A. T.

For those who might not know, David Odess who was a renowned Hasselblad master technician suddenly passed away on August 5th. I was looking for someone to send my Hasselblad 500CM for service and a possible "tuneup". I called B&H to speak with Phil who had used the Hasselblad 500 series for many years as a wedding photographer to get information on a repair facility for my 500CM. Phil gave me the number to David Odess but when I called today I got the number out of service recording thinking that I had possibly recorded the number wrong. After Googling Mr. Odess's name, I found the terrible news posted that he had passed away. After reading several posts from an apparent Hasselblad forum, it was obvious that this man was someone that everyone who had an encounter with had absolutely nothing but praise for his personality, customer patience, brilliance in his craft and just a wonderful person to meet and do business with. I sadly never got a chance to meet or speak with Mr. Odess.....my loss. Again, I just thought that I would let those on this wonderful forum know about this sad passing of Mr. David Odess. Prayers for his family and may this wonderful man RIP.

RodeoMan Loc: St Joseph, Missouri

I didn't know of Mr Odess, don't own a Hasselblad, but when a good person passes, a craftsman at that, we are all diminished.

A. T.

Absolutely, as I stated, I never knew the man but from what I read, he was someone very special.

selmslie Loc: Fernandina Beach, FL, USA

Sorry to hear that. He was a great help with my Hasselblads.

A. T.

Scotty,

Where will you send your Hasselblad for service now that the master is no longer with us? I have a 500CM that needs attention.

selmslie Loc: Fernandina Beach, FL, USA

Wish I could help but I sold all of my Hasselblad stuff to KEH a couple of years ago.

Since KEH has a vested interest in supporting the film market, they might have some suggestions.

A. T.

Okay, I'll call them, thanks so much.

Silversleuth Loc: San Francisco Bay Area

Mr. Odess was truly a fine, kind, generous with his time gentleman. He serviced my Hassy and spent a lot of time chatting on the phone about various Blad issues. His claim to fame was that he was the only camera repair technician in the US to have been trained by Hasselblad at their factory. He said there were two other guys similarly trained but they had both passed away. At the time he had my camera, he said he had about 50 cameras on his bench waiting for his attention. He will truly be missed by anyone he ever encountered during his lengthy career. May he RiP.

A. T.

I certainly wished that I had gotten the chance to communicate with him. I have heard nothing but wonderful comments about Mr. Odess. I'm now in search of someone to service my 500CM.

651roy Loc: Black Hills, SD

I’ve read that he had an apprentice that has picked up the business with all his tools and parts. I’ve lost his name and business name.
I’ll keep looking.

A. T.

That would be great. I had David's number but it's no longer in service.

selmslie Loc: Fernandina Beach, FL, USA

This is all I have to go on: https://www.david-odess.com/

It's not much to go on but maybe you can try contacting his daughter for more information.

Otherwise, maybe you can contact Hasselblad directly. https://www.hasselblad.com/

A. T.

Okay thanks, I'll get to work on it.

A. T.

Scottie,

I called Hasselblad and spoke with a gentleman who directed me to send an email to support for instructions on what to do regarding repairs to my 500CM. I sent the email detailing my issues with the camera. I also went to David's website and the last sentence from his daughter said that all equipment pending estimates or awaiting repairs will be shipped back to the customers within the next few weeks. So, regarding someone who David trained or was in training seems not to be the case. At least she did not give any indication that there was someone else who might be taking on the repairs for David. Now, I can't remember who it was but someone here in the forum sent me a name (Mark Hama) who works on vintage cameras and who is supposed to be really good but slow. I sent my Yashica FX-2 film camera to him for service and any needed repairs about a month ago and he still has the camera; however, I just spoke with him and he assured me that the Yashica would be ready shortly. Also, he said that he is qualified to work on the Hasselblad. So, once I get my Yashica back, I will send the Hasselblad film back to him for repair.

selmslie Loc: Fernandina Beach, FL, USA

Hood news about Mark Hama.

Although I no longer need it, maybe you could pose a link to his web site and inform KEH as well.