@@ShootFilmLikeaBoss Bargain of the century I'd say!!!!!! These normally sell for around £200 on ebay or even more for a mint condition one. Worth every penny I reckon as they have to be one of the most "portable" 6x6 TLR's out there! Only slight niggle with them I reckon is the pretty dull standard focusing screen. I swapped mine out for a cheap chinese replacement one I bought on ebay which gives a much brighter image though as a spectacle wearer I still have to use the flip up magnifier for focusing.
That took me back 60 years to when I worked as a photographer on the Worthing Gazette in Sussex. We used an earlier model YashicaMat, without the built-in exposure meter (which I note you didn't use anyway). I used to make a lot of use of the sports viewfinder, just estimating distance and setting it manually. It was a great camera, and pretty tough, even surviving a hit from a hockey ball when I was photographing a game and got too close.
@@ShootFilmLikeaBoss wu used to focus at waistlevel then fold the eye level finder down and shoot at eyelevel. Better than an slr as you can see if anyone blinked.
I absolutely agree regarding this camera. Each time I develop a roll shot with my 124G I look at the negatives and ask myself "why don't I shoot with this camera more?" Keep the good stuff coming.
The 124 G is an unashamed copy of the 1950s Rolleiflex K4a. Its quite a decent camera with a good Tessar type lens. You did well with it. I think TLRs really suit urban landscape photography. You just reminded me to start using my Rolleiflex again. The tractor shot was spot on.
And my Seagull 4A-109 is an unashamed copy of the Yashica. For a chinese made camera, it takes great photos. And I don't worry about it being super expensive.
Yo SFLAB! I Love your vibe man! I probably watched this video before I bought my Yashica Mat 124-G. Now I'm trying to do the whole RUclips thing myself and I've just posted my own "review" of the Yashica. I put that in quotes because it is sort of a silly joke video more than a serious review. Anyway I just gotta say you are a real inspiration for me man, showing that this film tuber thing is viable for people like me. I think more than other channels you've always stood out for me because of how authentic you are and completely the opposite of pretentious, a vibe I catch too often from alot of other film people on here. That and I love drooling over your darkroom set up. So jealous man. Anyway I won't bore you anymore, thanks for being you and keeping it reel dawgie!
With zero mirror slap, 1/30 second should be a snap lol. Lovely cameras to use, and very sharp lens. Yashica did at one time sell supplementary lenses for them, to give a wide angle and short telephoto. I have never seen them reviewed. In addition, there were close-up lenses and filters. One often overlooked advantage of the twin lens reflex camera is that focusing with heavy filters such as the red filter is just as easy as normal, its only on the taking lens. Polaroid filters are of course a little more difficult and lets not forget the left right reverse in the viewfinder. These are really lovely cameras and in my view, perfect for street photography, just wind the film on slowly as the wind on mechanism is not exactly subtle. Nice video, apart from the leaky Paterson tank oh how I hated those. Always leaked even when new. Durst tanks never leaked when new, they do when they get old but they were the best tank made at the time by a long way, especially for 120.
I have a Rolleiflex Old Standard from 1932 with an amazing uncoated Tessar lens. It is much older than the Yashica has not built in lightmeter and other differences but basically are similar cameras. The sportive viewfinder of my Rolleiflex has a ring shaped mirror of the size of a penny in the centre. When you look through it you need to see your eye iris on the mirror to align your eye with the view finder.
I’ve just subscribed because I like your style of videos and how you explain things to people. I started shooting Film in the early 70s as a youngster. Now I shoot Digital but I fall back to Film as well. I like this video because I too have a YashicaMat but the all manual one. It’s a 1960 model and still shoots exceptional pics. It’s smaller and lighter than my Bronica C2 and more unique. Anyway, sorry to go on like this but just wanted to say I like your work and your videos look forward to seeing more of them.
I payed mine 345 € but super condition !!! Looks brand new! And I am so happy ! I own several nice cameras, Mamiya RZ67 proII, Pentax 645nii, mamiya c220….but this one is so light and small and easy to take away…and the quality is amazing for such cheap camera! Shot already more than 50 rolls and still happy! So go for it! You can go wrong!
I have a Yashica-Mat LM, which has a built-in light meter. I've run a couple rolls through it so far, and it's pretty cool. It's hard to get used to looking at everything reversed in the viewfinder, though. Unfortunately, my enlarger doesn't do medium format, so I have to get the negatives printed.
I love this camera. I bought mine used but in near mint condition in 1991 and its picture quality is outstanding! I haven't used it in years because of digital but need to buy some film and get out and use it agains.
Great lens and I carry it loaded with 3200 film and a 35mm with hp5 for street, both at 1600. This camera is feather light unlike my RB67 that is a killer to carry any more than a short time outside a back pack.
Great camera with a very sharp lens. Batteries for the light meter available at the Small Battery Company. Word of warning though: Do not try to use with Foma films! The backing seems to be too thin for the camera to recognise the film and it does not stop at the first frame (instead it lets you wind the whole film through).
I have a old Rolleicord IV ... fantastic camera from 1954 .. the Xenar is tack sharp and my go to medium format camera !!! ... a handy trick that works is focus in the waist position and raise the camera to use the sport finder ... at f8 thru f22 and slight focus problem from moving the camera is offset ... the Rollei is SUPER lightweight and handholding is easy :)
How long have you been a photographer? And I love now finally having a bathroom that will allow for a cramped but effective darkroom. Been waiting twenty + years to have a darkroom. I'm 62 so getting a little later start but it is what it is...lol. Got out and finally shot some film. Now the fun really begins, right? Cheers, Roger!
