Not long ago I began looking for a medium format camera. After using 35mm film for a while I can see the benifit in a larger size. Most of the entry level cameras with interchangable lenses are still fairly expensive and they tend to be bulky as well. That’s where a small box comes in handy. It’s a TLR to be exact. Compact, light and sexy if I say so.
The Yashica Mat 124G is a very common entry level camera to MF. It offers an 80/3.5 4 element lens with a B/1 to 1/500 Copal shutter and a short ASA range of 25 to 400. The camera takes both 120 and 220 film and has a meter which you use at your own risk. The best thing about these cameras is the massive ground glass focusing screen. It’s such a delight to use it.
I picked up a roll of Tri-X 400 and a Provia 100 today. I think I’ll try the 400 first because I can develop that at home. Stay tuned for the first set of pics. In the meantime, check out the mint condition. It’s almost a shame to use it and I’m seriously considering buying another to use so this one can be stored away.
3 Comments
I used to get to use an Yashica MAT (very similar to yours I imagine). I loved the huge ground glass focusing system. I wish I had a modern DSLR with a focusing screen like that.
Sadly the maintenance on it made it to expensive to use.
I still own a Yashica Mat 124 G . It is still in working condition but now sealed in plastic neglected. I now use digital cameras
I use a DSLR for the “necessary pictures” and wanted to shoot MF for real photographs again, scan the negatives and have real prints at real -gallery- size.
My Mamiya C3 is superb for that, but is a heavy tank to lug around, and my Ikoflex (1b) has a basic lens that i consider not good enough (Novar Anastigmat 3,5/75). That’s why I recently bought a Mat 124 G in mint condition for 200 euro’s, like yours on the pictures. With a customized strap attached, it is a fine, lightweight device and I am going to use it thoroughly. A good camera is not to be left in a cupboard or in a showcase. Use it!