Lynx 14

[hughjb]

I purchased a Yashica 35mm Rangefinder Lynx 14, which needs some repairs, after a couple of rolls the camera stop working, has anybody ever had one of these camera fix, I bough the camera on Ebay for 40 bucks on the expectation of getting some work from the 1.4 lens.

Thanks

Hugh

 

[bmattock]

Hugh,

What stopped working, exactly? It's not that unusual for these very old cameras to develop problems. Some problems are less serious than others, however.

If the problem is a stuck shutter (or slow to open and close), then sometimes they can be revived yourself, if you feel inclined to open it up and perform a little surgery.

If you send it off to be repaired, it depends on where you send it, etc, but apparently the going rate here in the USA is about $80~$90 for a complete CLA that includes most non-parts required repairs. Your milage may vary.

Of course, if you pop for that much for a CLA, you'll be getting back a camera that is essentially just like new.

Best Regards,

Bill Mattocks

 

[hughjb]

Hey Bill,

The shutter, it just won't open. I sent an email to Yashica guy to see if he can revive the camera but I'm also looking for alternatives places for repairs.

There is a guy in DC who does most of my work but this type are just to old for him.

Regards

Hugh

 

[bmattock]

Hugh,

I have not yet used them, but I have heard that Essex camera in NJ does a pretty good job.

If you don't feel like spending the money and are willing to risk ruining the camera to learn something, a stuck shutter can often be fixed by application of liquid lighter fluid. You have to remove the front element of the lens first so that you can get at the shutter. I've got about a 75% batting average with this method. You can look on the web, there are numerous places that detail how to do this.

But, if you prefer to have it done, by all means. I'm sorry your Yashica is sick, but it's to be expected with cameras this old. For what it's worth - my opinion is that it is well worth getting a camera like this repaired - it will reward you with excellent photographs.

Best Regards,

Bill Mattocks

 

[hughjb]

Thanks Bill I will check out Essex

 

[bmattock]

Thanks Bill I will check out Essex

According to their website, they charge $60 USD for the Yashica Lynx 5000 - I can't imagine that the 14 would be much more than that...

Essex Camera Online Estimator - Yashica

Best Regards,

Bill Mattocks

PS - Remember, I haven't done business with Essex myself - I've just heard that they do good work. There may be others you want to check out - everybody feel free to jump in here!

 

[hughjb]

Thanks, I also got this form Yashica guy:

Contact Mark Hama who was the Service Manager for Yashica and now has all the parts inventory and does the repairs for these cameras bringing them up to -as new- condition

Phone 770 565 1498 or www.markhama.com

So I will send him and email

 

[bmattock]

Thanks, I also got this form Yashica guy:

Contact Mark Hama who was the Service Manager for Yashica and now has all the parts inventory and does the repairs for these cameras bringing them up to -as new- condition

Phone 770 565 1498 or www.markhama.com

So I will send him and email

Mark Hama also sells cameras on eBay and has a good reputation. Again, no personal experience, but all I have heard about him has been excellent.

Best Regards,

Bill Mattocks

 

[Flinor]

Here's a fast Mark Hama story. I recently sent him my Lynx 14 and a Yashica 35 (the first Yashica leaf shutter camera) for CLA's and some meter work on the 14. I've used him before and have always been satisfied. About 3 weeks after I mailed the cameras I got a call at 9:30 PST, 12:30 EST, from Mark. He was in a state of total panic and embarrasment. He had shipped the cameras back to me and then found a single screw from the 35 on his workbench. Would I please send the 35 back immediately? I asked if it was a critical screw and he said "No, the camera works without it, but I don't leave screws out." The guy is great and I recommend him without reservation.

Regards, Gerry (Who's cable modem is finally working again after 2 weeks)

 

[bmattock]

Gerry,

That's an outstanding story - great to know this sort of thing. I'm glad that there are still people out there who have that strong work ethic and are proud of what they do. Fantastic!

Congrats also on the cable modem. Hate being offline, myself.

Best Regards,

Bill Mattocks

 

[LionFlyer]

Linux 14

Linux 14

I recently purchased a Linux 14e who's "clicker did not click" for the minimum bid. It was in overall great shape but as the seller said, the shutter did not fire. So I removed the front element to get to the clock work. Hey it was only 20 bucks, How bad can I screw that up. Everything looked fine except that the shutter would not fire. The cam which released the sear holding the shutter did in fact release. So I made a trip to the market for a bottle of Ronsonol (Had to ask for it. They keep it locked up these days) A couple of drops on the shutter blades released the shutter. It worked again! That was until the lighter fluid evaporated then it jammed again. But after several applications of the lighter fluid plus carefully soaking up the excess with small bits of paper towel de gunked it. Now it works beautifully. I shot a test roll of slides and am very pleased. The light meter still does not work but that is a project for another day. Good luck with it.

 

[DickS]

Thanks, I also got this form Yashica guy:

Contact Mark Hama who was the Service Manager for Yashica and now has all the parts inventory and does the repairs for these cameras bringing them up to -as new- condition

Phone 770 565 1498 or www.markhama.com

So I will send him and email

He repaired a Contax for me a few years ago. Did an excellent job.

Dick