Anyone using Yashica MG-1

[mountainsmith]

Hi all, just got this nice camera off ebay.
Im pretty new in Rangefinders and tot that Yashica could me get going pretty quick due to its affordability.
May I ask if there are any Yashica users here, specifically the MG-1? I need advise on operating it. Just bought a battery from Sim Lim but I am not sure if my camera works.

Hope to hear from someone soon!

 

[Riotbmx]

Haven't used the exact model but I've owned 2 Yashica Electro 35 GTN before.

To see if the automatic shutter speed selector is working properly try pointing at a bright spot and release the shutter, it should sound that it open and close pretty fast. Then point it at a darker area(or close the aperture), you should hear that the shutter open for a longer period of time. Next check if the led warning lights are working. Open up the aperture and point at a reasonably bright area, the red light should illuminate. Next point the camera at a dark area or close the aperture and the yellow light should illuminate. If everything works it should be fine, but it does not guarantee the light meter is accurate. Just shoot a roll and you should be able to find out.

Since the lens is slower at f2.8, I suggest you try shooting higher ISO film like 400 to start with or you'll be more likely to encounter camera shake problem in low light condition. Good thing about this camera compared to the GTN/GSN is that you don't have to do manual compensation if you shoot with filters. Hope you understand what I mumbled. Enjoy your camera

 

[mountainsmith]

Thanks Riotmbx,

The led lights are not working,even after buying a new battery. Not sure, i have a roll in the camera now, will only know if it is really spoilt once i have developed the pics. anyways, can anyone recommend a cheap and reliable rangefinder for me to play and explore?

Haven't used the exact model but I've owned 2 Yashica Electro 35 GTN before.

To see if the automatic shutter speed selector is working properly try pointing at a bright spot and release the shutter, it should sound that it open and close pretty fast. Then point it at a darker area(or close the aperture), you should hear that the shutter open for a longer period of time. Next check if the led warning lights are working. Open up the aperture and point at a reasonably bright area, the red light should illuminate. Next point the camera at a dark area or close the aperture and the yellow light should illuminate. If everything works it should be fine, but it does not guarantee the light meter is accurate. Just shoot a roll and you should be able to find out.

Since the lens is slower at f2.8, I suggest you try shooting higher ISO film like 400 to start with or you'll be more likely to encounter camera shake problem in low light condition. Good thing about this camera compared to the GTN/GSN is that you don't have to do manual compensation if you shoot with filters. Hope you understand what I mumbled. Enjoy your camera

 

[oceanpriest]

Thanks Riotmbx,

The led lights are not working,even after buying a new battery. Not sure, i have a roll in the camera now, will only know if it is really spoilt once i have developed the pics. anyways, can anyone recommend a cheap and reliable rangefinder for me to play and explore?

why not try canonet? even if the meter die, you can still use it in manual mode.

for MG-1, without battery it can only fire at 1/500 speed IIRC

 

[agawads]

Thanks Riotmbx,

The led lights are not working,even after buying a new battery. Not sure, i have a roll in the camera now, will only know if it is really spoilt once i have developed the pics. anyways, can anyone recommend a cheap and reliable rangefinder for me to play and explore?

there's an Olympus XA on sale somewhere in BnS... 1 of the compact RF and decently priced start up cam.