Yashica MG-1

[Harlee]

I've noticed that there aren't [m]any posts regarding the Yashica MG-1. I realize that most would comment that why shoot a F2.8 lens when you could go for a F1.7 lens. Does the MG-1 make any sense to any of you? I have one, but it has issues. It seems to do OK out doors, but that the shutter stays open under low light conditions. I checked the POD but it appears to be OK, and also replaced the battery. I've been shooting a GSN, GS, GT & a GTN since 1970 when I first bought one in Sasebo, Japan. I don't think I've ever been without one since. I presently have two GSNs, a GTN and a MG-1 and with the exception of the MG-1, they perform flawlessly. Had them with me in Russia, Ukraine, E. Europe and they've never let me down. Just curious why there are so few posts on the MG-1.

 

[Bill58]

I've got a black one because it was cheap, but admit I've never used it. I think it feels rather "tinny." I seems to not be up to the quality standards of previous Yashica RFs. However, maybe I should try it.

 

[Harlee]

Mg1

Mg1

I decided to do micro surgery on my MG1. It was doing OK outdoors, but indoors, even at F2.8, ASA 400, the shutter would stay open until I pointed it to a brighter light source. I noticed that the clunk wasn't there when advancing the film, so I thought what have I to lose. I removed the top but couldn't find the POD. Comparing it with a parts GS, I finally found it behind a brass housing surrounding the focusing prism. I took out the three screws holding the brass housing to the small circuit board, moved the brass housing out of the way, and then I removed what was left of the POD, and installed a new one made from a magnetic strip used to hold pictures on the fridge. - it happened to be just 2mm thick. With the new pad in place it now works like a charm indoors and outdoors, and clunks. The whole operation took around 1/2 hour, perhaps less. I'll post some pics as soon as I get them back.

 

[JonR]

I have one and have done some testing shooting the same object under the same circumstances with my CC, GTN and MG-1 and I feel the quality is the same between them and cannot at all see any differnence between the MG1 and the CC which is the Yashica I like the most. It is probably much better than what is shown in number of postings in this foum!
J