Yashicamat 124 CLA in Vancouver?

[kavandje]

I have a Yashicamat 124 (not 124G) which could do with a CLA. In particular, the shutter speeds of 1/4 sec and below are sticking.

Locally (Windhoek) I am completely out of luck, but I am going to be in Vancouver, BC in September. Can anyone recommend someone in Vancouver who would be capable of doing a good job of it?

Alternatively, can anyone tell me why those shutter speeds should fail while the others are fine?

[Ian Grant]

It's fairly typical with Copal shutters, the slow speeds get sticky. Sometimes it's lack of use, it's important to use the slow speeds every now and again. I've had similar problems with much newer Copal's, but it happens with other leaf shutters as well.

I had to have my own Yashicamat 124 shutter serviced last month for the same reason. They are over 40 years old !!!

Ian

[kavandje]

So should I see if I can pull the shutter and try the lighter fluid method, or am I better off with a full CLA?

[Ian Grant]

I'd get it done properly, any reasonable camera repair shop should be able to do it very quickly.

Ian

[Dave Swinnard]

Check Camtex in Vancouver: (just out of the downtown core, easy to get to)

201-1855 Burrard Street
Vancouver, BC V6J 3G9
(604) 734-0242
http://camtexgroup.com

Or you might try Vancam:

1666 8th Avenue West
Vancouver, BC V6J 1V4
(604) 736-4113
http://www.vancam.com

I have used the both over the years. Recently though I'd give the nod to Camtex (but that's just my personal opinion.)

Hopefully we will have one of those wonderful Septembers when the weather's mild and the rain holds off. It can be one of the most beautiful times of the year in Vancouver.

Dave

[kavandje]

Dave, that's precisely the kind of info I was hoping to get! Thanks! So I'll be packing the Yashica...