Yashica Lynx 14e - meter adjustment

[npeters]

I have a nice Lynx 14e that needs some adjustment to its meter. I know that there is some adjustment via the lens assembly (resistor tracks) but what does the small potentiometer in the base of the camera adjust? Is this a way to adjust the meter? Or is there another method again?

 

[greyhoundman]

There is sometimes enough adjustment in the resistance ring. I usually have to add a 1N4148 diode at the battery compartment, and then adjust the ring from there.

 

[FallisPhoto]

I have a nice Lynx 14e that needs some adjustment to its meter. I know that there is some adjustment via the lens assembly (resistor tracks) but what does the small potentiometer in the base of the camera adjust? Is this a way to adjust the meter? Or is there another method again?

Before you do this, may I ask what kind of battery (or batteries) you are using in it? If you are using 1.5 volt silver oxide or alkaline batteries in it, without a schottky diode (to reduce the voltage to 2.70 volts), this is probably what is causing the problem. The Lynx systems were designed to work on lower voltage PX640 mercury batteries (1.35 volts each). There is an adapter available from Small Battery Company. http://www.smallbattery.company.org.uk/sbc_mr52_plus_mr44_adapter-combination.htm One alternative they don't mention on their website is to use two physical adapters (the ones they suggest you use with Wein 675 batteries) with common cheap-as-dirt zinc/air 1.4 volt (close enough not to cause problems) 675 hearing aid batteries. They will only last a a few weeks, but at about $1 each, who cares?

 

[Tarzak]

I care.
PITA to keep changing batteries (let alone the toxic chemicals that should be disposed of responsibly).

 

[FallisPhoto]

I care.
PITA to keep changing batteries (let alone the toxic chemicals that should be disposed of responsibly).

Good point, but these are zinc/air batteries, not alkaline cells. Using a bunch of those will actually result in fewer toxic chemicals being released into the environment than just one or two alkaline batteries.

 

[canonet17]

Sorry if this question has been already made, but would`t it be possible just to drop a couple of SR44 and simply adjust the ASA setting, lets say dialing 50 ASA instead of 100? Methinks and hope not to sound too naive, BTW waiting for my QL 17.

 

[FallisPhoto]

Sorry if this question has been already made, but would`t it be possible just to drop a couple of SR44 and simply adjust the ASA setting, lets say dialing 50 ASA instead of 100? Methinks and hope not to sound too naive, BTW waiting for my QL 17.

I wish it was that easy, but it won't really work that way. The problem is that the voltage from alkaline batteries isn't constant. It starts off too high (1.5 volts) and at the end of the battery's life, gets way too low. It has a sloping voltage curve, so it will only give accurate meter readings for about a week somewhere over its entire lifespan. The cameras that do use alkaline cells have voltage regulation circuitry that keeps the voltage even. The old cameras that used mercury batteries were designed to use batteries with a constant voltage of 1.35 volts. The usual thing to do is to substitute a silver oxide 1.5 volt battery (which has a constant voltage) and then use a shottky diode to reduce the voltage, or to use a zinc/air battery, that has an even voltage curve and is close enough (1.4 volts) to the original voltage not to cause problems. The alkaline batteries can actually produce enough voltage during the initial surge, when you turn the camera on with a fresh battery, to damage some cameras.

 

[Steve Karr]

So How do you do a shottky diode to reduce the voltage ? I am pretty good with a solder tool.

Thanks!
Steve

I wish it was that easy, but it won't really work that way. The problem is that the voltage from alkaline batteries isn't constant. It starts off too high (1.5 volts) and at the end of the battery's life, gets way too low. It has a sloping voltage curve, so it will only give accurate meter readings for about a week somewhere over its entire lifespan. The cameras that do use alkaline cells have voltage regulation circuitry that keeps the voltage even. The old cameras that used mercury batteries were designed to use batteries with a constant voltage of 1.35 volts. The usual thing to do is to substitute a silver oxide 1.5 volt battery (which has a constant voltage) and then use a shottky diode to reduce the voltage, or to use a zinc/air battery, that has an even voltage curve and is close enough (1.4 volts) to the original voltage not to cause problems. The alkaline batteries can actually produce enough voltage during the initial surge, when you turn the camera on with a fresh battery, to damage some cameras.

 

[arthur sadowsky]

...my 2 cents:

why would you need to adjust the meter? Here's my story:

I have Lynx 14 (the 1st version) which was recently CLA'd by Mark Hama. He did great job (thank you Mark🙂!) and he's adjusted meter for newer 1.5v battery: the meter works great and it gives me right on the spot readings, everything is great.

The funny part is that I ended up never using internal meter, I only use my Gossen Digisix and Sekonic L-358 meters.

I mean I've removed battery from Lynx's battery compartment and now totally using my external meters. It works for me and it works great! This combination of the 60's camera plus today's digital meters works great and gives me excellent results every single time.

I hope it helps and good luck with you Yashica!

 

[hanskerensky]

So How do you do a shottky diode to reduce the voltage ? I am pretty good with a solder tool.

Thanks!
Steve

Steve, have a look here :

http://www.butkus.org/chinon/batt-adapt-us.pdf

I bought some of these adapters as a kit. Works well. Frans normally can deliver kits at short notice.
For completed adapters you may have to wait till he has time. He is a very helpfull man.

 

[FallisPhoto]

So How do you do a shottky diode to reduce the voltage ? I am pretty good with a solder tool.

Thanks!
Steve

Two ways: you can adapt the camera tiself, by soldering a S D in-line with the meter (soldering it between the battery compartment and the negative wire), or you can solder a S D into a battery adapter, as in the C.R.I.S. MR9 adapter: http://criscam.com/products_services/mercury_battery_adapters/