Yashica MG-1 help please!

[JB101]

Hi,

Just bought an MG-1 off Ebay. I'm a bit underwhelmed.... not sure if I've bought a lemon or not so would be glad of any advice.

The body and lens condition is good, no dents or dings. The shutter trips, self-timer works, aperture works.

However the light-seals are shot and nothing lights in the VF or on the top plate so I guess the battery is dead. Looks like an original Mercury one as its full size not an aftermarket one.

The main thing that worries me though is the rangefinder itself. I've not used a rangefinder before and was under the impression that the double-image is easy to see. However in my MG-1 the split image is very very faint. The Yellow diamond seems brighter on the left side than the right. Its hard to see the double image in bright light (easier indoors in dim light). Also the viewfinder is a bit misty and dim. Will these brighten up with a battery? i.e. does the rangefinder diamond need a battery to work?

Thought I'd ask before I spend the same amount as I paid for it on a seals kit and replacement battery!

Cheers

JB

 

[Wayne R. Scott]

No, the viewfinder does not require a battery. You may need to clean the battery terminals with white vinegar to remove corrosion/oxidation if the battery has been left in the camera for a long period of time. About 50% to 60% of the time I have been able to bring back dead Yashicas (MG-1, GS, GT, GSN) by using the vinegar and new battery + the small wad of AL foil as a spacer.

Yes, you will probably need to clean the glass of the viewfinder to remove the haze.

You may need to make sure that your eye is centered in the viewfinder when you are using the camera,. If you are looking at the viewfinder off center it can effect the look of the rangefinder patch.

Wayne

 

[JB101]

Thanks for the replies. I'll try what you suggested with the PX28 and foil and see if Yashica guy has instructions for cleaning the VF glass.

Best get a roll through this camera to see for sure asap!

Cheers

JB