Yashica Electro Front Element Issue

[ARCHIVIST]

I recently removed the front lens elements from my Yashica Electro GTN.

Usually the element assembly screws apart so you can clean the rear surface of the front element to remove fungus, as was my aim.

I cannot separate the elements - they will not unscrew. I have never had this happen before.

Can anyone help me please. The elements are pristine except for a slight wisp of fungus behind the front one.

Regards
Peter

[Justin Smith]

I'm sure someone else will come along soon with more experience, but in the meantime...

I actually have the front element group from a GSN out right now. Looking at the assembly it appears that the the first and second element rings are cemented together. If the fungus is not too bad, you may be able to place it in UV light (sunlight) to kill it it, and just leave the marks as-is.

Good luck!

[ARCHIVIST]

Thanks Justin.

The annoying part about this is that in the past I have had no trouble separating the two elements.

There has to be a knack to this otherwise the world would be full of discarded Electro front element assemblies.

Regards
Peter

[caperunner]

A site to view as a suggestion kyphoto.com This is a general camera repair/collecting/etc site. Someone may be able to help..

[FallisPhoto]

The two elements will seperate with the application of heat. Be careful though, because too much will damage the lenses.

[btgc]

Peter, I told on YashiForum I got stuck again after success with Petri thing. I kept front piece on heater for ~10 min. (it's warm, not hot), then simply unscrewed front ring (and not last back glass in construction), which keeps very front front element in place and back glass also loosened.

Yashinon front element most probably has different construction, but point is - I simply forgot over time which part had to be screwed to take it in pieces.