Film Newbie - Yashica Mat 124G Service and Repair in UK

[Turnipfarmer]

Hey Guys

I am new to the forum

After using digital for years I decided to get a film camera and learn properly how to use one so I have just acquired my first MF camera and managed to pick up a Yashica 124G from a local auction for total price of around £80. Came with original instructions and original case, looks very looked after, the case is in near mint condition and no fungus, hazing or scratches to the optics which is a bonus! Crank works fine and I am very happy with it overall. I have checked it over with my limited knowledge of film cameras but please tell me if I have missed anything to test on it, please tell me .

Only negative points I have found -

Timer sort of works, it does move but it sticky and needs a little bit of persuasion to move along but when it does get to the end it does fire the shutter off, so glad it has not been broke by having the switch in the M position, I think a service will fix this.
Light meter plastic cover is loose or been pushed in or perhaps the glue has just aged so it has come loose, see photo

Light meter does appear to work now I have put a mercury replacement battery in it but don't know the accuracy of it but it does activate when the hood is opened, small bit of corrosion in the battery compartment.
I have not run a film through it yet and the insides look fairly clean however for one small mark which I don't know what it is or if it will affect the workings of the camera, I have attached a photo, anyone know what it is?

Viewing glass via the hood is a little dusty so will need a clean.


The main question I have now is where can I get this camera serviced in the UK? Any recommendations? I am sure the camera will work but for piece of mind I feel this good example of this camera should get a service so it will give me years service in the future.

Thank you everyone!

 

[pdeeh]

Newton Ellis in Liverpool
Or Black On White in Bristol. I always now use the latter, they are a little less expensive than Newton Ellis
Either way, it'll cost you £80 - £100+ to get it fully serviced, but then you should have a camera to last a few decades or as long as film holds out.

 

[pdeeh]

Also, of course, Welcome to APUG

 

[Turnipfarmer]

Newton Ellis in Liverpool
Or Black On White in Bristol. I always now use the latter, they are a little less expensive than Newton Ellis
Either way, it'll cost you £80 - £100+ to get it fully serviced, but then you should have a camera to last a few decades or as long as film holds out.

Many thanks, will give them a call. Will have to send it off to them as I live in Yorkshire but from what I have read on the internet they seem to be the best place to send it.

I have not run a test film through it, I do have some, do you think I should do this first just incase anything else comes up?

 

[zanxion72]

Certainly you should try a roll first. It might not need any service at all. Welcome to APUG, have lots of fun with your very sexy looking Mat-124G.

 

[ToddB]

I've heard great things about this camera. Check and see if all the speed sound good. I would agree.. invest in a CLA so you have a starting point.

Todd

 

[Turnipfarmer]

Certainly you should try a roll first. It might not need any service at all. Welcome to APUG, have lots of fun with your very sexy looking Mat-124G.

Yeah your certainly right there, someone has donated a load of film to me for free so will pick one to put in although I feel I would like to get the timer sorted and the light meter plastic thing sorted so still might get it serviced for piece of mind.



I am down in London tomorrow and heard good things about Graham Playford, anyone used him?

 

[DWThomas]

Welcome to APUG!

I picked up a 124g a few years back and I really like it. The meter in mine is unhappy, but that's not a problem as I have two handheld meters (plus now an app in my phone!) I've gotten some excellent results with it. It's becoming my goto camera for IR work, as the viewing path isn't trying to see through a nearly opaque filter (necessitating its removal with an SLR).

The worrier in me wondered if that mark you point out might have any connection with the battery case corrosion (although I'm thinking it's on the opposite side) but if everything is functioning, I suspect it can't be a serious problem. For sure a CLA should provide some peace of mind and keep it good to go for a decade or three.

The other interesting observation is that TLRs seem to evoke a benign attitude from the public. Probably because I'm staring down at the box hanging around my neck, passers by don't even appear to know what I'm doing. Big difference in reaction from say, pointing a monster zoom toward someone from an eye level SLR. I've had several people at craft festivals or wandering through scenic spots come up and ask about the camera too.

 

[Xmas]

Although your TLR has the internal baffle you could do with a lens hood the rolli or any bayonet 1 hood will do.

I'd put a few 120s through it, ignore naysayers, till it fails.