Yashica GT Film advance lever problem

[imprez25]

So, I just received a very nice looking Yashica GT that I won from that auction site. Anyways, all seems fine with the camera except that once the film lever is cocked, you can continue to advance the film without pushing the the shutter release. So, I can cock the shutter and keep advancing the film without ever releasing the shutter.

Does anyone have any suggestion? Thanks a bunch.

Oh, I'm new here, but I am excited to have this camera and look forward to learning how to use it!

 

[imprez25]

Never mind.... Fixed it! 🙂 Now I need to adjust the rangefinder, as it seems the distances are off.

 

[ColSebastianMoran]

It's a great camera. Most of them need some work. If you can't fix everything yourself, write again; there are excellent providers of service on these cameras.

 

[imprez25]

I will do. I have been lurking here for a few months, joined a few weeks ago and purchased two Yashica Electros within that time, a GSN and the GT. The GSN has some electrical issues that I can't narrow down just yet. Unfortunately, when I took the top plate off the ASA dial's screw snapped. 🙁 When that happened I started looking at other Electros and found the GT. So far she seems to be in good shape, and the all black exterior looks great.

 

[ColSebastianMoran]

Imprez25, how have your films turned out.

PM me if you need the repair people. I gave up on trying for a $20 bargain camera; I've spent a little more money, still reasonable in my view, to put mine put into great shape. They are a joy to use.

 

[imprez25]

Col. I haven't really taken many shots with either camera yet. I loaded film in the GSN and realized that the electronics weren't working properly and ended up advancing the entire roll of film. Then when I got the GT I tested the electronics saw that they were working fine, loaded it with film, then realized that the advance lever was not locking. So I ended up again burning that roll. Luckily for me I have about 50 rolls of old 24exp kodak gold 200 that I got for free, so I'm not too concerned with wasting the film. Though hopefully now I have this GT sorted out and will be able to make some pictures! I don't plan on buying another one of these cameras and will send this one off to get serviced if I can't get it figured out.

My other film cameras have been a Canon AE-1 (non program), Canon AF35m, Vivitar PN2011, and a Holga 120n. I love the Canon AF35m, it takes some amazing photos for a $1 goodwill camera!.

 

[ColSebastianMoran]

$1 camera that works... That belongs in the "best bargain camera" thread.

 

[Frontman]

For tne advance lever problem, make sure the self timer isn't stuck. The self timer is the Achilles heel of many fixed-lens rangefinder cameras, and many "non-working" cameras which I have bought have had bad timers.

 

[imprez25]

Frontman, I figured it out. A piece of metal on the advancing mechanism was bent down blocking the locking gear from returning to the locked position. I simply bent it out of the way. Having a GSN with a working film advance allowed me to track down what was wrong too.

I have read about the self timer issues. Unfortunately, I keep hitting the timer on accident. I hope I don't render this camera inoperable by accident.

I still need to sort out the rangefinder. The top adjustment doesn't seem to move the rangefinder enough. I used the rear adjustment (behind the check battery plate) but it was vertical and I need more horizontal adjustment.