Yashica D loose lens board

scyg · May 26, 2020

The lens board on my Yashica D is loose, to the point where I can see a definite focus shift between the extreme positions. The viewing lens end of it seems to be moving more, so what I see on the ground glass ain't what I'm getting on film. Would this be worthwhile fixing (i.e. is there a simple, cheap fix), or would it require intensive surgery (i.e. am I better off replacing the camera)?
I have another functional TLR (a 124G), but I like the D because I can do in-camera multiple exposures easily:

If this is something relatively easily fixed, I'd rather go for that, as everything else on the camera works as I want it to and I've invested some time in flocking the film chamber, and other bits and pieces.

campy51 · May 26, 2020

Take the front leather off the camera and see if you can see the screws and then just tighten them.

kevs · May 27, 2020

If it's just a few loose screws you'll be fine; it's an easy fix. This website has an exploded view pdf that might be useful; there are also plenty of repair videos about the various Yashica TLRs on Youtube. https://learncamerarepair.com/product.php?product=150&category=2&secondary=39

Dan Daniel · May 27, 2020

Try removing the front leathertte and tightening the screws there. The smaller screws simply hold the lens shroud in position while the larger screws actually attach the lens baord to the focusing rails. You don't need the leatherette for light sealing or anything so don't worry about replacing it until you have a working camera.

Be aware that there could be a problem with the focusing rails and cam followers. This involves opening up the sides to check and possibly adjust. OIf tightening the screws on the front doesn't fix the wobble, be prepared to go inside. Not difficult but will take some skill and patience.

Kino · May 27, 2020

Just be sure to not lose any shims behind each screw! If you do wind up taking off the lens board for whatever reason, be sure to lay the camera on it's back and VERY CAREFULLY lift off the lens board and immediately note which shims go where.

You'll be glad you did...

scyg · May 27, 2020

Thanks everyone for the advice. I'll try to see if I can get this thing working again. With the flocking and a lens shade I've had really very decent results from it despite the less than stellar reputation the Yashikor cameras seem to have, so I really hope not to have to replace it.

Grim Tuesday · May 28, 2020

My Yashikor "Yashica LM" took better pictures than my Yashinon "Yashica D" and "Yashica-mat LM." The triplets can be really nice sometimes.

scyg · Jun 13, 2020

I finally got to it, and lo and behold, one of the screws holding the lens board had worked itself loose under the leatherette. A couple of turns and it feels solid and reliably focuses at infinity again. I put a drop of Loctite on each screw to ensure it wouldn't loosen up again in my lifetime. I have replacement leatherette from cameraleather.com, so I'm good to go. Thank you all for your help.

scyg · Nov 18, 2020

Fun fact - after finding and tightening the loose screw, I was sure the problem was fixed. But lo and behold, I saw focus shifting again, despite the lens board being nice and firm now. I noticed that the focus came and went as I shook the camera, but not in any predictable way. I finally located the culprit - the retaining ring on the front of the viewing lens was loose, letting the front element move around. A couple of twists with a spanner, and I believe I have the problem licked - finally. Old cameras are a bit like old cars - every time you think you've got everything figured out, something new pops up. I guess that's why I love them so.

Yashica D loose lens board

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