Yashica Stuck Aperature Blades

[Harlee]

Can anyone out there help me out? Yesterday I received almost a mint Yashica G model, which looks as though it hardly been used. This must be a later model G as the ASA settings goes up to 1000. I didn't know any of the Gs went that high. Anyway, the aperature blades are stuck at F16 but there doesn't appear to be any oil or rust on them. Is it possible to go through the front lens elements and carefully try to open the aperature blades? The meter appears to be working with a battery but only at the F16 aperature, and this G model really is in too nice a shape not to fix. I'd appreciate any help from somebody who's run into this problem previously.

 

[FrankS]

Sorry I can't help other than to offer commiseration: I have a similarly affected Canonet GIII QL 17. I don't think the fix is easy with cameras of this type.

 

[b1bmsgt]

Can you turn the aperture ring at all? If it turns freely, but the blades don't move, it's possible that someone disassembled the lens barrel and reassembled it incorrectly. If the pin of the ring doesn't go into the fork of the arm that actually moves the blades, the ring can turn all day and the blades won't move. Only way to be sure would be to take it apart and take a look.

Russ

 

[Harlee]

Thank you for that info. The aperature ring turns freely but the blades don't move. I personally think that because the blades look clean it's probably a mechanical problem. I understand what you're saying about the T-pin, but I'm wondering will the lens actually fit into the body if the T-pin doesn't fit into it's housing in the body correctly? I leave for Ukraine next Thursday, but when I return on August 7th I will pull the lens and try to see if there's something amiss in there. Is it possible for the T-pin to attach to the body if the pin is turned 180 degrees? Thanks for your help.

 

[b1bmsgt]

Yes, actually there is plenty of room for the pin if it misses the fork. From all outward indications everything would seem fine, except the blades wouldn't move.

Russ

 

[Harlee]

Thank you Russ, that helps. Hopefully you may have hit the nail [or T-pin] right on the head. I hope so. Unfortunately, I'll have to wait until I return from Ukraine to take it apart. Thanks again!