[tht00]

Well, ok. It's not "new"; it's from the mid '70s -- a Yashica Electro 35 GSN, a 35mm rangefinder. I bought it online, and UPS is estimating delivery to be on the 19th. I'm pretty excited.

It has a 45mm f1.7 built-in lens and shoots in aperture priority with stepless shutter speeds (up to 1/500).

These cameras, considering their age and reliance on automation, have plenty of non-working/broken examples. I purchased mine from a photographer who used it and just had CLA/maintenance done on it, so I should be good.


Has anyone ever used a rangefinder here?

[Rainer.]

mmm..... nope.

[tht00]

Finally got it today.

Shot a roll so far, and gave it a look over. The meter seems to be reasonable -- it warns of overexposure (< 1/500) or low light (> 1/30). Shutter speeds sound reasonable as well. It's really quiet too -- quieter than a disposable camera. The winding mechanism is louder than the shutter...

Now, it has some quirks. The shutter button is acting up. It has to be pressed in hard to release the shutter. Uncomfortably hard at times. Not only so, but on a longer exposure, it must remain fully pressed, otherwise, the shutter remains open. In bulb mode, the shutter triggers, but doesn't close until the film rewind moves. Have to see if this can be resolved.

First, pictures of it. Later, pictures from it.

[tht00]

Bummer... seems my shutter quirk is related to a 'bad pad' or 'pad of death'. I should be able to fix it though.

When the Shutter Release is pressed, a series of multiple spring loaded switch points are activated and move to their downward position and remain latched there. When the film advance lever is wound, the switches return to their original position and cause a 'click' sound as they hit the stop position. The spring pressure on this switch group is strong enough to able cause an annoying noise as the switch assembly returns. A "rubber" or some such pad, cushions this action and defines the start point. You will still hear a click when a good pad is in place but nothing like the loud 'clunk' heard when the pad starts to go, or is wasted.
When this pad deteriorates with age, [just like the foam light seals on the door] the correct start point for the switches is changed. Why this matters aside from possibly draining the battery, is something that I cannot explain. This much is sure, failure of the Pad will cause one or more of the following actions.

Incorrect shutter speeds, including possible problems in Auto, Bulb or Flash setting, Yellow lamp stays on even as exposure settings are changed, shutter release may not latch in down position.
http://www.yashica-guy.com/document/repair.html#nine

[PontiusPirate]

Rad.
I have an Argus Rangefinder. I've only used it once, though.

[tht00]

Alright. After several failed attempts to fix the bad pad (using pins to position it, as many recommend), I decided to simply tear into the camera. I followed the Yashica Guy's how-to, which was incredibly helpful -- I wouldn't have tried it without the guide. Unfortunately, it wasn't always clear and it didn't warn me of several pitfalls.

Many hours and several frustrations later, I got the pad replaced, the camera back together, and tweaked some adjustment screws with the new found knowledge I acquired while being inside the camera. For the first time since I got it, the camera fired correctly. Bulb works. Auto now works perfectly. Still needs moderate pressure to fire, but much better than it was. I'll probably end up with a 'soft release' that many who use Yashica recommend.

I'm psyched that it's working to my liking. The shutter release is still a little funny feeling and doing more dry-fires, it sounds like it could use a few more quick adjustments (under the bottom panel). I'm still excited it works. I'm rarely able to fix anything mechanical -- it usually just ends up worse than before I touched it.

[tht00]

Pictures! (from the surgery)

[Xkcer Man]

dude like how many megapixels does it get mine has 56 it is so awesome

[Ordinary Sarah]

35 duh lol cause doesnt 'mm' stand for megapixels lol?




Seriously, though, that looks like an awesome camera. When are you going to put up pics you've taken with it?

[tht00]

no no no its 135. thats the film format. duh


Pictures are coming soon. I shot a test roll of Tmax 400 before I tore it apart, and I finally got around to developing it today. I'll get some scans tomorrow or early this week.

I shot a partial roll of Fuji Superia 200 tonight. Not sure when I'll be able to finish it.

Shooting with a rangefinder is definitely different...

[tht00]

I botched the Tmax in development. A few came out OK. They might show up later.

Here are some shots from the Fuji roll:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/thtroye...123264/detail/