Great overview. It might’ve been helpful to let everyone know though that the 75mm lens is equivalent to (approx) a 50mm lens in 35mm terms since this is a medium format camera using 120 film. Also the lens/filter mount is called the “Bay 1” size which it shares with the Rolleiflex/cords. I typically shoot my 124G with BW so I keep a yellow filter on the taking lens. I also have two of them (don’t ask me why lol) Thanks!
Bought a 124g off ETSY and then sent it to Mark Hama. Came back pristine and fixed the Light Meter. Sending my rolls over as part of the subscription service. Can’t wait to see these results
TLRs are certainly fun cameras to use. And yea theoretically, you can hand hold them at relatively slow shutter speeds. Though I'm more used to hand holding an SLR (pressed against my face.) That's what I'm more comfortable with. Ive only hand held a TLR once when making an exposure and I think I may have got camera shake. And the shutter speed wasn't all that slow. I prefer to use a TLR on a tripod. Each to their own.
By the way, I have a Yashica TLR also but not their high end flaghship model (the 124G.) I bought an entry level model (the Yashica D) quite a years ago via eBay for about US$30. I made sure I got one with a Yashinon lens. I think the reason why it was so cheap was that the back of the camera was painted orange (it used to belong to a school.) That may have put some people off from bidding on the auction. I didn't mind at all because what I got was a fully functional camera. Unfortunately, it's been a few years since Ive used it and now the shutter is sticking on the slow shutter speeds. Fast shutter speeds and Bulb are still fine. I'd like to load some film again and do some long exposures with it.
Your sticking [problem with the shutter can be solved with a cleaning. It is a DIY project, but if you are willing to peel back the covering on the front panel. As to relative quality, the D is a fairly basic, low tolerance mechanical but it is not much difference than the 124G. Actually the 124G is a cheapened down version of the Yashica 12 or 124 (120 film only v, 120/2201). With a choice, the earlier models are more durable. They used the same Tessar-copy lens from 1960 to end in 1986.
Amazing video by the way! I just bought this recently and I been loving it and after watching your video I feel like I learn more about the yashica! Can you tell us the exact name of the close up filter because i want to get that to improve my photo quality thank you again!
There is an external similarity between Yashica TLRs and Rolleiflex, because Yashica slavishly copied the appearance. However under the skin, there is almost no similarity. The Rollei is built like a Mercedes. The Yashica is built like a Yugo. After testing many MF lenses in the "normal" focal length range, IMO the Yashica must have the poorest quality lens available in a MF camera. The last 124G units were sold in 1989 for $80, new. A good used one today might be worth double that amount. Anyone paying more than that is a sucker, as there are a half dozen lesser known Japanese TLRs which also use a Tessar copy lens, are better designed and build, are optically superior, and cost between $150-250. (Ricoh Diacord, Minolta Autocord, Kalloflex, Rolleicord)
Great overview. It might’ve been helpful to let everyone know though that the 75mm lens is equivalent to (approx) a 50mm lens in 35mm terms since this is a medium format camera using 120 film. Also the lens/filter mount is called the “Bay 1” size which it shares with the Rolleiflex/cords. I typically shoot my 124G with BW so I keep a yellow filter on the taking lens. I also have two of them (don’t ask me why lol) Thanks!
Played with one back in seventies on high school year book staff. Now I am in my seventies and I want one. Great review!
Really enjoyed my time with the Yashica May 124G. Beautiful result with black and white film.
man alive I love this camera. it seriously is a great starter camera for anyone wanting to get into 66 or medium format
Bought a 124g off ETSY and then sent it to Mark Hama. Came back pristine and fixed the Light Meter. Sending my rolls over as part of the subscription service. Can’t wait to see these results
Such a simple tip for shooting street but I love it. Might have to use that next time I’m out and about.
TLRs are certainly fun cameras to use. And yea theoretically, you can hand hold them at relatively slow shutter speeds. Though I'm more used to hand holding an SLR (pressed against my face.) That's what I'm more comfortable with. Ive only hand held a TLR once when making an exposure and I think I may have got camera shake. And the shutter speed wasn't all that slow. I prefer to use a TLR on a tripod. Each to their own.
By the way, I have a Yashica TLR also but not their high end flaghship model (the 124G.) I bought an entry level model (the Yashica D) quite a years ago via eBay for about US$30. I made sure I got one with a Yashinon lens. I think the reason why it was so cheap was that the back of the camera was painted orange (it used to belong to a school.) That may have put some people off from bidding on the auction. I didn't mind at all because what I got was a fully functional camera. Unfortunately, it's been a few years since Ive used it and now the shutter is sticking on the slow shutter speeds. Fast shutter speeds and Bulb are still fine. I'd like to load some film again and do some long exposures with it.
It’s crazy how cheap these camera are, for how well they perform. You really should put a roll through! When you do, tell us how it goes!
Your sticking [problem with the shutter can be solved with a cleaning. It is a DIY project, but if you are willing to peel back the covering on the front panel. As to relative quality, the D is a fairly basic, low tolerance mechanical but it is not much difference than the 124G. Actually the 124G is a cheapened down version of the Yashica 12 or 124 (120 film only v, 120/2201). With a choice, the earlier models are more durable. They used the same Tessar-copy lens from 1960 to end in 1986.
A great alternative to Rollei for the price. I had mine serviced by Mark H. and it works as smooth as butter. These are quality cameras.
Mark Hama is a mother flaming legend!
Amazing video by the way! I just bought this recently and I been loving it and after watching your video I feel like I learn more about the yashica! Can you tell us the exact name of the close up filter because i want to get that to improve my photo quality thank you again!
One of my favorites - I have two.
Love that!!! Cheap doesn't always mean poor quality. There are still some cameras out there that haven't been overinflated in price.
I have it but if I want to shoot close I pull out my C330.
Love mine but torn to sell or keep since I have a mamiya 645 1000s
Great job
What are close up filters you used? Trying to find them
Search for "Rolleinar 1" on ebay. They are the closeup filters from a Rollei. The Yashica uses the Same Bay-1 filter mount as the Rollei.
@@thefindlab thank you 🙏🏾
Hi
Oh hey.
I use my mamiya more than my 124 g
There is an external similarity between Yashica TLRs and Rolleiflex, because Yashica slavishly copied the appearance. However under the skin, there is almost no similarity. The Rollei is built like a Mercedes. The Yashica is built like a Yugo. After testing many MF lenses in the "normal" focal length range, IMO the Yashica must have the poorest quality lens available in a MF camera. The last 124G units were sold in 1989 for $80, new. A good used one today might be worth double that amount. Anyone paying more than that is a sucker, as there are a half dozen lesser known Japanese TLRs which also use a Tessar copy lens, are better designed and build, are optically superior, and cost between $150-250. (Ricoh Diacord, Minolta Autocord, Kalloflex, Rolleicord)