Tags: 35mm > assembly > camera > diy > fun > gakken > gakkenflex > lens > magazine > mould > plastic > project > screw > spring > tlr > tools
Finally got my Gakkenflex assembled and ready to go. It was really fun putting the little parts together but not being able to read Japanese (in the instructions) did make me pause a couple of times to look hard before proceeding. Some of the parts/steps were a little confusing (for me). So I decided to note those down and maybe share with everyone here … in case anyone is interested. 
All ready to start … after Fitzand goes to bed
The final product … ready to go!
The first thing to note is that the package comes with 3 different types of screws. You can sort them out before proceeding. When you look at the instructions … do note the screws to be used in the diagrams. I’m not sure if using the wrong ones will cause any headache later but then … it’s better to be safe than sorry.
The flat head type
The … ermm … ‘flying saucer’ shape ones
The rounded head type
One thing that got me a little confused was the mirror assembly. You will find a piece of mirror and a piece of white paper of the same size and shape. The white paper is actually a double sided tape. What you need to do is just to first peel off one side of the double sided tape to reveal the stick part. Then stick it on the plastic part (the one below A & B in the diagram). Align it nicely. Now carefully remove the other side of the double sided tape to reveal the other sticky side. Remove the protection sheet from one side of the glass and carefully place the mirror onto the double sided tape. This will hold it in place.
Once that is done, you can peel off the protection sheet from the other side of the mirror that’s facing upwards. You can use some sticky tape to ‘pull up’ the protection sheet (as in the diagram) or be lazy like me … just use your fingernail to remove the sheet. It comes of very easily. So what got me confused in this step? Hahaha. It didn’t really confuse me but I had a hard time peeling of the backing from the double sided tape because it was so darn thin and I have big fat fingers.
Next is the shutter mechanism. I know some got stuck at this stage but if you look carefully … it is pretty simple. From the diagram, it seems that it is trying to tell us to leave a 1mm gap when installing that screw (below diagram, marked with red arrow). I was wondering why we have to do this …
That was until I came to the next step (below). You need to ensure the part (marked A) is aligned with the part marked B. By tightening/loosening the screw (marked C), you can then make sure the two parts (A & B) are aligned. This is very important as later when you trigger the shutter … part A will push part B to open up the shutter.
There are two springs that look pretty identical but of different sizes in there. If you are confused, just look carefully at them and match them to the diagram. Apart from the sizes, the C-shaped part of the spring for both of them are different.
The other things in setting up the camera is pretty easy. The last thing that you might wanna take note is when installing the ‘flap’ that’s on top of the camera. Sorry I don’t know the exact name of this thingie but it is highlighted in the diagram below. Note the red arrow? You will find a protruding plastic tab on one side of the flap. Make sure that part is located to the rear of the camera … otherwise you will have problem closing the top flaps. If you made a mistake, don’t worry. Just carefully remove the part and redo again.
That’s about all. Not sure if these are of any help at all but … ermm … just sharing a few things that I thought might help.
Wah~~ You guys are soooo fast. I still haven’t start yet. LOL.
@irorus : So slow???!!!! You got yours a couple of days before I did. So busy eh?
she busy go shopping with me… hahahahhaa
@noreen : Wor!!!! Hahahaha! You lucky kids!
This is bloody poison!!! I love camera and I love DIY projects….
@leejing : If that’s the case … you must get this!
Handy guide! Will forward this to the gf. I got it as a gift for her! Are you looking forward to the next magazine?
@Mike : The one with the mini electric guitar? Oh yea! Damn. Looks so cool. Damn. I need $!!!!
Ahh!! I want! Will drag myself to ThirtySix this weekend or something.
this is soooo interesting! How do I get this book? o.O
@wynth : Are you local (Singapore)? If you are, ThirtySix at Sunshine Plaza has them. New stocks coming in soon. If not … you can try getting it online through their online store at 8storeytree.com
can’t wait to lay my hands on them!
yup i’m local! thanks! I will head down there soon to take a look!
@wynth : You might wanna check with them about availability before you head down there. I heard the first batch was sold out.
It will be a while before I get mine but this is sure useful, Thanks ndroo.
