Dud Yashica Mat 124 for $200CLA or return?

[grat]

As a side note, I picked up my Mamiya C33 for the first time in 3+ years (I've been on hiatus due to medical issues), and the chrome shutter on my 80mm f/2.8 is definitely slow. It wasn't when I last used it. Exercising helps, but I'll have to do some testing.

 

[GregY]

It's hard to beat the Rolleiflex/cord Yashicamat/Minolta Autocord as a compact travel camera...

 

[outwest]

And they handle and carry nicely on a monopod which can be used where a tripod cannot.

 

[Paul Howell]

I bought my Kowa used, the shop that sold it to me told me that it had been owned by a wedding photographer who traded it in for 330F. Reason was no mirror black out and quieter so he could shoot during the service.

 

[dynachrome]

My first medium format camera was a Yashica 124G which I bought while in High School. The Yashinon lens was very sharp and it was handy thst the camera also used 220 film. While I was in college, I had the 224G repaired twice. When it needed repair the third time, I sold it. I replaced it with a Minolta Autocord. The Autocord is a good performer but its lens isn't any better than the Yashinon on the 124G. It may not even be as good.

When medium format prices were at their lows, I got many SLRs. These include Mamiya 645, Mamiya RB67, Mamiya RZ67, Bronica ETR, Bronica GS-1 and Bronica SQ-A. I also have some Koni-Omegas and a Mamiya Super 23. Over time I also added some more TLRs - a Yashica 44, a Yashica 635 and a Yashica D with the Yashinon. If I want to carry something not too heavy it would be a Bronica SQ-A with an 80 or a 65, a waist level finder, a 120 back and a hand held meter. A flexible combination would be a 65 and a 135, if I also want to carry a camera bag. If I get another TLR it will probably be a Rolleicird Vb. Over the years I have considered Mamiya interchangeable lens TLRs but considering what they weigh, I think an SLR would be more flexible. I have neglected my medium format cameras in recent years but I hope to rectify that this summer. Printing medium format negatives is something I have really enjoyed.

 

[bernard_L]

And they handle and carry nicely on a monopod which can be used where a tripod cannot.

Beware!

Use on a monopod, yes, but I would not carry one on a hike mounted on the monopod.
The bottom plate of the Rolleis is not built like a tank. This was recognized by massrs Franke&Hidecke who offered an auxiliary bottom plate that distributes the stress.

Besides, with the neck strap tight, and no mirror slap (yes, I'm looking at you) slow speeds (1/30, 1/15) are doable, or at least worth attempting.

 

[GregY]

Beware!

Use on a monopod, yes, but I would not carry one on a hike mounted on the monopod.
The bottom plate of the Rolleis is not built like a tank. This was recognized by massrs Franke&Hidecke who offered an auxiliary bottom plate that distributes the stress.

Besides, with the neck strap tight, and no mirror slap (yes, I'm looking at you) slow speeds (1/30, 1/15) are doable, or at least worth attempting.

View attachment 421718

Yes!

 

[outwest]

Yes, yes. I use the mounting plate and carry the camera only by the straps. Since the SLRs have been brought up, the vertical ones, like the Kowa, are easier to use from the hand than the horizontal ones, like the Hasselblad. Horses for courses.

 

[Randy Stewart]

The 124G sold at new retail when being closed out in 1989 for $80. The quality of the body is average or less for 1969s Japanese TLRs when it was designed. The lens is the same from 1959 on, and it is probably the relatively poorest quality MF taking lens among Tessar copy lenses on any TLR. The 124G, driven my media hype mostly, has been hugely overpriced for years. It's real value is less than the proposed cost of its repair. Ay $200 to buy plus $300 to repair, the finished camera isn't worth even the hyped up price in today's market. Return it and buy a quality camera. (Autocord, Kallofleex, Mamiya C; Rollicord)

 

[davela]

Anyone charging that much for a Yashica Mat CLA is grossly overcharging. I've never paid more than $125 to have any TLR CLA'ed, and more like $100 for a Yashica (and that might also include a focusing screen upgrade). The best way to get these done is to find an old-school, local technician and establish a working relationship with them.

 

[GregY]

Anyone charging that much for a Yashica Mat CLA is grossly overcharging. I've never paid more than $125 to have any TLR CLA'ed, and more like $100 for a Yashica (and that might also include a focusing screen upgrade). The best way to get these done is to find an old-school, local technician and establish a working relationship with them.

Davela, it must be a while since you had that kind of work done....?
$100 doesn't get much service...today, let alone an upgraded focusing screen....

 

[davela]

Davela, it must be a while since you had that kind of work done....?
$100 doesn't get much service...today, let alone an upgraded focusing screen....

Not really. The last CLA I has was a Rolleiflex 2.8C and I paid about $125 for that about four years ago I think it was. TLR's are not complex cameras by modern standards and the better brands were once a bread-and-butter cameras for professionals thus routinely serviced at reasonable prices. There are a few camera repair techs out there that seem to have created sort of a cult following around themselves (they'll go unnamed), thus charging ridiculous prices (because they can), for something that is really just a commodity.

Any serious repair shop has tons of spare parts lying around, often on parts cameras, and salvaging a good screen from one is no big deal at all. There are also tons of new screens available at modest cost from China, most quite decent in my experience. No mysteries here.

 

[gbroadbridge]

Davela, it must be a while since you had that kind of work done....?
$100 doesn't get much service...today, let alone an upgraded focusing screen....

$100 is lucky to get you a quote from any professional repairer

 

[xya]

$100 is lucky to get you a quote from any professional repairer

Wow, that's not the case in Germany. Usually quotes a free. If a quote needs disassembly, the price of this will be indicated and then deducted if you order the service...