mcblue Posted July 21, 2005 Share Posted July 21, 2005 Hi, I decided to try medium format with a Yashica MAT 124G and I can't even finish one roll because the shutter keeps getting jammed. Is this a common problem with this specific model and should I just return the Yashica and get something else (a Rolleiflex or Rolleicord maybe)? Thanks, Marvin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve_b3 Posted July 21, 2005 Share Posted July 21, 2005 When is the last time it had a CLA? If you have to think about when that is, its time for one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geoff_mcauliffe Posted July 21, 2005 Share Posted July 21, 2005 These cameras have not been made since 1978 or so, even a 'new' one is over 20 years old. Lubricants get old and need to to be cleaned out and replaced. A CLA (clean, lubricate, adjust) is in order. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcblue Posted July 21, 2005 Author Share Posted July 21, 2005 I actually got it from B&H and was told I would just insert film in it and it's good to go. Now I'm thinking maybe I don't even know how to use it... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcblue Posted July 21, 2005 Author Share Posted July 21, 2005 According to this photo.net article I found through Google: http://www.photo.net/learn/nature/mat124 the shutter is a common problem... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
antonrussell Posted July 21, 2005 Share Posted July 21, 2005 At the risk of sounding stupid, you know about the shutter locking lever, right? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcblue Posted July 21, 2005 Author Share Posted July 21, 2005 Yup. (And no it doesn't sound stupid. I could easily made that mistake. I read the manual though...). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcblue Posted July 21, 2005 Author Share Posted July 21, 2005 I'm not sure what to do actually since it's supposed to be a great camera based on all the literature I've read on this site and elsewhere (but how would I know if I can't even finish a roll at this point). Since I got it from and B&H I also paid more than I would if I got one from eBay. It does look like it's in near-mint condition (outside anyway). Should I just get this camera checked out back at the store? Any suggestions? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geoff_mcauliffe Posted July 21, 2005 Share Posted July 21, 2005 It is a good camera. Take it back to B&H and give them the option of getting a CLA (at their expense) so it works properly or refunding your money. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulh Posted July 21, 2005 Share Posted July 21, 2005 Hi Also make sure that the flash sync is set to "X". They are good cameras, but as with anything this age, it may need a service. The same would apply to a Rolleiflex/cord. Paul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
35mmdelux Posted July 21, 2005 Share Posted July 21, 2005 CLA. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcblue Posted July 22, 2005 Author Share Posted July 22, 2005 Thanks for all teh replies. I found out what I was doing wrong through another guy's feedback on the web (forgot the URL). Apparently, upon cranking the film wind for the next exposure, I'm supposed to fold back the winder securely into the notch that takes the winder handle. Otherwise, the shutter gets jammed. I don't think it needs a CLA. Sorry for the trouble. I am enjoying the TLR. Different feeling from shooting 35mm/digital. I get thrown off composing though, as the image is reversed and the ground glass image almost disappears in low light. I haven't had a roll developed yet and I didn't use a handheld meter, so I'm wondering how my shots will come out (I used negative color film though, and will be using black and white next). Thanks again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
antonrussell Posted August 16, 2005 Share Posted August 16, 2005 I'm glad that's resolved! Will you be posting photos from the Yashicamat when you get them developed? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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