Yashica Electro 35 CC Stuck Aperture

[sclowe]

Hey all,
I recently purchased a Yashica Electro 35 CC that was in obvious need of a cleaning. I was able to get the shutter blades unstuck using the regular lighter fluid and cotton swab technique but the aperture blades are still quite stuck. I am able to manually operate them with the stud on the shutter assembly that mates with the aperture ring, but there is a lot of friction and it does not slide easily or return with the spring. Do any of you have experience with this issue or have any ideas?
I've linked (I hope) a few photos in the current state. Red arrow showing the direction of movement of the aperture selection stud.
Thanks!
https://photos.app.goo.gl/xQENB29qopUg6LrJ7
https://photos.app.goo.gl/PTEBdm67r36W7ww4A

 

[farlymac]

You're probably not going to know until you get the shutter assembly off the camera so you can access the aperture mechanism.


PF

 

[sclowe]

Yowch. I was hoping you wouldn't say that! I ordered a repair manual and some micro screwdrivers. Hopefully I will be able to pull it apart pretty simply! I'll let you know.

 

[farlymac]

Yowch. I was hoping you wouldn't say that! I ordered a repair manual and some micro screwdrivers. Hopefully I will be able to pull it apart pretty simply! I'll let you know.

Even the simplest camera can be a PITA sometimes. Be careful of the wires for the metering and sync systems. Get a low power soldering iron to disconnect them. I recommend a battery powered Weller that will go down to 15 watts. No cord to get in the way, and it's all you need for delicate connections.

PF