Yashica Mat-124G Review 

My favorite while shooting my yashica mat was the guy who said. "Is that some kind of camera.?"

IMPORTANT NOTE: if you have no film in the camera do not crank the film lever with and empty spool in the camera because the camera is likely to jam and.... only a technician can fix it!!!! it is not documented in any Yashica Manual. It happened to me and I found the information googling ... sadly too late. Good job Matt!!!!

"$200 in perfect condition" 2020 just keeps shitting on my dreams

I used two Yashica Mats back in the day when I was a professional wedding photographer. . I could unload and reload them while talking to the bride and groom. I used the old fantastically sharp Kodak Tri X and developed with the old Johnsons Unitol developer in a Paterson triple tank. I used a Hanimex Sekonic light meter and for flash I used a grey coloured Metz called Mecablitz then.

Best channel. Very little cuts, and always straight to the point. Thanks!

WOW! Just dug out my old Mat-124G, & realized that I needed to refresh my memory on some of it's features. Thanks so much for posting this excellent video. It really helped me a lot. I was actually thinking of including this in a sale of some of my camera gear, but I think I'll hold on to it...

If you're thinking about a 124G - Do it. The optics are great and the pictures are beautiful especially if all you have been shooting is 35 or digital. From Experience: If you tighten the tripod screw too much, it will cause the camera to jam. Take it off and it works just fine. This one stumped me for a little bit.

you missed the most important feature of this cheap camera. It has a leaf shutter which means it can sync to speedlights up to 1/500 of a second. You can`t do that even with the 5dmIII. This camera is a goldmine for the price.

What a wonderful no-nonsense, down-to-earth, knowledgeable, detailed tour of the camera - liked and subscribed! Some details, like the locking spool at the bottom, probably would have taken me a long time to notice if I ever noticed them, and I probably wouldn't have given much thought to the close-up filters without watching this review. Thank you so much! I picked up one of these online for a steal but didn't know much about it beyond it being one of the better Rollei clones. It's taking forever to ship, so I read the manual, but this is so much more satisfying and in depth.

My first camera 61 years ago & used it for weddings. It's was produced earlier than you think. I took it on our honeymoon.

recently bought a Yashica Mat 124 - slapped a roll of Tri-X in and am energized to go out thanks to your comprehensive tutorial..

That was my first ever medium format camera!!! I got it in 1978 and recently found it in a box in my basement ... love it a lot!!! Great video and overview!!!

Thanks for a great video .Started my Wedding photographer career with 2 Yashica 's 124 and a 124 G (80"s)

Great comprehensive presentation. Your enthusiasm shows through. Liked the gallery too.

Great review and nice shots. I´ve just ordered one from Czech republic (230 Eur). I used it when I was 14 (1978). Can´t wait for it.

I've got a Yashica 635, and it's awesome.

One of my favorite cameras. My first Yashica Mat was a used EM I bought back in the early 70's. I sold it to buy a Mamiya C330, but I currently have a 124 G as well as 2 regular 124's. They are cheap, reliable, quiet, have excellent image quality and for all of the budding street photographers, a great unobtrusive camera. Excellent video--thanks!

Yo Matt! You are a huge inspiration as a new film tuber. I just posted my Yashica "review" today. Thank you for being you!

now you see I like it, Alot of people photograph everyday things like babies cats and dogs and 9 times out of 10 they look boring. I honestly love how you capture the moments and make your self that 1 out of the 10. these actually really pleasing to me. I think you should do a little series with the dogs in 6x6 for example image at 9:18 & 20:03 are great images. Good job Matt!

Hi Matt - I'm a bit late to the conversation - but wanted to post a bit of info regarding the metering battery on this camera. In your video you indicated you were using a 625G battery (you indicated a "C25G). These batteries have a 1.5V rating. One should probably use a battery which has the same "specs" as was used in 1970; this means a battery providing 1.35V. When this camera was manufactured mercury batteries were the norm. but were banned in the EU in 2015. While you probably use a separate light meter for more accuracy, the 1.5V battery may be impacting the internal metering optimal power resulting in different readings from a 1.5V battery than from a 1.35V battery. The name/specs of the 1.35V battery is - Wein Cell - MRB625, 1.35V Zinc-Air - about $ 5.00 each at B & H Video in NYC

As a beginning photographer, I bought a Yashica A and when it broke I bought a Yashica Mat and used it for years. Eventually, I became a pro and went into Nikon DSLRs and eventually a Hasselblad. This is a great camera. I loved it.

this is a Camera I highly treasure , My father bought this camera brand new and has been used when he was living in Africa , thailand , Laos etc ( He work for the Dutch Embassy ) . Later he put the camera to rest ( I think in the 80's ) and bought a Cannon Relfex . I ended up using the Yashica back in the 90's and inherited it from him. He kept it n top condition even the protective case still looks new ( aged but new if that makes sense ) . Nowadays it's on a tripod in the living room as a decorative piece.

