Newbie here and a new GSN

AZSunGod · 10-18-2005

Hi everyone, I'm new here on the forums but have read alot of the posts and replies. Seems like a great bunch of people here. Well let's get to the skinny of it!

I recently purchased an Electro 35 GSN on the bay for about $30 US with shipping. The camera is in great condition, no scratches, dings, rubbing, or anything, does need the light seals replaced (which I already saw the kits and am gonna purchase one). And I of course bought from a seller that didn't know anything about cameras like this. The camera works great in all the settings until I drop in a battery (6v radio shack w/ a spring to make up the difference). When the battery is in and I wind the lever then press the shutter release the shutter stays open and you can see right through the whole camera. Then with the slightest bump of the wind lever the shutter closes.
I took it in to get a quote and alot of the repair shops here in Phoenix, AZ laughed and pointed at me sighting No parts, no repair. The one place that did give a quote told me $160!! I was like

for a $30 camera? Well after reading on a few different sites, this one, Matt Denton's, and Yashica Guy's, I'm still not really sure what is wrong with the camera. I would like to fix it since the only shutter speed without the battery is 1/500th wich is great outside lots of light but a little tricky when lighting is not optimal (for a new user of this type of camera). Any help would be greatly appreciated

I'm not totally out of shooting though I have my digital (Canon G6) and my newly purchased Canonet GIII QL17 ,which I am running some film through to test for light leaks, the door closes wierd after the original owner replaced the seals.

ChrisN · 10-19-2005

Hey guys - three hours gone and no-one's welcomed the new member! What's up?

Hi AZSunGod (gee that's a mouthful - got a shorter handle?) Welcome to the forum. There's a couple of real experts on the Yashica lurking around here somewhere - you landed while they were all off doing other things, but they'll be along soon to point you in the right direction, things to check. The obvious for starters - the ring at the front of the lens is set to "Auto" right, not to "B"? Assuming that's ok, there's probably a problem with the exposure electrics somewhere. I guess you have the battery in the right way around - the positive towards the cap?

Yashica expert needed here!!

pedro.m.reis · 10-19-2005

Hi AZSunGod, welcome

I had a problem with my Electro 35, that i beleive is similar in mechanics to the GSN if not the same.

Take a look at http://www.rangefinderforum.com/foru...ad.php?t=12055

As you see nothing is impossible to an unskilled guy like with the right help

.
Get in touch with greyhoundman.

john neal · 10-19-2005

Sounds like a Pad of Death problem.

Do you get a "clunk" when winding on? If not, the pad needs changing. Relatively simple DIY job, or contact Greyhoundman.

AZSunGod · 10-19-2005

The red one does light no matter what lighting it is in. I saw the yellow momentarily once, then straight to red. And as I recall, since I'm at work I cannot try it, there is no "clunk" that is being refered to, I will try it when I get home to make sure though.

cp_ste.croix · 10-19-2005

Welcome AZ...once it gets going, i have a feeling you're going to love your GSN!

brians · 10-19-2005

I'd like to welcome you as well AZSungod. I'm an owner of a GSN as well, but I've never faced that problem before. I really hope you're able to correct it and shoot some great photos!

AZSunGod · 10-19-2005

I did shoot a test roll without the battery of my kids at the splash park near my house, I am very impressed with the quality and contrast that the camera produced, the photo's are very bright and vivid. I was also shocked that the film was not ruined by light leaks because the seals are very badly deteriorated, but the door closes very tightly. I was dreading that it was the P.O.D but not as much as a malfunctioning lens mechanic or electronic for that matter. Now could someone point me towards the link for the Pin P.O.D replacement method or Flanders Method I think someone here refered to it as?

AZSunGod · 10-19-2005

Thank you , looks like a fun weekend project

Skinny McGee · 10-19-2005

Welcome..... If any body know the GSN it is the Greyhound man!!!!!!