The Yashica Mat 124G is a medium format twin lens reflex (TLR) camera that was popular in the 1970s. TLR cameras have two lenses, one for previewing the scene and one for taking the photograph, which allows the photographer to see exactly what the image will look like before it is captured. 

The Yashica Mat 124G has an 80 millimeter F 3.5 lens and can accommodate various ISO film speeds, ranging from ISO 25 to ISO 400. It also has an onboard light meter and various other features and functions that make it a reliable and easy-to-use camera for film photography enthusiasts.

How to use the Yashica Mat 124G

The Yashica Mat 124G is a medium format twin lens reflex (TLR) camera that is great for film photography enthusiasts. One of the standout features of this camera is its 80 millimeter f/3.5 lens, which allows you to preview the scene you're about to capture through one lens and take the image with another. The viewfinder can be opened and even has a magnifying glass function that can be unlocked by pressing the top of the camera.

Focusing on the scene is made easy with the dial on the left side of the camera, which allows you to adjust the focus without having to do any manual measurements. The right side of the camera has a dial for adjusting the shutter speed and aperture, which can go up to a speed of 500th of a second and an F stop of f/32. 

One of the most convenient features of the Yashica Mat 124G is its onboard light meter, which helps you ensure that your images are properly exposed. The camera also has a cold shoe on the left side for attaching accessories and a shutter release button on the bottom. You can even use a timer or a shutter release cable for added convenience.

Loading film into the Yashica Mat 124G is a straightforward process. First, open the bottom of the camera by twisting the dial to the O position. Then, remove the spool on the inside and insert your film, securing it in place. Make sure the film is properly secured and aligned with the green arrow at the bottom of the camera. Close the lid and advance the film using the winder until the first frame is up and ready to use.

Why shoot with the Yashica Mat 124G?

There are several reasons why photographers might choose to shoot with a Yashica Mat 124G.

Image quality is one of the most important factors. Medium format film cameras. The Yashica Mat 124G, produces much larger 6x6 negatives than 35mm film cameras, which will result in higher quality images with greater detail and resolution.

Shooting with film allows for more creative control over the final image, as you have to consider factors such as aperture, shutter speed, and ISO when taking a photograph. This can be especially appealing to photographers who enjoy the process of taking a photo rather than just capturing an image. This alone may be the most important factor in shooting with this film camera. If you can get a deeper understanding of how aperture, shutter speed, and ISO work together, then you will be able to break the rules after leading to creative control. 

Building on the previous point, shooting with film will naturally slow down your photographic process. You will think more carefully about each photograph you take, rather than just snapping away with a compact camera. This can lead to more intentionality and purpose in your photography.

A combination of both nostalgia and the unique aesthetic of film has to be a reason for why you may want to shoot with film. Some photographers may simply enjoy the nostalgia and nostalgia of using a film camera like the Yashica Mat 124G. Film has a distinct aesthetic that cannot be replicated digitally, which can be appealing to some photographers who want to achieve a certain look in their work.

Reasons not to shoot with the Yashica Mat 124G?

There are a few potential drawbacks to shooting with the Yashica Mat 124G or any other film camera:

Film and developing costs can add up, especially if you are shooting frequently. This can be a significant expense compared to digital photography, where you can take as many photos as you want without incurring additional costs. Just remember you can only shoot 12 frames on this camera, so be sure to use them wisely. 

Shooting with Film cameras is a much slower process compared to digital cameras, as you have to take the time to load and advance the film, and then wait for the film to be developed. Don’t forget printing in the dark room to add to the time and labour going into all those images. 

Unless you have a dedicated darkroom lab. With film photography, you are limited in your ability to edit and manipulate the final image. You have to rely on your skills and techniques when taking the photograph, rather than being able to make adjustments in post-processing. 

There is a steep learning curve for photographers who are new to film photography. It can take time to understand how to properly expose film and develop it, and you may have to experiment with different techniques to get the results you want. Personally, I think it is well worth the effort and perseverance because through the process you will have a much deeper understanding of the underlying principles which will allow you to become a more creative photographer. 

Ultimately, whether or not to shoot with a Yashica Mat 124G or any other film camera will depend on your personal preferences and goals as a photographer.

