Yashica TL Super

[truls]

I got a faulty camera, a part of the prism, if this is correct, is loose. Looking through the viewfinder looked like after a couple of beers

So I opened the top of the camera, loosening more screws than necessary. I hope this one is possible for me to assemble. Well, one must learn when a camera to break comes along.

At this point, I can see the light meter needle, and some wires, but where is the actual meter cell device? Is it an easy fix to calibrate or waste of time?

[Stephen]

Not to sure about the Yashica light cells location, but I suspect from the picture it is above the eyepiece looking towards the prism.

Some SLR cameras read via a beam splitter in the screen that deflects light to the cell, some cells via patches in the silvering of the prism, some from cells on the back of the mirror, via slits,(as Miranda) or half silver patches like Minolta.

A few deflect the light downwards from the mirror to the floor of the mirror chamber, and some read downwards from the edge of the prism into the light from the lens before focus (Pentax).

Calibration would be a problem, usually not needed though if working. There should be either a mechanical adjustment ring, or screw, on the meter mechanism, or a mini potentiometer in the circuit to adjust.

The loose prism is a bit of a worry, it would not come loose on it's own...usually.... so it has been opened up in the past for some reason. Prism's are usually strapped in to the screen by a top strap, with foam blocks to press it down, the foam can rot though, and the lot come loose. I am not sure of Yashica's design, it may be the Prism is glued to a tray, which is held by screws.

The exact mounting of the prism is not critical, only the focusing screen itself must not be disturbed, without a bit of planning.

Stephen.

[Stephen]

Checking on net, there are two cells one each side of the eyepiece aimed forwards at the screen image. It looks like the red lead from the viewfinder is the feed to the meter.
Stephen.

[truls]

Thanks for enlighten me on this. You are right, the light meter is connected to he red wire. The housing was held by 2 plastic tabs wired with a feather on each side. One of the plastic tabs did broke. I fixed it by gluing and the common duct tape . Not very professional, but there are other duct tape warriors around this board. A bit of foam on the top to hold the prism in place is a good idea. May be I cut some and fit in place. The camera is in very good condition. I wonder why so many older cameras looks so good?

[Stephen]

From long experience in the photographic trade, a lot of customers only bought even more expensive cameras to use for holidays, and even for one holiday only.

They were not photographic enthusiasts, but had enough money to buy good quality cameras.

Too many national chain photographic shops sold the cameras that were too complex for the user, we used to try to guide the user to a type of camera where we were more sure to get a regular income from the developing and printing or slide film sales on a regular basis.

The heaviest camera users were the "Kodak customers", Instamatic, and the equivalent from other makers. the next busiest market was the Olympus trip, Retina and Vito B market, also known as the "Nurse" market, as so many were owned by nurses and professional lady customers! These were often the cameras that were used on a week to week basis.

The next heaviest user group were professional photographers, they used high end equipment, and wore it out!

The least used equipment was the buyer of good standard gear, who used it once. Believe me, it happened. They were utterly convinced the Camera took the photographs and were always vry disappointed to see the shots they took......blaming the camera for the shortcomings.

Camera enthusiasts and photographic enthusiasts could vary from lots of use to those who just collected cameras, most used slide film or black and white with a home darkroom, which was always a limited market.

There was also in the UK the "Dixons" customer, who just wanted it cheap!! ...their purchases could range from Nikon to Halina, and some were used, some not. They tended to assess the equipment in local shops and then mail order it cheaply....never finding out how to use the cameras.

And finally there are a lot of people who just bought cameras to keep up with the Jones's, just because a friend or work colleague had bought a camera, they had to buy one to keep up. They had no idea of how to use them, and they got put away and forgotten.......till ebay came along!!

Stephen.

[truls]

Stephen, very interesting reading. I know, my sister, a long time "instamatic" user, and have lots of film developed, must bring income to photo business. Today, she has gone digital, but order copies of most shots to the album. Who is bringing income to the photo business today? The same kind of users or has mail order and the bay taken this role.