Sticky mirror with Yashica FX-2 - Any suggestions

[p.giannakis]

Hi guys,

I got today a Yashica FX-2 for a few pounds but when i came home, i noticed that the mirror gets stuck when 1/60 or 1/125 speed is used. To release the mirror, I need to cock the shutter and fire again. Any ideas why this happens? It seems that this is a common problem with the FX-2 and it is recorded on the internet but i haven't found any answers as to why.

Here is a video I found on youtube with another FX-2 having the same problem.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TXcx-S8RP4

Thanks everyone.

 

[Greyscale]

I would be interested to know this as well, as the last time I used my FX-2 I had a similar problem at the end of the roll, and also have the same problem with a Yashica FX-7 (chrome version of the FX-3).

 

[p.giannakis]

It seems to be a very common problem but because of the fact of these cameras being cheap on the used market, people just tend to replace them. Pity though, they are beautiful cameras.

 

[farlymac]

Crap, I put a bid on an FX-2. Gotta see if it's still holding up. BTW, I haven't had this problem with my current FX-2, but then I haven't used it very much.

PF

Rats, I won it! Oh well, at least a GSN come with it.

 

[oftheherd]

I have had this problem with a Spotmatic and with a Yashica TL Super. I can't give you references, but I think I have read somewhere that this can often be from the foam lighttrap/bumper failing and becoming sticky. I don't know that is so or not, as I wasn't interested enough to explore. I have more than enough camera bodies to use as it is I guess.

 

[farlymac]

The FX-2 and GSN finally showed up today, and I can happily report the mirror does not stick. When I read the original post, I thought Pan was talking about a purely mechanical problem with linkages. I'm glad it's just an old damper foam issue.

PF

 

[Greyscale]

I think that my FX-7 has a problem with the auto-diaphragm mechanism that causes the problem.

 

[p.giannakis]

I think there are two different issues here. The sticky foam dumper that causes the mirror to stick open and a (probably) mechanical problem that I described where the mirror gets stuck only on a certain shutter speed (in my case).

 

[farlymac]

May be something sticking in the linkages from the speed dial. You'd probably have to pop the top off, Pan, to get a look at the workings. Operate it a few times, see if there is any variation in the way any trip lever, or catch pawl works.

PF

 

[rwintle]

FWIW, my Yashica TL has the same issue - mirror sticks up. Possibly related, shutter is no longer firing either. 🙁

Thanks for the tips above, gives me a few things to try.

 

[mikemc_photo]

FWIW, my Yashica TL has the same issue - mirror sticks up. Possibly related, shutter is no longer firing either. 🙁

Thanks for the tips above, gives me a few things to try.

Heres a few more from my bench

If the second curtain doesn't fully travel the mirror will not un latch . Mirror latching is a direct result of the shutter completing the cycle.
Cocking the shutter Moves the transport/ sprocket mech, tensions both the shutter and mirror mechs and lets you push the release rod down, allowing the mirror to rise under spring tension (foam pad cushions this action) and the auto diap stop down works Once the mirror is out of the way the shutter can open...after timing out the second curtain releases,allowing the mirror to return down, under its own tension.

Causes for sticky mirror....foam pad bad, weak shutter, are the most common A few SLRs had a dampening cylinder but never major issues as I remember quickest way to check MOST (not all) SLRs is removing the bottom cover.

A common problem with most Pentax SLRs mas a bump when cocked and the mirror would lose tension as the lever would jump. Recocking the mech from the bottom takes a second or two .

 

[p.giannakis]

Thanks Mike for your detailed description.
@farlymac: I took the top off and it seems that someone has been in there before - the cable coming from the battery department was disconnected and wrapped in silver foil.... anyway.... From what i can see, when you turn the shutter speed dial, when you select the 1/60 a small latch is engaged (youcan see the latch being pushed by the dial and you can hear the slow speed mechanism being engaged). The same latch is engaged below 1/15 by the same part of the dial. It all looks so "normal" but definitely there must be something wrong there...

 

[farlymac]

Don't know what to tell you, Pan. Sometimes you just have to watch the action over and over again until you see what may be causing the problem, especially if it's intermittent.

Try to identify what each lever and spring does in the functioning of the shutter cocking. Some will be involved in the working of the frame counter, and I would not suspect them in causing the problem. Look for places a coil spring may have been mounted, and is now missing, though that's a distant possibility. See if any of the coil springs seem to not have enough tension to make things snap into place, and hold firmly. You can add tension by moving the connection a few loops. I've had to take a couple of mm of coil off before to make things work again.

You may also have to take the bottom off to see if that area is working properly. It sounds like the previous owner did a hack job getting the camera back together, and most likely fouled up the gearing. Also reconnect that loose wire if you can determine where it belongs. It may actually go on the PC socket. I'd test it to see if it will fire a flash.

I've got two of these cameras now, but so far no problems with them, so I haven't opened one up to be able to help you much further than these general ideas.

PF