Which TLR for under £100?

Boscoe · Sep 17, 2014

So I shoot 35mm and LF but have never really ventured into MF. Can someone advise me to which TLR would be best for £100 or under? Build quality and picture quality are the top priorities.

Thanks
Boscoe

TooManyShots · Sep 17, 2014

Yashica TLR, A, C, D, Mat, and Mat EM. The problems with buying them is that a lot of them came from estate sales and so the working condition is questionable.

mweintraub · Sep 17, 2014

Add 124G to the list.

trythis · Sep 17, 2014

Most of them at that price will need a CLA. The shutter will be sticky and need a complete tear down cleaning and reassembly. I tried flushing mine with all kinds of chemicals and eventually it just had to be torn down and cleaned properly. Expect that and add to cost unless you are very handy.

polyglot · Sep 17, 2014

I have a C220 with 80/2.8 I could probably sell for not much more than that. Has WLF and pentamirror, is in kind of user/ugly condition but shoots very high quality photos.

skysh4rk · Sep 17, 2014

Boscoe said:
So I shoot 35mm and LF but have never really ventured into MF. Can someone advise me to which TLR would be best for £100 or under? Build quality and picture quality are the top priorities.

Thanks
Boscoe

Check out wycameras.com. They usually have a few affordable TLRs in stock. At the moment I think they have a few Yashicas and even an MPP Microcord all under 100 quid.

I got my Minolta Autocord from them last year.

Marc Akemann · Sep 17, 2014

I've heard & read many good things about the Ricoh Diacord and just purchased one last week for $60USD (Ricoh Diacord G). It feels like a quality camera. I shot one roll of b&w C41 film but haven't picked it up from the lab yet so I can't personally vouch for image quality at this time. Good luck!

Karl K · Sep 18, 2014

If you buy a Yashica, which are the most readily available and reasonably priced, try to buy one with the Yashinon lens, rather than the Yashikor lens.

baachitraka · Sep 18, 2014

I may kindly ask to invest little more and try to get Rolleiflex 3.5A(MX-EVS).

hoffy · Sep 18, 2014

I bought a Minolta Autocord for around that. I'm pretty happy with it and would recommend one. Just make sure the focus is smooth.

Xmas · Sep 18, 2014

Send them an email from their site they have TLR occasionally.
http://www.filmsnotdead.com/

mooseontheloose · Sep 18, 2014

I own several Autocords, Yashicas, and a Rolleicord but the Autocord is my favourite. Prices can be a little inflated but occasionally you can find one for around $150 (never paid more than that for any TLR).

Ian Grant · Sep 18, 2014

For under £100 in the UK I've bought a Microcord and a Rolleiflex Automat (Opton Tessar) both for £60 and paid a touch more for a Yashicamat 124.

I see similar cameras regularly at the camera fair I go to under £100, it's important to try the shutters on the slowest speeds they need to sound smooth and not be sticking, this is a fairly good indicator of whether the shutter will need a CLA.

Ian

piu58 · Sep 18, 2014

A Rolleicord of the V series may to have at this price.

xya · Sep 18, 2014

and still...try a mamiya 220 and be a little bit patient. it will come around. forum sales are a good option.

cliveh · Sep 18, 2014

piu58 said:
A Rolleicord of the V series may to have at this price.

+1 best option if possible.

BrianShaw · Sep 18, 2014

cliveh said:
+1 best option if possible.

Another +1 from me too.

Which TLR for under £100?

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