CLA the Yashica Mat 124G or Upgrade?

Deciding if I want to CLA my 124G to the tune of $165. Or if it's time to upgrade, since I'm using it a lot (mostly for street portraiture). I don't know how it compares to other "more serious" TLR's in terms of ease of use -- primarily focusing. I like that it has a meter and that it's lightweight (since I travel with it). Thoughts?

I had your camera model three times. Those are cameras which are deserving very reasonably priced CLA at 165$ to be able to work another decade issues free.
Comparing to Mamiya and Cord this camera was much more easy to handle and focus. The only update I would suggest to look at if you finding your Mat prints to be kind of flat.
If you are OK with very sharp images and nothing else on prints or if you do it in color, no reason to update, IMO.

After Mats I purchased Rolleicord here on APUG still with fresh smell after complete CLA. Rendering of taking lens on BW prints was in totally different league comparing to Mats.
But so was focusing screen on the Cord, Mat focusing screen was superior. Even with amazing overall feel of extra quality build of the Cord comparing to Mat.

I use a plain 124 while in Turkey which I bought off this Forum a few years ago, the shutter needed a CLA as the shutter stuck at low speeds but is still about half the figure you've given. It was worth it. Does the camera need a full CLA ?

Here in the UK I use two Rolleiflex TLR cameras, one an E2 f3.5 Xenotar is mint so I only use it sparingly, I picked up a nice Automat with an Opton Tessar at a Flea market 2 or 3 years ago for £70/$91 and I'm now using that here in the UK as it's far less valuable compared to the E2. I was actually looking for a second Yashicamat 124 or 124G and hadn't expect to find a good Rolleiflex for that price. I also have a Microcord essentially a British Rolleicord clone.

I agree with Ko.Fe I prefer the Yashicamat over a Rolleicord/Microcord, mostly for the wind-on, I bought a Chinese modern focus screen off Ebay planning to fit it in the 124, instead I put it in the Microcord.

My Yashicamat 124 has been a workhorse when I was living in Turkey, (and when we go back), it's not precious, it can be used and carefully abused, the meter is OK - surprisingly accurate - on camera CDS meters are quirky but I grew up using one on a Zenit E and learnt how to get the best from one. Image quality the Yashica 124 and 124G are on the same level as the Rolleiflex cameras with Tessar or Xenar lenses, the Planar and Xenotar ;enses are a touch sharper *edges and corners) at wider apertures but I'm happy with the Tessar type lenses.

Ease of use and focusing the 124 & 124G are on a par with my Rolleiflex cameras but a little bit lighter, I get great exhibition prints from all my TLRs. If I thought the Yashica was lacking I'd have been taking a Rolleiflex when we visit Turkey

My suggested upgrade would be get a second 124G, a bit of patience and you'll find one in near mint condition for under $130, or maybe be lucky like I was and a Rolleiflex for even less

Ian

bvy said:

Deciding if I want to CLA my 124G to the tune of $165. Or if it's time to upgrade, since I'm using it a lot (mostly for street portraiture). I don't know how it compares to other "more serious" TLR's in terms of ease of use -- primarily focusing. I like that it has a meter and that it's lightweight (since I travel with it). Thoughts?

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They haven't made this camera since the mid '80s, the likelyhood is very high that your replacement will need a cla too. The best bargain in Rolleiflexen is the Automat, but these are roughly twice as old!
A cla is maintenance, not a reason to replace a camera.

E. von Hoegh said:

A cla is maintenance, not a reason to replace a camera.

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A CLA is also money -- money that can be put toward a different camera if there's good reason. I'm just reevaluating if this is the camera to continue with.

E. von Hoegh said:

They haven't made this camera since the mid '80s, the likelyhood is very high that your replacement will need a cla too. The best bargain in Rolleiflexen is the Automat, but these are roughly twice as old!
A cla is maintenance, not a reason to replace a camera.

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You'd get the budget T model for less than a good Automat.

My Yaschicamat 124 went for a shutter CLA, the repairman rang to say the camera has been dropped (obvious from the dings) and the focus bed is twisted, it could be fixed but the cost was way more than just buying a far better 124/124G. I said so what's the issues if I leave as is - just CLA the shutter, the focus track will wear out much faster - 10 years later and many 100's of rolls of film through it it's no worse, sure it;s not quite as smooth to focus but the cost of a full reair wasn't economic, something the repairman and I agreed on.

bvy said:

A CLA is also money -- money that can be put toward a different camera if there's good reason. I'm just reevaluating if this is the camera to continue with.

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A good CLA breathes new life and many more years use. So my £50/$66 shutter CLA on my 124 has given me 10 more useful years of use and probably a lot more, plis it's reliable. So think in terms of a $130 CLA meaning a camera with no issues for 10 years that's $13 a year, I paid £100/$131 for a full CLA on my Rolleiflex E2 = I sent both my Yashicamat and Rolleiflex E2 at the same time, as long as I use them they shouldn't need another CLA for years.

Ian

a class 124g will leave you with a very nice camera for at least the next 10 years.

otherwise, put it up for sale as is for a reasonable price considering it needs a cla and use that money for another camera in better condition?

Ian Grant said:

long as I use them they shouldn't need another CLA for years.

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now that's the key to their longevity after a cla. idle cameras (shutters) tend to seize up over time and will need another cla to get it back on its feet.

I think if you like the camera and the photographs it provides then a CLA is always worth the money. Since 124Gs run for about $200 in good condition then $165 is certainly a good price for many additional years of use.

If you don't like the camera then sell it. But if your intent is to buy another TLR then I'm not too sure that "upgrade" is the right way to look at it. Unless of course you want to move up to something like a Rollei 2.8F but you are also considering a whole lot more money invested at that point.

bvy said:

Deciding if I want to CLA my 124G to the tune of $165. Or if it's time to upgrade, since I'm using it a lot (mostly for street portraiture). I don't know how it compares to other "more serious" TLR's in terms of ease of use -- primarily focusing. I like that it has a meter and that it's lightweight (since I travel with it). Thoughts?

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I don't understand. This is a great camera. And you know it. Certainly have it cleaned and keep using it unless you specifically want to buy another camera such as a Rolleiflex or a Hasselblad.

The main reason I would not pursue a CLA is either wanting to move to another form factor or having another camera that is an upgrade to it.

Ian Grant said:

You'd get the budget T model for less than a good Automat.


A good CLA breathes new life and many more years use. So my £50/$66 shutter CLA on my 124 has given me 10 more useful years of use and probably a lot more, plis it's reliable. So think in terms of a $130 CLA meaning a camera with no issues for 10 years that's $13 a year, I paid £100/$131 for a full CLA on my Rolleiflex E2 = I sent both my Yashicamat and Rolleiflex E2 at the same time, as long as I use them they shouldn't need another CLA for years.

Ian

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I don't really think that a T will be cheaper vs an Automat. Automat MX can be had for 150 or so and then need a CLA. The T and MX-EVS I see as rather expensive. The former caught quite a rise in valuation with Vivian Mayer.

I've thought of getting a user Automat which needs CLA and then send it for. However I have a Rolleicord and I am in the position of the OP. Had a possible buyer for roughly thise $165 which I'd put towards film for my main MF, Fuji 6x9.

The point is, thinking that these machines are just well made for an indefinite period of service and long life, instead of being disposable.

I probably answered my own question. The CLA would be from Mark Hama who allegedly worked in the Yashica factory building these at one time. For the price, I don't think I could ask for better service. So when shooting season is over and printing season begins (i.e. when it gets cold) I think I'll be sending it off. Thanks all.