Episode 07 - Getting to Know the Yashica Mat-124 G

We take a look at one of my favorite cameras, the Yashica Mat-124 G. I'll show you how to load the film and go over what you need to know to get shooting.
Check out my IG to see more images: / civilward

[@renemies78]

I actually purchased this camera almost a year ago after watching your video and a few others and I just had it inside of the box. I finally opened it up and I watched your video again to get used to the camera before even putting any film in the camera. Really incredible video for someone getting into 120 film for the first time and using this specific camera. Thank you.

[@4CardsMan]

As a former Hasselblad photographer, I can give you three tips for hand-holding the camera. When you press it up against your body, hold your breath. You can hold it steady with your forearms extended with your elbows pulled against your body, once again holding your breath. When shooting down off a bridge or other high place, turn the camera upside-down and hold it almost directly over your head, with just enough angle to get the shot in frame. It's a good idea to keep your arms in shape with regular exercises. To keep from trembling due to fatigue, first practice the shot, fix it in your mind, set the camera down and relax for a moment, then bring it back to shooting position after your muscles have recovered.

[@HamiltonWard]

Thank you for the tip!

[@lookmanostrings]

I actually do the opposite, I breathe out, and at the moment when I'm done exhaling, is when I feel most stable.

[@LarryManiccia]

Couldn't agree more. I love my Yashica. It's small, simple to operate, don't have to haul extra lenses around, and it produces wonderful images with a look that digital doesn't have.

[@brineb58]

My first ever medium format camera was this one, bought it in 1978!!!

[@racheeel]

Thank you so much for your video. my grandad left this camera in my family and i have never used a film camera in my life. I am a full fashion photographer and i love photography and have never used a film camera so i will take this as a sign for my beauty work. :)

[@pajaritacreative3034]

Great video. I watched this while loading my own. Very thorough! I shot my first exposure before the sun went down and plan on shooting more tomorrow. Thank you for posting about darkroom. Just bought a house and a goal is to create one. It’s been 10 years since and I’ll need a lot of KZbin university to help. Grateful for you and your videos!

[@HamiltonWard]

Thank you so much for the message! I’m sorry that I’m just seeing this but it really does mean a lot to me and I’m extremely happy to hear that it’s helped. How has your shooting been going?

[@CalumetVideo]

The YashicaMat is one of the best TLR’s. I had my YashicaMat 124G CLA’ed by Mark H. and it now works as smooth as butter. The glass is clean and clear and images are beautiful. This is the type of camera that I take out and use it and use it hard. I don’t have to be worried about losing it or dropping it like my more expensive Rollei.

[@HamiltonWard]

This camera is extremely special and is one of my favorites to shoot with as well.

[@JustJas-ei2hy]

I bought a YashicaFlex in July 1978. Still going strong - had a service earlier in this year 2024.

[@pedromeza2398]

I own a 124G, and I appreciate your video, as for what you call negative to me is partially positive because it makes for a Wax on Wax Off lesson in discipline combined with Love. I will add that I have also bought a Kiev-6S which gives me the feel of my 124G and Beast 35mm, both cameras a fun to shoot.

[@HamiltonWard]

Thank you for the comment! I love that - discipline combined with love. I really feel like this is a near perfect camera to get introduced into medium format. A true gateway camera into the realm of 120.

[@lostandfiend]

Thank you. Just acquired a Mat-124 G from my uncle as my first 120. This has been very helpful.

[@neilpiper9889]

I use a 1957 Yashica Mat with a 75mm 3.5 Lumaxar lens. It still works perfectly after all these years. It's the Goldilocks size. Just right. I use a 1950s Condenser enlarger with a 100mm f5.6 Schneider Componon S lens. I also use a Seagull 4bi tlr with a split image rangefinder in the viewfinder. I use my thrift store Yashica fxd quartz 35mm slr to meter with.

[@HamiltonWard]

I love that! Great way to describe it too as the Goldilocks size.

[@matthewmendoza5729]

Thank you very much for this video! I just picked up a 124G and watching this was extremely helpful. I'm def looking forward to more of your content!

[@HamiltonWard]

Thank you so much! I'm happy to hear that it was a help. Let me know how you like the camera after you get a few rolls in :)

[@cescoto88]

Great video! Very informative. Can’t wait to pick one up ✌🏼

[@HamiltonWard]

Thank you! Let me know what you think about it when you do.

[@colourandsound]

Thank you for this. Loaded mine for the first time just then. Let's see if i got it right!

