Question about my Yashica Mat

GErvin

GErvin

Yashica Mat User
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I recently purchased a Yashica Mat 124 that seems to be in perfect condition. However, there is a weird fog showing up on my pictures from the light source. I tried searching google for hours to diagnose my problem with no luck. I have posted 2 examples below. Note that both of these pictures were taken on a very overcast day with no sun.

2672825351_7c62aea07a.jpg


2672825321_9b68672caf.jpg


Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! 😀
 
I don't think it's a light leak. It's a pollution in the lens. I own one myself and I had the same problem. I've let it cleanded by yashica Hamburg Germany long time ago.
 
If it is a light leak, you should be able to test for that by putting black electrician's tape along all the back's edges before winding the film on the first time. If that cures it, it was indeed a light leak. Even if not, you might want to take a good look at the light seals and if they look a little bad, replace them. If they have never been replaced, it wouldn't hurt to do so.

A close examination of the lens should tell you if there might be a problem there. Hopefully if so, it is something you can carefully clean yourself. The Yashica 124 MAT G was the first MF camera I owned, and I loved it. It is worth fixing.
 
Ok I will check the lens and I also bought a new seal kit.

Thanks for all your help guys. And yes I agree that it is a camera worth fixing!
 
Looks like fogging of the lens to me, take a flashlight and shine it through one side as you look through the other with the shutter triggered on b.
 
I was about to do the test when I realized I still have some film in the camera 😛 I'm going to finish the roll and let you guys know what I see in the lens.
 
So I burned through the rest of my roll so I could hold the shutter open and check out my lens. This brought up a new problem. The shutter will not stay open on B. Every other F stop appears to be working perfectly. I have tried it with and without a cable release. Has this even been a problem for any of you guys?

I love this camera and I want to get it shooting in top condition 🙂

Thanks for your help in advance 🙂

**Edit** I have searched google for awhile and realized that a CLA should fix the shutter not staying open. Now my question is, will a CLA remove the hazing on my lens? **Edit**
 
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Hi GErvin,

I agree with those who believe this is flare. I also believe that lens haze will cause it to flare more easily.

But my experience with a YashicaMat LM is that it flares readily if I shoot towards bright sunlight - this is even after a lens cleaning. A lens hood is a must for YashicaMats from what I've read elsewheres.

To answer your questions, when I first bought my Mat (eBay - blech!) it too didn't stay open on bulb, and the slow speeds were wonky. I sent it to Mark Hama and specifically asked that he do a thorough CLA, address the bulb problem, and to clean the lens as necessary.

The camera came back a couple weeks later clean as a whistle. It works like a brand new camera now. He did not charge anything more that his usual CLA fee to address the shutter and haze. Fortunately the little lens haze I had on the elements was not fungus.

If you do send it in for a CLA, let the repairperson know about the bulb problem and hazy lens.

I wholeheartedly recommmend Mark Hama, but do suggest that you inquire about his current turn-around time. He is often extremely busy due to his reputation as being "da man" to CLA YashicaMats.

Good luck on getting your Mat working!

rt 🙂

Shooting directly into the sun after a CLA:

 
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rtphotos said:
Hi GErvin,

I agree with those who believe this is flare. I also believe that lens haze will cause it to flare more easily.

But my experience with a YashicaMat LM is that it flares readily if I shoot towards bright sunlight - this is even after a lens cleaning. A lens hood is a must for YashicaMats from what I've read elsewheres.

To answer your questions, when I first bought my Mat (eBay - blech!) it too didn't stay closed on bulb, and the slow speeds were wonky. I sent it to Mark Hama and specifically asked that he do a thorough CLA, address the bulb problem, and to clean the lens as necessary.

The camera came back a couple weeks later clean as a whistle. It works like a brand new camera now. He did not charge anything more that his usual CLA fee to address the shutter and haze. Fortunately the little lens haze I had on the elements was not fungus.

If you do send it in for a CLA, let the repairperson know about the bulb problem and hazy lens.

I heartedly recommmend Mark Hama, but do inquire about his current turn-around time. He is often extremely busy due to his reputation as being "da man" to CLA YashicaMats.

Good luck on getting your Mat working!

rt 🙂

Shooting directly into the sun after a CLA:

Click to expand...

Thank you for your reply.

I will look into getting a lens hood.

I will definitely be getting a CLA regardless. I would love to send it to Mark Hama. I have heard his name brought up many times in my research. How much did he charge you if you don't mind me asking?
 
GErvin said:
Thank you for your reply.

I will look into getting a lens hood.

I will definitely be getting a CLA regardless. I would love to send it to Mark Hama. I have heard his name brought up many times in my research. How much did he charge you if you don't mind me asking?
Click to expand...

PM sent regarding Mark Hama CLA fees.

Mr. Hama's website is here:

http://markhama.home.comcast.net/~markhama/

As for your hood, try to get the original YashicaMat one, or a Rollei. I'm using a generic plastic import and although the price was good, it pretty much sucks. It's too loose and I'm unable to use filters on the lens without taking off the hood.

rt
 
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