looking for some Yashica Minister III repair advice

[xxjorelxx]

Hi everyone,
Newbie here from Maryland. My friend actually got me to sign up and said someone here might have some good advice on yashica camera repairs. My dad recently gave me a Yashica Minister III that belonged to my grandfather. The camera was handed to my dad when my grandfather passed away a few years ago but I dont think my dad ever used it so its been sitting idle for a pretty long time. Just this week, I popped a roll of 400 speed 35mm film into it and tested it out to see if it was still functional and unfortunately the pictures didn't turn out so well. A lot of underexposed and overexposed photos. I managed to get a few decent pictures but nothing was consistent. I'm not sure if the light meter still reads properly or if the lens shutter just doesnt work right anymore. I read a manual on how to use the light meter and lens so I'm sure i'm using it correctly. I also feel that my range finder/view finder might need to be adjusted since I cant seem to line up the images perfectly. It almost looks like my range finder might be a little tilted. I showed the camera to one of my friends who's a little bit more knowledgeable and he told me that I might have a light leak and he also mentioned that my shutter is a little "sticky" (if that makes any sense). In any case, since this is my grandfathers camera, I would really like to get it repaired and start using it again. I did some research online and was able to find a Yashica Specialist (Mark Hama) that can do the repairs but I wanted to solicit some advice before packing up my camera and sending it off. Any and all responses will be greatly appreciated. Thanks

John

 

[Kate-the-Great]

Congrats on inheriting a neat piece of family history! Those sound like fairly typical issues for an older camera. The rangefinder will need to be aligned and the mechanical workings given a CLA. Should be no trouble for a specialist- these jobs may cost 100-200$, but if it's for a camera that's been passed down for a couple generations that may be worth it!

The meter is probably a lost cause unless the repairman you found has replacement parts. Selenium meters are notorious for losing effectiveness over time- it may be possible to compensate with recalibration or manual exposure compensation, but I wouldn't count on it. I had an old Selenium hand-held meter that was anywhere from 1/2-stop to 2-stops off depending on the light level, even after recalibration.

Happy shooting! Post samples once you get the Yashica working 🙂

 

[ForestCap]

Welcome!

Oops, i removed my idea of testing the lightmeter. Thought it was an Electro. Sorry.

 

[Greyscale]

John, make sure that the camera is set to the right film speed or it will meter incorrectly. But remember, this is a fifty plus year old camera, so the meter may not work properly. You might try using a handheld meter, or "Sunny 16", and see if your exposure is better, as that shutter stickiness might be the problem. It is a fine camera, and if in good repair quite capable of producing excellent results. Tie that in with the sentimental value that this camera obviously has, and it is well worth sending it having it repaired.

 

[xxjorelxx]

Thanks for all the advice everyone! I think i'll go ahead and send it off to get repaired this weekend. I'll make sure to post some pics once I get it back up and running in decent shape!

 

[farlymac]

Mark Hama is the one, John. He should have it running like new. Welcome to RFF, and might I also suggest Home | Yashica Forum

The old Minister series has great lenses, and if the rangefinder is on target, and the metering system still properly functioning, then it will be a joy to use. Couple that with the fact it was your grandfather's, well it just doesn't get much better.

We'll be waiting for the results.

PF

 

[johannielscom]

There is an extensive repair forum on RFF too, did you check there yet? Might be something that you can remedy yourself?


Happy shooting!

 

[xxjorelxx]

Thanks PF, i just registered. I'll make sure to post up pictures once I get it back. I sent out the camera on Friday and Mark should have received it yesterday (Monday). He told me it would take roughly 2 weeks to finish. I did read some literature on trying to remedy the camera myself and from what I saw, I didnt think I had skills nor the courage to take apart my grandfathers camera and risk permanently damaging it. I know the camera isnt worth much but the sentimental value makes is irreplaceable to me. Figured the best chance of restoring it was with a professional. Hopefully I get it back in tiptop shape. Im looking forward to playing around with it.