As one of the "most advanced" 120 TLR cameras to date, of course it's "worth it," since other TLRs are much older or less advanced by comparison. (I speak as a user of a Rolleicord V, Minolta Autocord, and Rolleiflex, all made in the 1950's-1960's.;)
Great video as always, I have and still use the Yashica Mat LM, I got as a Kit with hand grip, lense hood and a close up lense. It came in its original box and inside the manual was a receipt for the camera from the 60's.
Nice discussion of the camera. I had bad luck with a 124 (not G), the shutter kept failing and after two repairs it didn't seem worth it any more. I replaced it with a Yashica D, an older model with separate gears and knobs for the film advance and shutter cock, and no meter. Otherwise it handles like the 124. They are sweet little cameras, good for urban as you can shoot without people realizing, or else they think the camera is interesting and are happy to have a photo taken. Nice final print, it's always enjoyable and educational as you go through your darkroom printing process.
The Yashica 635 is another great little camera too. and one of very few dual format camera's made, shooting both 120 and 35 mm film. like the D it has separate knobs for advancing the film and cocking the shutter as well.
@@catey62 In theory combining the two actions into one lever is simpler, but only for the user, the internal gearing must be more complicated. It makes it easy to do double exposures, sometimes too easy! I also had bad luck with a Rolleicord, the film advance gears jammed and I stripped them trying a little too hard. These very old TLRs are not really so robust inside, the tiny gear systems are susceptible to wear I guess, even if the boxes are pretty strong.
yes, you can't change the lens (completely), but, like the Rolleiflex, a 'close up' and wide lens is available to add to this lens (like a filter on the front).
good point, unobtrusive, but because it is 'mirrorless' so only the shutter fires, so quiet too, simmilar to the Mamiya press cameras, you hardly know the shot has been taken.
Nice camera Roger I always look forward to your videos I know there going to be good 👍🏻 before I got my ETRS I looked a 124g but my heart was stolen by the bronica lol see you using more of the delta 400 nice images as always
@@ShootFilmLikeaBoss I succumbed Roger I bought one last week not managed a roll through it yet but looking forward to getting out to shoot a couple of rolls of film meter works but I going to use my sekonic hand held instead as I am not sure on the meter accuracy I going to HP5 to start with
It´s been my first middle format camera I owned. It was a wonderful companion. Lens wise it´s not a Rolleiflex . But it´s a great camera. Endless fun. No doubt!
@@ShootFilmLikeaBoss I bought about six years ago a Rolleiflex 2.8GX when it as still affordable. Since than that has been my favorite TLR. The lens is sharper, the viewfinder brighter and I just love the ergonomics of this camera. I paid 900 Euros back then. Now the prices have gotten really silly.
Just love this channel, you know alot n keep me wanting more...what kind of camera strap are you using for your Mat 124G...just picked up a Yashica new model B...
a tip, if you find focussing hard, try a tripod, then you can use an accessory called a paramendor (mamiya tlr's use this like a periscope, it allows you to focus\compose with the top lens, then rise to exact lens center for the taking lens).
I use my Yashica Mat EM a lot more now as it is lighter than my Mamiya C3. it took me some time to get used to the Yashica worth putting the time in to get used it lens is sharp to
one thing i was warned about these is not to crank the film advance without film in it. it can cause the shutter to stick. i do with they had a double exposure mode…and maybe a closer focus distance but you can’t have everything :)
Yeah taken a break from your channel, but just purchased a couple of TLRs a voitlander superb and another, so knowing you take good shots I thought I’d give you another visit. Very good!
I saw your post on instagram with some shots from this camera, so I was excitedly waiting for a video on it to come out. TLRs are the only form of medium format I have at the moment, and I bought them because that was all I could afford at the time although now it's quickly become my favorite kind of camera. My weapon of choice is the very unassuming Super Ricohflex, which is a geared TLR with big gear heads screwed onto the front elements that mesh together so they move at the same time. I have fancier TLR models now, but I keep coming back to it. There's a certain joy in simplicity that makes these cameras so fun to use. I have a serious number of Super Ricohflexes that I've CLA'd if you ever want to try something a little different in the TLR category.
a second tip, at 7:24 DON'T wind off that fast, you are just asking for static streaks on the film, wind slowly, like a polaroid pull, 1 and a 2, like a waltz, that way no static develops.
I really like this style camera, I bought a Minolta Autocord and it takes great sharp photos, plus it is easier to use for me now as I can't lift my right arm anymore (ALS) but with this one hanging near my waist I find it easier to use. the focusing is more of an issue unless i use my tri-pod.
MF35, Fordson Major, Fordson Dexta. Do I need to say I am into tractors? Nice pictures and a wonderful old farm to walk around with a camera. Picture is just a water tank, to bring water to animals that are further away from the farm
The Yashica 124 G is a great little camera, mine has never let me down, and the Yashinon lenses produce tack sharp images if your'e careful with your focusing. another one to look at is the Yashica 635, one of the few camera's out there that shoot both 120 film and 35 mm film with the adaptor you can get for them. good ones are getting hard to find and wont be cheap but they're worth it. most of them use the Yashikor lenses, which some people say are inferior t the Yashinon's. but I have found mine produce images that are just as sharp as my 124G's lenses do. the very last of them that were made used the Yashinon lenses, but they are very hard to come by. and they are a great, good quality alternative to the Rollieflexe's which some people are asking crazy prices for these days too
Thanks for this video - nice. I don't have a 124G but I have an Autocord and a C330. I have been amazed at how clear a pic I can get using just 1/4 sec hand-held with the Autocord; partly because it is a leaf shutter and partly because it is a bit more stable if resting on your belly than at eye level - and if you are leaning back against a wall that helps, too (and you can also use a cable release but try it without first). On a Miranda 35mm I have used hearing aid batteries, held in with a bit of blu-tac, as a replacement for the mercury 625 - might work on a 124G but check the electrical connection (if it is edge you would need to put some copper wire around at least part of the blu-tac for it to work) - and don't forget to let the battery "breathe" before inserting. Something you might find interesting to do with this camera is to try using 1/500th with flash and fill-in flash, as there is always full-frame clearance at all speeds, as it is a leaf shutter. And, of course, it's brilliant for street photography. Keep up the good work, I like your videos and their content
Great video. The Yashica Mat124G was my first medium format camera and I love it. I was lucky in that my light meter is pretty accurate too. Love your images, it is the photographer who makes the images but a good camera always helps!
