Konica Auto S2 Repair

[mwoenv]

I picked up a KAS2 for $10 locally and would appreciate comments on the problems and plan below as this will be the first time going into a camera (I have read Tomasey's KAS2 section and a couple of other Konica repair articles online):

Positives:
- Shutter fires on all speeds and B and sound correct
- Lens looks clean and shutter/aperture blades are clean
- Counter resets and rewind button pops out when back lid is opened
- Self-timer works smoothly
- Meter works and is steady and accurate
- After removing years of grime, the camera looks very nice

Problems:
- Eyepiece frame glass is missing (but yellow RF patch and aperture scale are present)
- Lens feels loose, but not sure if it's a problem (it rotates about 1/16" in each direction from center and and holding it at the focus ring it can be moved up and down and side to side about 1/32" to 1/16" in each direction from center)
- Battery check does not work

Plan:
- Pick up a parts camera for the eyepice frame glass (is this installed with the top deck off?)
- Remove top deck and clean internal dust, re-install top deck
- Remove bottom plate and check battery check switch for broken/corroded wire (ignore if problem is not apparent as battery can be checked when suspected low)
- Check rangefinder at infinity and known closer distances and adjust H and V, if necessary, with top deck on (or is it better with top deck off?)
- Shoot a roll of film to see if loose lens is a problem and to check RF focus and meter; ignore loose lens if film is good (can anything be done for the loose lens anyway?)

Thanks.

 

[f16sunshine]

One of mine has a lens that is about as loose as you describe.
I don't plan to operate. The optical cell does not move simple the front of the lens (aperture and focus ring etc.).

For the eyepiece glass you can likely get away with cutting a piece of glass.
Microscope specimen plates were suggested here the other day. Sounds like and easy good option.
Removing the top and cleaning the Glass surfaces is quite easy.
Stay away from using any heavy cleaners when you dust off the beam splitter.
I usually just use a dry cotton swab after blowing with a rocket first.
If it is really gunked up you can use a bit of lens cleaning solution on the swab. Clean and then quickly and gently polish. The reflective surface can be like a silvered foil and easily become damaged. I would be really careful with it. Best luck and congrats on a great camera.

 

[mwoenv]

Konica Auto S2 Repair

Thanks for your advice Andy. I thought the actual eyepiece glass from another camera would be needed because when I look into the viewfinder without the eyepice glass everything is blurry and I thought this glass would help focus what's in the viewfinder. Perhaps there is something else wrong inside if everything should be in focus without this glass in place. I can see the center yellow patch and parallax bars and aperture scale on top but nothing is in focus. There are no parts rattling around inside (e.g., loose mirror).

Mike

 

[f16sunshine]

Thanks for your advice Andy. I thought the actual eyepiece glass from another camera would be needed because when I look into the viewfinder without the eyepice glass everything is blurry and I thought this glass would help focus what's in the viewfinder. Perhaps there is something else wrong inside if everything should be in focus without this glass in place. I can see the center yellow patch and parallax bars and aperture scale on top but nothing is in focus. There are no parts rattling around inside (e.g., loose mirror).

Mike

Sorry Mike my mistake.
I thought that rear glass was simply a cover piece like the front.
You are correct in that it is a magnifier and finishes the optics of the VF/RF.
One question for you. Does your S2 have a sliding hood?
My S1.6 does but, S2 does not. I see no evidence of it being lost or removed. It's simply not there.

BTW
I have a spare RF assembly from a Yashica GSN. Would be happy to send it to you if you want to try and Frankenstein that VF.
The two cameras have the same VF magnification (from what I can tell by comparing) and lens FL.
Maybe you will get lucky.
Cheers

 

[mwoenv]

Konica Auto S2 Repair

Andy, no, mine does not have the built-in lens hood. From what I've read, some have it and some don't. The Auto S2 I had 40 years ago had one. It's nice to have because a typical screw-on rubber type hood blocks the focus patch.

I would be interested in trying your spare Yashica RF assembly for the part and appreciate the offer. I'd return it if the part did not work or the parts left over if it did work if you wish.

Mike

 

[btgc]

Hood slips on lens barrel and stop ring screwed into filter threads keeps it from coming off, though allowing to slip it back (closer to boy) when taking camera away. Ring has filter threads of same diameter as lens barrel so same 55mm filters can be used. When hood (with ring) is removed there is no evidence it has been there.

Mike, I'll take a look in spare parts box - maybe I have that piece from my first KAS2 which arrived broken. Appreciate your wish to fix it.

 

[mwoenv]

Konica Auto S2 Repair

btgc, thank you for your generous offer to look for the part. When the camera is functional I will use it for many years to come.

Mike

 

[btgc]

Mike, if it's possible, please upload picture of part you need - I just want to be sure I'm getting it right. Also check if this is only part you will need.

 

[mwoenv]

Konica Auto S2 Repair

btgc, attached is a photo showing where the missing eyepiece glass goes (it's the vertical piece just inside the black plastic cover). Also, I cannot get the plastic black eyepiece cover to go on flush so if the cover piece is available that would also be greatly appreciated (I have the screw for the cover).

I see nothing else missing after taking the top deck and bottom plate off.

Thanks for looking.

Mike

 

[btgc]

Mike, I have that glass piece. I just have to remove it without breaking. Please send me PM with your postal address. I'll send it to you.

 

[Hamster]

Sorry to slightly hijack this thread.

I am also trying to restore my Auto S2 at the moment, and had everything working already. Just missing a battery cover.

Does anyone know any tricks to find a way round this? Maybe something from the hardware store or something similar?

Right now I use a 1 Yen coin to cover the space so dust won't get in.

 

[douwe]

Who want an original konica auto S2 hood?

Who want an original konica auto S2 hood?

I have a spare konica auto S2 hood that I want to give away for free to a member that has a konica auto S2 without one. Send me a PM if you're interested.

The konica is great, but I am moving on to konica ;-) The hexar...

 

[mwoenv]

Finally Using the Camera

Finally Using the Camera

I finally got the camera operating again after many months of not being able to get to it. It now works well and I'm enjoying it.

Thanks again btgc for the glass eyepiece part you sent and douwe for the lens hood you sent.

A few photos are attached.

 

[btgc]

Excellent news, Mike! Glad to see you have made that nice camera working. Hexanons are something.