GSN/ GS - Donor Rangefinder Assy

[wakarimasen]

Hello Folks,
I bought a non-working GSN at the weekend: simply because the rangefinder patch was better than the one in my working camera, and I thought I could exchange the two. Having opened the donor camera up, I found that the rangefinder unit fixes in different positions to those in my working camera, and so I can't use it!
The only alternative is to swap the 'coloured' beam splitter. But am I correct in thinking that this is quite a difficult task?
Best regards,
RoyM

 

[Sonnar Brian]

The colored beamsplitter is "keyed" to mount into the assembly. I successfully transplanted one from a Yashica GSn to a LYNX 14e. Be very careful, it's glass, and can break. Just note the orientation if you take it out.

 

[wakarimasen]

Hello Brian - are they bonded or glued in? If so, what's a good release agent?
Best regards,
RoyM

 

[btgc]

I have impression that usually they mount silvered side towards back of VF. Have not reasearched this, though.

Is there other source of GSN-quality beamsplitters? I need couple (for both Lynxes) but do not really want to go for donor GSNs as shipping builds up nicely.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

Mine had some light glue holding it in, I very gently got it out. I did not use solvent. I did not glue it going back into the Lynx, as it was in quite tight.

 

[wakarimasen]

Aha - so when you say 'keyed-in' it sits in a slot? I didn't look at this closely, but if it's the case, I don't mind having a go!
Best regards,
RoyM

 

[Sonnar Brian]

Yes, if you look at the glass one side is keyed, so it can only go correctly in one direction. Note how one end of the glass has a wedged shape to it.