stuck battery compartment cover on yashica mat 124 G

[Lucian010]

so i got a yashicamat 124 G, almost everything is fine, except for the battery compartment door, which is stuck!!! the meter needle is moving but i doubt it's accurate, anyways, i wanted to see the battery chamber and change the battery if need be... i have some mercury PX625.

anybody got a suggestion on how i could open the battery compartment cover?

i tried putting a masking tape before trying to rotate it counter clock wise, it does not move a bit!

i tried heating it up with a hair blower, still won't budge!!!

any other ideas? thanks in advance!

 

[Moto-Uno]

Possibly a drop or two of a good automotive penetrating oil,it's a long way to any lens or shutter area.And don't be afraid to let it sit overnight and try a second time.
Regards,Peter

 

[Dan Daniel]

Try a couple of drops of ammonia. Seriously- it's helpful on bicycle parts if an aluminum/steel joint seizes up. Just a small amount wicked into the joint.

Also a few light taps with a hammer might loosen it. Tap around the outer edge. Hold the camera in your hand rather than set on a table to avoid crunching something on the other side.

 

[Lucian010]

thanks Moto-Uno... i will try that tonight!

 

[Lucian010]

Try a couple of drops of ammonia. Seriously- it's helpful on bicycle parts if an aluminum/steel joint seizes up. Just a small amount wicked into the joint.

Also a few light taps with a hammer might loosen it. Tap around the outer edge. Hold the camera in your hand rather than set on a table to avoid crunching something on the other side.

thanks Dan! but as for the hammer thingy, i think i would have to ask my wife to do it for me, as i am quite heavy handed... i tend to break things. 🙂

 

[TLRgraphy]

124G's battery cover are made of plastic... it is rare that it could be stuck. yours is the thin one or think one? thin one does not have the slot that could use a coin to open it.

 

[Dwig]

...
anybody got a suggestion on how i could open the battery compartment cover?
...

It may not be traditional seizing of dissimilar metals. It might be that the current battery is leaking (they can leak and still work). If this is the case the best method is to use a very small amount of acetic acid (stop bath, white distilled vinegar, ...). Wet a Q-tip or tissue with the acid and try to seep it into the seam around the edge of the battery cover. Do this a few times over a 5-10 minute period and then try to remove the cover.

 

[f16sunshine]

It may not be traditional seizing of dissimilar metals. It might be that the current battery is leaking (they can leak and still work). If this is the case the best method is to use a very small amount of acetic acid (stop bath, white distilled vinegar, ...). Wet a Q-tip or tissue with the acid and try to seep it into the seam around the edge of the battery cover. Do this a few times over a 5-10 minute period and then try to remove the cover.

Yes

The cover is plastic. If the battery leaks and swells it can cause tge cocer to become jammed. Seep sone vinegar in there and then use a rubber block for extra grip to remove the cover. If it's really vad you may need to drill to small holes to recieve a small spanner. Use that as a last resort as it could break the plastic. If you do break it, Mark Hama may have some spares.
good luck!

 

[Lucian010]

hi guys, thanks for the suggestions and advice! i finally managed to open it up after some wd40 sipped in. i used a forcep that i sneaked out of my workplace operating room! 😉 you all are right, the battery is leaking, there was some solid blue thing all over the compartment. i managed to clean it up, although, unfortunately, i accidentally pulled the battery contacts! darn this heavy hand! anyways, i will ask for a quote from a local shop for the repair. if it'd cost about a hundred, i think i will just get a dedicated light meter. any sggestion for a good one that can read incident and reflected light, in small package? maybe around $100+... thanks!