Looking for an inexpensive TLR as a light weight option to SLR MF

DMJ · May 27, 2021

So I was looking for a waist level finder for my Bronica SQ-A on the auction site and the prices are out of control, they go for $200; more than what I paid for my camera + 80mm lens + the prism finder. And then I saw some Yashica Mats 124g on auction for less than that. Should I get one? Never owned a TLR but I think I'm going to like the size and light weight.
What say you?

mshchem · May 27, 2021

Yashica!

Nitroplait · May 27, 2021

It is impossible to say unless you describe your expectations. Is it just size and weight you are looking for? If yes, then it is just reading the specs and the answer is; yes it is lighter and smaller. Will that make you happy? I have no idea.

ruilourosa · May 27, 2021

My yashicas had contraste Issues..

DMJ · May 27, 2021

ruilourosa said:
My yashicas had contraste Issues..

Is it the lens or a focusing problem? I’ve read mix comments on the sharpness of the lens some saying the cause of softness could be from a thin layer of oil from the blades.

campy51 · May 27, 2021

Minolta Autocord is as sharp as Rolleiflex but make sure the focusing lever moves freely.

neilt3 · May 27, 2021

ruilourosa said:
My yashicas had contraste Issues..

I have several Yashica , Minolta and Rollei TLRs amongst others and don't have any issues with contrast .
I always use a lens shade and take into account sources if bright light that might cause a problem .

The only one that did have an issue needed cleaning as it had fogged up .

narsuitus · May 27, 2021

If size, weight, and waist level finder were my only concerns, then a YashicaMat TLR is what I would get.

However, since interchangeable film backs, interchangeable lenses, interchangeable view finders, interchangeable view screens, and motor drives are very important to me, I would stick with the SQ-A and buy the waist level finder.

sterioma · May 27, 2021

I am happy with my Rolleicord Vb (first and only TLR for me) as a lightweight alternative to my Hasselblad. I paid more than 200$ for a working one, though, probably more than double that amount when converting UK pounds to dollars. This was from a shop and which insurance (which I did have to use to rectify some issues).

ruilourosa · May 27, 2021

Yashica mat 124 has a shiny film chamber.... i tryed to cover with dc fix black velvet and got better... 124g has a better film chamber with a light barrier but i also had less contrast than with rolleiflex... so i use rolleiflex...

Helge · May 27, 2021

Doesn’t get more lightweight and inexpensive than Ricohs linked gear TLRs.
They are superb for what they are.
Worth trying.

gone · May 27, 2021

Maybe start w/ a Rolleicord to see if you like the experience? The early versions have the 3 element Triotar, which is a killer lens. I think they image better than the more expensive Tessar or Xenars on the more pricey models. Look for the models that have 1/500 top shutter speeds if possible, and a sports finder, which makes shooting a lot faster.

ic-racer · May 27, 2021

Seems like the Rolleicord and 124G are about the same price on the used market. I have had both since the 1970s and the Rolliecord is a little more sturdy but the 124G has the built-in light meter that is sometimes essential. It is harder to safely mount a 124G on a tripod, compared to the Rolleicord because many Rolliecords can accept the Rolliefix.
Lenses on both are pretty much the same in terms of resolution and contrast, so there is no way to know which camera was used without examining the rebate.

Paul Howell · May 27, 2021

When I was freelancing and shot book cover and author photos the art director insisted on Zeiss Lens, told him I rented a Hassy, shot with my Kowa 66 or Yashica 124 or $ with 4 element lens, he could not tell the difference, did not believe me when I told him. For light weight, the Yashica D with 4 element taking lens and 2.8 viewing lens. Not as fast as the 124, need to cock the shutter, but you can shoot multiple exposure.

removed account4 · May 27, 2021

kodak or argus reflex lubitel 166 ( not plastic one but original ) yashicaD
looks t stuff from eastern Europe. great glass affordable cameras

abruzzi · May 27, 2021

I have a 124G--its my first and only TLR. I found, for my purposes, I don't like the TLR experience, so I've never gone beyond that. That said, it produces fine photos and I know many people here love TLRs, I just don't like using it (and for some reason, most of my shots on it are a bit crooked. The tall vertical orientation seems to cause problems for me since I use a WLF on an ETRSi and GS-1 and photos I take with those are rarely crooked.) One fortunate thing is that TLRs are much simpler mechanisms compared to SLRs, so there is a lotless to go wrong, and I suspect they are easier to repair.

