Can this Yashica-mat be saved?

[chaz_c.]

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Hey guys, these images might horrify some of you, but I'm wondering

if a taking lens of this condition (on a Yashica-Mat TLR) is at all

salvageable. Truth be told, I have very little experience with TLR's

so I don't even know if those are scratches, fungus, or oil stains,

just that it doesn't look good. They aren't on the outside though,

the outside lens is clean, so it must be in one of elements, or a

couple of them, I'm not sure. You think this TLR can still be

ressurcted, even with the help of Mr. Hama? Or would I be better off

selling it for the parts? It would be a shame though, because this

was my grandfather's, and would have been a treasure for a budding

photographer like me. Thanks guys.

[Sandeha Lynch]

How's the body condition? Film wind? Focus? If they are all good you can probably find a replacement set of lens cells and get a pro-repair shop to install them.

<p>

Your lens looks terrible, so if the body and mechanics are not sound, just put it on the shelf and buy another.

[bueh]

Shoot a roll of film (transparencies) and see what the results look like. These scratches look horrifying indeed, but if the rest of the camera works, why not keep this TLR and use it for old times sake. You might even be able to buy a broken Yashica-Mat for cheap and switch the lenses. But what did your grandfather do with this camera, did he sandblast the lens elements or what?

[mike_elek]

Those scratches probably will sharply (and negatively) affect the quality of the photos. These camera are very inexpensive. For sentimental reasons, you might try finding a beater (same model) on eBay and then swapping the lens/shutter assembly.

[jack_fisher1]

If the mechanics (shutter and film transport/winder) are in good shape, a new set of lens cells could solve your problem. I can donate a set (Yashinon) in excellent condition from a junk camera, and could install them for you.

 

If interested, e-mail: jfisher (at) plateautel (dot) net

 

Jack

[conrad_hoffman]

That looks like the fungus I've had on a Mamiya TLR, and some of a friends older lenses. It's the stuff that eats right into the glass. If the rest of the camera is good, "just" change out the lenses if you can find a pair from a parts donor. If it has Yashinons, don't use Yashikors unless you have to, as they're not nearly as good.

[paul ron]

It looks like you'll need a new lens. Perhaps buying a broken body with a decent lens? Otherwise I'll send you $20 for the parts?

[john falkenstine]

I think I have what you need. I have a lens group thoroughly butchered by an attempted shutter linkage repair. But the lenses themselves appear OK.

[markplawchan]

I guess you could make it into a 'pin-hole".....