Cheers Chris. I don't have a battery for it yet it's 1.3V. so not sure if the meter works. But I reckon it does considering the fine example i have. Nice insta feed by the way!
Yp, Yashicas are a bit tricky to focus close up. I'm used to that on my Yashica LM. Mamiyas C 220 and C 330 have a red line in the viewfinder tha will tell you where the frame actually ends...
I used to have a Yashica Mat LM, very good camera with a very sharp lens, the price is also quite nice for a camera of that quality. I could net get use to the square format for landscape photography and hate the fact that I could not change the lens. If I had been shooting more portrait I would have kept the camera for sure. It is a great medium format camera
I've had mine now for a couple of weeks now. Was very lucky indeed to get one with a wide angle as well as zoom lens. I will be picking up my negatives tomorrow and am quite curious how my first medium format film shots will turn out. And by the way, I love your work both in, as well as outside the dark room. Thanks for sharing your passion and work with us.
I use a 1957 Yashica Mat with the 75mm Lumaxar f3.5 lens. I use a Hanimex Seconic selenium light meter and always use it with a Rollei bayonet 1 lens hood. I also carry a pair of Rollei bayonet 1 diopter close up lenses to get down to about 18 inches with parralex correction.
LUCKY YOU --it looks MINT CONDITION !! I would recommend you take out a very small weak flash like a Sunpak auto 20SR as it will make ALL THE DIFFERENCE to those Farmyard Machinery shots. The 'YASHINON' is the Sharper lens .
Did you ever see the video where they show the audio overlay of the earthrise photo from Apollo 8? Fascinating if brief creative process. That was a hassablad though..
Is there not a line scribed in the viewfinder to indicate where the top of the frame is at close focus? I thought that was a thing. Of course the last time I had Yashica in my hands was when I worked a summer in a camera shop at age 16. Some TLR cameras had a sliding mask on the ground glass that moved as you focused. You forgot to mention that the viewfinder image is flipped left to right. A tad bit less convenient than modern cameras. But some very nice pictures were/are made with them. Think Diane Arbus, for example.
nice one Roger, if you use the in built meter (which is very good) you have to convert it to run on modern batteries as it ran on the old mercury ones. when I had mine serviced they did this for me. didn't you do a video awhile back converting a yashica electro to run on modern batteries?
I have the RollsRoyce of Rolleis: the 2.8F. I can honestly say that I shoot more with the Yashica. Yes, she doesn’t feel as robust. But her images are as good if not more crisp than the Rollei. And yes, the Rolleflex has been CLAd. You won’t go wrong with a Yashicamat. For landscapes, they’re a dream.
I got a Yashica mat 124 g last Christmas and just now i realized that I've only shot 2 rolls through it!! kodak rising prices don't make it easier for me!! lol
@@ShootFilmLikeaBoss I don't develop my own film and my lab charges more for the black and white because he needs to send it to someone else!! I don't shoot much b&w
Haven't used a TLR since high school in the 70's. Not really a fan of TLR's hard to focus, but it's amazing on how the prices of the 124G has shot up lately.
To George Osier : You should not be concerned about any change of focus accuracy by moving your camera from waist level to eye level even at close distance from your subject because the distance has not move more than maybe one inch at the very most. You can take it from me as I have used my rolleiflex for a good 30 years almost exclusively by focusing with the reversed focusing loupe under the open viewing window and shot through the large sportsfinder particularly for action shots. I would use the full groundglass once in a while only when shooting static subjects like scenery and when correct framing was important.
Yashicas are lovely little cameras. Very holdable. I have a couple and can recommend them to any potential buyer. 6x6 is a lovely negative size to work with.
@@ShootFilmLikeaBoss I see you folks been having a bit of pretty foul weather on your side of the pond. Hope all is well with you and your family. Stay safe, Mate!!
Sorry, but it's been a long time since I've done any film photography and a proper newbie to TLRs but am I to understand that you used 400 ASA film but set your camera to 800?
This camera only goes to 400 on the ASA scale. But I can set the camera to 400, use a 400 film and if I wanted to shoot the whole film at 800ASA I could just drop my exposure by 1 stop and shoot, for example, f11 instead of f8. Or 1/250th instead of 1/125th. Which means I would be underexposing my images by 1 stop where I would then need to add more time to my development to compensate (Pushing Film).
@@ShootFilmLikeaBoss the bottom, the side… whatever… that huge 3 inch strip along the one edge of the print…. If you cut the paper to a square size before exposure you can keep those strips for exposure tests….
