About to become a GS owner

Seveneer · 08-27-2005

Hi,

I'm new here. I have just bought a GS (arrives next week) and thought I'd join up here incase I need to ask any questions about it. I must say, there seem to be an awful lot of threads regarding problems with these cameras. I'm wondering if I've done the right thing in buying it.

I've been into photography on and off for the last 18 years. I got the digital bug about 2 years ago and have been generally pleased with the photos I have taken with my Canon 10D but have recently decided to go back to film. Digital photgraphy became more of an exercise in photoshop than photography for me.

I have an EOS 5 and a Bronica SQAi and I develop and print at home (both colour and B&W). So I wanted to get a 35mm rangefinder so I can carry it around with me on business trips so I don't feel obliged to take a load of spare lenses and stuff that I would with the 10D or EOS5.

I'm looking forward to getting involved with this forum and getting to know some of you.

All the best,
/Phil.

RichardS · 08-27-2005

Remember, you're dealing with a 40-year old camera. I had a shutter go bad on a Yashica Lynx 5000 and decided that reparing it would cost too much but I've had no problem with the six other Yashicas, all different models, that I have.

Dick

Kat · 08-27-2005

Hi, I'm also a new GS owner. I haven't even finished my first roll yet, but I love using the camera. I'm sure you'll enjoy it as well. There are some folks here who are very knowledgeable about fixing these Yashicas, so I'm sure you'll have plenty of advice if you come across any problems with yours.

Seveneer · 08-28-2005

I hope it won't come to that, Kat.

Looking forward to putting a film or two through it when it turns up next week.

JeffGreene · 08-28-2005

Welcome Seveneer! I too, am a new member, and have found people here to be extraordinarily helpful and understanding of new member misteps, of which I have personally made several. I have two Yashicas of the same vintage, one of which I purchased new, and have had minimal problems. You might want to check out the lightproofing foam, as it does deteriorate. It's not an expensive repair, and is a definite do-it-yourselfer.

Seveneer · 08-29-2005

Thank you JeffGreene. I certainly hope to have minimal problems with my new toy. While I'm not phased by the thought of fixing whatever does go wrong I guess there are plenty of others going cheap if it all goes horribly wrong. I shouldn't be so negative. I'm sure it'll be fine.

Can't wait to put a film through it.

/Phil.

ednaz · 08-29-2005

The GS (I've got a black GSN) is horribly addictive. The first two rolls of film through it proved it was worth a bit of investment. Also proved that while the light seals looked good, they're not. This weekend's project now sits on the end of my desk and mocks me... but by next Monday, fresh seals and no light leaks, and I'll be one happy camper.

Great lens, incidentally. A 4000dpi scan of it showed that it's going to be just fine as a working camera for me.

Seveneer · 09-03-2005

Well, I'm disappointed. The camera turned up today faulty. The self timer doesn't work and the shutter doesn't open. The light seals are shot but that's to be expected. I guess I'll have to send it back for a refund and look out for another.

/Phil.

Seveneer · 09-03-2005

Yeah, I understand the e-bay thing. I'm just not sure I want to start taking this to pieces just yet. How difficult is the POD? I'm not completely inept when it comes to taking things apart. I can even get them back together now and then

/Phil.

Seveneer · 09-03-2005

Yes there's a faint click when I push the release then a louder one when I cock the camera.

/Phil.

Seveneer · 09-03-2005

I reckon I'll give it a go. I'd better pick up some jeweller's screwdrivers.

Thanks for your help,
/Phil.