So special to see Nora as a baby!

The shot of the car at 18:48 was super good. Most of the ones that you showed later were, of course, terrific.

Thank you for the details and how to’s for this camera. I just picked one up at a thrift shop and looks superb.

Matt, you're just a great person

Thanks for posting . A wonderful thing about these old medium format film cameras is that you can do an excellent quality scan of the negative on any good flatbed scanner .

There are internal baffles. What they do is to keep bright light outside of the image area fogging the image. I had the predecessor version without baffles. The baffles make a significant improvement.

Great video Matt. I just bought one to and cleaned it. Will take the first pictures next week. Your video and the fact my dad also owns a Yashica Mat 124 G was the reason to buy one. Keep on producing the kind of videos you do. They are a big help for me and a lot of other people as well!

Enjoyed your presentation on the Mat 124G! Thanks!

I know I may be late to the party here but, I really enjoyed your video, great explanation, beautiful family, and amazing photography. Well done sir. I just picked one up, and now I think I need to pick some of the accessories you mentioned. Thank you for the knowledge.

This is a very nice demo. One of the best, if not the best demo video I've see so far, the videography and audio are terrific. I have my eye on a 124G moment... very helpful, thanks for posting!

I bought a brand new 124G back in 1970 for 65 bucks. I still have it.

Just got my 124G today, thank you for the awesome video Matt!

So happy to find high quality Chanel that talk about all the amazing things in photography

One important thing to remember when using the Yashicamat is to make sure the self timer lever is not used when the flash sync lever is set to M otherwise it could lock up the shutter mechanism. The usual trick is to "pinch" both levers between your thumb and forefinger before shooting - that makes sure the flash sync is set to X and the self timer is not engaged. Lovely camera though, bought my second 124G earlier in the year to replace one I regretfully sold back in the early 2000's. Dusted off my old MF enlarger as well...

What a beautiful sounding and looking camera.

This is the one I was looking for. Thanks!! I just got my yashica back after I lend it to a friend pre covid. I upgraded to a Rick Oleson screen and was able to find +2 close up filter on the cheap.

Wow that camera takes freaking amazing pictures.... Yes I will choose film over digital anytime.......

Very nice pictures Mat. I just got my Mat 124 G and I can't wait to play with it.

I have to say that this Yashica Mat-124's images are just incredible. Credit to the photographer, of course -- but I'm really quite impressed with the image quality.

MATT DAY: You are quite lucky. The camera looks like it has never been used. My first good camera where I could control my shutter and aperture was a Yashica Matt 124. My dad bought it for me in 1971. I have sold it a couple of years ago. It spent a lot of time in the repair shop. They don't hold up as well as a Rolleiflex, but since my dad passed away in 1971 I could not part with it. I also bought a lot of 30 mm bayonet filters for it, and found an adapter that I could screw 49 mm filters into. I also had a Yashica lens hood for it too. I didn't like the four feet at the bottom. It got in the way of a large 6x7" Majestic tripod head I used to use. I pulled the feet out and epoxied the bottom where the feet were and painted the holes black. Towards the end I never used the built in meter even though I had the camera repairman adjust it for the newer mercury free batteries. I used an incident analog Sekonic light meter. I prefer incident readings over reflective readings. Have fun with it. I'm going to start shooting film again too. THANKS

Lovely video Matt, by far the best review I've seen on the Yashica. Great photos too!

Mine was stolen 20 years ago. I still miss it.

Excellent enjoyable vid and beautiful sharp pics. I've had my 124G since 1991 and absolutely love it.

Great video. I've had my Yashica Mat-124G since the mid 70's and still shoot with it. Have other medium format cameras, but the Yashica is the one I always go back to. Have been shooting with it for over 40 years and have never had a problem with it. A real workhorse and a quality camera that delivers quality results. Thanks again for such a good video.

Thanks for a great video and explanation of the camera operation. I bought one because I heard they were good but had no idea how to use it properly. Now I do. Really appreciate your effort! Your photos were great as well! Best regards...

That's a great review, thanks. I noticed that you mounted the first close up lens and the Rolleinar with the red dot aligned downwards. If I'm not worng the red dot should face upwards to efficently correct the parralax error. Thanks again!