@@ShootFilmLikeaBoss and one of the few possibilities to get uncommon formats at regular prices. I'm not sure if I went to the trouble of respooling 120 to 620. (The only 620 camera I have does not take 120 spools on the provider side.) And I won't use a nail clipper to reduce the outer diameter either.
I have a Yashica 124G and the lens is amazing. It's as good as my Rolleiflex 3,5 F Plannar stoped down a little bit. I got a Rolleicord and I'll compare. The things is that my Yashica is a newer camera and the lens is in better shape.
The problem is rather to get a good replacement battery for the original mercury cell which are now forbidden to produce. The advantages of the mercury cell where the constant voltage until they run empty. If you replace it with a common button cell your measure will vary while the battery is dropping linear the voltage in use. Anyway I read much newsgroup entrys where people rather recommend to use an external light meter (like i do too)
Since you rarely need an exposure of 2 or 4 seconds then why not make the last exposure 6 seconds long so your strip will be 6,8,10,12,14 secs rather than 2,4,6,8,10,12 secs. Just my 2-cents for today :) Great print in the end. Any I loved my Yashica back in the day but now they're getting hard to find and expensive.
I'm sure the seller would be happy to answer questions over the phone and provide more images if you saw one on eBay. And if they have 100% good feedback and a number of recently sold items.
The 124G was my first proper medium format camera. Everything about it was OK, not great, not bad, even the meter worked and was OK. I often struggled taking portraits or close ups because of the dim screen but landscapes were fine. . I searched for a Brite screen but never found one. Ultimately sold the 124 and bought a Hasselblad.
They vary enormously. $500 AUD +. But. Extremely good lens. Very reliable. Very quiet. Infinitely easier to repair than a Rollei. Had mine for over 15 years. Will never sell it
I picked up a mint one of these about a month ago for £10. Yes £10. I absolutely love it. It's a beautiful thing
What, a 124 G for £10.00? Lucky you.
It took a lot of willpower to maintain a poker face when the chap in the house clearance shop gave me his price!
That's a bargain!!!
@@ShootFilmLikeaBoss Bargain of the century I'd say!!!!!! These normally sell for around £200 on ebay or even more for a mint condition one. Worth every penny I reckon as they have to be one of the most "portable" 6x6 TLR's out there! Only slight niggle with them I reckon is the pretty dull standard focusing screen. I swapped mine out for a cheap chinese replacement one I bought on ebay which gives a much brighter image though as a spectacle wearer I still have to use the flip up magnifier for focusing.
10 quid. That little guy will be with you for the rest of your life. Treasure it.
That took me back 60 years to when I worked as a photographer on the Worthing Gazette in Sussex. We used an earlier model YashicaMat, without the built-in exposure meter (which I note you didn't use anyway). I used to make a lot of use of the sports viewfinder, just estimating distance and setting it manually. It was a great camera, and pretty tough, even surviving a hit from a hockey ball when I was photographing a game and got too close.
That's what I will probably do Jim. Set the focus zone and use the sports finder for quicker shooting.
@@ShootFilmLikeaBoss wu used to focus at waistlevel then fold the eye level finder down and shoot at eyelevel. Better than an slr as you can see if anyone blinked.
This is one of those channels where I just hit the like button at the beginning because I know already that I am going to enjoy it. Thanks as always.
Me too :)
Cheers all, kind ☺️
I absolutely agree regarding this camera. Each time I develop a roll shot with my 124G I look at the negatives and ask myself "why don't I shoot with this camera more?" Keep the good stuff coming.
It's the money
The 124 G is an unashamed copy of the 1950s Rolleiflex K4a. Its quite a decent camera with a good Tessar type lens. You did well with it. I think TLRs really suit urban landscape photography. You just reminded me to start using my Rolleiflex again. The tractor shot was spot on.
And my Seagull 4A-109 is an unashamed copy of the Yashica. For a chinese made camera, it takes great photos. And I don't worry about it being super expensive.
Thanks Lensman!
Yo SFLAB! I Love your vibe man! I probably watched this video before I bought my Yashica Mat 124-G. Now I'm trying to do the whole RUclips thing myself and I've just posted my own "review" of the Yashica. I put that in quotes because it is sort of a silly joke video more than a serious review. Anyway I just gotta say you are a real inspiration for me man, showing that this film tuber thing is viable for people like me. I think more than other channels you've always stood out for me because of how authentic you are and completely the opposite of pretentious, a vibe I catch too often from alot of other film people on here. That and I love drooling over your darkroom set up. So jealous man. Anyway I won't bore you anymore, thanks for being you and keeping it reel dawgie!
With zero mirror slap, 1/30 second should be a snap lol. Lovely cameras to use, and very sharp lens. Yashica did at one time sell supplementary lenses for them, to give a wide angle and short telephoto. I have never seen them reviewed. In addition, there were close-up lenses and filters. One often overlooked advantage of the twin lens reflex camera is that focusing with heavy filters such as the red filter is just as easy as normal, its only on the taking lens. Polaroid filters are of course a little more difficult and lets not forget the left right reverse in the viewfinder. These are really lovely cameras and in my view, perfect for street photography, just wind the film on slowly as the wind on mechanism is not exactly subtle. Nice video, apart from the leaky Paterson tank oh how I hated those. Always leaked even when new. Durst tanks never leaked when new, they do when they get old but they were the best tank made at the time by a long way, especially for 120.
I have a close up lens for it. Works very well too with very shallow DOF results. Yes, those tanks leak :(
Always good to watch a video without Skillshare bullshit
Content creators earn from it. Not sure how much.
Ooh, Delta 400 @800 in 510 Pyro is nice 🤩😍
I used the Yashica 124 g to photograph high school proms and little league baseball team portraits with great result,a good little camera ❤.
