Yashica Minitser II shutter speed problem

[colonelmatrix]

Hi Guys, Im new here, Great forum by the way. I just bought my first Yashica camera for ebay, Its a Minister II but i think it has a problem, All the shutter speeds seem to be the same, its ok on bulb but there is no diffrence between 1/500 and 1!! Does any one have any ideas or any repair specialists in the UK??
Thanks

 

[btgc]

Hi, and welcome to Yashiworld. Seems that shutter needs cleaning. If you have interest, it's relatively easy DIY task. Or you just want give it to specialist?

 

[colonelmatrix]

Thanks for the advice, im pretty handy so im happy to give it a go, After looking a bit closer to looks like its stuck at 1/500th shutter speed, the only setting thats diffrent is bulb. If the shutter does need cleaning whats the best way to go about it?? Thanks again for you help

 

[btgc]

Oh, I first thought it's working 1sec all the time - this would mean sticky shutter blades.
If it's 1/500th all the time I'd look if speed selection mechanism isn't out of sync. I guess Minister also has screw-in (-out, in this case) front element. If so, you can use pictures depicting opening lens barrel of Lynx model (in case there are no pics for Minister).

Do speed ring moves smoothly without tension and sounds?

 

[colonelmatrix]

TBH the rings dont feel smooth, now you mention it this may be a lubrication problem perhaps!! there kind or rough and make squeeky noises when turned LOL

 

[btgc]

If things are how you describe it, lens certainly needs opening, some cleanup and putting back in proper order. I'll pray for you that all parts are there and no parts are damaged - this happened to my first copy of Konica. Let's hope it's just abused or improperly assembled.

 

[colonelmatrix]

Ill try to open, clean and lubricate the mechanism. Thanks again for your help, I really appreciate it

 

[btgc]

Just be careful with lubrication. I'm sure you know it better than me.