Yashica Mat 124 G - Best Entry-Level Medium Format? Bonus: AstrHori AH-M1 meter review!

[@marlonsouza9224]

This is actually a fun and relaxing masterclass! Thanks a lot!!

[@vintagecameradigest]

Thanks! I like the sound of that :-) In reality I’m just bumbling my way through, lol.

[@the120ist]

Wow, that 124G is sharp as a tack. Beautiful. I had a 635 for a long time and that 124G is definitely a step up. Lovely shots, great vid!

[@vintagecameradigest]

I was also surprised at how well it performed. I’ve shot with it in the past, but never was really blown away by the results. Therefore it was relegated to the closet. But this has given me a bit of newfound respect for it. Maybe it was just the right combo of film and camera? In any case, it will see more shooting in the coming months. I also have a 635 that I’ve not shot yet. Will be interesting to compare.

[@alanboyd2413]

Your videos are amongst the select few that I look forward to every week. And I’ve resolved to take my Yashicamat 124G out again as soon as possible.

[@vintagecameradigest]

Thanks so much!

[@luisbperez368]

Sir, you have brought fond memories from my youth when I was given a 124 in 1972 (I was 12). Along with my best friend, who also had a 124, we used to go to the most photographic venue in Puerto Rico, Old San Juan. We took so many pictures, the cobblestone streets, the callejones (alleyways), and Los Castillos (fortresses), to name a few. My friend had a Beseler 45, and we developed and printed 16 x 20 photos and sold them in Old San Juan on the weekends. My friend passed away a long time ago, and I lost my negatives and camera in one of my change of stations back in the day. I am considering buying a 124G from a reputable seller to reminisce about my youth. You earned my sub, thank you. Stay safe🙏.

[@vintagecameradigest]

Thank you! And what a cool story! Those sound like amazing times. I think you should pick one up, for sure.

[@susanrainey9694]

Thanks for this! The 124 was my first medium format camera in grad school. I went on to a Bronica and now Hasselblad, but loved that 124 G. So easy to take everywhere with you; so quiet and sharp. This makes me want to get another!

[@vintagecameradigest]

Thanks for watching! You should get one :-)

[@nvrumi]

Thank you for another excellent video. I always learn something from you!

[@vintagecameradigest]

Glad to hear it! And thanks for the continued support!

[@gavinstafford8173]

Awesome video! I think the look and feel of TLR’s are just so cool, and this video certainly shows how useful and fun they can be! I wasn’t able to afford the Mat 124 myself, and ended up going with the Yashica A TLR.

[@vintagecameradigest]

Glad you enjoyed it! I hope you enjoy your “A”. They are indeed fun to shoot and great conversation starters.

[@aristoioannidis7490]

Thanks for your presentation. Outstanding! Totally agree with your sentiments about the Yashica 124-G as a starter into medium format. We have a Yashica 635 and use a spot meter. Learning from our mistakes leads to better outcomes. Thanks again. Happy New Year and blessings to you and your wonderful family.

[@vintagecameradigest]

Thank you! It is a great value, for sure. Happy New Year!

[@ruedigermerz9525]

I always love to watch your videos. Great job. When I got my Yashica Mat 124G back from the CLA ( Mark Hama did it) I've found out that I have to set the beginning of the film marker to the 24 x film start mark. Otherwise I would loos a frame. And yes, taking off the old leatherette is a PITA. Especially the knobs. I still have some knobs in black. lol

[@vintagecameradigest]

Many thanks! And, that’s very interesting about the 24 exp mark. But I guess if it works, it works. And, yes - mine still has a black focusing knob, lol.

[@GOLDDYNACO]

Again, you create a fabulously good video, - educational, interesting and entertaining. I think you are among the best camera reviewers on KZbin! I've never seen the add-on wide/tele-adapters on a TLR. And to the question in the headline; Yes, Yashica 124G may be the best medium format camera for beginners. TLR in general is easy access to top quality, special user experience and enjoyment of the very process of taking a photo that only analog photography can provide. I chose the Minolta Autocord III for this use. Haven't regretted it. BTW; Where is the cat??? 🙂

[@vintagecameradigest]

Thank you thank you! TLRs are definitely a reasonable way to test the MF waters. And this one, especially, since it’s basically a top-line model. Not in the sense that a Rolleiflex is, of course, but it’s simple and makes fine images. I’ve yet to try out an Autocord, but I’ve been eyeing them for several years and have watched the prices going up. So, I may have missed my opportunity, lol. I’m a big Minolta fan, so it only makes sense that I’d like it. And the CAT - well, he was off doing other cat-things and chose not to bless me with his appearance. 😆

[@achaycock]

I enjoyed this video - I always do enjoy your content but what I especially enjoyed is sharing in your experience of using the Yashica TLR. It is something that I am toying with, but I still feel compelled to do more with 35mm film before I take the step into medium format.

