Yashica Electro 35 missing RF component

[Oknepop]

Hello everyone, first post.

I got a Yashica Electro 35 GT a while back and while adjusting the infinity setting on the rangefinder recently, I managed to muck up the rangefinder. Looking through the viewfinder, all I can see is a bright rangefinder patch, but it doesn't do anything (move, or form that rangefinder double image) when I focus). From what I can tell I knocked out one of the optical components. I included images below to show which component it is (circled red), as well as what my camera looks like.


Source:http://astroturtle.com/wp/tag/fix/


And mine..


Does anyone know whether replacements are available and where I might be able to get one? It's possible that the piece is still in my camera somewhere, rattling around, but I don't want to risk taking the whole thing apart just to cause more damage or not be able to reassemble it (although I know its something I might have to do).

Thank you!

 

[Chrismat]

These cameras have great lenses. Where are you located? You might just want to buy a beater from Ebay and use the parts from it.

I have sent Electros for repair to Russ Sisco at http://www.camerarefurb.com/ and Mark Hama http://www.markhama.com. Mark Hama worked for Yashica in Japan. Russ loves Yashicas and taught himself how to repair them, they both do great work. They may have parts to sell to you if you don't want to buy a beater for parts.

Chris.

 

[Oknepop]

Thanks for the quick reply, Chrismat.

I'm going to take the camera apart tonight and see if the part is lodged in there somewhere. I'll email one of the guys you mentioned if I can't find it. Unfortunately, living in Ireland, buying an old beater+shipping it here would cost almost as much as just buying another camera.

Thanks again for your help!

 

[noacronym]

Get a box and put paper flat in the bottom to cover up the flaps so a part can't hide underneath, turn the camera upside down and start shaking. If it's in there it will come out, or at least rattle. I've been down on all fours more time than once, and always found my part. But then I'm kinda stupid--I don't give up till it's found.