Problems with my Yashica LM

[chazz]

I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong, but after developing I find that the first two or so frames are cut off. There may be one half a frame that has been exposed. On the other end of the roll are what look to be two frames that are not exposed. I thought I was having a problem with the Rondinax developing tank, so I sent for a Hewes reel (which works perfectly: thanks for the advice on a previous thread), same problems as far as not having the first few frames. Am I not loading the film properly? I put the empty spool on the right, the new on the left, and wind until I see #1 in the window. After the 12th shot, the film just finishes winding onto the spool. Any help would be much appreciated.

 

[Ian C]

You’re almost certainly not indexing the film correctly when loading. When you load the film, you advance slowly until the black arrows across the width of the backing paper align with the two red “film index” loading dots.

As soon as the film is indexed, close the back.

That places the end of the film at the correct location so that the frame numbers on the film counter match the numbers on the edge of the film (exposed just prior to packaging the film).

Wind the film to frame #1 so that the first frame is in position. When you expose frame #1, wind to frame #2 so that the film is advanced for the next shot. By winding to the next frame after each shot, you won’t double expose a frame unintentionally.

If you do the above, you should get 12 frames that correspond to the frame numbers on the edge of the film.

 

[MattKing]

chazz:

How sure are you that the model of your camera is the LM?

I'm assuming that when you say "see #1 in the window" you are referring to a red window on the back of the camera. As far as I am aware, the LM had no such window.

If you are not referring to a red window on the back, are you loading and winding until the arrows on the film point to the Film Setting Mark on the camera (as per the instruction manual)?

Do you have the instruction manual?

If not, Mike Butkus' site has one for the LM (I'd suggest making at least the recommended donation): http://www.butkus.org/chinon/yashica/yashica_mat_lm/yashica_mat_lm.htm

 

[JMC1969]

I am with Matt on this one, as in a little confused. For the record are you talking about a Yashica-Mat LM? I also didn't understand the loading the spools on right and left. I would have explained it as Top and Bottom. I have a coupe of these cameras and have worked on them, so would like to help if we get a little more info.

 

[Rick A]

When you load film into a Yashica TLR, there is an arrow on the backing paper that must be indexed to a set of marks on the camera body before closing the back. After closing, wind until #1 appears in the counter window and all should be well.

 

[JMC1969]

Yeah, that's the problem here, the Yashica-Mat LM doesn't have a red window/counter window. You load the film and wind until the black arrows on the backing paper are lined up with the red arrows that are located in the middle of the frame opening. Close the door and wind until it stops, you are now on frame #1. It seems there is a mix up on which camera this is.

 

[chazz]

Yikes.........was not aware of the arrow on the backing paper, or the set of marks inside. I was starting the backing paper and then immediately closing the back. Just loaded (properly indexed) a fresh roll of HP5. Thanks so very much guys. Only problem now is........ I have to come up with a different reason to buy another camera.

 

[chazz]

It's a Yashica-Mat LM. I don't know what it's called, but there is a small round window on the crank side that displays an "S" (when the film has been indexed), then shows the frame number as you go through the roll. Thanks again guys.

 

[Rick A]

It's a Yashica-Mat LM. I don't know what it's called, but there is a small round window on the crank side that displays an "S" (when the film has been indexed), then shows the frame number as you go through the roll. Thanks again guys.

You are correct, it is a Yashica Mat LM, for light meter. There is also an EM for exposure meter, a plain Mat, no meter. Later they brought out a Mat 124, then the 124G. I just sold my Mat LM a few weeks back.

 

[ic-racer]

You are closing the back too soon.