[@vintagecameradigest]

I say take your time. A lot of photographers find they prefer 35mm systems because of how comprehensive they are with available lenses and accessories. Get comfortable with the gear you have. If it turns out that MF can offer something you can’t get with 35mm, then it’s worth considering stepping up. If 35mm offers everything you need/want, there’s no reason to rush in to MF. Just enjoy the experience.

[@mhc2b]

Missed you last week, but very much enjoying this video. As always, the layout and structure of your videos is ideal, and very well thought out in its continuity. I enjoyed this video even "extra" since, as I've mentioned in the past, I also recently purchased a minty 124G based on previous videos from you, which renewed my interest in vintage cameras, especially in ones I once owned. My purchase, from a private owner on Ebay, also included a beautiful leather case plus instruction manual. In addition, I also purchased a Tiffen #15 deep yellow filter, (77mm, so I can use it on other lenses as well), just to add a bit more contrast, if necessary. I also dug out a cable release, and put an Arca Swiss plate on the bottom. Now I just need to go some place. My only inconvenience is that the Arca Swiss plate needs to be removed in order to accommodate film changing! FWIW - I purchased my first 124G in 1971 from K-Mart, new for $95. My favorite film to shoot was Kodak Verichrome Pan, ASA 125. Interestingly, I see original rolls, long out of expiration date, still on sale for about $20 per roll. I'll bypass on that! I bought & sold 4-5 124G's throughout the 1970's & 1980's. So the one I have now will stay with me the rest of my life! 1. How or where do you find such interesting places to go? Your choices are exactly the kind of places I'd like to go with a vintage camera for a day of shooting. 2. In terms of convenience, how did you find using the Astr-Hori (what a name!), compared to using your spot meter and/or incident meter? My thoughts on the AH-M1 meter - for the price, it certainly is a very useful and affordable accessory, and one that you can simply stick in your pocket! Per your video, having an exposure compensation active, as you did, would definitely affect your readings. Still...IMO, since the AH-M1 meter probably has a broad angle of view, I would suspect the "darker" readings you experienced could also be due to the amount of bright white sky that the meter was inadvertently reading. I was thinking that, in order for the meter to avoid reading so much sky, if you pointed the camera/meter down a bit for a reading it might have been more in line with your averaging spot readings. PS - all the images you posted showed off the potential of the 124G, but in particular, I loved the image around 20min of the round wall with the window, and the way the sun was striking it across the frame.

[@vintagecameradigest]

It’s good to be back this week. Felt sorta weird last week, tbh. As always thanks for your kind words. It really helps keep me encouraged to keep things going. So I really do appreciate it. And I do recall that you recently picked one of these up. You need to get out and put some film through it. Sounds like you’re completely prepared with your kit. I had a red filter with me on this shoot in case I got good clouds and blue sky. That didn’t happen though, and I’m kinda glad. Using that meter with filter factors and such would’ve been too much for me to contend with. And since it’s a bit tricky metering with filters, I’m thinking of doing an episode on that by itself soon. I’m glad you remember the price you paid in ‘71 for that camera. I’m sure I’ve looked it up before, but it’s been a while since I’ve thought about it. That $95 would equate to about $750 today. Which is still a rather reasonable price for any camera. And I’m with you on the OOD verichrome pan, lol. So to answer your questions: 1. I’m always on the lookout for something to shoot. For this shoot, I stumbled on Atalaya several years ago during a vacation to North Myrtle Beach. I took a day off from “beaching” and just went exploring. I was lucky to have found it. But it’s definitely a challenge to find places that are interesting to me. 2. I thought the meter was great and performed surprisingly well. I honestly did not expect it to be anywhere near accurate. I completely expected it to err on the side of underexposure. I obviously enjoy using my spotmeter, though. It forces me to take a good look at what I have in the frame and take note of the overall lighting ratio. I enjoy that thought process. But for someone who just wants to meter and shoot, this AstrHori (indeed, what a name) is easy as pie. I actually used it again for next weeks episode, and this time I used it ONLY - no other meter. And it worked really well - even in backlit situations. BTW - that shot you liked is my favorite as well. Enough sun came out to create some shape to that wall and the shadows of the window bars were nice!