Dan Ingram · May 27, 2021

There is a wide range of TLRs available, and many are terrific cameras. I stand by my 124G -- it is light, dependable, and easy to use. The Yashinon 4-element lens is as good as any Tessar clone -- it is not a Xenotar or Planar, but neither are the Rolleiflex's Xenar and Tessar. I've noticed that 124Gs have started to explode in price. If you see one with working meter for under $200 these days, that's a good price. My first TLR was a Zeiss Ikoflex, and it was a great simple camera to help me decide I liked TLRs. I have used a C330 (too heavy for me), Minolta Autocord (wish I had kept this one!), Rolleicord (sold for an offer I couldn't refuse, and didn't like the knob wind), a Yashica 12 (moved up to newer), and a 124 (not G -- saw a G I liked, much newer). I agree with those who suggest trying a TLR out -- many do not like the backward view, especially when tracking.

DMJ · May 27, 2021

narsuitus said:
If size, weight, and waist level finder were my only concerns, then a YashicaMat TLR is what I would get.

However, since interchangeable film backs, interchangeable lenses, interchangeable view finders, interchangeable view screens, and motor drives are very important to me, I would stick with the SQ-A and buy the waist level finder.

Yes, I will eventually buy the wlf for my Bronica, it is a great camera ! I'm going to take the smaller TLR with me during my morning walks to the park and leave the Bronica for more planned trips because bringing the Bronica (for me) involves carrying a sturdy tripod and backpack.

DMJ · May 27, 2021

jnantz said:
kodak or argus reflex lubitel 166 ( not plastic one but original ) yashicaD
looks t stuff from eastern Europe. great glass affordable cameras

Lubitels are still cheap on eb...how can you tell the ones that aren't made of plastic ? Even the ones described as "original" seem to be made of plastic.

DMJ · May 27, 2021

I'm looking at all the cameras mentioned here. Thanks ! (Yashicas' prices are going up fast...hope to catch one under $200 or it'll be a Lubitel )

Kino · May 27, 2021

The Ricohflex Dia (or "Diamond") line of TLRs are fabulous quality cameras that often get overlooked. I would rate their build quality at equal to any Rolliecord or similarly priced TLR; maybe better.

There are a few models, so do some research if you are interested.

https://camerapedia.fandom.com/wiki/Ricohflex_Dia

https://antiquecameras.net/ricohflex.html

DWThomas · May 27, 2021

I have had a Bronica SQ-A since 2006. A few years later I acquired a Yashica Mat 124G to which I have added a CLA from Mark Hama more recently. It has become my goto film camera for travel when I don't need all the bells and whistles of interchangeable backs and lenses, etc. A TLR is also great for infrared photography, as the viewfinder function is fully available with a nearly-opaque IR filter on the taking lens (unlike the Bronica).

For "ultimate photography" of a more technical nature I still use the Bronica for which I have a fair amount of accessories including a 1:1 macro lens.

For less demanding use, I also have 6x6 and 6x9 folders (Voigtländer Perkeo II and an Ercona II), both of which are capable of quite respectable images and take relatively little space. On major trips I have taken one or the other of those as a backup. If you can, getting a few examples in your hands and checking out the handling might point you in one direction or another.

Mark Crabtree · May 27, 2021

If a waist level finder is all you need, then the Rolleiflex Automats are one of the greatest of classic cameras, and often available for less than the knock offs. Great lenses, great build quality, and the parallax correction missing in almost all others.

grat · May 27, 2021

I personally find the 124G to be a bit overrated. I picked up a cosmetically "excellent" Yashica 12 that was nonfunctional (and therefore got a really good price), and promptly sent it to Mark Hama. End result is that I have a camera that looks new, works like new (including the light meter), and cost under $300 total. Found a very good condition case at KEH, so now all I need is a bay-1 to 49mm adapter.

ProfessorC1983 · May 27, 2021

I also have a Zeiss Ikoflex Ia, and likewise it's made me fall in love with TLRs. Very light, nice 80mm/3.5 Tessar, no frills, and paid $100 for it.

Looking for an inexpensive TLR as a light weight option to SLR MF

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency