Yashica 124 CdS Metering

Papa Tango · Nov 14, 2005

For general shooting, how does the internal meter on this camera stack up? I have checked it out with a variable intensity light source off an 18% grey card, and it is not too much different than metered through the Gossen. This does not speak to real world results though?

Comments or experiences?

rbarker · Nov 14, 2005

I don't have a Yashica, Patrick, but if your controlled tests show it to be accurate, I'd think you'd be justified in relying on it. The trick to any meter, however, is to understand what it is measuring, and then make any appropriate adjustments based on the scene and the objective for the image.

You might, for example, try to determine the field of view of the meter, and mark that on the viewing screen. Then, when metering a scene, you can more accurately assess whether adjustments are required. If, for example, there are large areas of white in the area being metered, you can bet the negative would be correspondingly underexposed at the suggested exposure.

Paul Sorensen · Nov 14, 2005

I do fine with the meter on my 124G. I mainly shoot black and white with it, but I have done some transparency film and also liked the results. Since it seems to match up with a known good meter, I say go for it.

Paul.

papagene · Nov 14, 2005

They are very prone to mis-readings due to flare from pointing them toward any light source. If you can avoid shooting toward the sun or any strong light source they are OK. But a small handheld will be more reliable.
Ya know... sometimes I wish I had never sold my Yashica Mat 124G. It was a fun camera to have at hand, ready to use.

gene

bjorke · Nov 14, 2005

I took the batteries out of both of mine and ignore the built-in meter. Not that they are WRONG, but I prefer to use my own built-in meter, or a handheld.

rfshootist · Nov 14, 2005

Pragmatist said:
I have checked it out with a variable intensity light source off an 18% grey card, and it is not too much different than metered through the Gossen.

I own this camera since 1986 and can confirm your results. Checked it with a Gossen too.

Regards,
Bertram

BruceN · Nov 14, 2005

I've never even had a battery in mine, now you've got me wondering if it works. I prefer my Minolta meters.

Bruce

johnr55 · Dec 20, 2005

Light Meter. . .

The little CdS meter on the Yashica TLR's was always reasonably accurate but not selective at all. I learned on a 124 in the 60's at school, we found that the five of ours were okay for B/W. In the 70's I bought the G model and got fine color prints but had to really analyze the composition for slides as the meter was easily 'fooled'. I have had better luck over the years with handheld. Even a little Gossen Pilot will equal its accuracy.

nworth · Dec 20, 2005

I used to have a 124G, and the meter was quite good. It doesn't cover exactly the same field as the lens, but it's close enough for most work. Mine was quite accurate. You have to remember, however, that this is a very simple meter. It will be fooled by backlighting or severe contrasts, and you will have to compensate manually for that.

rfshootist · Dec 20, 2005

johnr55 said:
The little CdS meter on the Yashica TLR's was always reasonably accurate but not selective at all.
........ but had to really analyze the composition for slides as the meter was easily 'fooled'. .

Well what else can you expect from an external meter like the CdS of the 124G ?
It is at least as good as a handmeter, metering reflected light.

bertram

Claire Senft · Dec 20, 2005

I have not used the Yashica. I can offer some general advice as far as CDS meters. They are generally prone to some 'memory' effects after being exposed to bright light. So if you have recently had they camera in bright light and now are taking photos in dim light, give the meter a bit of time to adjust to the dimness. Try taking a couple of readings a minute or two apart and see if the reading changes.

Yashica 124 CdS Metering

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