[@kevinrichards1667]

Wow the quality of the images is superb

[@vintagecameradigest]

Thank you!

[@nelsonm.5044]

My first medium format camera was a Yashica Mat, not expensive and the lens was surprisingly very sharp, I love using that camera but I never got used to the square format for my landscape photography. I ended up selling it as it was collectif dust on my shelf. Somedays I regret it since it was a superb camera for the price it cost me. I also remember how much of a magnet this camera was when I was shooting downtown, people come to talk to you when the see the camera, so much, I was jokingly telling other photographier, that if you are single, do not bother joint website for single person, just buy a Yashica and walk downtown

[@vintagecameradigest]

HaHa! You’re right. I was stopped several times when I was out with this by people wanting to ask questions. A camera like this is a conversation starter. The square format does seem odd for landscapes. I definitely struggle with that. But it’s sort of a challenge, so I don’t hate it. I just need to get better at it.

[@nilssieper6648]

if your meter on the yashica 124G dose not work its often a problem with the contacts that "engage" when opening the viewfinder. a contact rubs against a plade and the meter starts to work. If you close the viewfinder is disconnected and the meter stops working. So if your meter dose not work with an open finder, you should try to clean the two contacts.

[@vintagecameradigest]

Ah, that could very well be the case. It HAS worked before - at least sometime in the last 30 years. So I’ll check that out. Thanks for that advice!

[@nilssieper6648]

no problem! I dont know fore sure were the contacts are. I sold my yashica 124G to a friend about half a year ago so i cant just look at it. But i think you can get to the contacts if you remove the finder and the focusing screen. Just four screws if i remember that correctly. @@vintagecameradigest

[@vintagecameradigest]

That sounds about right. I don’t recall it being too difficult when I had it removed for the recover. It may be something I screwed up when I had it apart.

[@kenblair2538]

Great video. Yes, the Yashica 124G , was my first medium format camera, back in the 80's. Sold that and a lot of other equipment, to purchase my first digital stuff. I have a similar meter, by TTartisans. It reads 1 full stop high. So I just adjust the film ISO, accordingly . Thanks. KB

[@vintagecameradigest]

Thanks for watching! This camera wasn’t the first MF camera I owned, but it was the first I ever used. I found one hidden way back in a cabinet in the old darkroom of the college where I used to work. I borrowed it for a while and developed an affinity for big film. I don’t regret it. I owe that camera a lot.

[@Portaloopirate]

Enjoying this having just bought myself a Yashica Mat. Currently putting a roll of HP5 through it. Excited for the results!

[@vintagecameradigest]

I don’t think you’ll be disappointed!

[@johnsomers8269]

I always found the Yashikor lenses to be soft on the edges no matter what f/stop I used. This is an interesting castle. When was it abandoned?

[@vintagecameradigest]

It is indeed some interesting architecture. Archer Huntington of New York (he had it built as a seasonal get-away for his wife you had TB) designed it based on Moorish architecture. Finished in 1931, and was only occupied intermittently until 1957. During WW2 they let the Air Force use it as a barracks. In 1960 it was “leased for free” to the state of South Carolina. So it really didn’t have much of a lifespan as a residence.

[@darianharris9735]

Great video, the 124G is my favorite camera period. Is that a Kodak or a Voigtlander Rollfilm on the table in the back? Looks just like my Voigtlander.

[@vintagecameradigest]

Many thanks! That is, indeed, a Voigtlander Bessa - 1937 model. Quite observant of you!

[@darianharris9735]

@@vintagecameradigest I wouldn’t call it as much observant and I would say nosy, I saw you were here in South Carolina in the video and I was locked in at that point!

[@vintagecameradigest]

Well, thanks for being “nosy” 😁. I love that area of SC. My family’s been regular visitors to NMB for the last decade.

