Yashica TLR Cameras.

[Keith Tapscott.]

What is the difference between the 124 and 124G Cameras?

 

[Rick A]

The "G" stands for goldused on the contacts. Other than that, or possibly the light meter, I dont think there's any difference. Both use 120(12), and 220(24) film, both have uncoupled light meters. I may be wrong, but neither one is capable of multiple exposure. Any way, its been years since I've checked either out, I own a Yashica D 120 only, but multi exposure capable , no light meter.
Rick

 

[FM2N]

How do you like the D?
Arthur

 

[Rick A]

How do you like the D?
Arthur

I LOVE it -- Its my second one. I bought my first one new in 1969, and ended up swapping it for a motorcycle. I picked up my current one a couple of years ago, and feel the same about it as my wife-its a keeper!!! I shot my best work with TLR's especially with my first. They make you slow down and think about what you are doing, almost as much as a view camera. I love having multiple exposure a big plus, i wish the 124G had this capability, I'd own one of those. The only way I would part with it would be a swap for a Minolta Autocord(unless I found one I could afford). I whole heartedly encourage anyone to get a D and have fun.
Rick

 

[Larry.Manuel]

I think there's a short discussion about 124 Vs. 124G at Karen Nakamura's website photoethnography.com

 

[JRJacobs]

The G uses plastic gears and sounds like a ratchet when you crank it. The 124 uses metal gears and is more solidly built.

The other difference is that you pay more for the "G".

Same lens in both.

 

[Laurent]

There is a minute difference : the "G" has a sliding pressure plate to switch from 120 to 220, on the "non-G" you need to remove the plate and turn it 90° to do the same...

Also, but I don't know if this is true of all 124 and 124G : the lines on the ground glass are different. The "G" I have has only 4 lines, seeming to indicate the framing for a 135 film (don't know if there's been a kit for 135 on the 124G) whereas the 124 has more, forming a pattern of squares.

I like the feeling of the "non G" more, but this could be due to mine having been CLA-ed whereas the G has not been (I bought if for cheap and plan to do this myself, in a leanring process)

 

[Keith Tapscott.]

Thank you all for your replies and explanations. I might look out for a 124 rather than a 124G.

 

[lecarp]

124 vs 124g

both have uncoupled light meters.

The meters are coupled on the 12, 124, 124g.

Also, more plastic external parts on the g model, different cosmetics.
The gearing and works are the same for the 124 and 124g, the earlier versions tend to be smoother and the end of the g production not so much.
The same tooling had been used for many years and was beginning to wear. I remember at the time the camera was discontinued Yashica put out a statement to this effect and that re-tooling the plant was not viable.

 

[mgb74]

The "Yashinon" lens was considered the best of the Yashica TLR lens (there was a Yashikor and, I think, something else). I believe all the 124s came with that lens but best to verify.

 

[Rick A]

I stand corrected on the metering. As I said, I havent looked at these cameras in years. Maybe I'll look into getting one since they are alot less money than an Autocord. I still love my D though.
Rick

 

[Anscojohn]

I stand corrected on the metering. As I said, I havent looked at these cameras in years. Maybe I'll look into getting one since they are alot less money than an Autocord. I still love my D though.
Rick

*******
I loved my D as well. First "real" camera I owned. And, you are right, the ability to make multiple exposures gave great creative flexibility. Swapped it for a Contax III. I once approached my sister-in-law and asked if she would sell me her D. Her response was unprintable here.
I once worked a summer shooting children's home portraits. We were issued two Ds. They were bounced around in steamer trunks; used daily; with three AC strobes. At the end of a year of such use, they just tossed them, no matter what. I was told every one still worked fine when they were sent away.
At present I have a Yashica 12; purchased in Japan by my college roomate, ca 1966; but I rarely use a TLR any more. I also had a Yashica 635--a "D" with 35mm adapter kit capable.