Yashica-a VS Yashica mat 124g

[jusxusfanatic]

Alright thanks 🙂 Gonna get the A since it looks the best and I'm not going for the sharpest lens, and I like doing stuff manually 🙂

 

[Gid]

Check out this link for good info on Yashica TLRs. The A is not one of the best.

http://www.frugalphotographer.com/info-YashicaTLR.htm

 

[newfilm]

While you're at it, a piece like Seagull/Haiou TLR might even be a better conversation piece!
https://img0.etsystatic.com/057/0/8807931/il_570xN.708121464_29u9.jpg

Some how... the text in front gives some kind of vintage shanghai 50s vibe when i looked at it 😀

now to think of it again, the vintage russian has cyrillic on them, and the chinese has chinese text on them, but the japanese seems to have only roman text on their camera instead of japanese text... hhmm... how come?

 

[Joao]

... As such, a D makes more sense for me than an A. ...

My opinion also.

Regards

Joao

 

[mpaniagua]

I own the 124G. Great camera. I would say go for the 124G for practical and reliability or the A for looks and pleasure 🙂

 

[seany65]

@Gid, that's an interesting link about the yashicas.

How can we tell between pre-1980 124G's and post 124G's?

I've had 2 over the years, and the first one had a focusing hood that had a slight gap between it and the body, which allowed dust to get into the mirror box, but the 2nd one didn't, would this be an 'indicator' of age?

Also, do 124g's and 124's have focusing screens that can be relaced by Beattie intenscreens?

 

[Steve M.]

I actually prefer a good 3 element lens, especially for portraits, but my A did not make great images for whatever reason. Never owned a 124. I owned several Ikoflex cameras, and they are quirky. Well built, but heavy as lead, and they're not the easiest. cameras to focus and shoot. When held on a strap, there is no way to carry them w/o them digging into your back for some reason, like a very heavy and pointy Bessa R.

I would get a D, a Rolleicord, or spend a little more and get an Autocord.

 

[CMur12]

In my mind, the simpler the lens that will do the job, the better.

I got a Yashica D with the 3-element Yashikor lens for portraiture with the idea that it made more sense to start with a softer lens (especially at large apertures) than to intentionally degrade a sharper lens with a soft-focus filter.

That said, I have seen some decent landscape images taken with such a lens at small apertures.

- Murray

 

[miragem5]

I have the A from 1959, Mat from 1968, 125G from 1979 , all take nice photos but the Mat is my main Yashica TLR , with the A I wasted a lot of film through double exposures, the 300sec speed is limiting , filters and shades difficult to come by , The 124G is good but as I normally use a good light meter I would rather go for the plane old Mat which is better built with little or no plastic parts and the film transport feels better than the 124g which I understand has some plastic gears .Yashica-Mat 66 from 1969 by steveod2007, on FlickrYashica-A by steveod2007, on FlickrYashicamat 124G by steveod2007, on Flickr
Oh and other goodies are the LM, EM, 12, 24 and 124 Mats. which all have better build than the later 124G Yashica Mat EM 1964 by steveod2007, on Flickr

 

[ray*j*gun]

I don't want to kidnap this thread but let me ask, I have a mint LM that admittedly I don't use enough and while "exercising" it the wind on mech has jammed up. Who is a reasonable and good tech to reach out to?

Thanks

 

[Dan Daniel]

I don't want to kidnap this thread but let me ask, I have a mint LM that admittedly I don't use enough and while "exercising" it the wind on mech has jammed up. Who is a reasonable and good tech to reach out to?

Thanks

Mark Hama- http://www.markhama.com/

Just to warn you, I think a basic overhaul from him runs $160 or so?

 

[jusxusfanatic]

Nice guys 🙂 just got mine!

 

[jusxusfanatic]

Here's me with it 🙂 Love TLR's!!

 

[oftheherd]

I would be interested in how you like it in a couple of months. I know I sure liked the Yashica MAT 124G I had.

 

[MV72]

I love my D

 

[jusxusfanatic]

I will like it for sure 🙂

I love my D~ Sounds doggy but I get it �� The D's also a good one