Is my 35GT dying on me?

[efix]

I've had my Yashica 35 GT for about one and a half years now, and so far it has been working flawlessly. The meter is accurate, focus is accurate, the aperture works and the film advance works.

Recently, however, I've been getting more and more shots that turned out totally dark. It were about two or three in the previous roll, and in the roll I'm just scanning they're about seven or eight. Also, when shooting wide open in low light, it sounds as though the long exposure times don't work properly anymore - as if the camera wouldn't go past 1/30 (or so, can't say exactly).

Has this happened to anyone before? The camera was cheap and it's easy to get another one, but still ... 🙁

EDIT: Forgot to mention this happens only in low light environments. Some shots are salvageable if there was enough light, some are simply black. As I said, as if it wouldn't go below a certain shutter speed any more.

 

[ColSebastianMoran]

efix, when the electronics stop working, the camera goes to 1/500th default shutter speed. This will give grossly underexposed shots in low light. Or in bright light you might get lucky.

I experienced this one day with one of my GX's. I suspected the battery connection, adjusted the battery a bit, added a shim to make sure it fit tightly, and no problems since then.

How does this happen intermitantly? I suspect: battery problem, switch problem, or electronics.

I had the same thing happen with a GTN, camera worked at first, then intermitant 1/500th, then problem became permanent. I haven't gotten around to repairing that one.

Good luck with yours.

 

[b1bmsgt]

I agree with ColSebastianMoran. Sounds like the typical symptoms of a serious electronic failure. :bang:

Russ

 

[efix]

Ugh. And I just loaded it with a roll of fresh film and kept wondering why even in the darkest surroudings the shutter would always sound the same ...

UPDATE: It seems like the electronics are failing. "Battery chek" lights up, but the meter won't give me any reading (i.e. over- or underexposure warning).

Does anyone have any intel on how to troubleshoot this? Or would it be more economical to simply buy another one (considering I paid 30 € for it on eBay)?

 

[ColSebastianMoran]

efix, I've bought several of these. My estimate is you'll be very lucky to get one for $30 that works well enough to be a reliable camera. I don't think the dream of a great Yashica for cheap is realistic. But, buy from a good technician, or buy and then have it worked over and you have a great, reliable camera for $100 to $150.

 

[efix]

I decided to get an Olympus XA, which is not really a substitue, but I want one 🙂
The Yashica will stay in my shelf until I find the time to open it up and see if I can do anything to get it fixed. The Yashica Guy has some information on repairing these. I'll open a thread once I am starting this project.

 

[btgc]

I'd suggest to get Lynx 5000 instead of quirky G/GSN. Lynxes also usually need some service, but any camera of that age do. After it's touched up, it's fantastic manual camera.

 

[efix]

I'd suggest to get Lynx 5000 instead of quirky G/GSN. Lynxes also usually need some service, but any camera of that age do. After it's touched up, it's fantastic manual camera.

That Lynx looks like a very nice camera, I might give it a thought 🙂

 

[b1bmsgt]

I definitely second the suggestion to go with a Lynx 5000! Beautiful cameras, but best to use a good hand-held meter rather than the built-in, IMHO. The built-ins can go south at a moments notice... :bang:
I personally use a Gossen Super-Pilot with excellent results.

Russ