By the way, if you have a chance can you show me what it’s like looking through the viewfinder please?
I want to TTV with it.
Thank you
@Ta : I’ll try take a couple of pics TTV perhaps during the weekend. The viewfinder is pretty dark so it’s quite hard to see indoors. Hahaha. Could be my old fuzzy eyeballs though. The viewfinder lacks the curvy thingie that makes TTV photos look unique but maybe there will be some cool results too.
the spring gt me confuse…
@shunzi : Yeah. Those are pretty tricky. You managed to get it done?
no. lol
the problem is, i dont see how the shutter can be push open with the diagram indicated. both are aligned, A is working fine but the problem comes from B.
the more i try to figure it out the more confuse i gt. LOL
Help!
@shunzi : If you look at the diagram, A will push B and then B will swing over and push that little ‘hump’ on that piece of long-ish plate (aka shutter). That’s how the shutter will open & close. Which part are you stuck at?
@ndroo – but the shutter could only ‘open’ by swinging to the left side right? if B are push the hump, shdnt it be swinging to the right instead?
@shunzi : I think part B actually opens up the shutter on its way back to original position (ie. when part B swings back to position). I’ve got mine all assembled and can’t take a look to confirm. Hahaha. I fixed mine in a state of semi-coma last night and can’t remember very clearly.
oh gawd. guess i’m stuck there for now XD.
maybe i should seek help from 36. demand them for the ‘after-sales-service’ ! ahah
@shunzi : Hahaha! Looks like 36 is gonna turn into gakkenflex service center soon.
WOOOOO!! saw this and ended up fixing mine until so late.
useful pointers! helped me out quite abit
hey check out my digital harinezumi 2~! and there is not black and white mode.. sorry
http://www.flickr.com/groups/digitalharinezumi/discuss/72157622790482666/
@sumlom : Glad these helped (even just a little bit). Now time to go use the cam.
@mijonju : Cool. Saw the photos. No b&w mode? Duh! Maybe that will save me some $ then.
DIY camera!! Looks FUN!!!
ndroo & mijonju : black and white is for Harinezumi 3….. lol……
@noreen : Okay … we shall wait for the v3 then
@noreen : OMG! Oh damn! Mijonju just told me that the Harinezumi 2 does have the black & white mode! Press OK 3 times and it is there!!!
So…are we on?
Have you decided which bank?
i still got my kidney to sell before i go rob bank…..
@Ta : Give us some time. We are looking for one without security guards, alarm & CCTV.
@noreen : You should be able to get few of these toys with your kidney. Can I have one (the cam, not kidney)?
HEY EVERYONE!! there is black and white!!! it was my misTAKE!!!
there is even a black and white video MODE!
By the way, what is the damage for one of this killers? (Just need to know how many banks…………)
@ndroo: the springs i was talking bout.. where it says spring D, you actually put spring C. and spring C you put spring D. if you match the shapes then you’re on the right track (like how you decribed), but if you match with the visual list (they provide on the first page of instructions) then surely get confused, cos the parts dont fit.
same goes for spring A and spring B.
(at least that was the problem i had…..)
finally…..
its really to take some photos.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0s2XV9JYDo
a video of how to make black and white video with the new digihari2!!! tutorial~!
@Mijonju : Thanks for sharing. Ooooh there are some hot stuffs in there!
Thanks for the great info.
Here’s to share how I customized my Gakkenflex: http://moleskine.vox.com/library/post/gakkenflex—read-assemble-customize-shoot.html
@Patrick : That’s one damn cool design. It goes well with the strap and bag too.
Sadness! 8-storey tree is out of stock! >__<
Ndroo where can I get one of these? It looks like a pretty fun challenge to put together.. .looking forward to see pics from it!
@Nic : You should be able to get them from Japanese bookshops like Kino (if they are available there). Otherwise, maybe you can get in touch with 8storeytree and see if they can bring in some and send them to you. It is big fun putting it all together. I’ve yet to finish my test roll. Hahaha.
Where can I pick one of these up ???
In the UK or online ?
