Need advice on buying a TLR.

[edmyloo]

TLR's seem like the best "bang for buck" entry into medium format. Right now I've kinda decided on a Yashicamat (specifically a 12 or 24). The camera will probably be mainly used for landscapes and portraits. What should I be looking for when buying a used Yashicamat (I'm not too sure about prices either)? And are there any problems I should be looking for if I find a local deal? And also are there any better alternatives for landscapes and portraits that cost under $100?

[cliveh]

I would suggest that if you can afford it, you buy a Rolleiflex, if not a Rolleicord.

[ColdEye]

I have a yashica D and I am very happy with it. easy to do multiple exposures, fairly small (for me), and it works like a charm and you can buy them for a very nice price.

[edmyloo]

Rollei's are quite expensive. I do know the glass is just on a whole nother world, but it's not within my budget for an entry into MF. Also, if I grab a 24, does anyone know where I can buy 220 film? All I can find from the big retailers is Portra. I'd like maybe some Velvia, HP5, or Ektachrome, but I can't seem to find it at the bigger retailers.

[fotch]

When buying used, you should figure the possibilty of needing service. If the $100 is your total budget, you might want to look at other alternatives. The Yashica TLR is probaly a good choice other than that. Good Luck.

[edmyloo]

When buying used, you should figure the possibilty of needing service. If the $100 is your total budget, you might want to look at other alternatives. The Yashica TLR is probaly a good choice other than that. Good Luck.

Are there any tell-tale signs whether it needs service or not? I've used one a few times, but I'm obviously not too knowledgeable about the mechanics or anything.

[rich815]

Rolleicord, hands down. And most older TLRs could use a servicing/CLA to perform their best. Harry Fleenor the best for that but not cheap.

[johnielvis]

Rollei's are quite expensive. I do know the glass is just on a whole nother world, but it's not within my budget for an entry into MF. Also, if I grab a 24, does anyone know where I can buy 220 film? All I can find from the big retailers is Portra. I'd like maybe some Velvia, HP5, or Ektachrome, but I can't seem to find it at the bigger retailers.

you can run 120 in a 24 with no problems at all--I have a stock 24 that has a marking for 220 and one for 120 the only difference is that at the end of a 120 roll you have to click click click click instaed of the auto winding...I think the 24's come with one sticker that says "use 220 film only" and a red marking for 220 start point and another (about 1inch away) sticker that says "for 120 use".

a lot of people will say that the 120/220 pressure plate is different--there is no difference--the film still gets held against the same frame in the front, so the film to lens distance is always the same no matter what the pressure plate does--the only reason you move the pressure plate in a 124 say is so the COUNTER knows to stop counting after 12 so you don't have to click click click. I have both a 24 and a 124g--both function identically except for the counter/automatic winding without clicking at the end of 12 shots.

[mgb74]

Yashica TLRs were made with a few different lenses. The Yashinon is generally considered the best of the Yashica TLR lenses, but differences may be minor. The big thing to verify the condition/accuracy of the shutter. Leaf shutters (as in most, if not all, TLRs) like to be exercised on occasion. Make sure the little focus magnifier pops up properly and stays up. Make sure the focus distance as shown on the focus knob is close to the distance to the object you're focusing on. Finally, make sure the film winds correctly and does not overlap. All this applies to any TLR, with the exception of the Yashinon lens.

$100 is optimistic for a Yashica in good condition, but you might get lucky.

[nsurit]

Although I'm just another guy with an opinion, you might watch for a Super Ricohflex and use the extra $50 to $60 left in your budget to buy film. You will have no disappointments. An amazing bargain. Bill Barber