I recently sent my Yashica Mat-124 G off to Mr. Mark Hama in Georgia (USA) for a CLA (clean, lubricate, adjust). Mark is known for working on the team that built the Mat-124 G at Yashica’s factory in Japan. For the past 30 years he’s been repairing cameras from his home. If you recall, he also repaired my Yashica 44 last year.
I was having issues with the shutter button. For whatever reason it would not click after advancing the film. For the past two weeks I’ve been running a few rolls of 120 film through the camera to ensure that it’s working correctly. I’m happy to report that it works as good as new. I’m not sure what I did wrong with the negatives, but they’re showing some banding at the top. Possible light piping? If you have some ideas, please leave me a comment.
Camera: Yashica Mat-124 G (1970 – 1986)
Film: Ilford HP5+ 400 (Exp 8/2018)
Process: Kodak HC-110 (1+31) 5 Min @ 68°
Scanned: Epson V700 Photo
those bands looks more like uneven development. I can’t think where light would be “piping” in — is there any fogging in the space between the negatives? Are the baffles inside the camera intact (assuming the 124G has baffles)?
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I’m sure it’s the development. I have subsequent rolls that came out fine, so I don’t think it’s the camera. Negatives look fine between the shots.
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My Yashica Mat 124G is on it’s way back from its CLA too. I’m looking forward to getting my hands on it again. Looking at the photos I took with it a few weeks ago – just before the pandemic resulted in lockdown – makes me want to get out and make more photos with it.
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The only other Yashica Company trained TLR Technician based in The U.S. is Bob Sara at CLA STUDIOS. He worked in Yashica TLR repair centers in Europe and in the U.S…. I and 2 other friends have sent several Yashica TLRs to him and we all been pretty happy with the results. Bob does both internal repair and CLA and also body restoration work for damaged cameras. He is based in Florida. I Originally found him through eBay. He has a new page on facebook at: Facebook.com/yashicarepaircenter. I also found his CLA Service and serviced cameras on Etsy, Bonanza.com. What I liked about him was his personal communication, he calls and emails promptly several times which keeps you in the loop from the time your camera gets to him to progress reports he gives. He also gave a written 6 months warranty on each camera serviced.
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Debra, thanks for the info! It’s always good to know who has the skills and availability to repair our beloved Yashica cameras.
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