The Yashica Mat-124G is one of the most sought after twin lens reflex cameras not called Rolleiflex. The camera was the last TLR produced by Yashica, and had a production run from 1970 until 1986. It features a Yashinon 80mm f/3.5 lens, film crank advancing, and shutters speeds ranging from Bulb to 1/500th via a Copal leaf shutter. Because it is one of the more modern TLR cameras, it benefits from generally better optics, as well as a brighter focusing screen. While the Yashica Mat-124G is mechanically sound, the camera is a bit clunkety in sound and feel - not
nearly as silky smooth as their Rollei counterparts. In recent years, the magic of these well-built TLRs has become more widely known, resulting in increasing market prices because of an increasing demand.
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Paola and Her Yashica Mat-124G
We were paid a surprise visit by Blue Moon alum, Paola Rodriguez, in July of 2020. She was in town, visiting for a few days from Florida, and she definitely brought the sunny weather with her.
It was great to catch up, though we still felt awkward with the whole concept of "air hugs." Paola took some time to drop off film (including a mystery roll of C-22 620 film) and she also added a new camera to her family - this Yashica Mat-124G. We couldn't have been more excited for her, this being her first "real" medium format camera. She has an extensive body of work, including her Broken Free Project, mostly shot on her beloved Canon AE-1. Prior to this Yashica, she had also been moonlighting in the medium format world with a Holga 120GCFN and Argoflex.
It is always awesome to see former staff stop by for visits and even better when we get to be a part of their continued journey as film photographers.