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Talk me out of a flawless Yashica Lynx 14 DX

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I just think it is funny that j-dogg went to APUG to be talked out of buying a camera:whistling:
 
This thread is in danger of veering back on topic!


Steve.
 
Sorry, I can't talk you out of the Yashica 14 especially since I have one and love it. Unless, of course, you'd like to donate it to me.

Chris M.
 
No matter what you do the negative will always be 80 square inches short of that of a Kodak 2D.
 
No matter what you do the negative will always be 80 square inches short of that of a Kodak 2D.

Don't get him upset. It's only 78.67 square inches short!

Yesterday, I saw a Contax AX in the window of my local camera shop. It's amazing that something that large only produces postage stamp sized negatives. I have smaller medium format cameras.


Steve.
 
The focus is off by a good amount, which is surprising as it looks like it's never been used. I'm going to see about correcting this.
 
Do you mean the rangefinder is off?


Steve.
 
When I focus to something through the viewfinder that's 8' away when it's in focus on the viewfinder the lens barrel reads 5'. Infinity focus = 9'.

Only way to know is put a roll through it.
 
I would shoot half the roll using the rangefinder (ignoring the distance scale) and the other half of the roll using the distance scale only.

If the rangefinder images of something far away* do not line up with the lens set to infinity then I think it's more likely that the rangefinder needs adjusting rather than the lens being wrong.

* I test these things on distant street lights at night. If you can find an un-obscured view of one about a mile away, you get a good small dot of light to check with.


Steve.
 
Not a bad idea. Tomorrow I'll begin the search for a battery for it, and I'll load a roll of film in it and seal off the door with electrical tape. There are plenty of opportunities for that test shot; there is a line of about 70 street lamps along Highway US1 here that I will do.

I also want to check the meter vs. my Nikkormat which is about 1/3rd under and my EOS Canon 5D digital which is dead-nuts accurate.

If I can get this thing working in good order I may have found my street rig that isn't a 5d and doesn't need 14 lenses to come with it.
 
I wouldn't shoot any roll to confirm something that you already know, that the range-finder is off. If the camera doesn't show any damage, the lens should be fine. To misfocus that way it should be quite a few millimetres off its normal seat. The repairer who aligned the rangefinder of my Vito CLR uses a distant antenna (TV aerial) around 30 or 40 metres away (on top of an eight-store apartment building, the building basement is some 20 metres away), I suspect it is not true infinity, and a more distant object would be better, as said.
 
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That's 1/4, for our American cousins.
Yes.... a quarter.... or a fourth as I think they call it!


Steve.

Actually on this side of the Pond, we are rather fond of taking the Fifth. Of course the Fifth is much better if it is based on the Imperial Gallon rather than the wimpy U. S. Standard Gallon.

2 Young
2 Drink
4 Roses

Steve
 
Actually on this side of the Pond, we are rather fond of taking the Fifth. Of course the Fifth is much better if it is based on the Imperial Gallon rather than the wimpy U. S. Standard Gallon.

2 Young
2 Drink
4 Roses

Steve

We are even more fond of pleading the Fifth. :laugh:
 
Sorry to hear...that is not fun re the focus being off.

Maybe send it in for a CLA? I am not sure a mere mortal can adjust it without some expertise? That RF mechanism is very confusing.

The Yashica Guy (www.yashica-guy.com/index.html) does not advise doing it since it takes a bit of know how.

I believe there is a guy on RFF (Russ) who does a CLA for $50 of a Yashica (www.camerarefurb.com).

I think there is also Mark Hama (www.markhama.com)

Maybe reach out to them?

I am sure other Apug'ers can recommend other RF CLA pros?

My Linx was fine on the focus so I have not had it CLA'd. I opened it up and cleaned parts of the RF (not the beamsplitter since you can possibly rub of the coating - be careful here if you even attempt to open the RF).
 
50 bucks for a CLA? Yep, this one might be going off to the professionals.

I can do the seals and battery, but if a CLA is 50 bucks for this then I'll do what I can and leave the adjustment to the pros. Unless the seals are included then I'll turn them loose on that too.

I've done shutter replacements, lens repair, but it's all SLR and DSLR stuff, I've never been inside a RF so I just might send it off. Thanks.
 
JDog, I believe Russ' CLA includes new seals!

He seems like a highly respected Yashica repair person over at RFF. I have seen many positive posts over there about his work.

The below page has a description of his $50 CLA, maybe check RFF for some feedback of Russ' work or maybe some Apug'er can comment?

I believe his handle at RFF is b1bmsgt:

http://www.camerarefurb.com/Services.htm

Mark Hama is also a legend when it comes to the Yashica RFs. I believe he used to live in Japan and actually assembled the Yashica RF cameras. He is in the states somewhere...I would think new seals come with his CLA but you should call/email him for a quote. If the seals are included in a CLA, dont waste the $10 for it and have it done as part of the CLA, save the cash for some film!

Mark's site:
www.markhama.com

Any Apug'er used Mark that can comment on his service? Or any other RF CLA'er for Yashica RFs?

Wish you the best, you will LOVE this camera!!!!!!! You basically have a Leica with a 1.4 lens for no where near the cost...
 
I have a beautiful example of a Lynx 14 minus one battery cover/door. I just looked at it for the first time in a long time this past weekend. Reminded myself I must get a battery door for this thing. I can't wait to us it. My other Lynx does beautiful......amazing photos with B&W.

Every rangerfinder I have that has come back from a CLA has become a wonderful, useful camera that I love to use and still makes the neighbors wonder what's wrong with me. Digital? Yup, use it on occassion, but nothing beats the classic pictures that come from a classic camera.......

Get that thing a good CLA and you will quickly find that you have an amazing camera.

Bob E.
 
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