Inphenity
Member
First off id just like to say hello, im the new guy. I was helping photographer friend move recently and we stubled accross an old yashica electro 35 gs, she handed it to me and said she didnt know if it worked or not. When i got home i got on the web and looked it up straight away. After reading a little i decided to pop the 6v battery from my ae-1 into the yashica with a spring from a flashlight behind it. The battery test light lights up nice and green but the shutter seems to be firing at 1/500th even with the battery. The bulb function also fires at 1/500th. Anyone have any ideas as to the cause? The red and yellow indicator lights do not light up and cannot be seen in the viewfinder. Also i think i may have a prime example of the pad of death, right after you start turning the lever to cock the shutter and advance the film i hear a loud defined CLUNK. I have e-mailed Mr. Hama and he has quoted me a price of 105$ to overhaul and replace minor damaged parts. From what i can gather Mr. Hama is the best in the biz when it comes to these cameras, and he replied to my emails the same day that i sent them. Do any of you know of any other reputable yashica repairmen that may be cheaper than Hama? Im still debating if i should send it to Mr. Hama or just try to find one in better shape on ebay. I hear that most any camera this old will have some problems, would i be better off in the long run to just have mine (That has immaculate glass) repaired? Thanks for reading and im eager to hear your replies
btgc
Veteran
Welcome here! With GSN I learned that it can CLUNK even with rotten POD. 1/500 all the way and no lights confirm this. I trust POD when I have replaced it. Removing top cover isn't that hard, if you have some basic skills. Further - easier, start with POD and later CLA shutter 
Oh no, better skip this and go straight for personal exposition. Too many are fussing with repairs. Let's make pics!
That said, either replace POD yourself or have it done by someone knowing business with this camera.
Oh no, better skip this and go straight for personal exposition. Too many are fussing with repairs. Let's make pics!That said, either replace POD yourself or have it done by someone knowing business with this camera.
Inphenity
Member
It looks like ill be sending this camera to Mr. Hama for repairs and new leather as soon as i find the spare cash to do so. I figured if im going to put more than $100 into a camera thats almost twice as old as me i might as well put a little custom touch to it to. When i get around to it ill post my first shots and some pictures of the camera. Thanks for your help, and im looking foward to getting this thing up and running again.