Yashica Mat EM Multiple Exposure issue

derelict · Jan 19, 2017

I have an EM and have recently run two rolls through it. In both rolls, I got a multiple exposure frame that was unintentional. The camera was serviced by Zachs so I am pretty sure that it is probably something that I am doing wrong. The multiple exposures happened at different points in the roll, one at the beginning and one at the end. The middle turned out as expected.

Here are the frames:

TMax 400 to 3200 and about 3 separate shots on top of each other

Delta 3200 and about 2 different shots on top of each other

Anyone know what is going on? I love shooting with this but would like to not get surprises like this.

Thanks

Rick A · Jan 19, 2017

IIRC, the EM should not be able to do multiple exposure, the film advances then the shutter is cocked via winder. The only possible reason, you wound the film advance backward which may(possibly) cock the shutter only without film advancement. I haven't had an EM in many years, but I think, on winding, the film first advances, then when you reverse the arm to fold it in, it cocks the shutter. Other wise, there may be an issue with the work done by the shop.

derelict · Jan 19, 2017

It does not have the accommodation to do a double exposure, like say my Bronica does. That is why this surprised me. I have a roll in there currently that I am going to burn up so I can get it developed in the next couple of days. I am hoping that it is a winding issue on my part and not a film transport issue.

Harry Stevens · Jan 19, 2017

Can't help with your problem but it looks like you lost some nice photos in the roll.

romosoho · Jan 19, 2017

has it ever slipped during winding before? could it be as simple as that? The take up isn't winding?

On a very cold night when the film in my 'Mat 124 was really stiff (but not brittle enough to tear), I had the take up spool slip by one half turn. I could feel the winder go from a lot of tension as it tried to pull the stiff film, then suddenly jump forward. It reengaged just fine after that and I only lost a half frame (which I burned with the lens cap on).

derelict · Jan 19, 2017

romosoho said:
has it ever slipped during winding before? could it be as simple as that? The take up isn't winding?

On a very cold night when the film in my 'Mat 124 was really stiff (but not brittle enough to tear), I had the take up spool slip by one half turn. I could feel the winder go from a lot of tension as it tried to pull the stiff film, then suddenly jump forward. It reengaged just fine after that and I only lost a half frame (which I burned with the lens cap on).

I never noticed it do that but to be honest, I cannot remember if that did take place.

derelict · Jan 20, 2017

Well, I dropped off a roll of XP2. Will be picking it up tomorrow. I am hoping that I do not get another set with frames on top of each other.

Rick A · Jan 20, 2017

If you have an old backing paper and spool,I would load it into the camera. While leaving the back open, operate it and watch the paper to see if it advances properly.

Harry Stevens · Jan 20, 2017

I think you may have to have the back closed for the frame (click)counter to work, I do it on my TLR cameras and then open it at frame six and see if the paper is in the right position but it's a once one only check.

I would double check you are loading the film right with the arrow and tension also check that the back plate is in the right position and that 35 mm adapter button (if applicable) as not been moved...........Just clutching at Yashica straws trying to help and thinking aloud.

moto-uno · Jan 20, 2017

If you want to operate the camera with the back open , you'll have to keep the small metal plunger on the lower right hand side pressed in . It' quite firm and may prove a problem . The frame counter is engaged by this metal plunger . Good luck . There's quite a few inter-connects going on inside ( don't ask me how I know , too long a gear head with , a devil-be-damned attitude , gets me lots of extended projects ! ) Peter

derelict · Jan 21, 2017

I pulled out a a roll of 120 to sacrifice should the roll I pick up today show multiple exposures. I will find out a 5 today. I am hoping that it will be completely fine. If it is not, I will be sending it back in.

derelict · Jan 23, 2017

I ran a roll through it and had it developed...no issues at all. I am leaning towards the theory that I might not have placed enough tension on the film upon loading. All shots came out pretty good. Still learning but I am really liking it

paul ron · Jan 23, 2017

Rick A said:
If you have an old backing paper and spool,I would load it into the camera. While leaving the back open, operate it and watch the paper to see if it advances properly.

ooops didnt see your last post. nice to see all is well.

you cant do that with the back open. take the lens off n observe the backing paper advancing or not.

your camera may need service but check for user error as the most likely cause.

Rick A · Jan 23, 2017

paul ron said:
ooops didnt see your last post. nice to see all is well.

you cant do that with the back open. take the lens off n observe the backing paper advancing or not.

your camera may need service but check for user error as the most likely cause.

On a Yashica TLR you can't take the lens off (easily), but you can operate it with the back open. You do need to depress the metal operating rod for the counter to work and stop the film at the proper intervals. I've used a small coin to do it so it didn't poke a hole in my finger.

derelict · Jan 23, 2017

paul ron said:
ooops didnt see your last post. nice to see all is well.

you cant do that with the back open. take the lens off n observe the backing paper advancing or not.

your camera may need service but check for user error as the most likely cause.

No worries. I really am thinking that it might be a tension issue. If the film was not wound tight, in my mind, it makes sense that the take up spool would rotate and resent the shutter without actually pulling new film as it was doing nothing but tightening the lead around the spool. Once it hit the tight roll, it began to operate as it should. I think it might have merely been user error.

shutterfinger · Jan 23, 2017

When loading 120 I always wind the leader until the incoming to the spool is putting pressure on the tongue of paper going through the spool. If possible I fold the tongue opposite the direction of wind to give a greater grip on the spool. The alignment arrow may have to be advanced slightly beyond the index point but there is enough film on the roll to allow for a slight variation. Newer plastic spools hold better than vintage metal ones.

Yashica Mat EM Multiple Exposure issue

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