Yashica GSN repair help

[GSNfan]

Hello, this is my first post. I recently acquired a Yashica GSN but when I received the camera I noticed that the shutter felt as if there was resistance in its path and it required more force to press it than usual. I checked the shutter movement from the front element and I noticed that the film advance lever opens the shutter, and also the front element of the lens is slightly lose, which could be either a faulty attempt at trying to fix the shutter... I installed a battery and noticed that over/underexposure lights don't work but battery check light works.

This camera is really in pristine condition and looks like new from outside, the lens is in great condition and it also came with a wide angel adopter lens and a small viewfinder. I would really like to see if i can fix this camera and in the process learn about the inner working of it as well, I'm a huge fan of Yashica G series. Any help would be appreciated.


p.s. what basic tools would you recommend for opening up the camera?

 

[spanish_inquisition]

Dear GSNfan

i have opened up my yashica GSN a couple of times. I had given up on it, so it was more for educational purposes, rather than fixing. I managed to fix it, temporarily, and then it went back to malfunctioning.

Taking the top cover is easi and fairly straightforward (see the link below). Taking the lens assembly apart is another deal. There are at least two small (and very small) ball bearings in there that will roll from under your hans onto the carpet and you're battle is lost.

here's a teardown guide. You will need very small screw drivers (both phillips and the flathead kind). You could also use one of those torque thingies with adjustable spacing. I would almost recommend getting a dead hopeless yashica so you can study it first, and then take apart the real thing. That way you can also have spare parts in case you lose them on the floor like I did.

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

 

[oftheherd]

Check this guy's site. Lots of informtation.

http://www.yashica-guy.com/document/repair.html

 

[GSNfan]

Thank you for those suggestions. I looked through those websites and in fact i might use them while i open the camera... I have decided to open the front element first to see the shutter issue. I don't really see myself making a rubber cup, so what other handy tools can I use to open the lens?

 

[GSNfan]

I managed to open the front element and my guess was correct. The shutter is really messed up by someone trying to fix it and after tinkering with it, its quite clear to me that the shutter is beyond repair.

I don't know if its possible to replace the front element, mainly the shutter itself?

This camera is in such great condition externally that it would be a shame to use it as parts.

 

[LeicaFan]

GSNfan,

Send Russ from CameraRefurb.com an email (info@camerarefurb.com). He is a Yashica specialist. He is a very nice guy and charges very reasonable prices.

 

[GSNfan]

Thanks.

It would be much cheaper for me to buy another one rather than to pay for repair costs. I'll keep the camera and use it for a project such as this one: http://www.mu-43.com/f40/yashica-gsn-butchery-5802/