Is the Yashica Mat 124G TLR Still a Good Buy in 2024?

[@rogerking7258]

Just to contradict you (in a very friendly way), a couple of days ago I acquired a 1978 124G in excellent condition for far less than you suggest. Amazingly, the light meter works, and even more amazingly it agrees almost precisely with my modern light meter and my Nikon DSLR; so that is one less piece of equipment I need to carry around with me. I'm looking forward to trying the camera out. Thanks for the straightforward description of the camera.

[@LarryParamedic1]

I have the Mat-124 and Mat-124G TLRs, they are both fun to use. One thing that I really like about the aforementioned cameras is that I will take it with me into areas where I will not take my more expensive medium format camera. Long story short, I get more photos from the Yashica. Great video, Thank You for sharing.

[@StreetPhotographyChina]

They say the best camera is the one you have with you. I actually carry my more expensive Rolleiflex TLR everywhere I go but I don’t think many people know its value.

[@pianostudy4403]

Good review and thanks. I used to own a YashicaMat EM; used it extensively. Eventually, I inherited a Rollieflex 2.8 with a Schneider lens. Comparing both cameras lenses, the Schneider is a sharper. The Rolleiflex is a durable and reliable camera. But…Having said that, the YashicaMat was workhorse for me and a very good camera to use too…. I used it in a cold environment, on the sidelines of football games (at the time, my 35mm was not working), etc…. A good value and good camera.

[@jackthompson8377]

I’m always surprised when people say the 14 G is “plasticy”. Not so - a couple of the knobs are high grade plastic but these are low stress items. The thing is a tank. Had one since 1975 and it still works perfectly. Actually weighs more than my Rolleicord

[@StreetPhotographyChina]

Yes, quite right, the 124G is a well built, quality camera without a doubt. I just meant relative to the Rolleiflex - my usual camera - when comparing the two, the Yashica has more plastic. My Rolleiflex f/2.8 weights 1292g vs 1070g for my Yashica, so my Rollei is about 21% heavier.

[@mamiyapress]

I have the Yashica Mat 124G for 40 years but what we want to see is much more of your images taken with this camera.

[@Robutube1]

Another really helpful review/comparison - thanks for putting it together and posting it. I'd love to have a Rolleiflex but the Yashica provides a well priced starting point for those new to TLR cameras.

[@StreetPhotographyChina]

Glad it was helpful! I am almost certain you wouldn’t feel disappointed with a Yashica. Sure, Rolleiflex has more prestige surrounding the name and history, but in purely photographic terms, there’s very little between them.

[@cwantuch]

Great review! I have always wanted one of these for 40 years and no time like now to finally get one. You convinced me I need to have more fun with 120/220. Hopefully Shanghai film will be available in North America. Note:Wein makes the PX625 replacement battery. Zinc air so they don’t last, and very expensive per battery, but it’s out there.

[@StreetPhotographyChina]

Thanks for commenting. It's always great to hear that I've inspired someone to shoot more with these fantastic cameras. I guarantee you will enjoy the experience! Please do let me know where I can see your photos.

[@cwantuch]

@@StreetPhotographyChina and my bad luck - I went to purchase the pristine copy I had seen at the local camera store and I missed it by 1 day. I will be looking for another 🙂

[@StreetPhotographyChina]

@@cwantuch Oh no! Don't give up there are a lot of these cameras around.

[@rogerking7258]

I have just found an adapter to allow the fitting of smaller, cheaper, longer lasting batteries into the 124G. These modern batteries are 1.5V instead of the correct 1.35V originals which would normally mess up the light meter readings, _but_ the adapter contains circuitry to correct this. I haven't received it yet so I don't know if I've bought snake oil or a piece of genius. I'll report back.

[@paultaylorphotography9499]

lovely looking camera I've never tried the Yashica, I have a couple of TLRs the Aireflex, and the Lubitel 2 they're fun to shoot. Great review as always Peter cheers. Nice sample images too,

[@StreetPhotographyChina]

Hi Paul yes they’re all fairly similar in terms of shooting experience. I remember seeing your Airflex review. Good stuff. I need to shoot more with my Yashica as I have tended to teach for the Rolleiflex more often. Thanks again for watching.

[@paultaylorphotography9499]

@@StreetPhotographyChina agreed mate, similar experience just different quality, the lubitel is ok but the airesflex is a step up not quite Rollei tho haha

[@takeytakeyphoties]

I still have a Yashica 124G in storage somewhere, I really enjoyed using it, but I also owned a Seagull 4B and preferred the swirly bokeh of the lens in the Seagull. The Yashica was without doubt sharper though.

[@StreetPhotographyChina]

The Seagull is fun. I had one too. But really feels more like a toy compared to the Yashica. Maybe go grab it on your next trip over.

[@ZZProxy]

I had a Rolli 2.8E but an internal mechanism was damaged, I bought a Yashica Mat 124 g, it's like new but the photometer doesn't work, I bought alternative batteries and nothing. What photometer do you recommend?

[@StreetPhotographyChina]

I actually never use any meter that's on old cameras. I use a Sekonic L-308 a bit like this one amzn.to/3WTEkbs but there are also a lot of apps you can download and just use your phone as a meter, or even use the sunny 16 rule if you have to.

[@antonroland]

Great video but the piano is a bit annoying…

[@StreetPhotographyChina]

Thanks for the feedback. I was experimenting with background music which many channels use, but appreciate the feedback. Perhaps I can skip the music, apart from segments where I'm not speaking.

[@TheChosenOne_]

I’m sold on the 124G 😅What’s your scanning setup? That’s the one aspect that’s holding me back from medium format. Dedicated MF are very expensive, the flat beds only give similar quality to a well scanned 35mm and DSLR scanning setup seems like a hassle

[@StreetPhotographyChina]

Yes scanning is indeed an issue. I use a lab for development and scanning. In China it’s affordable but when I’m in London it’s very expensive unless you opt for low res scans.