Disassembling Yashica Electro 35: Lens Removal Guide

how to remove yashica electro 35 lens

The Yashica Electro 35 is a popular camera for photography enthusiasts, known for its affordability and impressive picture quality. However, like any vintage camera, it may develop issues over time, such as a stuck timer or a faulty shutter mechanism. To address these problems, one must carefully disassemble the camera, following a step-by-step process that involves removing the lens ring, unscrewing the outer lens, and exposing the shutter and mounting screws. While some lenses are challenging to detach, others come off easily, revealing the inner screws that hold the lens module together. With the right tools and guidance, one can successfully remove the Yashica Electro 35's lens, gaining access to the internal components for repair or cleaning.

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Use a small flathead screwdriver to remove the lens ring

To remove the Yashica Electro 35 lens, you will need a small flathead screwdriver. You may also require a small hammer, a well-lit area, a tray or paper towel to work on, jeweller's screwdrivers, spanners, cotton swabs, Windex, and a lens brush and tissues for cleaning the glass.

First, use the small flathead screwdriver to remove the lens ring. There are two small slots that allow for a small flathead screwdriver to spin the piece. Next, do the same to unscrew the outer lens, exposing mounting screws. You may need to use a screwdriver and a small hammer to tap it free.

Remove the inner three screws, and the entire outer ring on the lens will be released. This is the part with the B/AUTO/Flash settings. After this, the aperture part of the lens can be removed by unscrewing the centre ring around the shutter.

The second set of screws, in the black ring, will give you access to the meter circuitry. Unscrew them, and the front of the lens barrel will lift off. You can clean the circuits with a contact cleaner pen if you wish. When replacing, the little peg goes at the top.

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Unscrew the outer lens to expose mounting screws

To unscrew the outer lens to expose mounting screws, you will need a small flathead screwdriver and a small hammer.

First, remove the lens ring. There are two small slots that allow for a small flathead screwdriver to spin the piece. Next, do the same to unscrew the outer lens. You may need to use a small hammer to tap the lens free. This will expose the shutter and multiple mounting screws.

You will only need to remove the inner three screws to remove the entire outer ring on the lens. This is the part with the B/AUTO/Flash settings. After removing these three screws, you will be left with the aperture part of the lens.

It is important to be careful when removing the lens and exposing the mounting screws, as one wrong move could damage the camera. It is also important to note the order and orientation of the parts as you disassemble the camera, so that you can put it back together correctly.

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Remove the screws holding the lens module to the camera body

To remove the screws holding the lens module to the camera body, you will need a small flathead or Phillips-head screwdriver. You may also need a small hammer.

First, remove the skin covering on the front of the camera. This will reveal the four screws holding the lens module together. Using your screwdriver, remove these screws.

Once the screws are removed, hold the lens and pull the lens module upwards. The top of the lens module is still attached to the camera body by screws. Remove these screws, using some force if necessary, and the lens module will separate from the camera body.

At this point, you will be able to see the shutter. You may wish to remove the retaining ring around the shutter blades, swinging aside the lens barrel. Be careful not to overtighten the ring when replacing it, or your aperture ring will be stiff.

Now, you should see three screws holding the lens board to the lens. Remove these to separate the lens board from the lens.

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Separate the lens board from the lens by removing three screws

To separate the lens board from the lens of a Yashica Electro 35 camera, you must first expose the screws that hold the lens board to the lens. This requires removing the lens ring, which can be done using a small flathead screwdriver. With the lens ring removed, you will be able to see the mounting screws.

The next step is to remove the lens module from the camera body. To do this, you will need to remove all the screws holding the lens module to the camera body. This may require some force. Once the lens module is removed, you will see three screws that hold the lens board to the lens.

Using a screwdriver, remove these three screws. Be careful not to overtighten the screws when putting the lens back together, as this could cause the aperture ring to become stiff.

It is important to work in a well-lit area and to have the necessary tools, such as screwdrivers, spanners, and cotton swabs, before beginning the disassembly process.

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Clean the lens and focus mechanism as needed

To clean the lens and focus mechanism of your Yashica Electro 35, you will need to disassemble certain parts of the camera. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Cleaning the Rangefinder/Viewfinder:

  • Remove the battery cap.
  • Remove the three screws: two at each end of the top plate and one near the battery cap.
  • Lift off the sheet metal cover on top, which is usually held by a couple of drops of glue. Be careful not to break the green wire that runs from the top to the flash PC socket, or you will need to solder it back.
  • Clean the inside elements and mirror carefully with Q-tips. Avoid cleaning the mirror, as its coating is fragile and can be damaged easily.
  • Replace the sheet metal cover with a few drops of fresh glue.

Cleaning the Shutter:

  • If your shutter is sticky or sluggish, you may need to clean it with a contact cleaner.
  • Carefully introduce a small droplet of contact cleaner through the gap and exercise the shutter.
  • Alternatively, you can use isopropyl alcohol or vinegar, especially if there is oxidation present.

Cleaning the Lens Barrel:

  • Remove the front nameplate from around the lens.
  • Remove the light baffle beneath it. There are two screws, one on top and one on the bottom.
  • Tighten the three silver screws that hold the front half of the lens assembly in place.
  • If the lens barrel is still wobbly, remove the three screws, the black housing, and the aperture selection ring.
  • This will reveal a brass plate with three more screws that can be tightened.

General Lens Cleaning:

Once you have completed the disassembly and cleaning of the internal components, you can use a lens brush and tissues to clean the glass lens.

Remember to work in a well-lit area with a tray or paper towel to avoid losing small parts and screws.

Frequently asked questions

You will need a small flathead or Phillips screwdriver, a small blade screwdriver or X-acto knife, and a small hammer. You may also want a tray or paper towel to work on, a lens brush, and tissues for cleaning the glass.

First, remove the skin covering on the front of the camera to reveal the screws holding the lens module together. Unscrew the lens ring, then the outer lens, using a small flathead screwdriver. This will expose mounting screws. Use a screwdriver and a small hammer to tap the lens free. Remove the inner screws to detach the outer ring.

You will be left with the aperture part of the lens, which can be removed by unscrewing the centre ring around the shutter. Be careful not to overtighten when putting the ring back, or your aperture ring will be stiff.

Once the lens module is halfway removed, take out all the screws holding it to the camera body. The lens will then separate from the camera.

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