Swap Beamsplitter or Rangefinder Assembly? Electro 35 to Lynx 14

[Dave S.]

I recently purchased a very nice Yashica Lynx 14. Unfortunately, the rangefinder patch is somewhat dim which makes it difficult to focus in low light. 🙁

I read in another thread here on RFF that some people have had success replacing the Lynx 14 beamsplitter with a beamsplitter from a Yashica GS/GSN or GT/GTN. Moreover, at least one member indicated that the GT/GTN beamsplitters are somewhat superior (?).

So, I purchased a parts/repair Yashica Electro GT yesterday at the annual camera swap in my area. I've opened up the GT and have a couple of questions I'm hoping someone here can answer:

1. Should I swap only the beamsplitter or the whole rangefinder assembly?

2. If I am only replacing the beamsplitter: What is the best way to remove the beamsplitter from the GT rangefinder assembly without damaging it?

I've added a couple of photos to help clarify what I'm working with.

Thanks!

 

[Dave S.]

UPDATE: I opened up the Yashica Lynx 14 and it looks like the assembly is different and can't be swapped in whole with the GT assembly.

So now my questions are these:

1. What is the best way to remove the beamsplitter from the GT rangefinder assembly without damaging it?

2. What is the best way to remove the beamsplitter from the Lynx 14 rangefinder assembly without damaging it?

3. What is the best way to install the GT beamsplitter into the Lynx 14 (i.e., adhesive, glue, alignment issues, etc.)?

Thanks again!

 

[Dave S.]

UPDATE #2: I managed to remove the beamsplitter from the GT without damaging it. Removal of the beamsplitter from the Lynx 14 didn't go so well - broke that one a bit. Of course, it didn't really matter since that's not the beamsplitter I'll be using.

Installed the GT beamsplitter and WOW does it improve the brightness and definition of the rangerfinder patch A LOT!

Unfortunately, now my rangefinder is out of calibration and I can't seem to adjust it back to being accurate. I'm unclear about exactly how to adjust the rangefinder?

If someone can advise me on the steps necessary to adjust the rangefinder correctly I would really appreciate it (i.e., which screws to turn, when to turn, etc.).

I've attached a photo of the Lynx 14 rangefinder assembly to help clarify.

 

[f16sunshine]

Maybe you can drop an email to Mark Hama.
He's the guy for Yashica if anyone is.
I recall a couple Yashica fluent members here on the forum but they don't frequent the board much lately.
Good luck. The lynx14 is a cool camera.
Will be great to get it going.

 

[Ranchu]

I tried to find the answer, but this is what I got, I hope it helps and is not too late. Figure out which holes line up with the holes in the cold shoe I guess..

https://www.flickr.com/photos/7699588@N07/6833674764/in/album-72157629578163303/

https://www.flickr.com/groups/599870@N22/discuss/72157650133987482/

https://www.photography-forums.com/threads/yashica-lynx-14-rangefinder-adjustments.96626/

 

[Dave S.]

Thanks for the information Ranchu! I will try those suggestions and report back. If that doesn't work, I'll try contacting Mark Hama as f16sunshine suggested.

 

[Dave S.]

So I've reviewed all the sources of information I have come across, most of which is rather vague and confusing, and have generated a "best guess" list (see below) with some associated photos for clarity. I plan to test out my hunches today if possible and report back.

My Best Guess List:

I think that A adjusts the horizontal axis of the rangefinder.

I think that B adjusts the vertical axis of the rangefinder.

I think that D adjusts infinity focus.

I think it is possible that C is a fine tune adjustment for infinity focus.

 

[Ranchu]

Makes sense...C looks like something that holds the rangefinder unit onto the body to me.

edit: oh wait, the first picture in your OP has B labeled as the infinity adjustment. Is the vertical adjustment the thing labeled 'vertical parallax mask adjustment'?

 

[Dave S.]

I fiddled around with adjusting screw A by way of going through the hole under the cold shoe. Screw A definitely adjusts the horizontal axis of the rangefinder.

That said, I can't get the two images of the rangefinder to match up using screw A (they're still significantly off). 😕

I'm now guessing that screw D also affects the horizontal axis of the rangefinder somehow. When I had the top plate off a few days ago I fiddled with screw D and perhaps got things so out of whack that adjusting screw A by itself is no longer sufficient. Therefore, I plan to take the top plate off and try adjusting both screw A and D (hopefully today).

Ranchu:

1. I agree that screw C may simply be something that attaches the rangefinder assembly to the body.

2. The diagram in my OP is for an Electro 35 GT. That said, thanks for pointing that out! I think you are correct. In my photo screw B is most likely infinity adjustment.

3. I agree also that there is probably a screw (not labeled in my photo) behind the "parallax mask mirror" (GT diagram) that adjusts the vertical axis of the rangefinder ("vertical parallax mask adjustment" in the GT diagram).

Thanks! I'll update as soon as possible.

 

[Ranchu]

Another link. A similar camera.. https://farm8.static.flickr.com/7032/6721714915_2f5d570b2c_b.jpg

 

[Dave S.]

UPDATE / RESOLVED:

I determined that the problem I was having, unable to calibrate the rangefinder, was due to how I installed the beamsplitter. The beamsplitter needs to be quite straight, meaning not tilting forward or backward nor skewed left or right.

Here's what I did:

I set the focus ring on the camera to infinity, removed the beamsplitter, coated the edges of the beamsplitter with glue stick glue, reinserted it and positioned it as straight as I could. This involved several iterations of looking though the viewfinder, adjusting the beamsplitter, and adjusting the rangefinder until I got everything lined up "perfectly". Next I applied a drop of hot glue from my glue gun to both edges of the beamsplitter. This dried solid and in a short amount of time locking the beamsplitter into place.

The rangefinder patch is now accurate and MUCH more defined, contrasty, and bright.

Thanks Ranchu and f16sunshine for your help!

Lastly, just to sum up what does what ( in my opinion ):

A adjusts the horizontal axis of the rangefinder

B adjusts infinity focus ( although I did not adjust this, just guessing here )

D is a fine tune adjustment of horizontal axis of the rangefinder

C attaches the rangefinder assembly to the body

 

[mothertrucker]

Nice job. Must be very satisfying to have pulled it off successfully.

 

[f16sunshine]

Nice stick-too-it-ness Dave 🙂
I'm sure others are going to find this very useful in the years to come.
The Lynx 14 I keep still has good contrast. Others are not so lucky.
Kudos!

 

[Ranchu]

Good job, man! I'm glad it worked out!