I have a Rolleiflex Old Standard from 1932 with an amazing uncoated Tessar lens. It is much older than the Yashica has not built in lightmeter and other differences but basically are similar cameras. The sportive viewfinder of my Rolleiflex has a ring shaped mirror of the size of a penny in the centre. When you look through it you need to see your eye iris on the mirror to align your eye with the view finder.
I’ve just subscribed because I like your style of videos and how you explain things to people. I started shooting Film in the early 70s as a youngster. Now I shoot Digital but I fall back to Film as well. I like this video because I too have a YashicaMat but the all manual one. It’s a 1960 model and still shoots exceptional pics. It’s smaller and lighter than my Bronica C2 and more unique. Anyway, sorry to go on like this but just wanted to say I like your work and your videos look forward to seeing more of them.
Thankyou! Yes I am loving using this camera. Have fun with yours
That was my first medium format camera, got it in 1978 ... still a fave. Great to see your results!!!
Cheers Brian.
I payed mine 345 € but super condition !!! Looks brand new! And I am so happy ! I own several nice cameras, Mamiya RZ67 proII, Pentax 645nii, mamiya c220….but this one is so light and small and easy to take away…and the quality is amazing for such cheap camera! Shot already more than 50 rolls and still happy! So go for it! You can go wrong!
I have a Yashica-Mat LM, which has a built-in light meter. I've run a couple rolls through it so far, and it's pretty cool. It's hard to get used to looking at everything reversed in the viewfinder, though. Unfortunately, my enlarger doesn't do medium format, so I have to get the negatives printed.
I love this camera. I bought mine used but in near mint condition in 1991 and its picture quality is outstanding! I haven't used it in years because of digital but need to buy some film and get out and use it agains.
Great lens and I carry it loaded with 3200 film and a 35mm with hp5 for street, both at 1600. This camera is feather light unlike my RB67 that is a killer to carry any more than a short time outside a back pack.
Great camera with a very sharp lens. Batteries for the light meter available at the Small Battery Company. Word of warning though:
Do not try to use with Foma films! The backing seems to be too thin for the camera to recognise the film and it does not stop at the first frame (instead it lets you wind the whole film through).
Strange re the foma! I'll keep that in mind
I have a Mamiya c330 and a Yashica Mat. Love them both. 2 of my best photos taken this year were taken with these.
C330 is a popular camera Ken
I have a old Rolleicord IV ... fantastic camera from 1954 .. the Xenar is tack sharp and my go to medium format camera !!! ... a handy trick that works is focus in the waist position and raise the camera to use the sport finder ... at f8 thru f22 and slight focus problem from moving the camera is offset ... the Rollei is SUPER lightweight and handholding is easy :)
Cheers George, I'll try that
It helps to flock the interior to reduce reflections and a lens hood is a must.
How long have you been a photographer? And I love now finally having a bathroom that will allow for a cramped but effective darkroom. Been waiting twenty + years to have a darkroom. I'm 62 so getting a little later start but it is what it is...lol. Got out and finally shot some film. Now the fun really begins, right? Cheers, Roger!
As one of the "most advanced" 120 TLR cameras to date, of course it's "worth it," since other TLRs are much older or less advanced by comparison. (I speak as a user of a Rolleicord V, Minolta Autocord, and Rolleiflex, all made in the 1950's-1960's.;)
Flexaret user here. The shutter and f/ selectors on the Yashica look like a dream to me :D
Just acquired one last week that I'm trying to CLA myself and restore back before shooting. Timely video!
Great video as always, I have and still use the Yashica Mat LM, I got as a Kit with hand grip, lense hood and a close up lense. It came in its original box and inside the manual was a receipt for the camera from the 60's.
Some clean bargains out there Mick! Nice one!
Nice discussion of the camera. I had bad luck with a 124 (not G), the shutter kept failing and after two repairs it didn't seem worth it any more. I replaced it with a Yashica D, an older model with separate gears and knobs for the film advance and shutter cock, and no meter. Otherwise it handles like the 124. They are sweet little cameras, good for urban as you can shoot without people realizing, or else they think the camera is interesting and are happy to have a photo taken. Nice final print, it's always enjoyable and educational as you go through your darkroom printing process.
The Yashica 635 is another great little camera too. and one of very few dual format camera's made, shooting both 120 and 35 mm film. like the D it has separate knobs for advancing the film and cocking the shutter as well.
@@catey62 In theory combining the two actions into one lever is simpler, but only for the user, the internal gearing must be more complicated. It makes it easy to do double exposures, sometimes too easy! I also had bad luck with a Rolleicord, the film advance gears jammed and I stripped them trying a little too hard. These very old TLRs are not really so robust inside, the tiny gear systems are susceptible to wear I guess, even if the boxes are pretty strong.
Shame I'd went to camera heaven! Yes I did think it would be awesome for street photography. Probably strike a few conversations too
yes, you can't change the lens (completely), but, like the Rolleiflex, a 'close up' and wide lens is available to add to this lens (like a filter on the front).
Yes I've seen the Rollei. Cheers Andy
I have the G and two of the regular Mat 124s and prefer the regular. It seems sturdier and has a grid screen, which I prefer.
absolutely nailing those exposures
good point, unobtrusive, but because it is 'mirrorless' so only the shutter fires, so quiet too, simmilar to the Mamiya press cameras, you hardly know the shot has been taken.
