Jump to content

Spots on the mirror of my Yashica 635, advice please!


anthea50

Recommended Posts

<p>Hi, I got out my Yashica 635 TLR because I decided to give it a clean up as I was planning on trying it out again after many years, and I was cleaning the lenses etc., when I suddenly saw the mirror inside, and it is covered in grey spots! I was given this camera way back in the 80's and I used quite alot, I don't think I ever saw the mirror though, so I'm not sure how long the spots have been there....my question is, can anyone tell me if this is mould, or mirror deteriation from plain old age, and can anything be done, ie, is a repair possible? Always assuming I can find someone to do it (I live in Brisbane, Australia) but that's a secondary thing, I love this camera, it used to take beautiful photos back in the day, I would be sad if it's not fixable. Please have a look at the two images, and give me some opinions please!</p><div>00UWaR-173809684.jpg.bbb2ae41127337a9777761d585723a57.jpg</div>
Link to comment
Share on other sites

<p>I have some TLRs with mirrors that look worse than yours and they are still very usable. The image on the ground glass will be somewhat dimmer, and if it gets worse it'll get a bit more difficult to focus. When you decide that you want to fix this, the cheapest option is to buy a used Polaroid One Step instant camera (the ones that pop up). These have a mirror in it that is silvered on the front and not the back, just like the mirror in your TLR. You can disassemble this Polaroid, take the mirror out and cut it to the correct size using a glass cutter and the TLR's mirror as a template. Then just swap it in for the old one in your TLR. These Polaroids are cheap, I once bought one for $3 at a thrift store and the mirrors are usually in tip top shape.</p>
Link to comment
Share on other sites

<p>Whew thanks Markus! Your quick response is appreciated too. I will put some film through it and see what happens! I am happy to think that although it may not be as good as before, my Yashica should still work ok. I was recently given some 35ml film too, so I was going to try that, which I've never tried before, only 120. Should be interesting, I think. I will also keep an eye out for Polaroid One Step's in case I do decide to replace the mirror.<br>

Many thanks for your help, you've made my day! Cheers, Anthea :)</p>

Link to comment
Share on other sites

<p>Hi Anthea,</p>

<p>If you ever do need a professional serviceman/repair for your any of your photo equipment, I highly recommend Alan Robertson. He's not too far from you. I had him do a CLA a few months ago on my Canon A1 and at the same time remove fungus from a lens. Turn around time was one week and his prices are reasonable.</p>

 

Alan Robertson

<br />

F16 Camera Service<br /> 243 Victoria Avenue<br /> Margate, Queensland 4019<br /> 07-3284-1588<br />

Link to comment
Share on other sites

<p>Thanks heaps Stuart! Much appreciated, I live at Shorncliffe, so Margate is like next door! I will test it first and then see what if anything I need to do; but it's great to have the name (especially recommended) of someone who can do repairs. Cheers, Anthea :)</p>
Link to comment
Share on other sites

<p>Hi, Anthea Good to see another Aussie in the Forum! I'd suggest from your pics that the silvering on the mirror has begun to deteriorate, rather than mould or fungus. So whether you do a bit of DIY and cannabalise the mirror from an El-Cheapo Polaroid, or have it professionally done as Stuart suggests, is a matter of the thickness of your wallet (or purse!)</p>

<p>Coincidentally, I acquired a really nice Yashica 635 outfit here in Perth a few months ago. It must be an early one because it has the overnight-bag size leather carrying case, rather than the usual TLR ERC. Yet the mirror in it is still just fine. Maybe that's the luck of the draw with our generally dry Perth weather, compared to the more humid stuff you get in Queensland? I posted a couple of pics and writeups on the Yashie 635 in my Flickr Portfolo pages here:</p>

<p> <a href=" Yashica 635 TLR

<p>and here: <a href=" Yashica 635 Outfit

<p>BTW, the general concensus from 635 users seems to be that sticking to 120 film is the better option, unless your main interest is studio-type portrait photography. Landscape shots using 35mm film are unbelievably difficult, because you have to hold the damn camera sideways. I was lucky enough to get the full 35mm adaptor kit included with my outfit, but I don't think it had ever been used 'in anger'.</p>

<p>PETE IN PERTH</p>

Link to comment
Share on other sites

<p>Hi Anthea, just tio add to what's been said, looking at the pictures I wonder of some of the stuff is on the rear of the viewing lens. I'd be a little concerned as it could be fungus which needs cleaning before it gets any worse. This chamber can collect all sorts of rubbish over the years. It's one of the easier jobs to take the hood off a Yashica - just remove the two screws either side and it lifts off.</p>
Link to comment
Share on other sites

<p>John might be right, but the crud you see in picture two might also just be dirt sticking to the ground glass. In any case, I agree that it would be a good idea to take the hood off to clean the area around the mirror a bit. Just stay away from the mirror. I guarantee that if you try to clean it, you'll make it worse. Just clean around it, the back of the lens, and the bottom of the ground glass. If it actually is fungus on the back of the lens, you can use a lens tissue with some vinegar on it to clean off the fungus. Then use some lens cleaning fluid to clean the glass.</p>
Link to comment
Share on other sites

<p>Thanks everyone for the great advice, much appreciated! Pete - thanks for the tip about using 35ml film, I don't have the kit, so I'll give that idea a miss. I will try and see if I can get the hood off and have a look at least. Wish me luck! Cheers, Anthea :)</p>
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...