Yashica MAT & D repair - Mark Hama still good? Recent experiences?

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harpofreely

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Hello all,

I'm trying to decide if I want to drop film entirely, or get my gear repaired and simplified. I've got two Yashica TLRs, a MAT (original version, no meter) and a D, that need general CLA (some speeds off, sticky shutter release buttons); the MAT also has some minor frame-spacing issues. Is Mark Hama still the go-to? I see his site is still up, but couldn't find any recent reviews. His eBay page has been slow. I figure he's got to be nearing retirement? Any recommendations welcome.

Thanks!
 
I had him do a nice D about 6 months ago. It was fine, and fairly quick turnaround. Camera is nice since then. This is the second Yashica TLR he has done for me in the last 5 years, both fine.
 
Mark repaired an early YashicaMat for me three years ago and did an excellent job at a reasonable price. IIRC turnaround was fairly quick.
 
harpofreely said:
Hello all,

I'm trying to decide if I want to drop film entirely, or get my gear repaired and simplified. I've got two Yashica TLRs, a MAT (original version, no meter) and a D, that need general CLA (some speeds off, sticky shutter release buttons); the MAT also has some minor frame-spacing issues. Is Mark Hama still the go-to? I see his site is still up, but couldn't find any recent reviews. His eBay page has been slow. I figure he's got to be nearing retirement? Any recommendations welcome.

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Please do report your experience.
I have a couple things that may be worth sending in to him.
Cheers!
 
Larry Cloetta said:
I had him do a nice D about 6 months ago. It was fine, and fairly quick turnaround. Camera is nice since then. This is the second Yashica TLR he has done for me in the last 5 years, both fine.
Click to expand...

Thanks much - this is far more recent than most of the references I was able to find.
 
harpofreely said:
Thanks much - this is far more recent than most of the references I was able to find.
Click to expand...

I would suggest emailing him at the email address on his web site. Tell them what you want done, and ask for current lead times. I have always received an answer, usually pretty promptly, usually from someone I think is his son.
That should help sort things out.
 
Larry Cloetta said:
I would suggest emailing him at the email address on his web site. Tell them what you want done, and ask for current lead times. I have always received an answer, usually pretty promptly, usually from someone I think is his son.
That should help sort things out.
Click to expand...

I ended up calling, and spoke to the man himself. He seemed unfazed by the multiple but admittedly minor issues with my cameras, and all the work will fall inside his flat fee for overhauls; he then asked me to send a quick email with my info and quoted two weeks. So far, so good.
 
He just did a great job on a D for me about three months ago, has also done good work on a Mat several years back. Quick, dependable, reasonable prices.
 
Mackinaw said:
What does he charge for a CLA? I picked up a 124G a few months back that could use a tuneup.

Jim B.
Click to expand...

For my MAT (original, non-metered) his quote is a flat-rate of $135 + $18 for return shipping in the US. That covers CLA and parts for minor repairs, with the stipulation of a re-quote if major repairs/parts are needed. I imagine a 124G would be very similar.
 
Hi, I sent Mark my Yashicamat 124g for a CLA in January - the camera came back to me in March, with more problems than it had before I sent it.

Sadly, communication was quite bad too. At some point I thought I'd never see my camera again. I did get it back in the end.

I am sure Mark is a great guy and great professional, however I wonder if he is still able to run this business the way he once did (based on the number of old excellent feedback on these and other boards).
 
I'm worried too. Sent my camera in two and a half months ago. Had one communication to pay the money that was it. Have been trying to get in touch via phone and email with no response. I hope I get my camera back.
 
Now I'm worried. He's always been extremely responsible, a person of real character. If he's gone silent... I'm worried. Anyone local to him, or have mutual friends?
 
I just talked to Mark Hamma

I just talked to Mark Hamma

1-22-2020

I just talked to Mark on the phone a few minutes ago. I needed to know if he would handle CLAs on my Mamiya press lenses and Graflex XL lenses. He will do the job but cannot deal with fungus on the lenses. Lucky my lenses just need lubricant.
 
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