Yashica Electro GSN 35

[rolelael]

Hi, I've a Yashica. But the electrical circuit is broken inside... so I must disassemble it somehow ( if I find the time and a manal ) ; The white lead is broken towards the spring... and I'm not sure if that's the only problem. I broke the wire when removing the battery component, since it was not wotking with a new battery in it ..... tough luck

But can I operate the device without electrical circuit? Meaning, can I take std photo's without a battery ?

Regs

 

[mpaniagua]

Camera without battery will use a 1/500 fixed speed, so you could use ISO 400 film with it and use Sunny 16.


Marcelo

 

[Lewis Francis]

Returning a camera to service is always an honorable accomplishment, but fwiw and depending on where you are, picking up another might be an option -- I've nabbed a couple Electro 35s for under $10 at various thriftshops/antique stores.

 

[Ambro51]

Put it in a plastic bag and move on. We’ve all been down the DIY fix/failure path. Move on.....

 

[ColSebastianMoran]

The Yashica GSN is a great camera, but it's been a long time since manufacture, every one of these needs servicing. I don't look for $10 bargains, I think this is usually a $100 excellent fixed lens RF after servicing.

 

[Jeremy Z]

Welcome to the forum, rolelael. I hope you stick around. You have to decide if it is worth servicing. If you're breaking connections as you work on it, you're probably not qualified.

As someone said above, they can be found at thrift stores for $10 sometimes. I've got one like that, and it needs service, just like roleael's.

To determine if it's worth it, may I suggest getting a roll of film ASA 100 or 200 and go out and shoot a roll on a sunny day using the Sunny 16 rule. Get the film developed, look at the images, and see what you think.

I've got a Yashica Electro 35 out to service now to Mark Hama, a former Yashica Technician. It's $145 for service and $20 for return shipping. From a guy who used to BUILD them, probably, in the 60s.

You can find him here: http://www.markhama.com/

My grandpa's GS is still working fine, aside from a light leak on the back, but I may send it to mark to have it put back to like-new condition while Mark is still around.

 

[rolelael]

Yeeess

Yeeess

I opened my Yashica GSN 35 Elektro ( followed YouTube )

And got hold of the broken white wire ( which lead to the battery spring )

Soldered a longer wire on it and soldered it again to the spring. My rangefinder works again 🙂

Happy .. And also, no pad of death it seems ( never used the camera before ; it was bought by my daughter from an antique shop )

Up to experimenting now

 

[Solinar]

Youtube can be a great reference for repairs. Two thumbs up on giving a go.

 

[farlymac]

The Yashica Electro series are some of the easiest rangefinders to work on. As you found out, roleleal, there is a wealth of information out there, and plenty of DIY's to help you in any endeavor that involves screwdrivers.

When you mentioned that the battery wire had broken, I was thinking it might be from battery corrosion which tends to work its way up the wire all the way to the meter, meaning one has to feed a new replacement through the camera chassis. Luckily for you it was just a clean break.

If your Electro ever needs more work than you are willing to do, you can also contact Russ at Yashica Electro 35 Restoration and Releathering Services

PF

 

[Jeremy Z]

I opened my Yashica GSN 35 Elektro ( followed YouTube )

And got hold of the broken white wire ( which lead to the battery spring )

Soldered a longer wire on it and soldered it again to the spring. My rangefinder works again 🙂

Happy .. And also, no pad of death it seems ( never used the camera before ; it was bought by my daughter from an antique shop )

Up to experimenting now

Nice job, relelael! You've got guts. I've got a GSN waiting for me to get the time and courage and crack into it too. I think mine just needs a POD replacement, as the battery check light works.