Nice camera Roger I always look forward to your videos I know there going to be good 👍🏻 before I got my ETRS I looked a 124g but my heart was stolen by the bronica lol see you using more of the delta 400 nice images as always
Cheers Jonny. Yes I bought a brick of delta 400. I really like it ☺️
@@ShootFilmLikeaBoss I succumbed Roger I bought one last week not managed a roll through it yet but looking forward to getting out to shoot a couple of rolls of film meter works but I going to use my sekonic hand held instead as I am not sure on the meter accuracy I going to HP5 to start with
It´s been my first middle format camera I owned. It was a wonderful companion. Lens wise it´s not a Rolleiflex . But it´s a great camera. Endless fun. No doubt!
The lens is so sharp. I've not tried the rolleiflex so I can't compare
@@ShootFilmLikeaBoss I bought about six years ago a Rolleiflex 2.8GX when it as still affordable. Since than that has been my favorite TLR. The lens is sharper, the viewfinder brighter and I just love the ergonomics of this camera. I paid 900 Euros back then. Now the prices have gotten really silly.
Just love this channel, you know alot n keep me wanting more...what kind of camera strap are you using for your Mat 124G...just picked up a Yashica new model B...
Thanks. I just use a cheap camera strap. I think this one was off a tripod bag!
a tip, if you find focussing hard, try a tripod, then you can use an accessory called a paramendor (mamiya tlr's use this like a periscope, it allows you to focus\compose with the top lens, then rise to exact lens center for the taking lens).
Lovely shots Roger! Iso 800 and I don’t even see grain! Gosh … is there an adaptor for 35mm film?
Thanks Eze, I've not see a 35mm adapter. I am sure there is somewhere.
I use my Yashica Mat EM a lot more now as it is lighter than my Mamiya C3. it took me some time to get used to the Yashica worth putting the time in to get used it lens is sharp to
one thing i was warned about these is not to crank the film advance without film in it. it can cause the shutter to stick. i do with they had a double exposure mode…and maybe a closer focus distance but you can’t have everything :)
Brilliant video! Took me back to my darkroom days and makes me want to get a Yashica MAT124G. Loved your dodging and burning - great instincts, sir.
Thankyou! Good camera!
Yeah taken a break from your channel, but just purchased a couple of TLRs a voitlander superb and another, so knowing you take good shots I thought I’d give you another visit.
Very good!
Welcome back!
Fun video, always enjoy your shoots. Just curious, how high does iso go up on this camera?
Thanks. Up to 400 ISO
I picked one of these up in the late 90’s. I haven’t had it out in a couple of years…. I think I have a few rolls of hp5 laying around here somewhere…
Good film HP5!
I saw your post on instagram with some shots from this camera, so I was excitedly waiting for a video on it to come out. TLRs are the only form of medium format I have at the moment, and I bought them because that was all I could afford at the time although now it's quickly become my favorite kind of camera. My weapon of choice is the very unassuming Super Ricohflex, which is a geared TLR with big gear heads screwed onto the front elements that mesh together so they move at the same time. I have fancier TLR models now, but I keep coming back to it. There's a certain joy in simplicity that makes these cameras so fun to use. I have a serious number of Super Ricohflexes that I've CLA'd if you ever want to try something a little different in the TLR category.
Thanks for the reassurance ! I think I'm going to enjoy shooting it
a second tip, at 7:24 DON'T wind off that fast, you are just asking for static streaks on the film, wind slowly, like a polaroid pull, 1 and a 2, like a waltz, that way no static develops.
I've not see static streaks but thanks for the experience tip!
Tip: a (black!) neck strap works wonders. I know, because I have had the original (Rolleiflex) since 1975.
I've heard red straps work best Robert 😂
Very good job. Nice person. Thank you for these videos. Hello from France.
I really like this style camera, I bought a Minolta Autocord and it takes great sharp photos, plus it is easier to use for me now as I can't lift my right arm anymore (ALS) but with this one hanging near my waist I find it easier to use. the focusing is more of an issue unless i use my tri-pod.
Sounds ideal for you! I just had trouble seeing with my eyes lol. Then my back was aching looking through the diopter! I'll get Used to it.
MF35, Fordson Major, Fordson Dexta. Do I need to say I am into tractors?
Nice pictures and a wonderful old farm to walk around with a camera.
Picture is just a water tank, to bring water to animals that are further away from the farm
Ha ha awesome. Cheers Uwe
The Yashica 124 G is a great little camera, mine has never let me down, and the Yashinon lenses produce tack sharp images if your'e careful with your focusing. another one to look at is the Yashica 635, one of the few camera's out there that shoot both 120 film and 35 mm film with the adaptor you can get for them. good ones are getting hard to find and wont be cheap but they're worth it. most of them use the Yashikor lenses, which some people say are inferior t the Yashinon's. but I have found mine produce images that are just as sharp as my 124G's lenses do. the very last of them that were made used the Yashinon lenses, but they are very hard to come by. and they are a great, good quality alternative to the Rollieflexe's which some people are asking crazy prices for these days too
Thanks for the info!
@@ShootFilmLikeaBoss Your'e welcome 🙂
I got mine in 1983. With a nice camera case, yellow filter, close up lenses, and a lens shade. Great camera.
Had one. Excellent Camera. Enjoy.
