Questions about Yashica Mat 124 film transport

[Ronald_H]

Last weekend I bought my first medium format camera, a very nice Yashica Mat 124.

I have a few questions about the film transport though:
As many have remarked, film transport is rather primitive. Just a gear on a small axle set at an angle. This gear 'drives' the take up-spool directly. As a normal spool does not really 'mesh' with the driving gear, the whole affair is noisy and jerky. But as long as it works I won't complain. Some sources claim frame spacing issues though, I would like to hear experiences with that. I haven't run film though the camera yet.

When I open the back, the frame counter resets. Before I get to '1' on the counter I have to crank a few times, but for every subsequent frame I have to crank about 270-300 degrees. It all seems ok, but I don't have any experience with the cam. So my question is if all this is normal. I am familair with returning the crank to cock the shutter, my question is solely about advancing the film.
The cam is obviously used, but in very nice shape, much better than my used Nikon FE and FM and my Leica M2. All three of those still work very well, so I have high hopes for the Yashica. Hope to shoot with it soon!

 

[laurentb]

I,

I own a Mat 124 and have no problems with frame spacing, after the camera had been CLA'd due to many problems (sticky shutter, foams...). Prior to this CLA, the spacing was mostly random, and now it's fine.

I don't know if you have the manual, so I'll tell it just in case : don't forget to align the "start" mark on the film with the arrows in the camera (green for 120 film, red for 220), and set the plate to the appropriate position.


It's normal to have to crank less after the film has started.

Apart from the noisy film advance, the Yashica Mat is a very nice camera, and I really like it.

 

[Ronald_H]

Thanks. I do have the manual. No idea on condition and general behavior yet, but I do know a good repair guy 😉 Condition is very nice though, almost good enough to put in a display case. But I bought it to use it.

 

[oftheherd]

My first TLR was the Yashica MAT 124 G. I loved that camera. I am sure you will like yours too.

 

[Windscale]

Ronald H, the best way to find out if your 124 is working OK or not is to put a roll of film through it. Best to use slides.

 

[joachim]

I have a few questions about the film transport though:
As many have remarked, film transport is rather primitive. Just a gear on a small axle set at an angle. This gear 'drives' the take up-spool directly. As a normal spool does not really 'mesh' with the driving gear, the whole affair is noisy and jerky. But as long as it works I won't complain. Some sources claim frame spacing issues though, I would like to hear experiences with that. I haven't run film though the camera yet.

When I open the back, the frame counter resets. Before I get to '1' on the counter I have to crank a few times, but for every subsequent frame I have to crank about 270-300 degrees. It all seems ok, but I don't have any experience with the cam. So my question is if all this is normal. I am familair with returning the crank to cock the shutter, my question is solely about advancing the film.
The cam is obviously used, but in very nice shape, much better than my used Nikon FE and FM and my Leica M2. All three of those still work very well, so I have high hopes for the Yashica. Hope to shoot with it soon!

Hi Ronald,

Warm welcome to the TLR gang.

Not sure your analysis is correct. I own two TLRs (Rolleicord & Mamiyaflex) and they both have a "gear on a small axle set at an angle". This is part of the frame counter. When you transport the film, this presses against the take-up-spool and gets driven by its motion. The frame counter, counts the rotation and stops at the next frame (no perforation in 120). The actual driving of the roll is done by the axle on which it gets placed on. I would be extremely suprised if the Yashica was any different.

The rotation seems about correct. However once you run a real roll, the rotation required gets less and less once you advance through the roll. This is because the diameter of the take-up spool increases and less rotation is required to pull the same amount of film per frame.

It is said (e.g. Mamiya manual) to not run an empty spool in the take up chamber, to avoid wear to the frame spacing/counting mechnism.

I hope you enjoy your TLR.

Best wishes
Joachim

 

[nikon_sam]

So far, it all sounds normal to me...Read about the two film formats (120 & 220) and how to set the pressure plate and starting points...spacing between frames may not be exact every frame and yes they are noisy when you advance the film & cock the shutter...
Also from what I've read NEVER use the Self-Timer...it can cause problems with the shutter...

I also have a question for other Yashicamat 124 users...When opening the camera back the "Open-Close" dial is tight...sometimes I cover it with a rag to help grip it and other times I have to use my nails to get it to turn...Anyone else have this problem or are yours not as tight??? Thanks...

 

[laurentb]

...
Also from what I've read NEVER use the Self-Timer...it can cause problems with the shutter...

From what I've read, you should never use the self-timer when the flash selector is on the "M" position. set it on "X" and you should have no trouble. I use mine from time to time with no issue.

...
When opening the camera back the "Open-Close" dial is tight...sometimes I cover it with a rag to help grip it and other times I have to use my nails to get it to turn...Anyone else have this problem or are yours not as tight???

My Yashica is not that tight. May be you close it too firmly ?

 

[nikon_sam]

From what I've read, you should never use the self-timer when the flash selector is on the "M" position. set it on "X" and you should have no trouble. I use mine from time to time with no issue.



My Yashica is not that tight. May be you close it too firmly ?

Last time I tried the Self-Timer it didn't want to move SO I just left it alone...I'll check the flash selector...Thanks...

The "Open-Close" knob is tight through out the whole process, not just when trying to open...it's tight all the time...:bang:

 

[Ronald_H]

Thanks about clarifying the transport issue, the spool indeed drives the gear (for the frame counter), not the other way round 🙄

I have shot some pics with it, but not a complete roll (yet). I'll keep you guys posted how they turn out. I've resurrected my ancient flatbed scanner (the kind with a light source in the lid), I even managed to find the holders for MF.

Btw, opening ands closing the back is no problem... not tight, in other words.

 

[laurentb]

Last time I tried the Self-Timer it didn't want to move SO I just left it alone...I'll check the flash selector...

It could also be "sticky". Mine tends to do this when not iuse for too long. I would have to exercise it a bit before using it after that.

 

[Ko.Fe.]

...
I also have a question for other Yashicamat 124 users...When opening the camera back the "Open-Close" dial is tight...sometimes I cover it with a rag to help grip it and other times I have to use my nails to get it to turn...Anyone else have this problem or are yours not as tight??? Thanks...

Just in case if someone googles it. It is old lubrication which is gummed.
Remove leather ring on the tripod ring. Three screws under it. Remove them. Take of the ring hold by screws.
It will be accessible for cleaning of old grease.