Yashica Mat 124 Question

Hello: I am new to APUG and this forum. I have recently gotten back into film photography. I started with 35mm Nikon shooting and got interested in medium format. I just purchased a used Yashica Mat 124 tha appears to be in very good condition. Since I have never used this type of camera and am used to 35mm format I had one question that I was hoping to get some assistance with. I was cleaning the camera and noticed that the focusing screen appeared to be what I thought was somewhat cloudy compared to looking through my nikon lenses. I proceeded to disassemble the focusing screen and the fresnel field lens assembly: glass plate with red lines etched into plate which was not clear glass but almost frosted + the plastic lens which was very clear. I proceeded to try and clean the glass plate, but to no avail. Is it normal for the glass plate with the red etched lines to be somewhat frosted, i.e., not perfectly clear glass? I am new to this camera and format and just was not sure what is normal. I shot my first roll of film this weekend and have not yet developed to review the images so this will be the test to determine whether I was able to focus sharply. Thanks for the help. Allen

Hard to answer with out seeing it. I would say that my Yashica 124G screen does not appear as bright and clear as my Contax SLR.

The screen with the red lines is a ground glass and is supposed to be frosted so that the image would appear just as with a large format camera.

A focusing screen has a rough surface in order to form a focused image. If you look at the bottom side of the focus screen on the nikon you will also notice it has a matte surface, ie not clear.

Jon

Yes, you are seeing ground glass.

FYI, place the ground side for the glass facing down- towards the mirror- on assembly. Any reflection such as a lamp or window will make it clear which side is ground and which is not.

There is a good chance that the mirror is fogged up. A place to get a new one-
http://www.uscamera.com/yashicatlr1005.htm
Replacement is easy- hold down the clip at top with a small screwdriver or stick and slide the old one up. Be careful to not touch the front surface of the new mirror and slide it back in. Location is determined by three cast tabs, so no adjustment needed.

A little tip: take a small dab of Vaseline and make a small dot about the size of a paper hole punch in the center of the GG. That little spot will aid in focusing. You want to make sure and not use a lot just enough to make a clear spot.

Welcome Allen. This is a great site and the Yashica is a good camera. I have a 124G that still sees the light of day.

Mike

Excellent feedback. Thank you all for the very prompt feedback.

guitstik said:

A little tip: take a small dab of Vaseline and make a small dot about the size of a paper hole punch in the center of the GG. That little spot will aid in focusing. You want to make sure and not use a lot just enough to make a clear spot.

Click to expand...

You can also use a small piece of clear tape for the same effect with less mess.

I just shot my first roll with my 124, BTW. Until now I had shot only 35mm and 4x5. It's a really nice in-between with the best of both in some ways.

My experience with the Yashica mats is that the viewing lens interior and the mirror usually end up collecting dirt over time. Both of these surfaces can be cleaned with windex and a Q tip this should enhance the view for you. Cleaning the interior of the taking lens would be a good idea while your are at it. I found this problem most prevelant with cameras that have come out of homes and shops where people have been smoking.