Yashica-Mat EM

I found a mint condition Yeshiva-mat EM at an estate sale - it's perfect, no blemishes., lenses not a single scratch. I wonder if it's been unopened for decades It was originally purchased in Japan.

 

I've never shot medium format and of course never used this camera. It did not come with any instructions and the owner had passed.

 

1. Where are good instructions for this camera? I found videos for others, but not this one.

 

2. Is there anyone who can help me to assess any mechanical needs?

 

Thanks for your help. I'm really eager to shoot photos with this camera.

Yeshica-Mat (autocorrected)

No intent to tease, but I really got a kick out if the idea of a yeshiva mat!

I have gotten manuals from this fellow before -- good stuff!

www.butkus.org/chinon/yashica/yashica_mat-em/yashica_mat-em.htm

Have fun with it!

Yes, it was kind of funny.

 

I'll send him a message, thank you, I'm very excited!!

I look forward to seeing your images. Such a rare find to get one in such good condition.

Lucky you !! The Yashica Mat EM is the last camera of it's line with all metal gears, the 124 series being some type of composite plastic. The EM does not accept 220 film so their is only one start line for the film. I doubt that the meter is working correctly, so get yourself a hand held light meter.

Before running a roll of film into the camera, go thru a static run to get all the shutter speeds "clear" of their many years of sitting around. Turn the shutter wheel and select 1, which is one second. Without film in the camera, you only need to advance the lever about 1/2 turn & back wind it to set the shutter. Push the shutter release button & repeat this sequence 3x before going onto the 1/2 sec shutter speed. Continue this process thru all the speeds.

Now swallow a brave pill, load some film into the camera, Wonder outside & enjoy a great, classic medium format camera. Problems??? Come back & yell . . . we will be happy to help you out ! Picture is what you might expect from the EM with a G filter. Bill