Yashica Mat-LM

Buying Tips

The Mat-LM added an external selenium meter to the Yashica-Mat platform. Here is what to check before buying.

• Meter accuracy: The selenium meter can weaken significantly over decades. Compare its readings against a phone meter app in several lighting conditions — if it is consistently off by more than one stop, the selenium cell is likely exhausted and cannot be repaired.
• No battery needed: The selenium meter requires no battery — it generates its own current from light. There is no battery compartment to worry about, which is a practical advantage over later CdS-metered models.
• Fully mechanical shutter: Like the Mat-EM, the Mat-LM shutter is fully mechanical. Confirm the shutter fires at all speeds — you can always use an external meter if the selenium cell has weakened.
• Crank advance: Wind the crank and confirm it smoothly advances film and cocks the shutter. A stiff or skipping crank is a sign of internal wear.
• Lens coating: Check both lenses for cleaning marks or scratches. The Yashinon four-element lens is the main optical advantage over the triplet models — damage to the coatings reduces contrast.

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