Just purchased a Yashica Mat 124g TLR Question

[mr.mike]

There is an issue with the charging arm that it may not be completing its full motion ... or there is a problem within the shutter.

I'll know more when the camera arrives. I should be receiving it by Tuesday. I'll post more information at that time.

 

[mr.mike]

You can fix these problems if you want to learn camera repair ... it is not that difficult.

Yashica-Mat – This Old Camera

Thank you for your response. I'm a bit old to start learning a new trade, but maybe a new hobby would give this old-timer something to keep me busy.

 

[dxqcanada]

Thank you for your response. I'm a bit old to start learning a new trade, but maybe a new hobby would give this old-timer something to keep me busy.

You are never too old to learn new tricks ... on older friend of mine taught me this.

 

[mr.mike]

You are never too old to learn new tricks ... on older friend of mine taught me this.

Guess that's true, just a bit more difficult to move when performing those new tricks!

 

[smoke665]

I acquired a Yashica Mat EM, last year, that had a few problems. After buying the specialty tools, assorted other stuff and spending a ton of time researching I tackled mine. It works fine now, though I havent used it much, film and processing is expensive, plus the wait time kind of takes the fun out of it. While they aren't overly difficult to CLA, mistakes can/do happen. In retrospect I'd probably pay the less than three hundred to have a pro do it, or there's a fellow in FL that sells reconditioned models (including new skin) for 700-800, that are beautiful.

 

[mr.mike]

You are never too old to learn new tricks ... on older friend of mine taught me this.

I acquired a Yashica Mat EM, last year, that had a few problems. After buying the specialty tools, assorted other stuff and spending a ton of time researching I tackled mine. It works fine now, though I havent used it much, film and processing is expensive, plus the wait time kind of takes the fun out of it. While they aren't overly difficult to CLA, mistakes can/do happen. In retrospect I'd probably pay the less than three hundred to have a pro do it, or there's a fellow in FL that sells reconditioned models (including new skin) for 700-800, that are beautiful.

Thank you for your response. I guess I'm just a glutton for punishment. These old camera fascinate me.

 

[RAZKY]

I'm a bit old to start learning a new trade, but maybe a new hobby would give this old-timer something to keep me busy.

The Yashica’s gears, levers, springs, etc., wore rather quickly, and unless you can make your own parts, properly hardened, you can NOT reliably repair them. If you like the twin-lens reflex and 6 x 6 format, you cannot do better for the money than to find a clean Mamiya C220 or C330 Pro. They were made for heavy use, and rarely disappoint. I personally prefer the 6 x 7 format, and use mostly an original RB67 and an RB67 Pro SD. They simply refuse to wear out! When I wish to travel light, I use my 60+ year-old Fuji 6 x 6 folder - few moving parts and also 100% reliable.

 

[cgw]

The Yashica’s gears, levers, springs, etc., wore rather quickly, and unless you can make your own parts, properly hardened, you can NOT reliably repair them. If you like the twin-lens reflex and 6 x 6 format, you cannot do better for the money than to find a clean Mamiya C220 or C330 Pro. They were made for heavy use, and rarely disappoint. I personally prefer the 6 x 7 format, and use mostly an original RB67 and an RB67 Pro SD. They simply refuse to wear out! When I wish to travel light, I use my 60+ year-old Fuji 6 x 6 folder - few moving parts and also 100% reliable.

'Mats, old folders and other fixed lens TLRs can be heartbreakers. As RAZKY argued above, their build quality was never as robust as workhorse "system" cameras. My first MF camera in the early 2000s was a beat-up Bronica S I got cheap and happily shot for a couple years before its soft gear train failed. An early 60s model, its peeling mismatched leatherette, scratch & dent assortment, worn screws and scuffed mirror and focus screen all meant a hard working life and many fixes. Still, it soldiered on for 40+ yrs. I've steered friends away from hipster bait "vintage" 6x6 consumer-grade cameras--and still do--because CLA/repair choices are scarce and pricey.

