Yashica FX-3: Mirror Stuck Up; Caution!

[ic-racer]

If the mirror sticks upward on a Yashica FX-3, don't try to pry it down. It won't come.

To get the mirror to snap down, one needs to expose the mirror mechanism. It resides on the RIGHT side of the mirror box and on the BOTTOM of the mirror box.

I peel back the covering to expose the 4 screws holding the front cover in place. The 4 screws are farther under the covering, and not seen in the picture. Also, take off the self-timer lever by peeling away the cover and unscrewing (normal thread screw.)

 

[ic-racer]

The mirror mechanism is on the other side of the mirror box (this photo is from a prior repair).

 

[ic-racer]

I was able to push lever #18 (QRL-1 in the manual) down and that got the mirror to snap down. After doing that a few times, it was working fine.

 

[ic-racer]

In case it continues to get held up, one solution in the manual is to alter the articulation between #18 (QRL-1) and #4 (QRL-2)

 

[alentine]

That's great racer.
Thank you very much.

 

[ic-racer]

Just to summarize, because some people don't have time to read the whole thing:

Resist the temptation to force the mirror down. Your force on the mirror can't be transmitted backward through the mechanism to un-jam it. The mechanism will break!

 

[ic-racer]

A little coincidence, I was looking for some parts cameras and came across this just yesterday. Description reads "Shattered mirror, for parts only."
Looks like the mirror is stuck up and someone tried to force it down.