Yashica Mat-EM

Buying Tips

The Mat-EM is the only Yashica TLR with a battery-dependent shutter. This changes the buying calculus significantly.

• Battery dependency: The shutter will not fire without a working battery. This is the single most important thing to verify — bring a fresh battery to test with. If the seller cannot demonstrate the shutter firing, walk away.
• Battery contacts: Inspect the battery compartment for corrosion. Corroded contacts are the most common failure on this model, and repairs can be difficult since the electronics are tightly integrated.
• Bypass modification: Some Mat-EMs have been modified to fire the shutter without battery power. If the shutter fires without a battery, the electronics have been bypassed — this is a common and accepted modification, but it means you lose the meter.
• Meter function: With a fresh battery installed, test the match-needle meter against a phone app. If the meter is dead but the shutter fires, the camera has likely been modified.
• Mechanical condition: Beyond the electronics, check the crank advance, focusing smoothness, and lens condition just as you would on any Yashica-Mat. The mechanical parts are shared with other Mat models.
• Price consideration: The battery dependency makes the Mat-EM riskier than other Mat models. Price should reflect this — do not pay Mat-124 prices for a camera that may become a paperweight if the electronics fail.

See our complete TLR buying guide for a full inspection checklist.