[@arte100desastre]

I have a Yashica TLR 12 Copal SV inherited from my father. Too bad I don't know how to use it

[@vintagecameradigest]

What a great camera to be passed down! The “Copal SV” you refer to is going to be the type of shutter the camera uses - not necessarily the camera model. BUT, all these Yashica TLRs work pretty much the same. You may have the model “E” - but I’m not totally sure. In any case this link will take you to where you can get the manual for the camera for free. Hope this will help! butkus.org/chinon/yashica/yashica_e/yashica_e.htm

[@anta40]

I just bought a mint Yaschica Mat 124G due to the usual GAS, and indeed I think it's still one of the good options for beginners looking for their 1st medium format camera without spending too much cash. For some weird reasons, I don't "click" with folding cameras, especially the ones without built-in rangefinder.

[@vintagecameradigest]

I think the price point is very attractive. And the fact that it’s a fine camera is also a plus. Speaking of MF folders, I have an old Mamiya-Six, that like you, I just can’t seem to “love”. I also have a Super-Ikonta getting CLA’d at the moment that I hope I DO love. I’m looking forward to shooting in 6x9 format for a change. We’ll see!

[@rareandorinteresting]

Nice shots!

[@vintagecameradigest]

Thanks so much!

[@HarveyWallbanger-ho2cq]

Spot meters never worked for me. I mainly used them at Rock concerts. Thanks for the lesson!

[@vintagecameradigest]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mattmaberry]

My first medium format camera was a mamiya rb67 I still use. But I got it when things were much cheaper. With today's used prices, I think the best intro camera for medium format would be a folding bellows style rangefinder line an Ansco Speedex or an Adox Golf. They are dirt cheap and offer a more conventional shooting experience. I dont think starting with a TLR is a great idea for many reasons (and I own a mamiya c330).

[@vintagecameradigest]

I think that as long as it’s a rangefinder model, the folders would also be a good choice.

[@hossmacian]

The iOS Pocket Light Meter app I use for metering on my iPhone is the same way with EV. You would think that having a little +/- on the screen would have been easy for the author to put in. So when I want to use a filter on my camera and I forget to change the EV back.....well. 🤣

[@vintagecameradigest]

Yes, you would think there would be a simple way to show exposure compensation. And, yes, setting it for filters would be rough, because I ABSOLUTELY would forget to set it back.

[@AnalogFramecraft]

Nice

[@vintagecameradigest]

Thanks!

[@Lawman212]

So few people know how to work a spot meter these days. Yes, digital cameras are easier to use; you can see exposure problems immediately. But you're not aware of the tones in your picture.

[@vintagecameradigest]

Exactly. Using a spot meter forces you to look at all the tones and be aware of how they’re going to fall in with other tones. It’s a terrific educational tool!

[@mnoliberal7335]

A Ciro-Flex F is a great value for a TLR. Yashica mats are getting more expensive than many Rollei models and there are much better buys available.

[@anta40]

Weird, where are you living? At list in my country, even a Rolleicord in good cosmetics and working condition can costs typically 2x the Mat.

[@vintagecameradigest]

A Ciro-Flex in good shape IS a good camera. Also, the Graflex 22 (which the Ciro-Flex evolved into) isn’t a bad choice either. At least with the Yashica Mat, you don’t have to watch the red window to know when to stop winding, and the shutter is cocked at the same time. I think old camera prices are going up across the board, pretty much. I guess that’s good? If the market is driving them up, then it’s a good sign for film photography.

[@richardsimms251]

Great video. I bought that small external light meter and it NEVER worked properly-waste of money RS

[@vintagecameradigest]

Thanks! As for the meter, what was the main trouble you encountered?

[@markolwick2223]

It always angers me when “vloggers” keep referring to the 124G as a beginners camera. That’s ridiculous. You yourself said it was their most advanced TLR, plus its longevity proves that it’s definitely capable of taking professional-quality photos. I normally love this channel, but implying that this camera is only for beginners is just plain wrong.

[@vintagecameradigest]

I certainly didn’t mean to imply that it’s “only” for beginners. Like I said, it IS Yashica’s top TLR. What I meant to convey was that it’s a good system that’s not too complicated, it works well, it has great image quality, AND it is usually available at a reasonable price point. If I had specifically stated those things in the wrap-up it would’ve been more clear. Totally my fault.

[@zelmoziggy]

I suggest that you enroll in an anger-management program if that angers you.

[@HarveyWallbanger-ho2cq]

Mark, you must admit though, when you hold a Mamiya, the difference is night and day.

[@Zetaphotography]

It’s for Clicks. When they actually know the gear they spat about then things will change