Electro 35 GX questionable metering

[ColSebastianMoran]

Paolo -- I don't know if this will help, but I had one Electro series camera that was accurate in exposure at most f/stops except that exposures were way too long at f/16. Looking at a circuit diagram, I have a theory that one of the diaphragm resistors or contacts in the lens was bad.

Suggestion: do a test with film, looking for correct exposure at every f/stop.

 

[Paolo Bonello]

Paolo -- I don't know if this will help, but I had one Electro series camera that was accurate in exposure at most f/stops except that exposures were way too long at f/16. Looking at a circuit diagram, I have a theory that one of the diaphragm resistors or contacts in the lens was bad.

Suggestion: do a test with film, looking for correct exposure at every f/stop.

That sounds quite plausable and similar to what is happening in one of my old electro 35's that I do not trust using but I've never studied electronics that deeply so I'm a bit out of my depth to comment.

I did try the diode in series with the battery but my results were not conclusive. That is to say that I could not hear a significant change in shutter speed even at the slowest shutter/f-stop combinations.

I'm just going to send it away and get a real bench test done at all apertures. Then when I get it back, provided it has a clean bill of health, I will set-up a standard test shot subject with some static lights and fire off a test roll to use as my benchmark images for my other yashicas. Something I can replicate instead of my usual test walk around the city. (which is usually a lot more fun).

I always recommend to others that they give their user-cameras a little love with a CLA from an experienced technician from time to time so now it's time to take my own advice. I'll send a few diodes with the camera and let the technician decide if it will help the metering accuracy. If it does help I will get him to wire it up in-camera.

Anyway, I bought about 100 of these tiny 1N4148 diodes for $6 (total) cause the electronics store did not sell them individually so if anyone wants a couple just PM me your address and I'll put a few in an envelope and mail it out.