Gonna buy a TLR from a local dealer, Which one of three?

Army35mm · Jun 7, 2017

I'm about to take the plunge into the world of medium format and buy my first TLR!
I have a nearby flea market that has several camera dealers with seemingly reasonable prices on 3 cameras. Provided they all appear to be in similar and working condition(and all the same price), what is the recommendation based on the collective experience of this forum?
Yashica 635
ALFAFLEX
MuDan (chinese)

darkosaric · Jun 7, 2017

Never heard of Alfaflex nor Mudan, so I would go with a Yashica.
If you don't limit yourself on a local dealers - for me best cheap entry for TLR was always Rolleiflex Automat X with f3.5 Tessar. It can be found for cca 150€, it is a beauty to use.

macfred · Jun 7, 2017

darkosaric said:
Never heard of Alfaflex nor Mudan, so I would go with a Yashica.
...

Same here ...

---
The Yash 635 is a nice TLR (I had one about 15 years ago - traded it later against a Mamiya C3) - you can use it with 35mm film too (cheap adaptors on eb..).
The 80mm f/3.5 Yashikor (or even a Yashinon on the later models) is a decent lens (even as a portrait lens with 35mm).
A few pics of the camera : http://camarasclassicas.blogspot.de/2010/10/yashica-635.html

Ian Grant · Jun 7, 2017

The Yashica is the best choice but I'd suggest looking for a later model a Yashicamat 124 or 124G as the lever wind is much nicer to use - they were very common and should be easy to find.

Ian

mooseontheloose · Jun 7, 2017

Like the others here, I'd also go for the Yashica, although to be honest, I would probably buy all three if they were cheap enough! (I love collecting old TLRs).

BrianShaw · Jun 7, 2017

I'd hold off for a Rollei. Rolleiflex if you have the budget; Rolleicord if your budget constrained.

Rick A · Jun 7, 2017

Alfaflex--Rollei knock off made between 52-54, red window
MuDan--Seagull knock off made in the early 80's, not sure if it has a red window or exposure counter
Yashica 635--based on the D model with accommodation for 120 or 135 film(w/adapter kit), exposure counter. My choice also. I like the ability to do multiple exposure, whether on purpose or accidentally if you forget to wind the film before cocking the shutter.

Paul Howell · Jun 7, 2017

Does the 635 have the 35mm conversion kit? If so, makes a good portrait camera, even wide open as in 35mm softness in corners does not show. I think the lens a 4 element Tessar design.

Slixtiesix · Jun 7, 2017

I´d take the Yashica, seems like a copy of the Rolleicord. Anyway I would buy either of these cameras only if they were really cheap and working!

Cholentpot · Jun 7, 2017

Tell the dealer you'll take the Yashica and throw in the others for a bit more. Or even free.

Marcelo Paniagua · Jun 7, 2017

Yashica all the way. 635 is a pretty solid build camera. Mine have the 35mm adapter but never really used it. Don't really think you will use it either so don't worry too much if it doesn't have it.

Like other, would suggest a Rolleiflex or a Mamiya C series with interchangeable lens, its a bit heavy but a joy to use.

Regards and wish you luck.

Marcelo

OptiKen · Jun 7, 2017

Seriously, you can't go wrong with the Yashica. The lens is gorgeous and the camera is really well built.
But the proof is in the using. Do a test drive with all three.
Which is the most comfortable to handle?
Which has the most usable viewfinder?
Only you can tell which one fits you best.

Marcelo Paniagua · Jun 7, 2017

OptiKen said:
Seriously, you can't go wrong with the Yashica. The lens is gorgeous and the camera is really well built.
But the proof is in the using. Do a test drive with all three.
Which is the most comfortable to handle?
Which has the most usable viewfinder?
Only you can tell which one fits you best.

+1 to that They all may seem redundant but they all feel different. Check viewfinder, weight, film advance mechanism, shutter accessibility, speed/aperture setting controls, etc. They all play a part on the experience and may make one camera enjoyable/a pain to use.

Regards

Marcelo

choiliefan · Jun 7, 2017

Given the choices, I'd wait til something really good comes along whether it's in his store or somewhere else. Don't get stuck.

Harry Stevens · Jun 7, 2017

I own the Yashica they where fitted with two different lens types as mentioned in post 3, forget the 35mm adapter but watch out for a small notch that can cause your 120 negatives to have it appear in (I think) the bottom right corner on your 120 negatives, it's not a fault just something to do with the 35mm setting adapter switch/knob not being in the right position. I don't use mine as I have Rolleicord/flex and a Flexaret. I always rate the best value in TLR the Rolleicord VA/VB models but like all cameras it's the condition it's in. Indecently the 635 is built like a tank and forget the other two you listed.
Just my thoughts.

RichardJack · Jun 7, 2017

NONE!
If you have your heart set on a TLR add the extra money and go for a Rollieflex or Mamiyaflex. The Yashica 124G was their best and still has soft optics, the 635 worse.

jgoody · Jun 7, 2017

Minolta Autocord is also a very good camera if you run across one. But check that the focussing is smooth - the mechanism can jam if not lubed properly.

Gerald C Koch · Jun 7, 2017

My crystal ball is currently in the shop. The OP has given no indication just what type of photography he does; portraits, scenics, street photography, .... The Yashica is capable of taking good pictures but like just about all TLR's is a bit limited. I have several Mamiya C3's and C2'2 and really enjoy the ability of using multiple lenses. However some versions are heavy. The C2's are lighter and also cheaper.

Army35mm · Jun 7, 2017

I really want to do portraits. Besides that these days, I do mostly street photography. The idea of a TLR for me is more of a side dish. Nothing too serious, just mostly for a little taste of the other side. Maybe down the road I'll end up with a rollei, but for now I am pretty much deciding between these 3. Budget for the camera is 75-100 USD thoughly. The guy wants 100k won for each. Could probably talk him down to 75k.

Marcelo Paniagua · Jun 7, 2017

That would be like $70 dlls right? probably not so expensive IF on good working condition (i.e won't need a CLA).

Don't underestimate TLR as street shooter. Waist level finder makes you quite inconspicuous, and, provided you setup things before hand, could grab you some interesting photos

Best regards

Marcelo

Cholentpot · Jun 7, 2017

RichardJack said:
NONE!
If you have your heart set on a TLR add the extra money and go for a Rollieflex or Mamiyaflex. The Yashica 124G was their best and still has soft optics, the 635 worse.

I have some amazing shots off a Lubitel 2 thankyouverymuch.

We don't all need a Rolls-Royce.

mooseontheloose · Jun 7, 2017

I think the Yashica is a great starting point - I started with an Autocord, then with many different flavours of Yashicas, and finally bought a Rollei a couple years ago. The Rolleiflex is way overhyped (unless you go for one of the more recent/better lens models, maybe) - you can definitely get some great photos with lesser cameras, everything depends on the condition of the camera/lens. The Yashica is a cheap way to find out if you do indeed like shooting with a TLR - if you do you can always upgrade later, if you don't, you haven't wasted too much money, and in all likelihood, can recoup your costs later.

mooseontheloose · Jun 7, 2017

Cholentpot said:
I have some amazing shots off a Lubitel 2 thankyouverymuch.

We don't all need a Rolls-Royce.

+1

Cholentpot · Jun 7, 2017

mooseontheloose said:
+1

My Trusty Russki

Dali · Jun 7, 2017

mooseontheloose said:
+1

+2!

Gonna buy a TLR from a local dealer, Which one of three?

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