A problem with my Yashica MG-1

[aito_you]

Hi! I just bought a used Yashica MG-1 on ebay, but I'm having some problems with it and I'm hoping someone on this forum can identify my problem.
Since I am VERY new to rangefinders, I'm not sure if the problem is me or the camera. The camera's exterior is in excellent condition and the seller sent me a battery adapter and a battery with it.

So, here are some problems that I have been having with the camera:
- Battery works, but the yellow "SLOW" lamp turns on at every exposure in various settings (such as outdoors/indoors).
- I have sent in two rolls to be developed, the first one was 400 iso and all pictures came out with a very strong blue tint, the second was with expired 200 iso film that came out grey and blurry. Here are some samples from the two rolls (sorry for the bad quality, I don't have a scanner with me):
The first roll: http://i45.tinypic.com/2vt4mfd.jpg
The second roll: http://i48.tinypic.com/2e1svb5.jpg

- In AUTO mode, in every condition (indoors in low light and outdoors in bright light) the shutter stays open for around 5 mins and then closes by itself or it will close when I advance the film. When in flash mode or without batteries, the shutter opens only for a split second and then closes.

From some online research, I am considering that it might be a Pad of Death problem (argh!), since I can hear a really loud "clunk" when I wind the film advance lever.

Hopefully someone can answer my questions! I'd really like to use my camera soon.

Thank you!

 

[Frontman]

Take a look through the small meter cell window above the lens. It should be clean and clear. You should be able to see the grid on the meter cell if you look carefully. Sometimes the plastic on the front of the meter cell deteriorates, and forms a thick, white, chalky substance. This can sometimes be 3mm to 4mm thick, which is enough tp prevent light from contacting the meter. The camera will usually work properly if you can scrape the white stuff out. You need a spanner to remove the lens trim ring to get to the meter cell.

The camera switches to flash sync speed when the flash is attached, and doesn't rely on the meter, which is why it opens for a fraction of a second.

 

[aito_you]

Take a look through the small meter cell window above the lens. It should be clean and clear. You should be able to see the grid on the meter cell if you look carefully. Sometimes the plastic on the front of the meter cell deteriorates, and forms a thick, white, chalky substance. This can sometimes be 3mm to 4mm thick, which is enough tp prevent light from contacting the meter. The camera will usually work properly if you can scrape the white stuff out. You need a spanner to remove the lens trim ring to get to the meter cell.

The camera switches to flash sync speed when the flash is attached, and doesn't rely on the meter, which is why it opens for a fraction of a second.

What exactly is the grid on the meter cell supposed to look like? Mine looks pretty clean and clear to me.
Here's a picture of it: http://i48.tinypic.com/bgy7b9.jpg
So the problem is with the automatic shutter speed?

 

[btgc]

You have to adjust ISO and aperture to gain open view to cell (or even remove name plate from lens). But if MG model has a POD, then my bet goes on it. Small piece of material deteriorates, sending whole exposure setting process off the track. Many Electro non-SLR models suffer from this.

 

[one90guy]

The MG does have the POD and there are so good how to's to be found on line. That will cure most problems with the cameras, the only other problem I have found was broken or corroded wires on bottom of battery box. Good luck, they are great cameras, I always liked the MG's because they meter through the lens when using filters.