[@HamiltonWard]

Love to hear it! Please let me know how your photos turn out and/or feel free to post some images. Love seeing what people can capture with this wonderful camera.

[@alexandradefer9434]

Just purchased my first Yashica Mat 125g and sadly mine did not come with a 120 spool 😞 but this was a great and much appreciated video!! Keep up the awesome work!

[@HamiltonWard]

I stay true to my word. Email me your address and I will be happy to send you one!

[@SyntheticFuture]

Nice. Just got my hands on one of these and had some film as well but was unsure how to go about loading the film. This really helped :)

[@HamiltonWard]

So happy to hear this helped! Happy shooting :)

[@Obie.]

Thank you for this video, I just got one and this is making me feel more comfortable about it!

[@HamiltonWard]

That makes me so happy to hear. That’s why I do these videos. Thank you for watching and happy to hear it’s helping!

[@juansabatino2243]

how much did you pay for it? i can´t find any in good condition under 400

[@HamiltonWard]

@@juansabatino2243 I paid $132. The trick is finding one with a broken light metter. They'll be a lot cheaper but still in wonderful working order.

[@TheGeniusOfJoe]

I’m here because I’m getting one very soon 😁

[@HamiltonWard]

Wooo! Let me know how you like it :)

[@Rod-jf2cs]

Great video and well made!

[@dinorossi6611]

I own a mint Yashica and the light meter works flawlessly.

[@HamiltonWard]

That's great to hear that the light meter works beautifully on it!

[@arcanics1971]

Anybody worried about not having a film spool, or finding themselves without one: you can indeed buy them online.

[@ezekielkok1848]

Can’t you just get it from the film shop you bought from? Sure they have a lot

[@RobMoses]

Good video Hamilton. I nearly bought one of those like a month ago, starting to wish I bought it now haha. I used to have an old TRL I shot with like 11 years ago and it was a lot of fun, but I found it attracted too much attention haha. Anyhow, keep up the good work and nice spooky ghost at the end ;)

[@HamiltonWard]

Thank you so much! It does tend to attract attention out in the field but is perfect for when I have a shoot set up. Make sure to grab one with a broken light meter if you decide to pick one up :)

[@ryanmarx5915]

Awesome video, really helpful thanks!

[@LenQuinn]

Hi Hamilton, I've just come across your video as I was dusting off my 124G to use again, not sure if you'll get notification of this comment. Anyhow, I am sure you light meter will be working with the correct battery, assuming the contacts in your battery compartment are not eroded, you will need to find a battery with the correct voltage of 1.35v for accurate readings (not a PX625 at 1.5V), you should be able to 'make' one out of tinfoil and a 675 battery (there are other alternatives) . Also if you didn't know, the lightmeter only turns on when you open the viewfinder. Don't know if this is of any use, but it may turn out you have a fully working 125G!

[@HamiltonWard]

Thank you so much for your comment! I think when I bought it, the seller even said that a new battery wouldn't fix it so I didn't even try. I might go ahead and just buy one to see for myself though after your comment. I've gotten so used to using my phone as a light meter, I'm sure I'd still take it out and get a reading from habit =P Thanks again for watching and letting me know!

[@johneasley2377]

Also if you push the door in the front of the viewfinder down it turns it into a sportsfinder that you look thru for fast action shots.

[@HamiltonWard]

Ah I forgot to mention that. Thanks for bringing that up. This little camera is incredible!

[@eugenehvorostyanov2409]

Thank you! Informative, nice! 👍❤️

[@wn6580]

Hi there!!! Thank you so much for this great video. I do have one question, but let me share a little story about my camera, Yashica MAT-124G Twin-Lens Reflex Camera with CDs Exposure Meter 66. My father in law past away a few years ago. Before the house was sold, my husband and I packed a few things from the house and took them to our house. A few weeks ago, we started going through those things and found this gorgeous Yashica camera. I love taking pictures of nature. I use to have a Canon camera, and then started using my cellphone. When I saw this camera, I felt like I was going back into history. I LOVED IT AS SOON AS I SAW IT. I don't know much about it. I've seen a few videos, but yours has been the best explained. Here is my question. How can I tell if there is a film inside without having to open the camera? I wouldn't want to damage the pictures, if there were a film inside. Thanks again for your help. I'm excited to start using this amazing treasure 🤗 Oh also, it's in a leather case with buckles, that protects the camera. When you want to use the camera,, part of the case has to be removed. Have a blessing day.