Thanks for this video - nice. I don't have a 124G but I have an Autocord and a C330. I have been amazed at how clear a pic I can get using just 1/4 sec hand-held with the Autocord; partly because it is a leaf shutter and partly because it is a bit more stable if resting on your belly than at eye level - and if you are leaning back against a wall that helps, too (and you can also use a cable release but try it without first). On a Miranda 35mm I have used hearing aid batteries, held in with a bit of blu-tac, as a replacement for the mercury 625 - might work on a 124G but check the electrical connection (if it is edge you would need to put some copper wire around at least part of the blu-tac for it to work) - and don't forget to let the battery "breathe" before inserting. Something you might find interesting to do with this camera is to try using 1/500th with flash and fill-in flash, as there is always full-frame clearance at all speeds, as it is a leaf shutter. And, of course, it's brilliant for street photography. Keep up the good work, I like your videos and their content
Thanks. Yes leaf is good for shooting slower speeds. I can get a battery online for it. Just not sure if not being mercury it may mess up the camera.
Great video. The Yashica Mat124G was my first medium format camera and I love it. I was lucky in that my light meter is pretty accurate too. Love your images, it is the photographer who makes the images but a good camera always helps!
Cheers Chris. I don't have a battery for it yet it's 1.3V. so not sure if the meter works. But I reckon it does considering the fine example i have. Nice insta feed by the way!
Yp, Yashicas are a bit tricky to focus close up. I'm used to that on my Yashica LM.
Mamiyas C 220 and C 330 have a red line in the viewfinder tha will tell you where the frame actually ends...
It's a case of learning where your frame is. Takes time. But I don't use the camera extensively so keep forgetting
I used to have a Yashica Mat LM, very good camera with a very sharp lens, the price is also quite nice for a camera of that quality. I could net get use to the square format for landscape photography and hate the fact that I could not change the lens. If I had been shooting more portrait I would have kept the camera for sure. It is a great medium format camera
I've had mine now for a couple of weeks now. Was very lucky indeed to get one with a wide angle as well as zoom lens. I will be picking up my negatives tomorrow and am quite curious how my first medium format film shots will turn out.
And by the way, I love your work both in, as well as outside the dark room. Thanks for sharing your passion and work with us.
124g is fixed lens....
@@dannyb5874 Wide and tele adapter . Bayonet mount , over the taking and viewing lens . Leather case. Made by Yashica
@Peter Nagy
Exactly, they are indeed adapters not interchangeable lenses.
Thanks Eric. Hope they come out good!
😂 I like the Snatch reference! Love this camera, it’s my only 6x6 camera I own.
Yashica Mat was one of my favorite tlr camera (such a nice camera with nice price!!).
I use a 1957 Yashica Mat with the 75mm Lumaxar f3.5 lens.
I use a Hanimex Seconic selenium light meter and always use it with a Rollei bayonet 1 lens hood.
I also carry a pair of Rollei bayonet 1 diopter close up lenses to get down to about 18 inches with parralex correction.
Nice. I want to get the hood for it Neil. Not cheap though! You can get 3D print ones but ruins the look I think.
@@ShootFilmLikeaBoss I agree, the Rollei ones look cool.
I have seen them for £25 to £30
LUCKY YOU --it looks MINT CONDITION !! I would recommend you take out a very small weak flash like a Sunpak auto 20SR as it will make ALL THE DIFFERENCE to those Farmyard Machinery shots. The 'YASHINON' is the Sharper lens .
Just ran a roll of Tri-X through mine this afternoon. Going to load it in the tank shortly.
D76 1:1 and you will be amazed at the sharpness with this lens & film
Did you ever see the video where they show the audio overlay of the earthrise photo from Apollo 8? Fascinating if brief creative process. That was a hassablad though..
I didn't
“Hey! Don’t take that! It’s not scheduled!”
Is there not a line scribed in the viewfinder to indicate where the top of the frame is at close focus? I thought that was a thing. Of course the last time I had Yashica in my hands was when I worked a summer in a camera shop at age 16. Some TLR cameras had a sliding mask on the ground glass that moved as you focused. You forgot to mention that the viewfinder image is flipped left to right. A tad bit less convenient than modern cameras. But some very nice pictures were/are made with them. Think Diane Arbus, for example.
Thanks carl. It does has kind of a rule of thirds on the groundless. I will have to check if it corresponds to the composition. Thanks for the tip.
I like my Yashica 12. Basically the same camera as the 124, just all metal.
I love my 124g it's my go to camera atm
Cool, I got Yashica 24. Great camera
nice one Roger,
if you use the in built meter (which is very good) you have to convert it to run on modern batteries as it ran on the old mercury ones.
when I had mine serviced they did this for me.
didn't you do a video awhile back converting a yashica electro to run on modern batteries?
I did make a video on that years ago Paul. I've seen the 1.3v batteries online for this camera.
I have the RollsRoyce of Rolleis: the 2.8F.
I can honestly say that I shoot more with the Yashica. Yes, she doesn’t feel as robust. But her images are as good if not more crisp than the Rollei. And yes, the Rolleflex has been CLAd.
You won’t go wrong with a Yashicamat. For landscapes, they’re a dream.
Never had a Rollie in my hands. Interesting to know. Cheers.
Thanks for the comparison with the 2.8F. Do you find the Yashinon lens to ne sharp wide open at f/3.5 in the corners with your Yashica?
Great camera , great video.
I got a Yashica mat 124 g last Christmas and just now i realized that I've only shot 2 rolls through it!! kodak rising prices don't make it easier for me!! lol
Ilford.... Foma.....
@@ShootFilmLikeaBoss I don't develop my own film and my lab charges more for the black and white because he needs to send it to someone else!! I don't shoot much b&w
@John Salmon I don't know who that is! 😅
Haven't used a TLR since high school in the 70's. Not really a fan of TLR's hard to focus, but it's amazing on how the prices of the 124G has shot up lately.
All of the classics are shooting up in price.
