OT: Looking for TLR - any suggestions

Just got a Yashica Mat 124 ... Couldn't be happier ... I would begin with this camera (<$200) and see if you like the process of taking pictures with a medium format camera. It's quite different from 35mm in my mind ...

Here are 2 pictures taken with my first roll with my Yashica ..
 
If you just want to play reasonably inexpensively and insist on having a new camera, a Seagull would be a fine starter TLR; look towards the more expensive models with the four-element 75/3.5 taking lens. Nice contrast, excellent sharpness, no complaints from me. Quality control can be a bit spotty, but I haven't noticed any issues with mine (the 4A-109) at all. Good luck finding a lens hood, though... I'm still looking for one that will fit.
 
Can I add to the praise of the Autocord?

I love mine very much. I like the focusing mechanism. It just rocks.

Standard advice is to avoid the Optiper shutter, as it's harder to repair than the alternatives. But that's the version I have, and my local repair shop worked on it quite happily.
 
I was wondering when someone would mention the Seagull! I have seen these in camera stores in Canada in near-mint condition for $150.
I have a Rolleiflex w/Tessar and love it, but I got a really good deal. I think the Seagull is a great way to get into the TLR experience on the cheap!
 
photogdave said:
I was wondering when someone would mention the Seagull!
Click to expand...
Happy to oblige, I'm a pretty big fan of the camera. IIRC, Minolta bought the factory where these are made a couple of years ago and improved quality control significantly. Pretty good value for the price.
 
Long ago I owned a Yashica 124 and loved it. I then foolishly traded it for something dumb(musta been as I can't remember what I got for it 🙄 ).
I went looking for a TLR five or six years ago and found that I couldn't afford the Yashica or a decent Rollei. So I bought a Seagull. I might choose differently today but I have been very happy with my 4a-107 with one exception: the camera uses 34mm filters so hoods and filters are a pain. I ended up with a 34 to 46 step up ring and a set of Cokin filters. Haven't worked out a hood yet. Not the best TLR out there but not horrible. No light leaks and this one will do intentional multiple exposures.
If I'd had the budget for it a Rolleiflex would've been my choice but I have no regrets with the choice I did make.
Rob
 
Another vote for the Ricoh Diacord L. It really is a "sleeper". Super sharp 4 element lens, the most convenient focusing (either hand) , shutter speeds to 500 and great build quality. I can't imagine that you would not be pleased with one of these. Best luck on your search.
P.S. I can send you some pictures of mine if you like. Regards, Gerry
 
Gerry, I share your comments about the Diacord, though I have the G model, which has no meter.

I didn't mention it before, and no one here has as yet, but the Kalloflex (made by Kowa) is superb. A beautifully built camera, with advance crank and focus knob coaxial (!) on the right side. The Prominar lens, another Tessar design, is right up there with the others in quality. These are harder to come by, since I think they were only made for a few years, but I recommend pouncing on one if you find one in good shape. Even if it's not, send it to Mark Hama and he'll fix it -- as he'll do for any TLR.

TLRs and rangefinders have a lot in common -- "old school" cameras that take great pictures. And they're not for everyone.
 
The Diacord is a great camera, unfortunaly I smashed mine during some night shots, its was dark and the cheap tripod fell with camera. Lesson learned, look where you place the camera and get a good tripod. Sometime after that I passed by a flea market and found an Rolleicord for 40$ with the Xenar
 
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Wow, dind't think TLRs had such a following. Thanks for the input, I'll be looking around for a deal on Rolleicord or Diacord.

Looked at Seagulls, and they seem pretty good value for the money. But I really like to look of Rolleicord V.

Again, thanks a lot for the input.
 
I love my Yashica Mat 124G. It captures what I see, as I see it, somehow. (My Great Wall does that, too, but it's an SLR, so a bit beside the point.) I am always delighted with its efforts...
I also have a Seagull TLR, and it takes a bit more deliberation - I need to slightly overexpose - but for the €20 my husband paid for it at a market in Chengdu it does just fine.
MF is a treat.
 
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dkirchge said:
Happy to oblige, I'm a pretty big fan of the camera. IIRC, Minolta bought the factory where these are made a couple of years ago and improved quality control significantly. Pretty good value for the price.
Click to expand...
Yeah, I think I remember that. I was in Shanghai at the time and all the camera stores seemed to be overflowing them. I also remember agonizing over whether to buy one and on the advice of my "expert" friends who sneered at them, decided not too. I regretted that!
 
I have a Yashica 124G and will soon have a Mamiya C330. I must say I have used the Yashicas off and on for over 30 years and I am always impressed by the negatives that come out. It even rivals my mamiya 7II. That is the main reason and getting the C330 that I sold the 7II
 
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