Yashica Mat 124g film loading question

[TomMessenger]

Hi all,

I have had my 124g for a bit over a week now, and have put 3 films through it. One thing I have noticed, is that I always seem to get 10 or 11 frames from it, rather than 12. It seems that it's not winding on enough when the film is loaded, so the first shot or two are lost before the film starts. It has done the same thing on a Delta 400, Tri-X and a Neopan 400. On the Neopan, one frame was half there half not, and there were 10.5 on the role. I'm confused!!

Does anyone have any advice or experience with this?

Cheers,
Tom

 

[Peter de Groot]

I have one and it did happen te me once or twice. It went away by itself. Make sure you put the marking start next to the start marking in your camera. I think that does make a difference. Otherwise I don't know.

 

[Thomas Moraitis]

Do you use the correct indication for the "START" mark on the film? YashicaMat 124 takes both 120 and 220 films, but the starting marks are different (one is green and the other red, I think, but I don't remember which is which). Have a look at the manual, if you haven't done so already. Good luck.

 

[RobertV]

The green one is for 120 roll film, the red one for 220 roll film. Be also sure the pressure plate is in the right position (120/220).

It's not uncommon Yashica Mat 124-G have problems in loading or the transport mechanism. Therefore only a CLA will solve your problem.

best regards,

Robert

 

[TomMessenger]

Thanks for the suggestions, I'll make sure I have a look later today. I think the pressure plate is OK, as it finishes the roll ok after 12 shots. It must be that I'm not lining it up properly.

Cheers,
Tom

 

[mgb74]

IIRC, the 120 start mark is very close to the film roll. The 220 mark is further and much more obvious.

It's easy to mistake the two marks. Been there, done that.

 

[TomMessenger]

Aah I've only just found the 120 start mark! I was looking all over but missed it! That might be part of my problem. I also noticed on the roll I shot today, that it jammed and wouldnt wind on. Neither would the shutter button press any further, and it wasn't locked. I had to keep pressing and wiggling until it freed. When I developed the film, I had 2 empty spaces where it had gone wrong...

Tom

 

[Kevin Kehler]

The mark will help with the spacing. Ensure you line the paper up just right on the take-up spool and that there is no slack (i.e. hold the film reel while winding to tighten) or it will jam.

 

[Hikingman]

The triangular start mark ▲ is 'green' for 120, and 'red' ▲ for 220.