Yashica Electro 35 CC RF Issue

[Kingston]

I just received my Yashica Electro 35 CC from the bay where the seller said it was in perfect working condition. I'm quite excited about it but I noticed an issue.
I have no problem focusing through the rangefinder but it always appear slightly double vertically when I look through the finder.
Here are my questions:

1. What is the name of this problem? A vertical misalignment? Is it common?
2. Does it have any impact on the quality of pictures?
3. Is there a quick fix for that?

Thank you for your answers!

 

[Frontman]

The fix is very easy. Remove the battery cap, and just inside to the left you will see a small slotted screw. This screw is used to adjust the vertical alignment. Use a small screwdriver and turn te screw slightly. If the image improves. you are turning the correct way, if it gets worse, turn the screw the opposite way. If you have a small screwdriver, the adjustment should take no more than a minute.

 

[Kingston]

Thanks, the screw is very small indeed and hard to reach I'd have to get a small screwdriver.

In the meantime, does it have any impact on the quality of the pictures taken? (apart from the fact that it makes it harder to focus well)

 

[Noll]

The fix is very easy. Remove the battery cap, and just inside to the left you will see a small slotted screw. This screw is used to adjust the vertical alignment. Use a small screwdriver and turn te screw sligjtly. If the image imoroves, you are turning the correct way, if it gets worse, turn the screw the opposite way. If you have a small screwdriver, the adjustment should take no more than a minute.

Thank you, Frontman. This is a wonderful bit of help - I had no idea it was such a simple fix that I just left mine be out of fear of making it worse.

To the OP, if you plan on keeping and using old cameras, I highly recommend getting yourself a tiny screwdriver set like this one:

http://www.amazon.com/General-Tools-S605-Jewelers-Screwdriver/dp/B00004T7U8

I use mine all the time.

 

[Kingston]

Thanks, I used to have such screwdrivers back home but I am abroad now, I will try to find a similar set in local stores next week and let you know if I manage to fix it!

 

[Frontman]

The verticle alignment will have no effect on the photos. The CC has a rather wide angle lens with a lot of depth of field. The horizontal alignment is more important, but not critical unless you are shooting wide open at the minimum focusing distance. A micro screwdiver kit from a dollar store (100 yen shop here in Japan) is adequate for the job.

 

[Kingston]

Thank you Frontman.

Another question: I noticed the lens is a bit shaky. Actually the shoe is in bad shape so I guess the camera received a shock at some point which might also explain the vertical misalignment.
Is there a source of concern and/or a fix for the lens moving a little?

 

[Frontman]

A little play in the lens is not a big deal. If it is the front half of the lens which is loose, the screws which hold the aperture assembly my be a little loose. This won't affect the photos. If the entire lens assembly is loose, the repair is a little more complicated. Shoot some film with the camera, if the results are good, don't worry about it. If they aren't, then it might need some repair.

 

[Kingston]

I managed to fix the vertical misalignment with your method, thank you Frontman. I'll not bother about the lens wobble and hope the results will be good.