[@ledesclos5321]

Thank You Hamilton. Well done.

[@HamiltonWard]

Thank you so much for the comment!

[@LarryParamedic1]

Thank You, your video was very helpful!!

[@HamiltonWard]

I'm so happy to hear that! The main goal behind this channel is to help people and make film photography as easy as possible.

[@Casualfulltime]

I’m here because I love my yashica635 ❤️

[@HamiltonWard]

Woo! It really is a remarkable camera.

[@lemon58421]

I didn't know that John Malkovich was giving classes!? :-) by the very nice video!!!

[@HamiltonWard]

hahah thank you!

[@Jasme0w]

Thank you so much for this informative video! Just checked mine and it doesn’t have a spool :( but good to know!

[@thedarkwolef]

Can you show us what to do when you've taken 12 exposures? How to get the film out without getting light on it and stuff like that. haha Appreciate the video, kind regards.

[@HamiltonWard]

Sorry that I missed this comment! You basically keep winding until you hear the soft pop of the film coming off of the bottom reel. I always wind extra to be double sure though. Once it's wound on the top sprocket you're able to take it out of the camera with no issue. I wouldn't leave it out in the sun or anything but it's fine to open it up and remove the film from the top reel.

[@christianbauermeister6266]

thanks, great help!

[@jymwilson3286]

Thank you for the introduction after fifty years of 35 mm film and now salt and mirrorless work I finally was gifted a YashicaMat 124G to hopefully help quench my square motto thirst. Question, you mentioned a light meter app on your phone - which one do you use and why? Thanks.

[@HamiltonWard]

I'm so sorry that I missed this comment. Happy to hear that you were gifted this great camera, it truly is one of my favorites. I've been using Lightmate for all of my photos - it's on the App store for free. Recently though, I've been testing out Lux because I've been hearing some great things about it. So far that one seems solid as well.

[@itsmrh]

Awesome video

[@HamiltonWard]

Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@emanalameeri4187]

Nice shots

[@HamiltonWard]

Thank you so much!

[@Me-fm8ik]

Thank you!

[@HamiltonWard]

No problem! Glad you liked the content!

[@emanalameeri4187]

Just got mine this helps

[@HamiltonWard]

Happy to hear it! Happy shooting!

[@belleisleguy]

You may want to have your camera CLA’d. The gears sounded pretty dry when you were loading film.

[@cosotrill]

My yashica came without a spool! Lol! I was definitely about to waste a roll

[@lukemperez]

Also, for anyone watching this video later: just about any place that sells used cameras or any photo lab will have tons lying around. If you live near one, just ring them up and ask.

[@nicklopro]

Did you know Davy Crockett Used one of these during the siege of the Alamo in 1836!? Armed with one roll of kodak double xx black and white 35mm motion picture film he staved off Santa Anna and 2000 men for THIRTEEN DAYS! Learn more in my new youtube short "the untold history of the Yashica Mat 124G" Thank you for sharing! More people need to learn about this camera and its amazing history spanning nearly 200 years! SUBBED!!!

[@tawtetravels4715]

Hey! Great video. I just bought a Yashica Mat 124G in really nice condition. I just wanted to ask you about the light meter. I don't know if the light meter in model works or not and how can I take approx reading on it if it's in working condition. Thanks in advance. Really nice video! :)

[@HamiltonWard]

Hi there, thanks for reaching out and I'm glad you enjoyed the video! So, if it seems like your light metering isn't working then chances are it's a battery issue. There is a battery spot on the side of the camera. It's a plastic circle that you turn and rotate out. I would try replacing the battery if you want to use the in camera meter. With that said though, I would advise against using the meter. You'll have a much better reading using your phone to take a reading. I use an app called Lightmate and it's worked beautifully for me. If you use the in camera meter you'll have to adjust either up or down - I can't remember which. Hope that helps!

[@RobMadeo]

Nice video... Yeah, for newbies, buy some spools online so you have a few spares. Shop around; they should be cheap.

[@danashburn2493]

Hey man, I just watched this video and ordered one! I’m super excited. You had said you have extra spools you would send. Are you still willing to do that?

[@HamiltonWard]

Glad to hear you’re getting one! Unfortunately I ran out of spools awhile ago. Lots of people wanted them 😂 you can find them on Amazon though, just search for 120 film spools. Hope you enjoy the camera!