@John : I’m not sure if there are any Japanese bookstores in your area that carry this product, but you can contact Michel in Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mijonju/). He can help get this ‘toy’ and ship it to you from Japan.
I just got mine today. Thanks so much Michel.
John, Michel(Mijonju) provides great service!
I can’t wait to assemble it when I get home this evening…
Hey everyone – if you’re in seattle or the NW area of USA, they’ve got a stack of Gakken down at Uwajamya in the I.D. I was gonna buy but, um… need to work a bit more first heh heh….
@Erik : Thanks for sharing the info. I’m sure that’s great news for those living in the US.
I bought one of these on ebay yesterday (I got the last one, sorry) and the seller sent me a message containing a video link that shoes clearly how to assemble the shutter.
Heres the link for those that need it
http://otonanokagaku.net/magazine/vol25/mov_make.html
Good Luck
Anyone knows how to advance the film for the the Gakkenflex?
@Ta : Turn the knob 180 degrees to advance a single frame. There is some mark on the ring surrounding the knob, and you can use that as an indicator.
@Eric : Congrats!
Thank you ndroo
Where can i get one of these?
)
(Bearing in mind im in England
@Joe http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150387731811&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT#ht_2381wt_939
@John
Thanks! Ive been wantingone for ages.
You’ve made my day
@Joe glad to help , tell me how it goes , I am hoping to buy one myself , when I have the pennies .
i got my Gakkenflex! thanks for your english version guide.
@summerson1124 : Congrats on your Gakkenflex. Glad the guide was of help.
Where can i get the gakken? How much in S$ ar? Damn poison lah,seems cooler than BBF leh.
@jaks : I think it costs about S$56 from ThirtySix at Sunshine Plaza.
Hi ndroo!
Thanks for these details – I don’t know if I’m the only one, but it seems I have a mildly faulty B-part. When I slot the B-part into the ‘spool’, it seems to fit wayy too snugly and it’s not springing back properly because the part fits the spool too well – trying to rotate the thing takes a bit of effort and this is all without the screw even in! Do you happen to know what I could do?
Not sure if that makes sense (I hope it does) – I’m going to be so gutted if the shutter doesn’t work correctly. Everything else I’m fine with, but the fact that B-part isn’t springing back is making me worry!
@Maggie : How about trying to sandpaper (with fine ones) a little bit on the spool? It could be holding on too tight and thus restricting the movement? Guess you try sandpaper it a bit at a time until everything moves smoothly. Don’t worry … I’m sure it can be solved.
Hi, if I turn the advance know a full circle, am I skipping a frame? Should I only turn it a half circle to advance to the next frame?
Ooops! That should be “knob” not “know”
@David : Sorry for the late reply. I’ve just came back from a short trip. You need to turn the knob half a circle to advance to the next frame.
Help!!
I cant get the shutter working, it just half opens and then shuts when I release the shutter button. I’ve tried without the screw and with the screw in tight and it makes no difference….
@Rob : Don’t panic. Haha. Does the part A push part B all the way until the shutter opens … or does it snap back halfway thru?
@Rob : Make sure the A and B are aligned. Otherwise they might lose ‘contact’ midway.
Problem solved, I needed to streatch the spring holding the shutter blade out a little, I did this by accident, but it was a nice suprse when it worked
Works perfectly now 
Thanks for the help anyway
@Rob : Congrats! Hahaha! Time to go out shooting. Talking about that … I’ve yet to even finish my first roll on the Gakkenflex! Haha!
Okay, I’m nt sure if anyone has this problem,
But like you know the piece of plastic you fit into the first “cover” on top of the cam, isn’t it like.. a way bit too tinted for anything to be seen??!?
@v : It should be correct. It is not like the Blackbird, Fly where everything is clear. The focusing screen is matt and you’ve to put your eye near to be able to see the view.
Hehe, okay, thank you
I spent like 5 mins trying to peel off something from the plastic >< OOPS!
@v : Phew. Glad you didn’t rip out anything. LOL
thanks for guiding me thur this. managed to get it done thru some trial and error
hi there!
this is my first time using a TLR and i am totally lost at what to do.. the gakkenflex is assembled (shutter working perfectly and all), im using fujifilm xtra 400.. how do i know whether a picture has been taken? i tried snapping photos, advancing the film, then unlatching the hook at the back of the camera to view the film, but nothing appears? am i supposed to send it to be developed before i could actually see anything? sorry for the funny questions.. i really appreciate some help here.. thanks!!!
