Yashica YF take up spool help

SimonPJ

SimonPJ

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I bought a nice YF a couple of years ago. It's functional in all respects apart from the fact that it's missing its film take up spool.

As far as I can tell, the take up spool for the YF is unique to the camera. And maybe also to the Nicca cameras preceding it.

I would be very grateful for any suggestions about:

-- Where to locate a replacement take up spool for the YF (other than buying another YF as a donor)
-- Other types of take up spool which will fit

I'd love to be able to actually use the camera!

Many thanks,

Simon
 
Russ, there is a two mm difference in the height (or length) of the spools, the YF being larger. It also has a slip spindle in the shaftway to allow for minor up-or-down movement of the spool to keep the film from binding. There is a smaller hole on the YF spool for the support nub. Simon, a source may be either Mark Hama, or check with Frontman in this forum.

I'll get some photos up tomorrow of the two.

PF
 
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Thanks PF.

Photos would be useful. All other spools that I've tried (Leica, Contax, etc.) haven't worked - so there's clearly something different about the YF spool.

Cheers,

Simon
 
Zorki 1 and Yashica YF Film Take-up Spool Comparison

Zorki 1 and Yashica YF Film Take-up Spool Comparison

For Simon


Yashica YF and Zorki 1 Film Take-up Spool Comparison by br1078phot, on Flickr

The film transport spools are different in three main respects. Design, size, and operation.

Notice the missing support nub in the YF base plate. I'm going to have to make a temporary one until I can get a replacement.


Yashica YF and Zorki 1 Film Take-up Spool Comparison by br1078phot, on Flickr

The YF spool on the right is taller, with a smaller hole for the support nub in the camera base plate.


Yashica YF and Zorki 1 Film Take-up Spool Comparison by br1078phot, on Flickr

The YF spool also has a sliding center to allow for some movement of the spool, thus eliminating the chance of film binding.


Yashica YF and Zorki 1 Film Take-up Spool Comparison by br1078phot, on Flickr

The Zorki on the left has a much longer drive shaft for the take-up spool than the YF on the right.


Hope this helps.

PF
 
Many thanks of the photos PF. It's good to have confirmation that there is nothing damaged or missing on the drive shaft on my YF. Because it is so small and 'minimal' I wondered whether something was missing.

I still need to solve the question of where to find the YF specific take up spool....

All the best,

Simon
 
I'm still looking for a take up spool for my Yashica YF. If any one has one that they would be willing to sell, or has suggestions about where I could find one, I'd be very grateful.

I'd love to be able to actually use the camera!

Thanks,

Simon
 
Unfortunately, these spools are a little hard to find. But you can modify a Zorki spool to fit the Yashica.

The old FSU camera used two types of spools, as the cameras had two types of film spool shafts. The Yashica YE and YF use a short shaft, as do some Zorki cameras.

Out of curiosity, I just tried using a spool I have in a Zorki II in a Yashica YE. The spool fit a little too loosely around the shaft, but this can be fixed with a bit of tape. The spool shouldn't be too tight, it should be able to slip if the spool is turning a larger circle that the winding sprockets. Next, the center shaft extends on the Zorki spool, you can adjust how much length you need by putting a spacer inside the spool, or by gluing the shaft at the proper length. Remember that things can't be too tight, the spool must be able to center itself when winding.

Good luck with your camera.
 
Many thanks for your suggestions - much appreciated. I have contacted Mark Hama, and will also have a go at adapting a Zorki spool.
 
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