Auto Yashikor 3.5/200

[Mal1905]

This lens - by Yashica - came as part of three I bought in an estate sale from a lady in the States. There was also a Super Takumar 3.5/135 (with original caps, hood and case), and a JC Penney MC 2.8/55 - but for $45.00 I'll take a risk anyday!

I took the 200 out at the weekend to see what it was like - and guess what? I actually like it. I'm going to compare it to my Canon 70-200mm 2.8 IS L at some stage just to see how different they can be.

[Attila]

Nice result ! I cross my fingers for Yashica to won against Canon

[luisalegria]

Do you have a picture of the Auto-Yashikor ?

I have my suspicions...

[Mal1905]

[Mal1905]

Here you go

[luisalegria]

Thanks for the picture !

OK, you stumped me. I thought it would be an earlier lens (1960's). This one is 1970's.

I have no idea who made this one.

[Screamin Scott]

Looks like a lot of Tokina made 200mm F3.5's I've seen

[aoleg]

[Screamin Scott]

aoleg,
If your Vivitar has a serial # starting with #37, then it was made by Tokina for Vivitar...

[antonijover]

Hi everyone,
I know that's an old post (and my first one in this forum ) but I'll try anyway. Got this lens, the Yashikor Auto 200mm f/3.5 in M42 mount (with a C/Y adaptor ring that made me freak out at first) for 1 euro plus postage. The lens is in a cosmetically excellent condition, but, problem is: the aperture blades are stuck wide open, even though the aperture ring runs freely.
I'd love to attempt to repair it myself, but since I'm not an optical geek, I'm a bit scared of ripping it apart (I fixed a Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 myself in the past, but that's hardly a guarantee), but there's hardly any info on the net about this particular lens, no manuals, etc.
Any info on how to proceed, what to look for or similar lens designs I could use as reference? Thank you very much!

[WNG555]

There is also a repair and diy subforum here that may have folks who can offer advice.

I don't have experience with this model. Suspect it's a Tokina. But if you have very good small screwdrivers, and a lens ring spanner, it should be pretty straight forward to disassemble.

Given the built in lens hood, slide the hood out and look for 3 set screws. Loosen and the front rim and hood should unscrew.
Lens retainer rings should be holding 4 elements in this telephoto. If you must remove the mount to access the rear, then do so, since the rear element is likely recessed. You should see the linkage to the aperture. Work it carefully to see if the blades will move out.

Once the elements are out, you'll have access to the front and rear of the blades. Degrease with lighter fluid (naptha or white gas). I use cotton swabs to wipe off and absorb the run off of fluid. This is how I usually do it, unless it's so bad that cleaning individual blades is required.

[luisalegria]

Replied by email -
Generally for stuck aperture you go in through the back.
Goal is to get to the aperture blades.

[antonijover]

Thank you, luis and WNG555, very grateful for your quick and detailed advices!
I'l try to get the proper tools and take a look inside with a careful approach. It has a typical M42 mount, with 4 flathead slotted screws holding the mount and four or five more screws distributed all around the aperture ring itself. Not much more is visible, so I'll try those in the first approach.
I'll try to mount it in a 6D before and do some sharpness, contrast and aberration tests before, just to see if it's worth taking the risk.

- Worst case scenario 1 (unlikely): I'm unable to refit the lens again.

- Worst case scenario 2: I cannot repair the aperture mechanism, which wouldn't be the end of the world, since I'm planning to mostly use it wide open (closing it every now and then wouldn't hurt, of course)