Yashica Electro 35 GSN/GTN Stuck Shutter 1/500?

[Clayton King]

Hello all,

I was really excited to try out a Yashica Electro 35 GSN/GTN after reading Nick Trop's post arguing for it as "the best camera ever." I thought heck, a great camera at a bargain basement price, I'm in!

So, I surfed over to the big auction site and happend on a GTN which I picked up for around $35. When it finally showed up I was amazed at how clean it was. It still had the PX32 battery with no corrosion in the battery compartment, the body was immaculate, and the lens was flawless.

I quickly picked up a new 6v 28A battery + some nylon washers and a spring from the hardware store, put them in and everything lit up and seemed to work just as it should. So I loaded up a roll of film and headed out...

Everything was going swimmingly until I noticed that no matter how the camera was set or what light I was shooting in the shutter sounded the same every shot? I even tried shooting with my finger over the light meter as well as shooting in a completely dark room. No matter what I would do the shutter would sound like it was firing at around 1/500. I have held the shutter button down for more than 1 minute and I have double checked my battery solution. Still the same 1/500?

Can anyone suggest a remedy to this problem?

I checked into a CLA/overhaul by Mark Hama, but it would cost $105 + shipping. Ouch!

Thanks,

Clay

 

[ItsReallyDarren]

Do the over/under exposure lights work? How about the check battery light? If those dont turn on could be a loose connection in the battery compartment.

 

[anirbax]

When you cock the advance lever, so you hear a click? If you don't then it's the PoD problem (just search this forum or the net how to fix). If you hear the click,
then I'd suspect it is an electric problem, the simplest of which would be a corroded or cut wire.

 

[btgc]

I suspect it's POD issue...immaculate camera, laying in box for last 40 years. You can fix it in an hour, without rush.

 

[Clayton King]

It'sReallyDarren:

Yes, the over/under exposure lights work as well as the check battery light.

anirbax & btgc:

Yes, when I cock the advance lever I do hear the click. I don't think it's the PoD problem. If it is a corroded or cut wire is that something easily fixed?

Thanks for everyones input.

Clay

 

[btgc]

Hm...I'm stuck...I'm trying to remember, if my GSN also lit up lights when received, but for sure I remember it had THUNK even with rotten POD. I'd remove top cover and take a look - just to be sure. Anyway you probably need to clean RF/VF glass.

 

[titrisol]

Have you tried shooting the camera with the back open and see if it opens/closes more?

It'sReallyDarren:

Yes, the over/under exposure lights work as well as the check battery light.

anirbax & btgc:

Yes, when I cock the advance lever I do hear the click. I don't think it's the PoD problem. If it is a corroded or cut wire is that something easily fixed?

Thanks for everyones input.

Clay

 

[Clayton King]

btgc:

You're right. I should probably take the top off and have a look. Maybe I have the POD sound, but it's still bad? I have a couple questions about this procedure.

1. Do I just need to take the 3 little screws out of the top plate to take it off?
2. Any suggestions on the kind of screw driver I need (e.g. eyeglasses screwdriver)?
3. Anything else I need to worry about when taking the top plate off?

titrisol:

When I open the back and shoot at different iso's, apertures, and even with my finger over the cds meter it still shoots at the same speed (I looked through the rear element and could watch the shutter open and close).

Thanks to both of you for your suggestions,

-Clay

 

[btgc]

Clay, I remember starting with this pages
http://www.yashica-guy.com/document/repair.html#three
http://mattdentonphoto.com/cameras/electro_inside/index.html

Very good starting points. Pay attention to battery test button - put a tape over it before loosening screws.

I use el cheapo screwdrivers set, no special tinkerer's tools.

Anything else...don't apply force too much when something doesn't move, put it aside, drink some tea, and after 5 min solution will pop out 🙂

Once you see remove top cover, it will clear whether it's it POD or not. If POD is rotten, then I suggest to unsolder wire to flash socket.

 

[Clayton King]

btgc:

Thanks for all the good info! Now I just need to find the time to do the work. I'll post with the results...

Thanks again!

-Clay