Loose lens on GSN

[cambolt]

When I first took my new (to me) 35 GSN out of the box today, I noticed that the lens felt a little loose. It doesn't feel like it is about to fall off, but it does wobble and you can see it if you look closely. I'm assuming this isn't normal? Does anyone know how these lenses were attached in the factory?
Thanks

 

[b1bmsgt]

Actually, that is perfectly normal for the Electro series. Just the way they are designed. 😀

Russ

 

[cambolt]

Actually, that is perfectly normal for the Electro series. Just the way they are designed. 😀

Russ

Do I detect a hint of sarcasm? Surely a camera that has a reputation for being fairly well made would have a lens that actually stays still!

 

[Keith]

Mine is exactly the same ... it is 'normal' apparently! 😀

 

[cambolt]

Well thanks for your replies and reassurances. So it looks like I have picked up a well sorted example (touch wood). While I am here, is it the same with the back door of the GSN? Even when the door is closed, I seem to be able to push it in a little, (I see no gaps in the door, and the door springs back when I let go)
Thanks again

 

[SixFlags]

I just checked it with my Electro GS, and its on mine too. I didn't noticed it until I read your thread ^^

But it doesn't light leak, as I just shot a roll with it.

 

[Mablo]

The back door might need new light seals if it moves freely. There are several instructions available around the internet how to replace Yashica light seals.

 

[Keith]

I was checking for light seal kits and I noticed John Goodman no longer sells the universal DIY ones ... they're all dedicated kits for various cameras?

 

[sevo]

Jokes aside, the Yashicas (as well as many other cameras with a similar front plate construction) have an issue with the lens retaining screws coming loose on the inside of the front plate. You'll have to pull off the leatherette cover, unscrew the front plate and tighten the screws (add a bit of Loctite screw fastener if you don't want to repeat it every other year) - the dis- and reassembly is the same as for swapping the POD from the front, there are a few illustrated how-to's on the net. Watch out that you don't tear a cable...

 

[b1bmsgt]

Do I detect a hint of sarcasm? Surely a camera that has a reputation for being fairly well made would have a lens that actually stays still!

No sarcasm intended whatsoever. It is truly the way they are supposed to be.

Jokes aside, the Yashicas (as well as many other cameras with a similar front plate construction) have an issue with the lens retaining screws coming loose on the inside of the front plate.

Not sure which screws you are referring to. Can you elaborate?

Thanks! 😀

Russ

 

[sevo]

Not sure which screws you are referring to. Can you elaborate?

Usually the screws that internally hold the lens barrel to the front panel have worked loose - the more easily accessible screws that hold the panel to the body frame are effectively locked by the leatherette.

I've also had one Lynx where the shutter was loose, to somewhat similar effect except that only the front half of the lens was rattling - but as that one was missing an entire lens group, it is more likely that somebody took it apart and left it half-assembled.

 

[bgb]

I just checked my mint GSN and the lens and back door are the same as yours even with new light seals.
Must be normal i guess.

 

[Keith]

Usually the screws that internally hold the lens barrel to the front panel have worked loose - the more easily accessible screws that hold the panel to the body frame are effectively locked by the leatherette.

I've also had one Lynx where the shutter was loose, to somewhat similar effect except that only the front half of the lens was rattling - but as that one was missing an entire lens group, it is more likely that somebody took it apart and left it half-assembled.

I'm begining to supect that my GT may have dropped one of these internal screws. Theres been something rattling inside the camera lately and fairly recently the lens kept jamming occasionally while trying to focus! 😱

Might have to check that out ... thanks for the tip. 🙂

 

[Jack Conrad]

I wonder how Yashica was able to sell 10,000,000 copies of these
cameras when the lenses and film doors were all loose?

 

[Frontman]

The cameras are made to loose tolerances to prevent them seizing up when exposed to dust and frequent use, just like the Kalashnikov rifles. I haven't yet found a camera wih the lens plate mounting screws loose, but I have found some with loose retaining rings.

In the case of the GX, CC, and CCN cameras, there are three Philips head screws which hold on the filter ring housing which are prone to loosening, but these are not especially difficult to tighten.

 

[monopix]

I think there's a number of causes of 'loose' lenses on the Electros. The internal screws are definitely a possibility thought I've not found one with loose screws myself. Image 87 in the manual shows these screws. There's also the shutter retaining ring that could be loose (can't find a picture of that). If I remember correctly you have to remove the rear lens elements to get at it. The most common thing I've seen though is slack helicals. Nothing much you can do with these except regrease them with a thicker grease but splitting the helicals is a pig of a job.

 

[luiman]

Two years ago I bought a GSN on ebay. It was in a super shape, fully functional and it looks new. But it had the same problem as you have pointed out. Now even I'm reassured with my GSN... 🙂

 

[b1bmsgt]

OK, after looking at image 87 in the Electro manual, I realize which lens screws that sevo is referring to.
I have to say that in the over 250 Electro's that I have worked on, I have never come across these screws coming loose. That's not to say that they can't, but I have never seen it. I will definitely be on the lookout for it in the future, however. Thanks for the heads up, sevo!! 😀

Russ

 

[sevo]

OK, after looking at image 87 in the Electro manual, I realize which lens screws that sevo is referring to.
I have to say that in the over 250 Electro's that I have worked on, I have never come across these screws coming loose.

Strange, almost none of mine were particularly tight there, and several were loose to regular wobblyness. Maybe the German Yashica repair centre skimped on thread locker...

 

[Paolo Bonello]

You think the Electro's have loose lenses, try picking up a Minolta 7s and have a rattle around that lens.

Tightening the retainer ring once you remove the front element tends to tighten up the play a bit but go too tight and it will feel really stiff to operate the lens aperture ring and focus.

Removing the front element can be easy or very hard. If it's very dry, filter thread dented, and/ or never been removed it might turn into a major fight. It's also easy to scratch stuff you don't want to scratch. If you go down this road PM me I can give you some tips or advise but I'm not a pro. Just a tinkerer with a couple of PODs and shutter fixes under his belt.