Fungus on rear lens element - Electro 35.

[beier]

Hello!

I bought a Yashica Electro 35 and the front element from the lens is clean, but the rear element has some fungus points.

I read some posts about how disassembly the lens.

Most of the posts talks about removing the front element to get access to shutter. And they stop there. Don't go any further.

I'm think: if I put the shutter on Bulb mode, put a new battery (to guaranteed energy), keep the shutter button pressed and the lens on f/1.7, can I access the rear element?

ps: sorry my bad english.


Lucas Falk Beier

 

[alienmeatsack]

I don't see why using Bulb mode would not work. Just be careful not to let the shutter close, as you could damage it if it were to close on any tool you were using to clean the inside of the lens.

Have you looked at this tutorial from Matt's Classic Cameras?
http://mattsclassiccameras.com/electro_inside/index.html

It has the lens removal info for the brave soul who wants to tamper with the odds. 😀

Good luck!

 

[beier]

I don't see why using Bulb mode would not work. Just be careful not to let the shutter close, as you could damage it if it were to close on any tool you were using to clean the inside of the lens.

Have you looked at this tutorial from Matt's Classic Cameras?
http://mattsclassiccameras.com/electro_inside/index.html

It has the lens removal info for the brave soul who wants to tamper with the odds. 😀

Good luck!

How much time do you think afresh battery on Bulb mode can last?

 

[colyn]

If it does not clean off via that method most likely the fungus is between elements where you would have to disassemble the rear group to get to it..

 

[btgc]

To remove rear element one doesn't need to put shutter in Bulb mode. It also depends on tools if it's safe to remove rear glass without unmounting lens assembly from camera - film chamber is tight, access is limited and tools can slip, damaging glass. You decide. If it's $5 camera, I'd use it to pump up my repair skills. If anything like $50 or more, I'd return it.

 

[Frontman]

Hello!

I bought a Yashica Electro 35 and the front element from the lens is clean, but the rear element has some fungus points.

I read some posts about how disassembly the lens.

Most of the posts talks about removing the front element to get access to shutter. And they stop there. Don't go any further.

I'm think: if I put the shutter on Bulb mode, put a new battery (to guaranteed energy), keep the shutter button pressed and the lens on f/1.7, can I access the rear element?

ps: sorry my bad english.


Lucas Falk Beier

I use the above method you described to clean the inside of ghe rear element. Remove the lens nameplate with a rubber stopper or lens spanner, and remove the front lens group with the lens spanner or pointed-tip pliers. Set the shutter to B, and either hold the shutter button down while cleaning the lens, or use a cable release so you can keep both hands free. Have a blower handy to remove dust, it may take a couple attempts to get the lens back together with no visible dust inside.

It is not common for fungus to form between the rear elements, so you should be able to get the lens clean after removing the front group.