12/2/21 I was surprised you used a handheld light meter as the one built into the camera is quite accurate.
Not without batteries it's not accurate 😜 (need to order some)
@@ShootFilmLikeaBoss Can't remember if its mercury batteries its uses or not. The camera new I think sold for around $400 in the USA.
To George Osier : You should not be concerned about any change of focus accuracy by moving your camera from waist level to eye level even at close distance from your subject because the distance has not move more than maybe one inch at the very most. You can take it from me as I have used my rolleiflex for a good 30 years almost exclusively by focusing with the reversed focusing loupe under the open viewing window and shot through the large sportsfinder particularly for action shots. I would use the full groundglass once in a while only when shooting static subjects like scenery and when correct framing was important.
And what is advantage over digital?
Yashicas are lovely little cameras. Very holdable. I have a couple and can recommend them to any potential buyer. 6x6 is a lovely negative size to work with.
Yes 6x6 is my fav format. Looks nice framed in square frame or rectangle
Nice camera....maybe santa will bring me one if I'm nice....LOL. Always love your videos, Roger!
Cheers Rick
@@ShootFilmLikeaBoss I see you folks been having a bit of pretty foul weather on your side of the pond. Hope all is well with you and your family. Stay safe, Mate!!
Sorry, but it's been a long time since I've done any film photography and a proper newbie to TLRs but am I to understand that you used 400 ASA film but set your camera to 800?
This camera only goes to 400 on the ASA scale. But I can set the camera to 400, use a 400 film and if I wanted to shoot the whole film at 800ASA I could just drop my exposure by 1 stop and shoot, for example, f11 instead of f8. Or 1/250th instead of 1/125th. Which means I would be underexposing my images by 1 stop where I would then need to add more time to my development to compensate (Pushing Film).
Just a question, why do you not cut off those strips off the bottom BEFORE exposure and save them and use THOSE strips for your test strips?
The bottom of the print?
@@ShootFilmLikeaBoss the bottom, the side… whatever… that huge 3 inch strip along the one edge of the print…. If you cut the paper to a square size before exposure you can keep those strips for exposure tests….
Ah right. I leave the whole paper for more framing/mounting options.
Nice composition. 😀
A fantastic camera !
I just got me 10 rolls of Shanghai GP3 in 220 from their online shop, (also 620 and 127)
Not a bad film Martin... Uses it a few times.
@@ShootFilmLikeaBoss and one of the few possibilities to get uncommon formats at regular prices. I'm not sure if I went to the trouble of respooling 120 to 620. (The only 620 camera I have does not take 120 spools on the provider side.) And I won't use a nail clipper to reduce the outer diameter either.
I have a Yashica 124G and the lens is amazing. It's as good as my Rolleiflex 3,5 F Plannar stoped down a little bit. I got a Rolleicord and I'll compare. The things is that my Yashica is a newer camera and the lens is in better shape.
I have Yashica 124 but wind crack-handle is not working not sure if that can be fix
I'm sure there is someone that can fix it Artur.
What is the light meter you're using here sir?
It is a Sekonic L508 Zoom Master 😊
Great work
" A water slide for rats" Loved it !!!!!!
How accurate are the light meters on these, considering their age? Would be great to just carry it without worrying about an external meter.
I'm not sure as I don't have a battery for it yet. If it is accurate then yes it would be easier and more fun Dusty
@@ShootFilmLikeaBoss Thanks for the reply, I'd be interested to know a comparison between it and your handled meter!
The problem is rather to get a good replacement battery for the original mercury cell which are now forbidden to produce. The advantages of the mercury cell where the constant voltage until they run empty. If you replace it with a common button cell your measure will vary while the battery is dropping linear the voltage in use.
Anyway I read much newsgroup entrys where people rather recommend to use an external light meter (like i do too)
Thank you for your video
You are welcome
Since you rarely need an exposure of 2 or 4 seconds then why not make the last exposure 6 seconds long so your strip will be 6,8,10,12,14 secs rather than 2,4,6,8,10,12 secs.
Just my 2-cents for today :)
Great print in the end. Any I loved my Yashica back in the day but now they're getting hard to find and expensive.
I could but it makes no difference to stick with what I'm used to Robert. 🙂
Really interesting.Cheers!
Cheers Trevor
Here's the thing:
I'd be willing to gamble on this camera but where can I get one? eBay can't be trusted.
I'm sure the seller would be happy to answer questions over the phone and provide more images if you saw one on eBay. And if they have 100% good feedback and a number of recently sold items.
Don't forget there are telephoto and wide angle lenses attachments available for it.
I didn't know that! Thanks.
Boss video 👌🏻🎞️
The 124G was my first proper medium format camera. Everything about it was OK, not great, not bad, even the meter worked and was OK. I often struggled taking portraits or close ups because of the dim screen but landscapes were fine. . I searched for a Brite screen but never found one. Ultimately sold the 124 and bought a Hasselblad.
Buying a Hassy was expensive I imagine. One day!
I have this
Good.
What light meter are you using? I think my Western Euro meter needs an upgrade.
Sekonic L508 zoom master Terry
Dags? Oh, dogs. Sure, I like dags
Lol!!
Good info but that subwoofer destroying "music" is not the least bit helpful.
What’s good price for a fully functional one?
They vary enormously. $500 AUD +. But. Extremely good lens. Very reliable. Very quiet. Infinitely easier to repair than a Rollei. Had mine for over 15 years. Will never sell it
Chip over to eBay. Plenty of examples on there I saw at a range of prices but read the description and ask the usual questions.
I have rollifelx camera as like this camera