Like New Lynx 14 - Please Help

ruben · 02-22-2007

Dear Friends,
Yesterday I got a new Lynx 14 IC, in an unbelievable cosmetic and mechanical wellfare. Looking at it you start wondering at what year we are living, as the camera looks absolutely unused, and mechanically new. My late father used to say that the best candidate to purchase an used car from, is a doctor traveling daily to work and back home. I would say that the previous owner either didn't used it at all, or shot one single roll. But for sure he/she knew how to conservate a camera !!!

Ok, I will stop my love song, and ask for help in the cleaning of the viewfinder components. Up to day, in my desperate pursue after a contrasty patch, I have not followed any rule, but rather violated all. Therefore, considering what I have written above, kindly give a methodical abc of what to do and what not to do.

The viewfinder looks astonishing bright for such an aged camera, but the yellow patch has decolorated a lot. A possible way out may be for me just to insert a cut of Lee ND filter and close back the camera.

Nevertheless, just in case Mefisto starts talking with me, kindly write me your rules for safe cleaning, and careful cleaning.

Thanks,
Ruben

PS
No, I didn't pay us$ 12 or less, but ten times over. And had I knew the condition of this treasure I would pay even more.

NickTrop · 02-22-2007

Hi Ruben,

Enjoy the Lynx 14 IC - a personal favorite. Although many members are quite adroit at getting rangefinders back in shape, personally I "bite the bullet" and send them out to be professionally repaired.

- New seals,
- Rangefinder cleaned (huge difference...)
- Adjusted to take modern batteries...
- CLA

If you encounter a rare sample as you did, a good CLA and you will have a wonderful camera that's literally "as good as new" that might outlive you.

PM Greyhoundman and see if he is taking camera repair work currently or shoot it off to Mark Hama both do excellent work. Doh! See you're from Jerusalem. Perhaps there are some camera techs there? I imagine, otherwise, shipping would be prohibitive...

In any case, a good CLA does wonders for these cameras. I think it's worth it. I've used Greyhoundman several times and Mark Hama once... Both are outstanding.

niimo · 02-23-2007

Ruben, wow how exciting! Wish I could say my Lynx 14 came in such fantastic condition. Thanks for posting this thread though, I will keep an eye on it to hopefully learn a few things. =)

NickTrop, thanks for that info!

ruben · 02-23-2007

Nick,
The shipping is not prohibitive given that the very concept of "CLA" in unknown in Israel repair shops. Unbelievable, and true.
Now starts the issue of calculations what is convenient in terms of money and the camera and other factors. Among this factors is the generally low fare of our G man, that unfortunately by now I have filled my quota of cameras he is willing or able to deal with. He seems very bussy and I respect that without further questions.

But what I am not clear at all is what for should I enter the overseas expense of CLA, given that the camera works in full. As a matter of fact, by a top casting once Greyhoundman sent me, I am sure his viewfinder cleaning should be something out of my league. But I can do something there too. Again not as good as a pro, but something I can.
- Batteries already installed and kicking
- Seals I change myself for a long time ago.

Now, I really see no danger or need of CLA. Yet if nevertheless after this post, you still think that on behalf of the treasure there are specific reasons for not using the camera before CLAl, kindly stick to your viewpoint and put it in writing here. I will not start arguing twice, but read it with utmost attention.

Cheers,
Ruben

NickTrop · 02-25-2007

Hi Ruben,

Well, the reason I suggested a professional CLA is I, personally, won't fool around with viewfinders/rangefinders if they're dull, out of alignment, or (worst of all) the patch is on its way out. My understanding is they're fairly delicate, and you don't want to try to clean the patch. I'll clean the battery contacts with vinegar, I'll change light seals but won't go so far as to disassemble.

That's just me... Some like to "tinker" with this stuff but I'm not a tinkerererer..

To me it just seems worth it if you like the camera. When I buy one of these things now, I resign myself to the fact I'll have it sent out IF I like the camera. (I prefer it when they've been serviced already like the GSN I bought and the Konica Auto S3.) Then again, I don't have to worry about shipping overseas...

To me, it's like sending a pair of old shoes to a shoe repair place. Sure, you can shine them yourself. But it's amazing what a good shoe repair person can do with an old pair of Florsheims, ya know? If you like the shoes, worth sending them out, even if the repair costs more than you paid for the shoes.

Funny psychological thing with camera buyers, self included. I'll spring a couple hundered buck for a "must have" lens that I play with a couple times, then sits in a drawer... But balk (used to, anyway) at springing $50-$100 for a full camera CLA for a camera I'll use all the time.

You can DYI it... but to me it's the difference between making something "servicable" vs. "as good as new" with an inherent risk of making something a paperweight in a DIY attempt to make something "servicable".

Dat's my take...

Nick

ruben · 02-25-2007

Hi Nick,
I promised not to argue, and I will not. This is just to inform you that after several days I find myself in the strange situation of having got a beast far beyond my expectation and need, and for the time being I have no choice but to put it aside.

I wanted a camera I can black paint, and use with a hand held meter for ISO 1600. I got a beauty I don't dare to peel its new chrome, and with a nicely working meter. Thus, the whole issue of sending it to CLA or not, will become relevant again once I'll feel the need to use a camera for ISO 800.

Totally absurd situation, I know.

Cheers, and a lot of thanks for your advise.
Ruben

geezer · 02-25-2007

Ruben, unless you are wanting to make a museum piece of of the camera or eventually resell it...why not black paint it? It's yours to use as you see fit...dress it in gingham if you like. Enjoy It Ruben...take pictures. If it stops working then you can reassses and turn it into a boat anchor or paperweight.
dennis