Yashica Mat-124 shutter problem

[pdh]

I just acquired a YashicaMat-124 (not 124G).

The only thing I can find wrong with it is that the shutter will only cock and fire if the flash sync lever is set to X-sync.

If it's set to M-sync then the shutter doesn't appear to cock or fire.

A bit of googling suggests that the shutter is damaged due to the self-timer being activated while flash sync is set to M.

However, the speeds sound good and I've just developed a roll which suggests the camera is working OK.

Is the shutter likely to die on me at some unspecified future date?
Or can I simply continue to operate it in X-sync without worrying ?
Or should I simply say to the seller, you better have it back?

(As I will never use flash I'm not too bothered about whether X or M syncs work at all)

If it really needs a service/repair, then who (apart from the usual suspects up in Liverpool) are the Yashica gurus in the UK ?

(no good mentioning Mark Hama, I'm not shipping it overseas)

thanks

 

[oftheherd]

I'll give you a little bump here. I know there are several Yashica 124/124G users on RFF. Maybe they just don't know the answer to your question. Not to insult, but have you googled yet? I only tried one set of parameters and came up with a Flikr url ( http://www.flickr.com/groups/yashicamat/discuss/72157603429051673/ ), suggesting Flikr may have a Yashica forum that may help you.

 

[Jack Conrad]

If it shoots, then go forth and shoot. Just be sure to keep it on X synch.

 

[pdh]

Not to insult, but have you googled yet?

Well, not to insult 😀 - but did you read my post properly?

A bit of googling suggests that the shutter is damaged due to the self-timer being activated while flash sync is set to M.

thanks for replying both of you. I had decided to just carrying on shooting with it anyway.

If it breaks completely I'll send it to NewtonEllis.

 

[graywolf]

If the sync is on M, and the self-timer is used, the shutter jams and is unusable until you clear the jam (usually requires disassembly .

The M sync and selftimer use the same timer mechanism, if one won't work the other shouldn't work either.

It sounds like the selftiming mechanism is damaged. If the shutter is firing normally and you do not use flashbulbs, just leave the lever on X and do not use the selftimer. That way you are not using that mechanism.

Last time I checked routine service was $140 from the cheapest reliable place.

Hope this is helpful.

 

[nikon_sam]

graywolf has posted what I have read before...
I have even read that some users have placed a small screw in front of the sync level to keep it from moving from the "X" position...some have used rubber bands or string to tie the two lever together so they don"t move.
I am deathly afraid to use the self-timer from what I've read could happen...I'll either use an air bulb type release or an external timer if the need arises...

 

[miragem5]

Set to X and cut off lever with side cutters = no more probelms