Seeking Yashica 35 information

[abat]

Hi, this is my first post to the forum. I brought home my Grandfather's Yashica 35 today and I don't seem to be able to find much about this particular model using google. There is plenty of info on the "Electro" model but this one appears to predate it. It has a Copal MVX shutter and a Yashinon f/2.8 45mm lens and the body number on the top of 38100536.

It is in very good condition but would not appear to be functioning - ie. the shutter cocks but won't release and what appears to be a self timer lever beneath the lens appears stuck. The circular glass piece in the viewfinder is also loose but you can still see a split image.

I'd love to be able to learn more about this model, track down an instruction manual and hopefully restore it to working order. Any advice or assistance is appreciated.

Cheers, Andrew

 

[Bill58]

This site is a good place to start: http://www.yashica-guy.com/. No doubt you need a reseal too: http://www.kyphoto.com/classics/seal/Yashica_Electro35.pdf. You can get your reaseal materials from Jon Goodman: jon_goodmanatyahoodotcom. You probably need an overhaul too from a competant repair shop. It's a fine camera worth the trouble/ expense in my book.

 

[robin a]

Welcome to the forum,you've just recieved your first bit of good advice,theres lots more,just ask...........Robin

 

[Wayno]

Andrew, I'm just about to finish working on one of those. They're a very attractive camera with lots of chrome, and styling obviously borrowed from the Contax/Nikon RFs. Mine had seen little use, but had been dropped rather heavily in the past, which had damaged the shutter and some other parts. It sounds like yours may only need a shutter service to bring it back to life. The shutter won't fire if the self-timer is cocked and jammed - don't try to force the lever to get it to fire. Most likely it'll only need a clean to get it working again.

 

[thirteen]

Try www.orphancameras.com for the manual.

 

[abat]

Thanks Everyone for your advice. Wayno - nice to hear you're working on one at present. I contacted a repair shop in Sydney and was quoted about AUD$200 (US$175) for a service. The technician said the problem was most likely just age and breakdown of oils and lubricants and that he would remove and service the DA timer. Does this sound OK?
Andrew

 

[Wayno]

Hi Andrew,

Here's a pic of mine - almost ready for use, just have to re-glue the "leather":



Yours is the same model? The technician is probably right in his assessment, but $200 sounds pretty steep, especially if they're just going to clean the self-timer. The slow speed escapement and the rest of the shutter should be serviced at the same time. I'd get another quote, or alternatively I could service your shutter for a lot less if you're interested (I'm in Brisbane). Send me a private message if you want to talk about it.

Cheers
Wayne

 

[Flinor]

The 35 was the first in a long line of Yashica leaf shutter rangefinder cameras. It was available in two versions, yours, and with a 45mm f1.9 lens. IIRC they date to around 1958 or 59. They're pretty robust and have good lenses. Enjoy it, they're good picture makers.

 

[Wayno]

Thanks for the info Gerry. Poking around inside the 35, it seems like a very well made camera. I'd love one with the faster lens.

 

[abat]

Yours is the same model?

That's the one, although the knob for the focus ring appears to be a little chunkier. I'll send you a pm.

Also, what do people use to clean the chrome/leather?

Cheers, Andrew