@deon : I hope you are just joking. Really. Oh please do not open the camera back before you finish shooting the roll (and rewinding it)!!! You will cause the film to be exposed and then you won’t get anything (on those frames where you opened the back). Stop. Don’t do that. You need to know about shooting with film aka analogue photography before you attempt to shoot with the Gakkenflex. Unlike digital cameras, there is no way you can preview the photos until you get the roll of film developed at the lab. It is not only for TLRs but for all film cameras. If you want instant results, you will have to look into Instax cameras instead.
OMG. no, i wasn’t joking. =(
this is the first time in my entire seventeen years of life i am trying out a film camera.
i bought the book 4 days ago from kino, struggled for 4 hours, totally damaged one of the springs connected to the shutter flap (attempted to twist it back with pliers but it broke instead), threw the “cloudy screen paper” away (thinking it was the ‘protection sheet of the mirror’)……. and bought another set from kino again.
i feel like an idiot after seeing your reply at what i just screwed up (again). T_______T
i don’t think anyone would actually do what i have done.. AHHHHH~~~!
but, i will not give up!
thank you so much for your instantaneous replies ndroo!! =D
Hey, I had one of this, haven’t start building it yet, but i was wondering not of the building part, but loading the film..
I can’t read japanese, and so far i know is that each frame you shoot, you got to wind the film till the film indicator turns half way or 180 degrees. I guess that’s pretty clear..
but what about loading the film?? Should i hook the film on the spool right at the 1st sprocket holes at the side of the film?? or what? then after loading the film into the spool, i’m suppose to close back the back cover, then, Should i start shooting? or do i have to wind the spool for some rounds again before starting to shoot??
@deon : OMG! Looks like you’ve spent a bomb on the 2 cams! Don’t worry. Have you finished the entire roll? Otherwise, just advance a couple of frames and continue shooting. At least the remaining ones won’t be screwed. So what did you do to the damaged camera? If you are thinking of throwing it away, maybe you can sell it to me for a little bit of $. I’d love to salvage parts for some experiments in the future. Anyway … you can read up more about these film stuffs before you waste more $ on film. Really.
@Sam : Once you ‘hook’ the film to the spool, you have to turn it a couple of rounds before you can start taking photos. The begining part (film leader) ain’t supposed to be exposed … well it is actually exposed (read : gone case) while you were loading it into the cam. So perhaps you can turn a full round (360 degrees) before you start shooting.
@ndroo: not yet.. i’d advance the film and continue shooting! =) yeh, about $95 for two after 10% membership discount from kino.. saw someone selling it (still available) at clubsnap for $99, so that’s a little bit of consolation for me, hahaha. my friend intends to fix the other camera, (he claims the spring can be bought, and to replace the thrown-away “cloudy screen paper” with tracing paper and some plastic thingy.. hopefully? do you think that’ll work?
@deon : The S$99 one is way too expensive. Madness. Yeah I think the spring can be quite easily replaced. As for the matt sheet, you can try the tracing paper method. Might work fine.
i just built this camera…but I am wondering if anyone have the same problem as me or can answer my question. My top board (the one which that matte plastic fits) doesnt seem to fit onto the top of the camera. I am not sure if i am meant to force it in or there is a problem with my camera.
@mag : If I remember correctly, you have to carefully slide it in and not force it … otherwise it might break. Try look carefully and you might be able to see how it can fit nicely.
@ndroo: i tried, but it seems that theres a little problem with the fitting. But due to the reflector in the inside of the camera, i guess it won;t affect the film.
@mag : So now are you able to place the piece of thing in fine? Try focusing and see if it does work. If it does, most probably it won’t affect the results.
@ndroo: the back of that part (the part which link to that lock) is ok, but the front is sitting loosely on the top of the camera which give a gap between the camera and the part, but focusing is alright.
