Yashicamat 124

Russ · 01-06-2005

Hey

I haven't used one of these in a couple of decades or more. I just procured another one. What can I expect from it?

Thanks
Russ

nikon_sam · 01-06-2005

One very nice and big neg to work with and a different way to view the world.
I got one a few years back and will use it here and there when I need to break away from normal 35mm shooting.
Find a lens hood for it...it will eliminate most glare...Go out and shoot a bunch of B&W and have fun !!!

HBC · 01-06-2005

It's a very nice camera I have two.

bmattock · 01-06-2005

First of all, congrats! Nice camera!

The Yashica 124 has a very nice Tessar-style 4-element Yashinon lens which is quite capable.

Clean the ground-glass, the fresnel (if there is one) and the mirror - they get dirty on these TLR cameras. Use caution, of course, it is easy to mess them up.

Don't use the self-timer. They are known to break on these shutters, and when they do, the shutter stops working.

I agree with Nikon Sam's suggestion about a lens hood. The Yashica TLR's take the standard 'Bay 1' bayonet mount for lens filters and shades, etc. There are many Bay-1 to whatever adapters available as well.

If it turns out to need a CLA, Mark Hama is the guy - I'm told. He used to put them together in Japan for Yashica - his website has a photo of him doing just that in a Yashica assembly factory back in the day.

The 80mm taking lens at f3.5 (wide-open) is capable of doing some nice portraits with lovely bokeh effects. I love soft backlighting and high key with this type of camera/lens.

Enjoy it - great camera - have fun!

Best Regards,

Bill Mattocks

hjfischer · 01-06-2005

A great camera. Be sure and get the correct battery for it to ensure accurate metering. The original was a mercury battery for which there are a couple of replacements: for example Wein makes one. Good luck.

Todd.Hanz · 01-06-2005

I bought a Yashica 635, it has the Yashikor 80/3.5 (not as good as the Yashinon) at a Flea market this last summer. It came with all the packaging, mint++++ condition. I thought I had made an investment because the price was so low but it turns out I only saved a few bucks off of what the go for on ebay. Mine also has the 35mm film adapter, it's a pretty cool TLR with that produces some sharp negs and second glances. Here's an example, my son trying to look cool/serious:

Todd

Jeroen · 01-06-2005

All MF work over at my site www.momentenzorg.nl is done with a 124G. Lovely machine.

kuvvy · 01-07-2005

Quote:

Originally posted by bmattock

Don't use the self-timer. They are known to break on these shutters, and when they do, the shutter stops working.

Bill Mattocks

I think that's what has happened to mine Bill. Can this be put right easily or are we talking an expensive repair? Is it a DIY job?

Paul

rover · 01-07-2005

Expect some "WOW" factor.

Yes, find a hood....

Yes, Mark Hama is very fast to answer emails and had my camera back to me in just over 2 weeks...

(excuse the poor photographer, the camera made the most of my skills)

Pherdinand · 01-07-2005

Wow, rover!

GeneW · 01-07-2005

Quote:

Originally posted by Jeroen
All MF work over at my site www.momentenzorg.nl is done with a 124G. Lovely machine.

Great MF images on your site, Jeroen!

Gene

GeneW · 01-07-2005

I noticed several of you have been shooting col with your TLR's. Except for a roll of Ektachrome years ago, and a roll of Provia about a year ago, I only shoot b&w.

What col neg films do you like in 120 format? Any problems finding a place to get local processing?

Gene

taffer · 01-07-2005

Cool shot Rover !!!

Jeroen · 01-07-2005

Quote:

Originally posted by Gene
Great MF images on your site, Jeroen!

Gene

Thanks

The rest of it was done with a Stylus Epic, some Nikons and the odd GSN. About the 124: I've recently fallen in love with +1 close-up lenses. Nice addition!

Jeroen · 01-07-2005

Quote:

Originally posted by Gene
What col neg films do you like in 120 format? Any problems finding a place to get local processing?

Gene

Fuji NPH and Kodak 160/400 VC. The pro store around the corner does excellent developing for just 3,50 euros. I scan everything on an Epson 3170.

rover · 01-07-2005

Thank you Oscar and Pherdinand, that is the inside of an old train coach from my first roll with the 124G.

Gene, I really like the Kodak Porta VC films, 160 and 400. I have tried Fuji Reala, but it doesn't do it for me. I have had developing done by A&I, ok but a little slow and a bit expensive. My local place actually does it over night and at a good price. They do a really nice job too.

bmattock · 01-07-2005

Quote:

Originally posted by kuvvy
I think that's what has happened to mine Bill. Can this be put right easily or are we talking an expensive repair? Is it a DIY job?

Paul

Paul,

I'm sorry, I don't know the answer. I read this information on a number of online posts specific to the Yashica TLR's and was just passing it on. I have been fairly sucessful at unfreezing stuck shutters/apertures with lighter fluid, but not when the problem was mechanical - aka stuck self-timer.

I can't imagine it would be really cheap to fix, but the best place to ask would be someone like Mark Hama. Sorry I don't know the answer for you.

http://www.markhama.com/

Best Regards,

Bill Mattocks

bmattock · 01-07-2005

Quote:

Originally posted by Todd.Hanz
I bought a Yashica 635, it has the Yashikor 80/3.5 (not as good as the Yashinon) at a Flea market this last summer. It came with all the packaging, mint++++ condition. I thought I had made an investment because the price was so low but it turns out I only saved a few bucks off of what the go for on ebay. Mine also has the 35mm film adapter, it's a pretty cool TLR with that produces some sharp negs and second glances. Here's an example, my son trying to look cool/serious:

Todd

Todd,

Great photo - I have the 635 with the Yashikor as well! I think the secret is out on Yashica TLR's - they're not throw-away cheap anymore. I got mine from my sister when she was in high school - back in the 1970's. My dad had bought it in a pawn shop for her photography class and she hated it, so I traded her. She wants it back now - HA!

The soft lens is probably the best part of the camera - I'd love to have a TLR with a Yashinon, but this Yashicor is just slick with the 35mm attachment and natural portrait orientation - a bokeh machine as well!

Best Regards,

Bill Mattocks

rover · 01-07-2005

You can use the self time only when the flash sync is on X. The shutter can be damaged if the self time is used when the sync is pushed up to M. I believe that is the wrinkle in the works.

Russ · 01-07-2005

Thanks, guys. I guess I won't be using the self timer. Or I'll use that goofy screw on one that I purchased years ago, that as of now, has never been used.

Russ

Jeroen · 01-07-2005

To get back to the RF-component of this forum: I have a Yashica GSN and a CC, too. Nice combination in my Lowepro Nova 2 (though I'm going to make the switch to a Domke F6 someday soon).