Yashica TLR Thread

[Murph]

Many years ago, I purchased what would be the first of several Yashica TLRs, with no light meter, It was a LM, and then a Yashica Mat. I was sneered at by the Rollie shooters, and the "high tech" 35mm guys. Yesterday I found a roll of Kodak Ektachrome that I had shot 20+ years ago right after I had married my lovely wife. Due to various trials and tribulations, I had to stop shooting film (too much cost), and got out of photography for many years. But I did manage to hold on to my negatives 35mm, 2 1/4, and 4x5. I am now marvelling at the quality of images out of the "lowly" Yashica TLR cameras.

Anyone else here have some loving for the Yashica TLRs? I still have my LM, and actually found a roll of film (way out of date) that I might shoot just to see what comes out.

IMO the Yashica's were tough, no frills, decent cameras with good to excellent optics that made wonderful images with a little TLC.

[asp.artist]

I've got an A and a D. Love the A for being my first MF camera. Love the D for the pictures it makes for me.

[spolly74]

tough, no frills, decent cameras with good to excellent optics

I just picked up a D a while ago, and you nailed it. Certainly no frills, but it's fun to use and gets the job done.

[Merg Ross]

My first 120 camera was a Yashica, purchased in 1957. It was an excellent camera, no meter, but very good optics. I was already using 4x5 and 8x10 cameras, so had a good idea as to what I wanted from the smaller camera. It did the job.

Fifty years later, in 2007, I purchased my second Yashica, a "G", and again, it did the job. I purchased it for travel, my favorite camera being a heavier Rollei 66 which I have used since the early 70's, but wanted something lighter.

Along the way I have owned a Minolta Autocord, several Mamiya TLR's, a Fuji 6x7, but that first Yashica will always be fondly remembered.

www.mergross.com

[chrism]

I have a Yashica Mat from 1957 w/ original leather case in basically new condition. It's a nice camera, but I don't use it because the GG is quite dim. Does anyone make a replacement GG for it that is more modern and brighter?

[brian d]

I picked up a 44 and 635 both cheap at flea markets last year, havent used the 44 yet-having a hard time coming to grips with paying more for a roll of film than I did for the camera.
Really suprised at how well I like the 635 though, nice camera. I doubt I'll ever even try the 35 mm adapter that came with it, just cant see the point in using 35 film in a MF camera

[LyleB]

I have just recently picked up a Yashica A and a D. Ended up having to send the D in for a CLA, but it should be a great camera for a long time now. Not sure how comfortable I'll get with the waist level finder, but It's fun to play with.

[Wade D]

I bought my Yashica D used in 1978 and still use it on a regular basis. Light weight, great optics and easy to use. My Sekonic L-86 of the same vintage supplies accurate exposures.

[Rick A]

I bought my first Yashica D back in 1969, and loved it. I think I shot my best work with it. I traded it for transportation(a Suzuki motorcycle) and have regretted it since. I picked up another D a couple of years ago, its just as good as my first, though its an older model. I laso have Mamiya C-220 and C-330's, and Kodak Duaflex TLR's, the Yash is still special(and light weight).

[jp498]

It seems to have good respect here, if not a little cult following.

I have a yashica-C. Newer ones have better lenses, but I like it and have made some realllllly nice photos with it. It is very quiet and charms people everywhere I go.