@deon: is it still available at kino? which outlet did you go to? thanks! really interested in the camera!
@deon: no time to fix the gakkenflex yet.. =(
@noow: liang court.
not sure if there’s still stocks left, you could call to enquire.
the number is 63371300 for liang court, 67375021 for ngee ann.
anyways, kino (ngee ann) has the 大人の科学マガジン Vol.09 Planetarium Kit if it interests anyone here.
i finished assembling mine and it’s pretty awesome.
link is http://kinokuniyacbjbpromotions.blogspot.com/2010/01/vol09-planetarium-kit-available-at.html
@deon : Thanks for the info
[...] of Fuzzyeyeballs has a neat tutorial that helped me out through all the tricky parts, like the shutter installation. [...]
Hi,
i just assembled my gakkenflex, but i doubt i did the shutter part correcty since i can’t hear click sound
when i press the shutter but it springs back, just no click sound, how would i know if it’s working right?
please help, hope to hear from you asap.
@robbie : Did you test out the shutter part before you covered the camera (full assembly)? You should do that and from there, you can see if the shutter does open. The click isn’t that loud, so you should try checking if the shutter opens (since you said that it springs back). Open the back of the camera, point the camera at some bright light, press the shutter button. Look from the back (where the shutter is). Is there a quick flash of light coming in? Ermm … not really a flash of light, but when you press the shutter, you should be able to see the shutter opening & closing (real fast) from the back (with the back cover open).
i’m re-assembling it now, do you have a ym account?
@robbie : Nope. You can add me to MSN Messenger though. Add ndrooATpacific.net.sg (replace AT with @)
the screw C can’t be tightened no matter how hard i try to push and screw with the screw driver, maybe it has something to do with A and B not pushing and pulling each other back correctly, is there something i can do to correct this?
;(
@robbie : It doesn’t have to be real tight. Anyway … we’ll continue this on MSN and feedback here if there are any tips that might benefit others.
@robbie : Glad to hear that you’ve got it fixed. For those interested to know … robbie’s problem was the screw (labelled ‘C’) couldn’t be tightened. By adding in a little piece of paper before inserting the screw helped solve the problem. Yay!
@deon: Thanks for the info!
Hey I found the absolute cheapest Gakkenflex purchase to be shipped to the US- got it for a total of $40.00 on ebay- seller Handmadefun.
http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260556516918
Thought people should know.
@Courtney : Thanks for sharing. That’s a pretty good price.
Hello! I hope it’s ok for me to ask… I have a problem with the shutter too :/ I think part labelled A and B connect properly…? The problem is that when B opens to push open the shutter, it gets stuck and doesn’t close. ‘m on (sort of) bulb mode until i release the trigger a little.
Does the shutter screw need to be tightened a lot? No matter how much i try to tighten that screw, it doesn’t go any further. Was this the same problem Robbie had? Any ideas? I’m pretty exhuasted since it’s probably my 4th time trying re-do this… :/ Thanks!
@Tristan : If B pushes the shutter open and gets stuck, there is a possibility that the screw is too tight. Try loosen it a little. As for the screw on the shutter ‘disc/plate’, if it can’t be tightened … maybe you can put a little piece of paper in the hole (where the screw goes in) before inserting the screw. That might help tighten it. If this screw is too loose, it might cause the shutter to not snap back too.
Just called Kino Main store and ordered 2. It’s much cheaper than what’s the other forums are selling and since I am in no hurry to get them, I might as well go for the cheaper and reliable way.
For those interested, please call to make reservation.
Tel: (65) 6737-5021
ISBN:9784056055948
Quote them the ISBN, its easier than pronouncing the mouthful of japanese words.
@hogsforce : Cool to hear that. Yeah Kino’s price is good. ThirtySix sells them at a price not much different from them too. As for those sold in the forums … some are mad! I saw some going for S$99!!! Hahaha! OMG!
Thank you! Yeah, the shutter blade was the problem. It was too loose so i added a little piece of paper and used a blade to cut around the screw. Works perfectly now. I have to say, this probably took me more than 7 hours to fix… Now for some real testing!
@ndroo: exactly! I can get 2 for the same price of 1 they selling. Coincidentally, today Straits Times talking about toycams and stuff.
