Learn CLA on Yashica YK.. No info

[peter k.]

Need to learn how to do a CLA on this Yashica YK rangefinder. The shutter will not fire, nor come open when set on 'B', while pressing on the now operating trigger.
Its stuck tight. Did a search, but couldn't find a manual, parts breakdown or any info on its disassembly.
It's a Copal Yashinon 1:2.8 f-4.5cm lens.. Inside with the outer lens off, it states Copal -SV

Does anyone have some clues to a location or some information on its disassembly, or point me in a direction?
Thanks...

It doesn't surprise me, that its not functioning, the trigger was all gummed up with its dried grease, cleaned the side and area, and then every so slightly applied some grease to it and the trigger plunger itself. It now returns very easily. This camera has probably been sitting around for years and years.
Its challenging, and its been fun as I have nothing to lose.. and a lot to learn, on a rainy winter's day.

 

[dxqcanada]

Dead Link Removed

http://tinywrench.blogspot.ca/2011/02/yashica-yk.html

 

[peter k.]

Yes two excellent sites that gave me the info on the disassembly of the camera.. (see previous post) but has nothing on the disassembly of the lens itself..

 

[Kirks518]

Looks like a straight-forward spanner wrench is all you'd need. I'm pretty sure I see slots in the first trim ring, and then just keep going until either a multi-element assembly lifts out, or until you get to the shutter blades. My first guess as to why the shutter isn't working would be stuck from non-use over the years. Cleaning either by disassembly, or by extensive use of lighter fluid or electronics cleaner would probably take care of it.

 

[Kirks518]

I just read your other post. If the filter threads are out of round, getting the ring off my be difficult or impossible. If you have the tool to bend the threads back into round, try that. If you don't have one, you may want to go in from the back of the lens. If there are elements behind the shutter, they will also (usually) be removed with a spanner wrench. It's a tighter area, and a bigger pain in the A, but it's you're other option.

 

[dxqcanada]

From this site I would guess that the removal of the one screw under the lens will allow you to remove the front cover.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/rwrede/18066089445/in/photostream/

 

[peter k.]

Thanks guys.. I have gotten the camera disassembled.. and the front and rear glass unscrewed off the lens, what I need help with is this part.. the disassemble of the shutter itself.. to get at the stuck metal leaf blades themselves..
Didn't make that clear, as I have never done this before, but a picture is worth a thousand words...

 

[dxqcanada]

Hmm, not sure if you want to dig deeper into that ... I would suggest giving it a good wash of lighter fluid, then exercise, then more fluid.

 

[Kirks518]

^^ I agree. You can see the blades are gunked up. Lighter fluid/goof off/electronics cleaner will get that cleaned up. You'll probably have to repeat, but it will clear up and most likely work fine. Apply to the blades liberally, and use cotton swabs to soak up some of the liquid while it's still wet, that will remove the oils from the blades.

 

[peter k.]

Yeah.. the blades didn't look that bad until I applied lighter fluid .. twice on this side and once on the other.. but reading different posts.. there are those who say.. that the lighter fluid will only give temporary relief, that it is not a real fix.
Sooooo would like to take it apart, but oh my.. without some reference.. on what goes where ect.. YIKES. Of course I could make a digital reference of the disassembly.. but with no 'schematic' of its functioning parts, one does not know what to touch and what not to touch. :confused:

 

[02Pilot]

Some will disagree, but here's what I would try: soak the blades is lighter fluid, then while they are still wet, take some powdered graphite (use sparingly) and a Q-tip and very gently rub it on the blades. They should eventually loosen up, at which point you can apply more graphite and begin working the shutter. This will help to get the graphite (which will act as a dry lubricant) into the inaccessible parts of the blade actuating mechanism. After you've got it loosened up and the lighter fluid dries out, use a bulb blower to get any remaining loose graphite out before reinstalling the lens elements.

Right now, however, you appear to have no way to actuate the shutter, given how far you've pulled it apart (I'm assuming this is a standard leaf shutter arrangement - I have no specific experience with the YK). I would clean the various shutter parts you've removed and reinstall them before trying the graphite treatment (everything under the speed cam plate, plus the plate itself).

Worst case scenario, it doesn't work and you have to disassemble further. As long as you're gentle, there's really nothing to lose by trying.

 

[peter k.]

SUCCESS

Well never could find any breakdown of the lens itself, thankfully its a simple lens, so went slowly, and actually took apart more of the lens then I think I needed, but got it all apart, cleaned it up, and used a wide carpenter pencil, to put graphite on the leaves. Then.. surprise, got everything back together, and the shutter is functioning, now will do a shutter test for its speeds..

 

[trythis]

I would suggest not using pencils for lubricant. They are a mixture of clay and graphite, they clay being abrasive and any dust based thing is going to move around and get on the lens. There is a liquid suspended teflon lube that might be better, but its still leaves a lose particle at some point.

The other problem with using lighter fluid is that the lubricant thats supposed to be on any of the gear spindles or springs is going to get washed away. I attempted to unstick my Yashicamat shutter several times using the lighter fluid method and it worked for a week or two and then would lock up again later. In the end I eventually took every little tiny piece apart put it back together with no oil and it works perfectly.


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