[@rurounicheeri]

Hey! great video, thank you so much, I recently got one (didn’t come with a spool btw hence why I haven’t shot anything just yet) But i had a quick question. When you use the crank, without any film inside the chamber, should the counter start advancing and the crank lock as if there was film inside? because mine doesn’t it just keeps going round without the counter advancing or the crank locking at any point. Was just wondering if this was a problem with mine. Thanks

[@HamiltonWard]

Hi Roy, glad you liked the video. Let me know if you need a spool and I'll mail you one :) I have some film in mine right now so I can't check but I'm pretty sure it should do exactly what you're describing. It shouldn't change unless you have film in it. I thought that was odd as well but when I added film it worked just fine.

[@rurounicheeri]

@@HamiltonWard Thank you you so much for getting back to me, really appreciate it. No worries about the spool, i’m in Kenya so might be a hassle getting it here. Thank you though. And thank you for reassuring me about the crank, i was a little worried, but i feel calmer now

[@emanuelschimpfossl5919]

How do I sync the flash? And what does the x on the left mean?

[@timwalker6790]

Has nobody mentioned that the light meter only works when the viewfinder is UP.? The easy mistake is to assume it doesn't work, then forget to look over the top of the viewfinder to check..

[@HamiltonWard]

It definitely doesn't work on mine :) I bought it on the cheap because the light meter specifically doesn't work and it's a great way to get this camera on the cheap.

[@timwalker6790]

@@HamiltonWard pity - but as you say, not essential. Enjoy this great camera.

[@hari1111]

I just bought a Yashica Mat 124! But wow the prices are much higher now, I paid 550 for mine, but theh can gl as high as 800!

[@HamiltonWard]

The secret is out!

[@hari1111]

Lol was it worth it though? Every penny.

[@janw.jensen2490]

I think you forgot to mention the sportsfinder frame and the film type indicator window. And if you can, get a Y2 filter and a lens hood and a cable release.

[@HamiltonWard]

Thank you for the callout!

[@janw.jensen2490]

@@HamiltonWard I still have the camera. Used it a lot in the 1980s. Great camera. You can synk flash on all shutter speeds. I also got 3 close focus lenses. Good ones. And I remember you could get tele- and wide angel lenses for the camera.

[@tobyjeffries8308]

Hi there! My Yashica had been fine when I used it 12+ months ago, I just put a fresh roll of film in and the exposure counter is staying at 13, is there any way of manually resetting? I can shoot but I have to guess whether I'm past my previous picture... Thanks for the helpful video btw man, really appreciate it!

[@HamiltonWard]

Thanks for the kind words, glad you liked the video! I haven't run into that issue before so I'm not sure how you would go about fixing that. I would either try the google or go to a local camera shop and get them to take a look. The plus side of the camera shop is that they can give it a good cleaning as well which will help the longevity of the camera.

[@randallstewart175]

Your problem almost certainly is dried lubricant in the mechanism. If you have access to a local camera repairman, have him do a "CLA", probably around a $100. Do not drop it at a local photo shop, as they will just sent it to some other repair shop, and add their service charge to the repair bill. You can find a mail-out repair shop on line more easily. Do not spend much more on the job, as the camera is fairly mediocre, regardless of the fanboy praise it gets on YT. In that event, I'd sell as is, being an unwarranted high market, and add the repair money to buy a better TLR. Which one? Well, almost any will be better optically, but the Rolleicord, Ricoh Diacord, late model Mamiya TLR or Minolta Autocord would be a huge step up.

[@eirikTP]

thanks for the video! will this camera work without a battery?

[@HamiltonWard]

It should. I believe the battery is only for the light meter and you can use your phone to take a reading.

[@Mojofilter111is3]

Very helpful video, just a heads up there is no 120mm film, 120 is the number designation for this medium format film

[@HamiltonWard]

Glad you liked the video! Yea, I realized my mistake later and corrected for future videos. Thanks for the callout though!

[@trix-4656]

Great video; do you develop the film yourself? If so, what chemicals do you use? Thank you.

[@HamiltonWard]

Thank you, glad you liked it! I do develop the film myself. I use Cs41 Cinestill. I have a video on the chemicals here kzbin.info/www/bejne/jInVZoyqmZKef9E

[@Room_237]

Great videos, hey man did you buy this from Ebay? was wondering if its trustworthy to buy it on ebay, im sure it is depending on the sellers ratings right? Ive used 35mm film or a while and started using a holga but i want to upgrade and this is something ive wanted for a while.