What is the Yashica Mat 124G best for?

It is a camera well-suited for a variety of photography styles and subjects. Here are some of my top reasons for shooting with this camera: 

The Yashica Mat 124G's 80 millimeter F 3.5 lens is well-suited for portrait photography, as it allows you to capture crisp, detailed images with a shallow depth of field. There are dedicated portrait lens available which you can use to get even closer to your subject too. 

The TLR design of the Yashica Mat 124G allows you to be stealthy and discreet when taking photos in public, making it a good choice for street photography.It is a great conversation starter and will get you a highly personalised image at the end of it too. 

The Yashica Mat 124G's large 6x6 negative size and ability to capture fine detail make it well-suited for landscape photography, allowing you to capture the beauty of wherever you may be. I would recommend shooting with slide film particularly in landscapes to capture those richer details which elude negative film stocks. 

5 common mistakes that are easily made when shooting with this camera: 

Film is more forgiving of overexposure than underexposure, so it is important to make sure that you expose the film correctly. 

Underexposing the film can result in dark, muddy images that lack detail. Always carry a light meter with you. There isn’t one on this camera so it's even more important, a simple light meter app on your phone should be sufficient. Although shooting in a studio with flash always use a dedicated light meter such as the Sekonic L308x. 

As you get more experienced using film you will start to play around with the settings a lot more. When starting off, shoot at ‘box speed’ ISO. After shooting a few rolls in different settings and scenarios you can move towards shooting at different speeds. There is no ‘perfect’ lighting code, keep adjusting and changing what you do until you are satisfied with the outcome. 

Your aperture settings are very important because this will directly affect the depth of field in an image. Not paying attention to the aperture can result in images that are too bright or too dark, or that have an incorrect depth of field. Be sure to know what style of image you are looking for before inputting your aperture settings. 

The Yashica Mat 124G is not a light camera and it could be a bit tricky in balance the frame correctly. A sure fire way to avoid this is by using a tripod can help you get sharp, blur-free images, especially in low light conditions or when using a long focal length lens. It’s already expensive enough to be shooting with film so don’t neglect to use a tripod as it can result in blurry or poorly composed images.

Why are photographers choosing a Yashica Mat 124G over a Rolleiflex TLR?

It is difficult to say why photographers may choose one twin lens reflex (TLR) camera, such as the Yashica Mat 124G, over another, such as the Rolleiflex TLR, as it will depend on the individual preferences and needs of each photographer. Here are a few potential reasons why a photographer might choose the Yashica Mat 124G over a Rolleiflex TLR:

The Yashica Mat 124G may be more affordable than the Rolleiflex TLR, which could be a deciding factor for photographers on a budget.

The Yashica Mat 124G has an 80 millimeter F 3.5 lens, which may be preferred by some photographers over the Rolleiflex TLR's 75 millimeter F 3.5 lens. The differences are incremental but if you’re familiar with an 80mm on digital format it might be a better transition for you. 

Some photographers may simply prefer the look and feel of the Yashica Mat 124G over the Rolleiflex TLR. Don’t forget it is much lighter and less bulkier than the Rolleiflex. Furthermore, if for some reason, something breaks, it will be significantly cheaper for you to repair. 

Ultimately, the decision to choose one TLR camera over another will depend on the personal preferences and needs of the photographer. It is important to consider factors such as image quality, lens, features, and price when making a decision.

The Yashica Mat 124G is a reliable and easy-to-use camera for film photography enthusiasts. Its various features and functions make it a great choice for capturing high-quality images.

Final thoughts on the Yashica Mat 124G

In conclusion, the Yashica Mat 124G is a classic medium format twin lens reflex camera that has remained popular among film photography enthusiasts. With its 80 millimeter F 3.5 lens, various ISO film speed capabilities, and onboard light meter, it is a reliable and easy-to-use camera that can produce high quality images. 

While there are certainly some drawbacks to using a film camera, such as the cost and inconvenience of film and the lack of instant review and editing, many photographers still choose to use film for its unique aesthetic and the opportunity for creative control. Whether or not the Yashica Mat 124G is the right camera for you will depend on your personal preferences and goals as a photographer.