Topic: Removing top cover from Yashica YE

[Kai-san]

A newly acquired Yashica YE has a hazy viewfinder that I want to clean up. I have removed all obstacles and the top is loose, but the two round rangefinder windows protrude outside the cover and blocks the cover from being lifted upwards. Especially the left one (on the right side in the picture); it protrudes about one millimeter. I do not want to bend the metal outwards and possibly damage the cover. Is there a trick to get the cover off? This camera is very similar looking to a Leica IIf and early Zorkis, so maybe some of you have some experience to share?

[Francois]

Have you tried a friction driver?

[Bryan]

It looks very similar to a Leica IIIc, the instructions listed below may help.  I can see you unscrewed the viewfinder rings on the front, is it the lens that is obstructing it from coming off?  They may just pull out but don't force them.  The one on the left is a wedge that needs to be properly positioned, at least that is how it is on the Leica.  You may want to somehow note it's position before you remove it.  It rotates to adjust the alignment of the rangefinder image. 

http://rick_oleson.tripod.com/index-154.html

[Kai-san]

It looks very similar to a Leica IIIc, the instructions listed below may help.  I can see you unscrewed the viewfinder rings on the front, is it the lens that is obstructing it from coming off?  They may just pull out but don't force them.  The one on the left is a wedge that needs to be properly positioned, at least that is how it is on the Leica.  You may want to somehow note it's position before you remove it.  It rotates to adjust the alignment of the rangefinder image. 

http://rick_oleson.tripod.com/index-154.html

Thanks Bryan, that might just be the problem. I will try to remove the two RF lenses after marking up their position. Will report back tomorrow.

[Kai-san]

Well, this was not so easy as it might appear in Rick Oleson's notes. The RF lens on the left in the picture came out very easily, but the one on the right will not budge. And of course that is the most critical one for removing the cover. There is a limit to how much force that can be used without breaking something. I think I will reassemble the camera and accept it as it  is.