Yashica MAT exposure meter?

[Pfreddee]

I'm trying to figure out whether I want to go look for a battery for the meter on my Yashica MAT 124G, or just continue to use a hand-held meter. When I bought it new, about 27 years ago, the batteries available for it worked just fine. Now, I'm suspicious of the readings that I get with the new(er) batteries that I've been using. Does the meter get wonky with age, or is it a battery issue? What has been your collective experience with the meter on this camera?

Thanks to all who reply.

With best regards,

Pfreddee(Stephen)

 

[oftheherd]

I don't know if the new wein batteries will work or not. However, as I understand, the mercury batteries had a different voltage, and most newer ones won't work without an adapter. I am guessing from you post that the in-camera battery isn't agreeing with your hand held?

 

[mgd711]

It's likely to be a battery issue but you don't say what battery you are using.

I have several Mat's and I use the Wein cell's in them. Exposure's are good on negative film.

 

[f16sunshine]

Mine works fine with a Wein cel and print film. I've not shot any Transparencies with it.

 

[nikon_sam]

I don't use the meter on my 124g and I have the correct mercury battery that it uses...
I will either use a hand-held or transfer meter readings from another camera I might happen to have with me...
I tried the meter and didn't like the results...I have read that others are very happy with it's metering...maybe I was doing something wrong...either way I am happy with what I get now...

 

[pgeobc]

Google C.R.I.S. They make an adapter to convert silver oxide batteries to the correct voltage.

 

[Coldkennels]

I still have the mercury battery (and hopefully it won't need replacing any time soon...), and shoot transparencies almost exclusively in my Mat. It works pretty well, providing you bare in mind that, like all non-TTL meters, you're not necessarily getting a reading for what you want to take a photo of. For example, if your subject is in shade but the sky, point the light meter towards the shade to try to prevent the sky from giving you a false reading.