Yashica Lynx 14e - Focus Ring Lubrication

[Dave S.]

I have a wonderful Yashica Lynx 14e, but adjusting the focus ring is difficult because there's a bit too much resistance. I suspect it needs to be lubricated somehow, but I don't know how to do it? Any advice would be appreciated. I would like to do it myself if possible. Thanks!

 

[btgc]

Before taking it apart warm around focus ring with a hairdryer - old grease will loosen up. Just don't overdo or your next post will be about shutter cleaning!

 

[one90guy]

Thanks for the idea btgc, never thought about warming with a hair dryer.

 

[btgc]

It's an old trick - hair dryer, learned it from someone on internet, maybe even here on RFF.

Can't resist from reminding once more - don't cross the red line or you will convert one issue into another, messy one.

 

[Dave S.]

Thanks for the tip btgc! I'll try that first.

 

[Dave S.]

Well, I tied the blow dryer trick. What I discovered in this process is that the focus ring seems to be warped. There is a small gap between the focus ring and the lens body, but the gap between the two is very small on one side of the focus ring while noticeably wider on the other. I'm not sure how to fix this? I'm thinking about unscrewing the tiny screws on the focus ring and seeing if I can proceed to un-warp it somehow and/or clean out what debris might be stuck under the wider gaped side. Any suggestions are welcome. Thanks!

 

[btgc]

If you release small screws on focus ring without making marks before be prepared to adjust it later. If it turns without dragging I'd postpone it after I'm positive camera is a keeper.

 

[Frontman]

You might be able to access the helicals if you remove the top and/or bottom cover. On some cameras removing the rangefinder assembly allows good access to the focusing helical. Add a few drops of thin oil with a syringe, and work the focus back and forth. The oil will soften up the grease. You might need to add a few more drops of oil later on if it begins to feel sticky or slow again,

I don't recommend trying to do anything with the focus ring, you won't be able to access anything worthwhile underneath it.