 

[smoke665]

The Yashica’s gears, levers, springs, etc., wore rather quickly, and unless you can make your own parts, properly hardened, you can NOT reliably repair them. If

After doing the CLA on my own EM, I'd have to disagree with this. They are simple mechanisms with very few gears, and levers. Unless there's damage caused by abuse, there shouldn't be any "parts" problems, that a good cleaning and lubrication shouldn't fix. The only thing I found "overly " cheap were the springs that held the focus screen in place. They both broke on me, requiring some fabrication of new ones. The brittle leatherette covering came off in pieces, I plan on replacing it, if I keep the camera.

What generally happens is someone tinkers with them, not having the proper tools. There are a lot really tiny soft brass screws, that require JIS drive screwdrivers, if you don't use the right tool you will strip out the slot. Unless you have the eyesight of an eagle, you need a magnifying headset with lights.

The hardest part for me was adjusting focus on the lenses. Managed to cobble a diy collimator, that has it close.

 

[cgw]

Simplicity kept the price down on Japanese TLRs at that modest price point. They held up to amateur use but sure weren't Rolleis. What's often crippled 35mm and MF oldies I've managed to revive are waxy/gummy petroleum-base lubricants. Got hold of small batch of assorted silicone-base lubes a few years ago that worked minor miracles. Still, it's dumb fun to putz around with old gear--especially in the midst of a polar blizzard like today's-hah!

 

[MartinCrabtree]

If you need service on a Yashica Mark Hama is your man.

 

[smoke665]

Mark Hama is still active but not overly speedy anymore. Bob Sara is a little bit higher but does excellent work https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sou...gQFnoECCIQAQ&usg=AOvVaw1aN8Yx8w7dmVT9_vy087Ho

 

[mr.mike]

The Yashica’s gears, levers, springs, etc., wore rather quickly, and unless you can make your own parts, properly hardened, you can NOT reliably repair them. If you like the twin-lens reflex and 6 x 6 format, you cannot do better for the money than to find a clean Mamiya C220 or C330 Pro. They were made for heavy use, and rarely disappoint. I personally prefer the 6 x 7 format, and use mostly an original RB67 and an RB67 Pro SD. They simply refuse to wear out! When I wish to travel light, I use my 60+ year-old Fuji 6 x 6 folder - few moving parts and also 100% reliable.

Thank you, I appreciate your information.

 

[mr.mike]

Mark Hama is still active but not overly speedy anymore. Bob Sara is a little bit higher but does excellent work https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sou...gQFnoECCIQAQ&usg=AOvVaw1aN8Yx8w7dmVT9_vy087Ho

Thank you

 

[mr.mike]

After doing the CLA on my own EM, I'd have to disagree with this. They are simple mechanisms with very few gears, and levers. Unless there's damage caused by abuse, there shouldn't be any "parts" problems, that a good cleaning and lubrication shouldn't fix. The only thing I found "overly " cheap were the springs that held the focus screen in place. They both broke on me, requiring some fabrication of new ones. The brittle leatherette covering came off in pieces, I plan on replacing it, if I keep the camera.

What generally happens is someone tinkers with them, not having the proper tools. There are a lot really tiny soft brass screws, that require JIS drive screwdrivers, if you don't use the right tool you will strip out the slot. Unless you have the eyesight of an eagle, you need a magnifying headset with lights.

The hardest part for me was adjusting focus on the lenses. Managed to cobble a diy collimator, that has it close.

Thank you very much for your detailed description of DIY repair, I think this camera will just go up on a shelf for display. My eyes are no longer a sharp as an eagle, nor are my hands as steady as they once were. I'm sure if I attempted an overhaul, I'd have springs and gears flying everywhere. Guess I'll stick to my easy to use 35mm SLR's, "I have quite an assortment. Always wanted a TLR, but should have bought one when I was much younger.