Yashica Lynx 14 - CLA or DIY?

[celluloidprop]

I picked up a Lynx 14 off Ebay this weekend (arrived already, not bad) - it looks to be in good shape. All shutter speeds sound right, the aperture opens and closes easily. The meter seems dodgy, but I don't really care as I plan to get one of those VC hotshoe meters for my rapidly expanding collection of meterless cameras.

The only problem I find is that the vertical alignment seems off slightly and the viewfinder and RF patch are a bit dim. It's slow going to focus with the patch. Is it worth the cost of a CLA from Mark Hama or is it reasonable for a novice to clean up/align the RF without chancing completely FUBARing the camera?

I don't have a problem spending $50-60, this is a very cool little camera, but if I can do it myself so much the better.

 

[Kim Coxon]

Hi,
I had a Lynx 5000 and the adjustment of the RF and cleaning it is quite simple. Getting the front element out to sort a shutter problem is a diffent matter but still "doable". As far as I remember, you can adjust the RF without taking the top off but this is generally so easy I tend to take it off and clean the RF at the same time.

Kim

 

[Sonnar Brian]

The RF patch and framelines are dim as the beamsplitter is going. It will require replacing. It is well worth 50-60 to have it done right, and he can probably clean the resistor rings for the meter as well.

If you are willing to try the DIY, be careful with the top plate: the flash socket has a short wire without much give on it.