Hey Matt! I just purchased one for $40 and I can't wait to shoot with it! Thanks for the review! Your videos keep encouraging me to shoot film! And I need a TLR camera for college so I think this will be a great camera to start with!

Good video and great pics! Thanks for posting it.

Thanks Matt. I know it's an old video but great information on the Yashica Mat 124G. I am thinking of purchasing one myself and your video gave me all the info I need. Good to see you back and improving daily. Cheers from Nova Scotia, Canada. Regards Wayne.

I just purchased this camera yesterday and was searching for reviews/tutorials, that's how I found you! Great job and love all the photos you took!

Thank you. That was my first camera I had back in 1972. It is a beast!

Thanks for the info, Matt. I recently purchased the 635, and anxious to take her out for a spin.

I got a split prism for my Hasselblad 500cm. The original focus glass was really hard to see through, and upgrading that glass made the world of difference!

Mine arrived today! Cant Wait...

Hey matt. I purchased a small piece of copper from a local hardware store. Hammered it flat to about the diameter of the battery and put it behind the battery in the battery compartment. It seems to correct the light meter. Kevin

I upgraded the glass of my Rolleiflex 3.5E to a Maxwell Hi-Lux screen and it changed the experience completely. It really does not matter much if you use a Yashica 12 or 124 or 124G (those are all practically identical) or a Rolleiflex 3.5, they all deliver astonishing quality. But a bright screen changes the camera completely. I know the 124 non-G and it is too dark for my liking. No matter which of these cameras you own: a bright screen is always worth the money.

Thanks for a great review of one of my first cameras! It took outstanding images. It does take beautiful , rich color photographs too!

This is one of the best camera reviews I have ever seen on RU-vid. Great videos Matt please keep them up.

I recently got a Beautyfkex camera and it looks to be in good condition. You took some wonderful pics. I’m curious to use mine in a while. Thanks for the instructional video👍🏻

14 years ago I purchased a mint one from a school I believe. Somehow it ended up on eBay. I also had a rolleiflex 3.5 . I liked both. Kept them for a few years and sold them both. Now I missed the Yashica ,I won another one on eBay for $200 can’t wait to get it.

Your videos are better and better every time, love your photographs too man.

Hello Matt, I just loaded a roll of 120 Tri-X 400 film in my first TLR, the Yashica Mat LM. Excited as can be to see what it can do. That sound track you used while showing your photos was really groovin. My father owned that car in your very last photo ( 72' Buick Electra ). I really enjoy learning from your videos. You rock! Now go take care of your lovely wife and beautiful baby. Peace out Al

This video rules to this day. Six years later.

Wow !! Excellent video. Just what I was hoping to see. You’ve got a great vibe too ☮️

Wonderful video and some really nice photos in the end! Thanks. Am now ready to go out and shoot with this camera

Right on. Just bought one a couple of days ago on ebay as well. Can't wait to try a roll on it.

Mr. Matt Day thank you for your channel, your reviews and advice are priceless. You reviewed the Pentax k1000 and your favorite the Nikon FM2 back in time I owned a k1000 and the original fm both great cameras. After subscribing to your channel and big head tacos the film bug has bit again. I just picked up a k1000 with a 50mm f1.8 in great condition for $15.00 and today got a Nikon fm2 with a Tamron 70-210 f3.8-4 in mint+ condition the owner wanted $40.00 and just lost his job and it was in such great shape I gave him $60.00 for it can't wait to get some film and load them up and shot. Then I got to find a place that processes film. Thanks again for your help.

Very helpful video Matt looking at picking one of these up very soon thank you so much for the detailed review and opinion awesome as always you are fast becoming one of my very favourite RU-vidrs love your passion for photography take care mate

This video convinced me to buy the Yashica Mat 124 G. Such a great camera!

Nice video. I own a soviet Lubitel 166 flr. Haven't done much with it. Now I am going to try it out.

Great review Mat! I just bought a screen too from Rick for my Yashica Mat, I can't wait to try it out.

I ran a wedding photography business in the early 19 60s and used 2 Yashica mat cameras. No meter. I used a Hanimex Sekonic selenium meter. No batteries. Never had a problem with these cameras. I used the close up filter number 2 set to photograph rings. The top lens compensates for Parralax. I haven't seen any basic Yashica mats anywhere otherwise I would buy one for old times sake.

Great review of one of my favourite cameras, seriously under rated little beasts. The only thing you have probably mentioned is the parralax error between the taking and viewing lens, especially on tighter portraits.

What a difference six years make. Those focusing screens are a solid hundred bucks and these cameras seem to be much more expensive now.

