Yashica Mat-124
For photographers wanting to try a Twin Lens Refelx (TLR), there are plenty of options. If a new TLR user wants to jump off the 10 meter board into the deep end of the pool, starting with a Rolleiflex is a fine way to go. For the majority of new prospective users, there's absolutely nothing wrong walking into the shallow end to test the water first and for those photographers, one of the Yashica TLRs can make a lot of sense.
After the introduction of 220 film in the mid 1960s, camera manufacturers looked for ways to build cameras that could take advantage of the extra film on these rolls. Yashica originally created one camera for each film type: a Yashica 12 and a Yashica 24. The model numbers of each indicated the number of exposures, corresponding to 120 and 220, respectively. Ultimately, Yashica engineers were able to create a camera that used both film types and the camera with the combined number "124" was born.
Introduced in 1968, the Yashica Mat-124 is often regarded as an "entry-level" camera. On further reflection and examination, this is as solid a workhorse of a camera as any shooter can ask for. The design of the Yashica Mat-124 is classic with its focus knob on the left, film winder and shutter re-cocking lever on the right, and a bright waist-level finder. The feel of the camera is also classic - just a few times firing and winding and it's clear to any user that these are more than just "entry-level" pieces.
The Yashica Mat-124 features an 80mm f/3.5 made by Yashica's own lens company Yashinon. These four element lenses very much much hold their own with their contemporaries of Rolleis and Mamiyas.
Given the attributes of the build quality, lens quality, and overall appearance, you may wonder how the Yashica Mat-124 got the reputation of being "entry level." To answer that question, find one, try it out, and relax in the comfortable end of the pool. Leave the 10 meter board for the showoffs.
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