Yashica TLR Cameras.

Keith Tapscott. · Aug 6, 2009

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

Rick A · Aug 6, 2009

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 · Aug 6, 2009

How do you like the D?
Arthur

Rick A · Aug 6, 2009

FM2N said:
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 · Aug 6, 2009

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

JRJacobs · Aug 6, 2009

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 · Aug 7, 2009

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. · Aug 7, 2009

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

lecarp · Aug 7, 2009

124 vs 124g

ralnphot said:
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 · Aug 7, 2009

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 · Aug 7, 2009

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 · Aug 7, 2009

ralnphot said:
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.

Yashica TLR Cameras.

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