Yashica-Mat Winding Noise: How much is normal?

I've just acquired a beautiful old Yashica-Mat TLR. It looks like

it's focusing properly, the taking lens is immaculate, the shutter

works throughout the range, flash sync is fine, and the aperture iris

functions properly. My dilemma is this: winding makes quite a bit of

noise. I've read that old Yashica TLRs are prone to failure of the

winding mechanism; some people say that the 124G makes a lot of noise

even new (although mine is signifigantly older than a 124G). How

much noise is it normal for a Yashica-Mat to make? Mine makes a

fairly loud racheting noise and winds a little unevenly, but I

haven't been able to ascertain whether or not this is normal in some

degree. I shot a roll of Reala yesterday, and it seemed to work all

right -- I ought to get my film back Thursday, and then I'll know for

sure. Does noise necessarily indicate the impending failure of the

winding mechanism? If so, can I fix it myself? I just bought this

camera to play around with, really, since most of my serious work is

scanned from 35mm and I don't have a scanner that will do medium

format; so, I can't probably justify spending a huge amount of money

on it. Huge for me is anything over $50.

 

Thanks in advance for your advice.

From what I gathered when I was buying the occasional Yashica MAT, the "NEWER" 124's with nylon gears are more prone to gear wear than the older (metal-geared) versions. I'd expect that metal to metal is a bit louder as you describe.

Andy, I shot Yashicamats for a good number of years, long enough ago that I bought them new. Yes, they made some noise winding, but I never had any problems with failure. I kept the cameras for 2-3 years until a newer, fancier one came along--with, say, an attached light meter. And used them fairly hard, but only in amateur status. I'd say keep shooting and don't worry. Those cameras were EXCELLENT values, and I wish they were still in production. (Maybe the Seagull is equivalent; dunno.) Anyway, good luck with your 'Mat.

 

Dick Behan

I have an old Yashica-mat and I think it's one of the oldest, before the introduction of plastic components. It makes a strange clacking noise like an old clockwork toy when I wind on, but the mechanism does the job, because I get 12 evenly spaced images on a roll. I don't think it's about to fail. I should add that the Yashinon lens is a beauty and this camera must be one of the best bangs for the buck that you will find.