Yashica-Mat: HOW TO?

aog26 · 15th August 2009

I wonder if anyone would be so kind as to take me through a step-bystep guide of how to use this camera?!

I have looked up on the internet various manuals, but I don't understand them at all!! It appears that I may have one of the earliest models as there is no model name on the camera front, just 'Yashica-Mat' (in lower case letters) on the front...

I have no idea where to start, but it's my Grandad's old camera and I would love to try and take some pictures with it.

Many thanks in advance on any help offered!

forward · 15th August 2009

It would be helpful if you could post some
pictures of your camera. Many of the twin lens
6x6cm format cam operates in almost the same
fashion.

aog26 · 15th August 2009

phazed1 · 15th August 2009

Hi AOG I can help you! For this camera, can you post your questions under the topic called 'Yashica Twin Lens Reflex Users??'. Because all of the experts are there : P Even some old masters who come out of their closets to share i suspect. Ok first you open the camera by turning the large silver knob at the bottom of the case. Then you will have to load the film in the bottom section by pulling out a spring loaded screw, and slotting the film in. then put the film leader in the spool in the top section. close the cover tightly, and crank the film clockwise with the long chrome handle on the right side of the camera until you see the number '1' in the round frame number window. You are ready to shoot. on both sides of the lens you have dials that are for aperture and shutter speed. Focusing is done with the big round dial on the left of the camera. To take a shot after focusing, press the shutter at the bottom of the lens (near the word 'Copal' there). After you finish about 12 shots, the film winder crank will be tight indicating the film has finished. Crank it five full rounds anti clockwise before opening the case to take out the film for developing. : ) Oh by the way, clean your lens and focusing screen. there is no 'bright screen' add on like the Hassleblad, so every bit of light matters!! AND YOUR HAND NEEDS TO BE STEADY OK!! hee hee unless that photo you posted is a special effect done in photoshop.

phazed1 · 15th August 2009

Here see this guide : says it better than my rojak instructions - http://www.3106.net/photo/cam1045.htm

phazed1 · 15th August 2009

Photo credit: Fabrizio Verni (http://www.pbase.com/brucemontana/bl...yashica_mat_lm) I like this photo cos it's not photoshopped and really shows the flavour of Yashinon lens.

15th August 2009	#1
aog26 New Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 2	Yashica-Mat: HOW TO? I wonder if anyone would be so kind as to take me through a step-bystep guide of how to use this camera?! I have looked up on the internet various manuals, but I don't understand them at all!! It appears that I may have one of the earliest models as there is no model name on the camera front, just 'Yashica-Mat' (in lower case letters) on the front... I have no idea where to start, but it's my Grandad's old camera and I would love to try and take some pictures with it. Many thanks in advance on any help offered!

15th August 2009	#2
forward Member Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 350	Re: Yashica-Mat: HOW TO? It would be helpful if you could post some pictures of your camera. Many of the twin lens 6x6cm format cam operates in almost the same fashion.

15th August 2009	#3
aog26 New Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 2	Re: Yashica-Mat: HOW TO?

15th August 2009	#4
phazed1 Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 198	Re: Yashica-Mat: HOW TO? Hi AOG I can help you! For this camera, can you post your questions under the topic called 'Yashica Twin Lens Reflex Users??'. Because all of the experts are there : P Even some old masters who come out of their closets to share i suspect. Ok first you open the camera by turning the large silver knob at the bottom of the case. Then you will have to load the film in the bottom section by pulling out a spring loaded screw, and slotting the film in. then put the film leader in the spool in the top section. close the cover tightly, and crank the film clockwise with the long chrome handle on the right side of the camera until you see the number '1' in the round frame number window. You are ready to shoot. on both sides of the lens you have dials that are for aperture and shutter speed. Focusing is done with the big round dial on the left of the camera. To take a shot after focusing, press the shutter at the bottom of the lens (near the word 'Copal' there). After you finish about 12 shots, the film winder crank will be tight indicating the film has finished. Crank it five full rounds anti clockwise before opening the case to take out the film for developing. : ) Oh by the way, clean your lens and focusing screen. there is no 'bright screen' add on like the Hassleblad, so every bit of light matters!! AND YOUR HAND NEEDS TO BE STEADY OK!! hee hee unless that photo you posted is a special effect done in photoshop. Last edited by phazed1; 15th August 2009 at 06:41 PM.

15th August 2009	#5
phazed1 Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 198	Re: Yashica-Mat: HOW TO? Here see this guide : says it better than my rojak instructions - http://www.3106.net/photo/cam1045.htm

15th August 2009	#6
phazed1 Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 198	Re: Yashica-Mat: HOW TO? Photo credit: Fabrizio Verni (http://www.pbase.com/brucemontana/bl...yashica_mat_lm) I like this photo cos it's not photoshopped and really shows the flavour of Yashinon lens. Last edited by phazed1; 15th August 2009 at 06:49 PM.