You're gonna love that camera. You're digital TLR doesn't have a chance. I just wish they made a 35mm conversion kit for it. I always seem to run out of film just when I get rolling;but it's still a great camera

I just purchased one of these on eBay, and feel like I am now ready to use it. Really nice review!

I just bought one and I have not received yet but I'm really excited. BTW love the heath kirchard photo you have in the background. Love you channel

Just curious if you ever shoot with the Yashica anymore since you went full Rolleiflex 2.8f.

FYI, the regular 124 has a grid screen, I have both the G and a couple of the standard 124's and both are great cameras.

I'm not sure if you take requests of sorts for camera reviews... But I would really love a video on the Canonet QL17 or QL19 GIII. I'm looking at one of those cameras as my first high quality film camera and would love your opinions on it, but I understand that it might not be possible. Huge fan of the show, best wishes from Sweden!

Hi Matt, I just re-watched this episode. You produce my very favorite RU-vid channel - your journey as an artist and human being inspires me. I've been shooting film for more than fifty years now, and watching your videos inspires me to think the way I did many years ago. I hope if I ever get to Chillicothe (after this horrible virus dies down) I could get a chance to meet you and shoot with you. Best wishes, Andy

Matt photos are perfect !!!! So nice bw examples !!!!! Great work !!! I especially like portrait of friend of yours,just before flower shot. Regards from Serbia :)

Great video, very enjoyable, I will take mine out tomorrow as I have not used them for some time. I love the shot of the cat.

Great review, Matt. A quick addendum to your comment regarding running some colour film through the camera...I had one of these a while back and put both colour print and transparency film through it. The results for both were spectacular.

Very informative and well put together review. I'll apologize ahead of time for my ignorance here, I don't know anything about medium format cameras and TLR's other than these have two separate lenses that serve different functions, just don't know the advantage/disadvantage to this setup as of yet. My fiancé and I were visiting my parents yesterday and looking through old photos when I got to looking around in one of their cabinets and found their regular 124 sitting there that they're bought about 20 years or so ago. I think Dad bought it just because of the vintage appeal and because he likes cameras but we have never put a roll of film in it. It's in excellent cosmetic condition and seems to be in equally excellent mechanical condition but I won't know until I find some film and try it out. My sister told me that one reason that they haven't tried any old cameras that they have is that it's expensive to buy film for and have developed but I'm going to do my research and learn. My curiosity is in high gear especially after watching your video and seeing your photos, awesome! I am going to look for accessories for it as it didn't even come with a lens cap or extra lens filters that I am aware of so here I go!

Just bought one of these, thanks your efforts are appreciated

I have one G and two of the regular 124's. Both of my 124's have grid screens and that works well for landscape photography. A different look from my Rolleifexes, but the quality is definitely there. Thanks for an excellent video on an excellent camera!

An outstanding review, enjoyed it, thanks!

If you like this camera, but not sure if you want to drop a fair amount of cash, get a Yashica-A. It has no meter and less controls, but you can still make high quality photos with it and it can be found often for less than $100.

Superb. And Santa’s Little Helper stole the show 😂

Came for the Yashica review, stayed for the Heath Kirchart photo on the wall.

Probably the exposure of the meter is shifted because of the wrong voltage of your battery. The camera expects 1.35V and not 1.5V PS: Probably that was already commented a lot, but I couldn't find any.

Matt! Great video and channel. I really admire you and what you're doing. I've devoured your videos (I'm a late comer to them) and love them all. Keep up the good work!

Dope shots. I've been considering a good "entry level" medium format and this keeps coming up as a solid choice, though i've considered the fuji gw670 but that's a rangefinder and I have no experience with them. Great vid by the way.

Gorgeous photos

great vid Matt. Longer the better for us film camera nerds. Funny you mention the Mamiya C330. My big bro had one while I had the Fujifilm GA645. The Mamiya is a tripod mount TLR, it's so beastly!! GA645 went with me everywhere since it was so compact. The Yashica-Mat is similar. Compact and light. Great review!

Those four posts on the bottom fit a dedicated Yashica right angle grip reducing the load that must be applied to the locking screw to stop the camera twisting on the grip. No 1 tip. Get the self timer removed by a tech. It will eventually jam - on location - miles away from a repair shop. Get the X-M switch locked to X as well at the same time. A very bright split image screen is available I think from Aliexpress. It is plastic but about $30/AUD. The lens is brilliant. The meter is useless but handy for remembering the ISO of your loaded film. Using it in public draws a crowd.

Got the Yashica today and like you think it is a fine camera. Great video which I found most helpful.