired at some point and then the list of repair technicians will hopefully help.
If at any point you need help or a second pair of eyes, shoot me a message and I can hopefully help you figure things out quicker. I might have gone through the same or I might be able to give you some additional tips that aren’t stated in this blogpost. Let’s make sure the Hasselblad XPan’s and Fujifilm TX-1’s stay healthy and information is shared, to make them last through time!