Lifelong photographer, but new to the repair forum, so hello to everyone!
I'm just making my first foray into medium format (having been a 35mm user for 30+ years, mainly with Pentax SLR/Leica M).
I have been kindly gifted a Yashica Mat-124G, which seems to be in relatively good condition although not used for years, as far as I can tell - cosmetically good and with seemingly clear lenses. Shutter speeds at least sounding fairly good (only based on what a Leica M sounds like at different speeds, which is my only reference for mechanical cameras).
Two things I've noticed initially which I'd like to attempt repairing/replacing, if anyone would be so kind as to provide a little guidance -
Firstly, the little dials which control Shutter Speed and Aperture are very stiff indeed. I'm guessing this is grease which has turned hard over years of non use, but have no idea where to lubricate them. Also, although the shutter seems to fire OK, the shutter button itself sticks in the firing position, then returns slowly before finally popping out - again, I'm guessing a lubrication issue?
Secondly, it appears to me that the light-seals around the door/hinge have flattened/disintegrated over time. I understand that there is a seal between viewfinder and light meter on these also (guessing you remove that by taking out the 4x little screws around the VF). Is this just a matter of carefully removing the old residue and then replacing with some kind of repair kit? If so, is there a known good source of such kits in the UK, please? With the price of 120 roll film these days, it seems prudent to replace these before wasting film & processing should there be a leak.
Many thanks in advance - very excited to try this camera and my first medium format roll!
I'm just making my first foray into medium format (having been a 35mm user for 30+ years, mainly with Pentax SLR/Leica M).
I have been kindly gifted a Yashica Mat-124G, which seems to be in relatively good condition although not used for years, as far as I can tell - cosmetically good and with seemingly clear lenses. Shutter speeds at least sounding fairly good (only based on what a Leica M sounds like at different speeds, which is my only reference for mechanical cameras).
Two things I've noticed initially which I'd like to attempt repairing/replacing, if anyone would be so kind as to provide a little guidance -
Firstly, the little dials which control Shutter Speed and Aperture are very stiff indeed. I'm guessing this is grease which has turned hard over years of non use, but have no idea where to lubricate them. Also, although the shutter seems to fire OK, the shutter button itself sticks in the firing position, then returns slowly before finally popping out - again, I'm guessing a lubrication issue?
Secondly, it appears to me that the light-seals around the door/hinge have flattened/disintegrated over time. I understand that there is a seal between viewfinder and light meter on these also (guessing you remove that by taking out the 4x little screws around the VF). Is this just a matter of carefully removing the old residue and then replacing with some kind of repair kit? If so, is there a known good source of such kits in the UK, please? With the price of 120 roll film these days, it seems prudent to replace these before wasting film & processing should there be a leak.
Many thanks in advance - very excited to try this camera and my first medium format roll!