@Hogsforce. the ISBN number is for Gakkenflex right? They said it belongs to the Japanese books/mag section leh. Wierd.
@Jaks: Yes, it’s a Jap Magazine…
@Tristan : Congrats on getting it fixed.
@hogsforce : Yeah! I wonder what those guys are thinking by selling them at such a price. I read the Straits Times article. Cool.
Great news all..
They are in stock. Just collected mine from Kino. Saw a few people collecting also.
@hogsforce
So do you mean the Gakken is now instock? How much are they and at which outlet?
@Jaks
yup!
got mine for SGD$53.50 at Kino Main Store
Kino can start an entire section just to sell this cam now. LOL.
Hello. I just got my Gakkenflex. Got a roll of film to test and after one shot, the photo/film counter (you know the indicator) just wouldn’t move even though I tried (very lightly) to turn the upper wheel. Any help for my problem? Thanks in advance!
@Kid : Try pressing the back cover a little while turning the knob. See of the film counter moves. If it still doesn’t … maybe something wasn’t right during installation and … you might need to open it up to check. Since you have film in it … I’d suggest finish shooting the roll first. You can just keep shooting and advancing until you can’t advance it no more (ie. end of the roll).
Okay! Thanks. But how can I know whether the film is ready for an advance shot? Just estimate? Or approximate how long do I need to turn the wheel? And for the counter for a perfect assembled Gakkenflex, does it need to be tight?
Sorry for the long inquiry. 1st time user :>
OH! I tried pushing the back cover while turning the wheel and it works! Thank you so much for your help!! :>
@Kid : There is an indicator near the knob. You will need to first align the lines (on the knob and the one below it), then turn haf a circle every time you want to advance a frame.
@Kid : Cool. If that’s the case, I think I read somewhere that you can try loosen (or is it tighten) the screw at the knob a little. Don’t quote me on that …. because I can’t remember. Hahaha. Mine is behaving that way too … but I haven’t got the time to try fix it.
OKAY! Thanks again!
So 1 frame = half a circle right?
@Kid : Yeah … half a circle.
Okay! Thanks a lot! :>
@Kid : No worries. My pleasure. Have fun.
hihi, sorry abit not related but anyone have assembered gakken mook #planetarium? I am totally struck on the globe part which i do not understand the jap instruction. Anyone can advised?
@Deb : You can drop by ThirtySix and check with Jimmy. I think he has got one of those assembled.
Don’t say that I told you this … or he might kick my butt. 
haha thank you!!! i hope he will be willing to help as i dun buy it from there..
Hi,
Where did u buy the Gakkenflex from ? From Kinokuniya ?
@Rachel : Most of us either get it from Kino or ThirtySix.
How much is it ? Is it still selling at Kino ? because I heard this was a january issue.
@Rachel : I think it costs S$50+. Should still be available because I read that some guys bought it from Kino lately. Even if it is not in stock, you can place order with them.
ooo ok thanks gotta head down soon to Kino.;D
Hey do u provide customization service for gakkenflex.. I cant seem to find the materials for customizing…
@Rachel : I’ve yet to finish any customization on this camera. I did try (a little) but it seems my ideas were a little too ‘wild’ and not feasible. Apart from painting it, other customization on it might require quite some effort because most parts are pretty fragile.
Hi. I just went to develop my test roll. Is it normal for only a few images can be successfully developed? For a 36 film roll, I only got 14 pictures.
Is there a problem?
oh ok… by the way i just bought the gakkenflex and hell im having a hard time assembling. The shutter cant work properlyy… I was wondering if I could hand my camera for u to assemble ?? hmmm.. i really dunno and dun wanna end up wasting my money if i cant assemble it successfully,rwarrr
@Rachel : Sorry to hear that. You can pass it to me and I’ll try my best to get it done. Perhaps gimme a night or two … and I’ll see if I can get it working fine. Just SMS me at 98ANDREW to arrange.
