Nice TLR to recommend?

[pikapig]

May i ask the experts here who owns and uses a TLR to recommend one?
Im looking for an entry TLR to try on medium format.

Did some readings and are stuck between the choices of Lubitel 2, Yashica Mat 124G and a Seagull 4A..(my budget as well)

Understand some have light meter, some doesn't, anyone uses the above 3 before and any kind comments or advice to provide?

 

[Edwin Francis]

I have a Yashica Mat-124G, haven't tried the other two. The Yashica is a pretty well-made TLR -- you shd be able to find user reviews all over the web. I've found the meter reasonably accurate, though I shoot negatives, which are forgiving of exposure errors.
I've heard that the 124G suffers from film transport reliability issues, so it's probably a good idea to get at least a few days warranty so you can run a roll through (that's probably a good idea with any old film camera). Look out for whether the borders between frames are even. Unevenness could indicate the beginnings of a problem. Overlapping frames ... well, that would be unacceptable of course.
Have also heard that the 124 (without the 'G') uses more durable gears in the film transport, though I don't know how much credence to give that. Even if it is true, a well-used 124 might exhibit more wear than a hardly-used 124G ... hard to tell.

 

[pikapig]

Wow
That is a very detail..thanks pal especially de part on what I shld note.

 

[Witness]

the seagull's good to play and start with, does not come with a meter, quality is decent

but my workhorse is a yashicamat, 124 and 124G, other than gold contacts, the lenses are the same (or so i heard). but it has a meter and images are tact sharp.

as for the lubitel, well, its now branded under 'lomo'. have not tried it out but i suppose you get lomoish images out of it.

apart from these, there is a really fun plastic toy called the blackbird fly, totally enjoyed shooting with it without aiming, or looking ahhaah..

if you want drop me a PM, i can show you at least 2 of the tlrs you mentioned.

cheers!

 

[cherieamour]

Recommend the Yashica 124G.

I've tried a Seagull, Yashica 124G, and am currently using a Mamiya C330.

Although I love my Mamiya for its interchangeability of lens as well as close-focusing, I still miss using my friend's Yashica Still thinking if I should get one, although I already have the mamiya. The 124G light, small, sharp, shoots great photos Its beautiful too, if you get one in mint condition. Although it has a meter, it'll most likely fail from old age soon enough, so its better to get a separate meter yourself.

 

[pikapig]

the seagull's good to play and start with, does not come with a meter, quality is decent

but my workhorse is a yashicamat, 124 and 124G, other than gold contacts, the lenses are the same (or so i heard). but it has a meter and images are tact sharp.

as for the lubitel, well, its now branded under 'lomo'. have not tried it out but i suppose you get lomoish images out of it.

apart from these, there is a really fun plastic toy called the blackbird fly, totally enjoyed shooting with it without aiming, or looking ahhaah..

if you want drop me a PM, i can show you at least 2 of the tlrs you mentioned.

cheers!

Hey bro..thanks...very kind of u...some images that i came across on flickr was the Yashica 124G..which really impress me thou.
blackbirdfly is another lomo camera haa...to be frank i got a gakkenflex in my cupboard but i haven't open the box up and fix it.

Recommend the Yashica 124G.

I've tried a Seagull, Yashica 124G, and am currently using a Mamiya C330.

Although I love my Mamiya for its interchangeability of lens as well as close-focusing, I still miss using my friend's Yashica Still thinking if I should get one, although I already have the mamiya. The 124G light, small, sharp, shoots great photos Its beautiful too, if you get one in mint condition. Although it has a meter, it'll most likely fail from old age soon enough, so its better to get a separate meter yourself.

Yes yes i heard lots of wonderful things with the 124G..now finding a good workin condition set seems tough

 

[PhotoTime]

Sorry to hijack. How about earlier version Yashica Mat TLR?

 

[enivre]

Sorry to hijack. How about earlier version Yashica Mat TLR?

I used to have a Yashicamat (nothing behind it I think, not G, EM, etc) and from what I remember I actually prefer it to my Yashicamat 124G.

 

[hsw21]

I dont own any of those, but used Yashica Mat 124G and Mamiya C220/330 alot in college for assignment.
My favorite is the Yashica Mat 124G because it is small, easy to use, has built in light meter, and sharp.
If I can find one in great condition for the right price, I'd definitely would buy one.
So my vote is: Yashica Mat 124G.

L.H Chai