Yashica YE frame counter

[mconnealy]

I recently acquired a nice condition Yashica YE. Everything is working properly except for the frame counter which is not advancing. I can move the counter manually, but it does not move when the advance lever is actuated. I would appreciate any insights about getting at the counter mechanism and repairing the problem.

 

[aw614]

I think the mechanism is similar to the Nicca Type 33. Here are pictures of mine with the frame counter off. Mine works, does yours make a click when you move the film counter manually?

 

[mconnealy]

I think the mechanism is similar to the Nicca Type 33. Here are pictures of mine with the frame counter off. Mine works, does yours make a click when you move the film counter manually?

Thanks, that does look similar. However mine does not have the knurled surface on that piece you have removed. Mine has a couple small holes in that piece, perhaps I need some tool. Mine does click when I move it manually.

 

[aw614]

Thanks, that does look similar. However mine does not have the knurled surface on that piece you have removed. Mine has a couple small holes in that piece, perhaps I need some tool. Mine does click when I move it manually.

The knurled surface seems to be cosmetic as it stays still. When I advance the film on mine, the counter moves, while knurled piece stays still. I can see if i can make a video tomorrow without the counter over it so you can compare how yours is when you wind the advance.

 

[mconnealy]

My problem is that I can't see a way to remove that outer ring to get at the counter mechanism inside. It just doesn't want to screw off and I'm afraid of damaging it if I force it harder. I am also thinking it would be useful to open the top to clean the viewfinder, but that counter and winder would have to come off first.
I have looked around the web, but not found anything showing the disassembly of either the Nicca or the Yashica rangefinders.

 

[aw614]

If it is like the Nicca Type 33, the outer ring should be held by three grub screws that when loosened, the ring should just come off easily.

Are they stripped?

 

[mconnealy]

Thanks for that detail. I suspected that was the case, but the access holes are tiny. I may just need a smaller screwdriver to get at the screws..

 

[aw614]

I used a 1.2mm flat head on mine.

 

[mconnealy]

I used a 1.2mm flat head on mine.

Thanks again. I did use a smaller driver and got the ring off which gave me access. It seems the little tab on the copper-colored washer was not properly engaging the gear teeth on the counter. I also found that only one of the three grub screws was present, so that may have caused misalignment. I still don't have the counter working properly, but at least I can see all the parts.