Yashica Lynx 1000 problem?

[Pegaz]

Hello everyone,
Recently I bought a Yashica Lynx 1000 at a local sale.
After reviewing it I found that the lens are clean, shutter was fine as well as the aperture but unfortunately the focus ring was heavily jammed.
Even with a stronger force, it moves only a few millimeters left or right and then gets stuck.
Can anyone give me advice, what can be done here, does anyone know what the problem is and can it be fixed without professional equipment and experience.
I saw some tutorials related to shutter and aperture servicing, but I did not find how to fix a stuck focus ring on this type of cameras.
There were some small screws on it, but I haven't touched anything yet because I don't know if that would help.
Everything else looks good, but without working focus mechanism, the camera is unusable.
Any suggestions are welcome.

 

[greyelm]

I had a quick look on the net and saw one thing to try to see whether it is in fact solidified grease. Use a hairdryer to warm up the ring and see if you can move the ring. There is the possibility that if it does move when warm that it may tighten up when cold but at least it would show that it needs re-greasing.

 

[Pegaz]

I tried to warm it up with a hairdryer but it didn't help, the focus ring is still firmly stuck and it looks like it's somehow mechanically jammed.
How can we fix a malfunction like this?
The focus ring is all the way to the back of the lens and to access it, you would have to disassemble the entire lens, including the shutter mechanism, which is an impossible mission if you are not an expert.
Does it even make sense to unscrew the three small screws that hold the focus ring and can anything else be done besides professional servicing?

 

[NorpA]

I believe you won't find any expert for this camera, and even if, they probably will discourage you since the service will cost much more than the camera itself. (camera repair seems a niche for luxury brand nowadays - which in a way makes sense). Looking at this link it sounds like quite an effort to reach the helicoid and re-lube it (given this is the root cause) http://pheugo.com/cameras/index.php?page=lynx5000 . Question, to you still have the focusing tab? On an old Yashica ( not a Lynx) I noticed that the focusing tab was maintained by two small screws from the inner ring, when the focusing tab broke down, the two screws were jamming the entire focusing. But probably this is not your case.

 

[wwfloyd]

If you decide it's going to be a write-off, you may use this as a last effort. Try to find the best access to the helicoid -- it may be one of the ring-gaps visible at the focus ring, or, if lucky (I don't know this model), you may see the concentric rings from viewing through the back. Use a fine syringe to apply Ronsonol type lighter fluid into that space. Be judicious, and avoid using so much that it could possibly get between the lens elements. If you begin to get some movement at the focus ring you may be in luck. BUT, whatever movement you get with lighter fluid will not last. As the lighter fluid is evaporating, you then apply some "dry" teflon lubricant (it's liquid, but, leaves a dry lubricating film, on evaporation). This should keep the focus movement functional... but, it will never be super smooth, like a helicoid should be. You can probably get 3-in-1 brand teflon lubricant at your nearest Lowe's, or such.

 

[Austintatious]

It is a Yashica. Contact Mark Hama. He can sort it out.

 

[Pegaz]

I believe you won't find any expert for this camera, and even if, they probably will discourage you since the service will cost much more than the camera itself. (camera repair seems a niche for luxury brand nowadays - which in a way makes sense). Looking at this link it sounds like quite an effort to reach the helicoid and re-lube it (given this is the root cause) http://pheugo.com/cameras/index.php?page=lynx5000 . Question, to you still have the focusing tab? On an old Yashica ( not a Lynx) I noticed that the focusing tab was maintained by two small screws from the inner ring, when the focusing tab broke down, the two screws were jamming the entire focusing. But probably this is not your case.

Yes, the focusing tab is intact.
Actually, the whole camera is cosmetically in VGC condition, all other functions work, except for this stuck focus ring.

If you decide it's going to be a write-off, you may use this as a last effort. Try to find the best access to the helicoid -- it may be one of the ring-gaps visible at the focus ring, or, if lucky (I don't know this model), you may see the concentric rings from viewing through the back. Use a fine syringe to apply Ronsonol type lighter fluid into that space. Be judicious, and avoid using so much that it could possibly get between the lens elements. If you begin to get some movement at the focus ring you may be in luck. BUT, whatever movement you get with lighter fluid will not last. As the lighter fluid is evaporating, you then apply some "dry" teflon lubricant (it's liquid, but, leaves a dry lubricating film, on evaporation). This should keep the focus movement functional... but, it will never be super smooth, like a helicoid should be. You can probably get 3-in-1 brand teflon lubricant at your nearest Lowe's, or such.

Thanks for the tip, I could try this.
The focus ring is the same as in this picture but I'm not sure if I can access the helicoid from here.
I will also look from behind, to see what can be done.

 

[NorpA]

I checked my Yashica 35 and my Yashica Electro 35.
Only the old model has the helicoid visible and accessible from the back.
Of course the helicoid is more exposed at the closer distance, while your camera is focusing to the infinite.


My usual way of working, rather than a syringe a prefer a small paint brush (pointed tip) scarcely moisted with lighter fluid. Be gentle since you don't want to leave bristles behind you.