[@HamiltonWard]

I did buy on ebay and I've bought most of my gear on ebay as well. Just make sure to look at the sellers ratings and also see about returns. A lot of people make good money on ebay selling camera gear and so they don't want to start getting a bad rep. If you do a little homework on the seller, it's not scary at all!

[@jonb2897]

nice video. thanks. what app do you use for the light meter?

[@HamiltonWard]

It's called Lightmate and has worked beautifully so far. I use it for all of my cameras.

[@tompaste387]

The light meter is an easy fix

[@user-wz3ry6zl3b]

Where did you got it for 100$???

[@HamiltonWard]

It was on ebay for 100$ because the light meter didn't work. Try to find one with a broken light meter and you'll get a better price.

[@photozen8398]

Just one question please, when you first load the film you crank it until it stops that is about 1 full turn and a half or so , then you back it up and put the lever in the hole and ready to shoot, you take the first shot then advance the film, I noticed on my yashica it was only half a turn and stopped and the count moved to 2, then I Rolle it back to put the crank in position and shoot, that what got me confused and I lost few shots thinking that the film did not advance enough or there is something wrong with my camera, do you experience the same on yours? the count was advancing though to 1, 2, 3, so on so forth , but half a turn ?

[@HamiltonWard]

I haven't heard of it doing that before. Try doing it until it stops and see what happens. It might be an issue with the camera but I haven't heard of it. If you're not losing any film then it should be fine.

[@photozen8398]

@@HamiltonWard I checked the film was all good. I guess just getting used to it.

[@32ndFoto]

Is that your father in photos or Steve McCurry...? :) Nice video..

[@keybladesss]

Damn 100!! They are like 3 t0 400 now for a nice one lol

[@HamiltonWard]

That's wild. Keep an eye open for a broken light meter one, that should be a lot cheaper.

[@johnsomers8269]

I found the Yashikor lens is soft on the edges. Did you find that to be true?

[@HamiltonWard]

I haven't noticed anything that would cause me to pause. I love the sharp look that I get from these images. I'll keep an eye out on the edges though, my subjects tend to be centered up pretty well when I'm shooting portraits on this.

[@michaelwells7608]

How do you tension the shutter?

[@bellarohner4200]

What light meter do you use on your phone?

[@HamiltonWard]

I use one called Lightmate. It is fantastic!

[@irvinecarrillo9574]

if youon have a spool go to a film lab they have tons

[@HamiltonWard]

great tip. film labs and myself =P

[@thebendu33]

price for these has gone up

[@HamiltonWard]

Ooof, I'm not surprised to hear that but still a shame.

[@ezekielkok1848]

Is there an adapter for 35mm film?

[@fatboydemoss7646]

What light meter app do you recommend?

[@HamiltonWard]

I have had great success with Lightmate

[@maantoor]

Hello! Great video! So much help! I just bought one this week but didnt have any spool in it! I desperately want one! Could you mail me one? Where to send my address?

[@wildfernweddings4187]

What is the app you use?

[@HamiltonWard]

I use Lightmate. It's been wonderful.

[@chriscauchi]

What app do you use to meter please? thanks

[@HamiltonWard]

Lightmate. It’s worked wonders for me

[@chriscauchi]

@@HamiltonWard thank you. When it comes to ISO how do you find that on film? Learning how to shoot film and can’t understand that part

[@HamiltonWard]

@@chriscauchi the ISO will be on the film itself or on the website when you buy it. For instance, Kodak Portra 400 means that the ISO would be 400. Does that make sense? Or Kodak Portra 160 means that the ISO would be 160. Just make sure to adjust the ISO in your camera so you don’t forget out in the field.

[@chriscauchi]

@@HamiltonWard thank you, never realised it was that simple hehe

[@HamiltonWard]

@@chriscauchi of course, happy to help. There is a lot that goes into film so feel free to shoot me any other questions.

[@zachcregle2931]

Amazon sells a 4 pack of empty spools for a few bucks

[@HamiltonWard]

Great tip!

[@zachcregle2931]

@@HamiltonWard I just ordered my first Yashica mat and needed to get a spool. Thank goodness for the google machine lol

[@HamiltonWard]

@@zachcregle2931 woo! Hope you enjoy it!

[@user-wo7vp3le4d]

I couldn’t spin mine! :(

[@AnonYmous-kf7uu]

Using Portra 400 with the Yashica is almost like cheating.

[@HamiltonWard]

hahah I couldn't agree more :)