Yashica Mat 124G Soft Shutter Release Button-Question

[Boogdaddy]

I have recently purchased a Yashica Mat 124G. It was "New" in the box, still in the plastic with all the paperwork and unfired. My dad had this camera in the 1970's and so it's a bit nostalgic for me. My question is the shutter release on mine is apparently not standard as most cameras come today. I have 4 soft shutter release buttons on various cameras including my Nikon FM2N, Canon GIII QL17, New Leica M6, etc. I've tried all of them on the 124G and the thread size on all of them are too small for the 124G's shutter release. I have read the post that's a few years old on here asking about the same thing and he only got a few responses, the gist of which said he needed to send his camera in for service. One responder said he put a standard soft shutter release button on his 124G with zero problem. One responder also mentioned the Leica "Nipple", which I've viewed online, but I don't know how it works or how it attaches to the 124G's existing shutter release. I also don't know that I want something sticking out that far on the front bottom corner of the camera for fear of hitting it on something and breaking or bending the shutter release.

Does anyone know of a source to purchase a soft shutter release button with the larger threads required for the 124G? Or does anyone know of a workaround?

Thanks!

 

[reddesert]

1. questions like this are often aided by posting a picture of the part that you have.

2. I have a Yashicamat 124 G. It uses a standard cable release. Typical cable releases have a slightly tapered thread, although I think the internal threads tapped in the shutter button are usually not tapered. Probably your soft shutter buttons (which are probably just enlarged rigid buttons) are a little undersized. Try screwing a standard cable release into the Yashicamat 124 to verify there's nothing wrong with it.

3. Many earlier TLRs (incl Rolleis, earlier Yashicas, etc) used an external thread around the base of the shutter button rather than an internal thread in the button itself. This external thread is sometimes covered by a trim ring that can be unscrewed, and it needs a Leica-type cable release thread. That's what the people talking about external threads and Leica nipples are referring to. It doesn't apply to the 124G.

 

[Dan Daniel]

Try putting a few wraps of teflon tape on the threads of the soft release that is the largest. Wrap the tape clockwise looking from the bottom of the soft release.

 

[Boogdaddy]

Thanks for the replies. It turns out that it is actually a normal thread size, but the throat is fairly deep on the 124G's shutter release. None of the soft shutter release buttons I have will thread into it (not even the Lensmate one I bought for it), but I borrowed a soft shutter release button from a friend and it actually works. Sort of. It will thread and tighten, but I doubt there is more than a thread and a half actually holding it in, maybe less. None of my soft shutter buttons can even catch one thread. I guess I'll have to look for a soft shutter release with the longest threaded post I can find. Thanks again.

 

[Joel_L]

Is this what you are asking about?

 

[Dan Daniel]

Thanks for the replies. It turns out that it is actually a normal thread size, but the throat is fairly deep on the 124G's shutter release. None of the soft shutter release buttons I have will thread into it (not even the Lensmate one I bought for it), but I borrowed a soft shutter release button from a friend and it actually works. Sort of. It will thread and tighten, but I doubt there is more than a thread and a half actually holding it in, maybe less. None of my soft shutter buttons can even catch one thread. I guess I'll have to look for a soft shutter release with the longest threaded post I can find. Thanks again.

I seem to remember some issues with digital Leica and Fuji camera where they need short thread length. So when you look at something like Match Technical's soft releases, they specify short or long threads. https://www.popflash.com/match-technical/ You might get one of their long thread ones, remove the o-ring, and I bet you'd be good. Very nicely made, by the way, and stick to 10mm diameter so it will clear the lens shroud.
long- https://www.popflash.com/soft-releases/match-technical-bee-o-l-silver-mini-soft-release-new/
short- https://www.popflash.com/soft-releases/match-technical-bee-o-s-red-mini-soft-release-new/

 

[dave olson]

Short cable release, 6" will work fine.