Yashica Electro 35 GTN pad of death, etc

[djamorpheus]

My GTN is acting strange so i opened the top to check the pad of death and to my fear, the pad was screwed up, to the point where it felt like dust when i touched it.
I bought this on ebay, and the seller said it was in exceptional condition (which it really isn't). Another problem i'm having is a shutter which is not fully opening, im guessing theres gunk on the blades somewhere?
But anyways, im trying to figure out what to use for the pad, i have some light seal material with variable thickness, i have a 3mm thick seal but its quite spongy.
Another thing i noticed was that the lever which creates the CLUNK that everyone describes does not stick down if i use a tool to push it down. Would it stick down if the pad is replaced?
Would this work to replace the pad of death on a yashica gtn?

Also, could someone aid me on replacing the asa dial? the screw that keeps it down wont stay screwed in until i take out the asa dial completely and then it stays down.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Neoprene-rubber-self-adhesive-strip-10mm-x-2mm-x-10m_W0QQitemZ170457192581QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_DIY_Materials_Plumbing_MJ?hash=item27b00a5885#ht_531wt_1165

 

[djamorpheus]

I opened up the bottom cover and noticed that when i push in the lever that is supposed to make the clunk sound, it does not engage into the pawl that holds it, its either that the notch doesnt have a straight enough edge to "catch" the rod so it lets it go, or that the torsion spring that gives the notch the tension has lost its tension... What should I do?

 

[djamorpheus]

Does anyone know how to fix the rod so it catches?

 

[Dan Grisez]

I've never opened up my GSN, so I couldn't tell you. BUT, http://www.yashica-guy.com/ has some great repair info. Hope it helps.

 

[djamorpheus]

i've managed to do it so it catches and replaced the POD. Now i need to fix the shutter, it doesnt fully open and if i try pushing it further it seems quite tough.

 

[djamorpheus]

Right, im beginning to believe that the reason why the blades are not going in is not because of gunk but probably a mechanical reason in the lens assembly. How do i take out the lens?

 

[OMboy]

Google is your friend:

http://www.mattdentonphoto.com/cameras/electro_inside/index.html

I have a GTN in immaculate condition that needs the aperture cleaning but I haven't plucked up the courage yet...!

Good luck.