@Kid : Sorry for the late reply. I somehow missed your question. What happened to the rest of the photos? Under/over exposed? For such ‘toy’ cameras, you need to have proper lighting (especially when Gakkenflex doesn’t have bulb mode). Screwing up shots is ermmm … nothing surprising if you ain’t too familiar with using it (yet). Look at the surviving shots and roughly base on that kind of lighting the next time you use the camera. If you really need to take shots when lighting ain’t too good … try double exposures.
Your hp is really 98ANDREW ? caps Or lower caps ?
@Rachel : I’ve replied your email.
How to purchase this camera? I’m live in China.
@max : You can get it online from here http://mijonju.ocnk.biz/product/12
@kid: its normal. my first roll got 10over pics. 2nd roll only 3 pics. LOL
mostly were underexposed badly. dont even both trying indoor shots if there’s little lighting. into my 3rd roll and all outdoor shots, yet to develop it though. *keeping fingers crossed*
@ndroo – it’s okay! i think should be underexposed. okay! thanks a lot for the help!
@hogsforce – woah. okay. it’s kinda like risky right, using the Gakkenflex. i’m gonna buy another roll soon and try it out again.
thanks too for the comment! appreciate it lots.
Thanks for making a site with these little hints. Would have been totally lost otherwise!!
One question: did anyone else have two screws left over? It seems to work fine, but I’ve got two left.
@Jackzilla : Thanks for dropping by. Those hints & stuffs are just to share with everyone, hoping we can all have more fun and keep film alive. As for the Gakken, I had the same problem! Hahaha! What I did later was try match each and every screw in the diagram with those on the camera. Later on … I realised that I left out two of them. Try doing that and if after matching every one … then it might be a case of them packing extra screws in the packaging.
hi! i would like to ask some questions;
i tried the bulb mode thingy posted on youtube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iY0Bm58-8Ww&feature=related)
when i slowly release the shutter, it does not open as much as it does in the video! maybe till only 70%.
did anyone face the same problem?
and also, do u all know where to buy the mirror? ahha i kinda screwed up and some of the mirror surface came off together with the protective film!
thank u all!
@lew_lian : Sorry I can’t answer your question about the bulb mode because I’ve yet to try it.
I’ll try check with Mijonju (from CircleRectangle.com) because I’ve seen him doing it. As for the mirror, maybe you can check with those shops selling/cutting/customize mirrors. They should be able to cut one that size for you but the thickness is something they’ve to take into consideration too. I’ve a piece of good news for you though. I have a piece of that mirror for you! Hahaha! You’ve to self collect it though. Just let me have your contact and we’ll arrange from there.
@ndroo: hi! thanks for the reply! thank u so much for offering to help to check!
as for the mirror, i’ll have a test run with the camera first, then i’ll see if i really need a replacement! haha coz currently, the bottom third of the viewfinder is blurred. if i really need the mirror replacement, then i’ll need your help ndroo!
thank u ndroo for being so kind!
@lew_lian : No worries. Good luck on the test run.
[...] of mine, is one of those who is into hands-on assembly for cameras etc. Last I heard, he did up the Gakkenflex. Not bad I must say, I can’t even ‘gao dim’ the modification of my Konica Wai [...]
[...] http://www.ndroo.com/blog/?p=2396 Fuzzy Eyeballs break down of the touch part [...]
I just made this last night, testing today. Bought in a camera shop in Ebisu for 2,500 JPY (about 27 USD). Fortunately I read Japanese. A couple of notes. MIRROR: there are two protective layers on the used side. The clear cover comes off the unused side, this goes on the two-sided tape. Once the mirror assembly is in the camera, the covering on the “live” side of the mirror should be removed, first a blue layer, next a very hard to spot clear layer. SHUTTER OPENING PROBLEMS: I had a similar issue with the shutter opening only around 40%, and had to use a razor to shave the top of a post about 0.05cm so it was flush with the top of the piece that pushes the shutter open. If you press slightly on this piece as you test the shutter you can see the difference that it will make. BODY ASSEMBLY: when connecting the sides to the face with six screws, only the two at the top of the camera are fastened hard to begin with such that the camera has some play necessary for insertion of other parts. The directions show the timing of when the middle and bottom screws should be tightened.
