Yashica GSN 35 film advance 1/3 working

[Bakeman]

I am a Yashica Noob, but having read about the lens and rangefinders in general combined with an urge to do film instead of my digital p+s, I took the plunge for Christmas.

I am now the mostly proud owner of a Hong Kong Electro 35 GSN. Imagine my dismay when developing the test roll i found that the film advance only does about a third of a frame. I haven't seen this issue related anywhere else for a GSN on the 'net. I would appreciate any tips on what to do. I'm not sure I can afford to send it to Mark Hama as I live in Australia.

Additionally I suspect a POD, since the shutter release sticks at the open position. I think the view finder could use a clean too.

I guess my real question is: Is there anyone that can do all this for me in Australia? Or can I undertake the repairs myself easily?

I've read yashica guy's approach for getting the top off, but I suspect actually doing it is a bit more difficult that reading about it.

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Frank Granovski]

I am now the mostly proud owner of a Hong Kong Electro 35 GSN.

It was only assembled in Hong Kong. It was made in Japan.

Did you unlock/turn on the camera before advancing the film? Anyway, Mark Hama is well worth the expense. He can, and he will make it new again for around $90 USD! 😎

 

[Bakeman]

The shutter lock must have been off when I was doing the test roll. $90USD plus p+p? hmm, that's about $150 AUD. geez. I should stop being such a student.

 

[Frank Granovski]

Work as a waiter 1 day a week? 😀

I worked as a door man 3 nights a week when I was in university.


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I have ringing in my ears

 

[Bakeman]

I might just have to bite the bullet and send it off. It would be cool if there was a place in Aus that did this sort of work as well though.

 

[Frank Granovski]

If you find such a shop Down-Under, let us board members know. I've got a factory trained Yashica tech right up my street from me, about 5 blocks. They are also specialists in Soviet cams and Cosina's Bessas. Cheap rates, too. 🙂

 

[Frank Granovski]

I broke a winder on one of my first GSNs by not unlocking it. Too bad because otherwise it was pristine.

 

[flashover]

I broke a winder on one of my first GSNs by not unlocking it. Too bad because otherwise it was pristine.

Hay Frank How did you corner the market on pristine GSNs or are just a lot of them in BC

 

[Frank Granovski]

I was a regular on e-bay. In total, thus far, I bought 8 of them. 2 I gave away as parts to the Yashica Guy, 4 I sold. I have 2 left which I'm keeping. Of the 4 I sold, 2 were brand new, like never used.

 

[Bakeman]

I ended up deciding to go with this lot: http://www.cameraservicecentre.powerup.com.au/
They claim to be able to service Yashicas and I spoke to the guy on the phone, he said he had a couple of Electro 35s in the shop so it might be ok.

Their estimate was more expensive than Mark Hama might have been, (not sure about postage costs) but there is a convenience issue for me, going on a trip soon.

I'll find out in about two weeks whether they are worth the dosh.

 

[Bakeman]

Two weeks turned into about four months. I now have a fully functional Yashica. The wait wasn't so great but the guys at the shop were really persistent. Always over zealous with estimates on time to complete, but I now have a functional camera.

 

[flashover]

I was a regular on e-bay. In total, thus far, I bought 8 of them. 2 I gave away as parts to the Yashica Guy, 4 I sold. I have 2 left which I'm keeping. Of the 4 I sold, 2 were brand new, like never used.

I bought one of Frank's BNIB GSNs and it was bran new and unused. I could not bring myself to put film in it and use it.