@Brutus Cornelius : Thank you very much for the very well described tips. I am sure many Gakkenflex owners will appreciate the pointers.
So I posted the Ebay message a few months ago about the Gakkenflex for $40? Turns out it was a clone… oddly enough. Called Recesky. Exactly the same as the gakken though, except for the name.
@Courtney : yeah i heard of the ‘clones’ but never seen them. Do they come with the mag too? I just saw some here in Tokyo and boy … they sure are cheaper now.
Hey ndroo,
Thanks for doing this! i just got my gakkenflex and i’ve been stuck at the fixing the mirror.
Very curious how the picts turned out for you.
Would love to take a peek at ur shots sometime!
cheerssssss!
@twirlmyfinger : Glad this was of help. My shots? Hahaha! It is crazy that I’ve yet to even finish my 1st roll on it. I shot a roll halfway, then I took out the lens from the Gakkenflex and planted it on my Lensbaby! I have a spare set of the Gakkenflex but yet to take out the lens to install on the earlier set.
hey ndroo & peeps! for those who are interested in the upcoming Japanese Camera Mook Series from SuperHeadz “Wide Lens Camera”, its coming to Books Kinokuniya Japanese Department in June with a Free Camera!
you can check it out here!
http://kinokuniyacbjbpromotions.blogspot.com/2010/05/upcoming-japanese-camera-mook-series.html
@deon : Thanks for the info. Looks like it’s gonna be a fun camera. Probably the one like the Vivitar UWS or the Superheadz branded one eh? Cool! Wonder if the following one will come with a free digital cam eh? Hmm. Maybe a Harinezumi?
[...] solely on the images, but there are a few parts that can catch you out (namely the shutter), and this excellent English guide by blogger ‘ndroo’ came in very handy when it came to some of [...]
hey ndroo, big fan! rly
haha anyway i was wondering, can i really focus faraway till my lens go like in (all the way like in the manual/tutorial) in to the camera? cos for me, mine seems unable to focus subjects faraway.
@Kelllllllllly : Thanks for dropping by. As for your cam … I don’t really understand what you mean. Do you mean to say that you can’t focus to infinity? Infinity as in subjects far far away? You also mentioned that your lens can’t go ‘in’. Does this mean that no matter how you turn, the lens won’t retract? If this is the case, perhaps you didn’t get the installation right (the lens part). When you screwed in the lens ‘barrels’, did you screw it all the way in? There will come a stage halfway through screwing it in … that there is some kind of resistance. You have to continue turning it until the lens ‘barrel’ is able to go all the way it. Otherwise focusing will be out. Do you have a photo of the camera with the lens ‘all the way in’ as at now? You can send me a photo and I’ll try take a look. My email is ndroo&pacific.net.sg (replace & with @).
Yay, managed to fix it by just uh TURNING it all the way in……. hehe! Thx ndroo ^^
@Kelllllllllly : Cool! Now go have big fun with the cam. Btw … how many ‘L’s are there in your name? Hahaha! I had to copy it instead of typing … just to be sure.
Hi guys,
1st thing, fabulous tutorial!
I just assembled my GakkenFlex, and am assembling one for my friend. Both of us bought from Taka’s Kino. Then I realised that my friend’s boxset is missing Spring B! Unfortunately, I opened the plastic covers. Do you think I can ask for an exchange from Kino?
If not, anybody here knows where I can purchase a new Spring B?
Thanks in advance!!
@Daniel : I don’t think Kino will entertain such issues but you can probably give them a call to try. I’ve heard of cases like missing parts or duplicate parts before too.
@ndroo and all interested parties,
I managed to get a 1-1 exchange at Kino! The staff was pleasant enough, and apparently they had this no-questions-asked policy for Gakken Mook. Seems that they had several similar requests from customers.
Thanks dudes!
@Daniel : Awesome! Didn’t know they have such great policy and glad you got your set replaced. Have fun!
how many ’rounds’ must you roll the film before taking the next picture?
how many ’rounds’ do you need to roll the film before taking the next picture?
@mariaaa : You turn half a circle (half a round) to get to the next frame.
okayy, thank you!
@mariaaa : My pleasure
@mariaaa : My pleasure