Differences between Yashica and Mamiya TLRs

[fausto_araujo]

Hi, I want to try MF and am looking for a beginner camera. I went to

ebay.com and found several within my budget. The question is how to

differentiate them. What is the difference between Yashica mat 124, LM

and others? And mamiya c33, c220, c330. Which one would be the best

for a MF beginner with lots of experience in 35 mm?

Thanks for the help.

FA

[mel_brown1]

For info on the Yashicas, take a look at:

http://www.cs.tufts.edu/~jalbro/impact/yashica66.guide.html.

 

<p>

 

For the Mamiyas, try:

http://www.btinternet.com/~g.a.patterson/m_faq04.htm.

 

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The Yashicas are adequate, but I find that the Mamiyas are constructed

much better, have better focusing screens, and have higher optical

quality among its interchangeable lenses (that feature is unique to

Mamiyas). As you would expect, they cost more than the Yashicas. Avoid

the older Mamiya chrome-ringed lenses, as their shutters can no longer

be repaired. If you get a Yashica, try to use it mostly at f:11 or f:8

for best image quality. I have a C33 and a 124G, and my choice would

be any of the C330 series. Whichever brand you choose, try to get a

lens hood for increased contrast.

 

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Mel Brown

[d_daine]

If you do decide on the Yashica, go for one of the models with the

Yashinon lens. The only real advantage of the Yashica is the weight

and perhaps the price (for non 124G models). I also think that a

cheap hand-held meter is better than the meter in most old cameras,

including the 124G. IMO, the C330 or even the 220 is a better value,

especially for an "advanced amateur". The Mamiya has interchangable

lenses, much better built, better viewing screen and is still serviced

by Mamiya. There was a "budget MF" thread here not too long ago.

[gene_crumpler6]

For an experienced 35mmer, you might want to consider a fuji Rangefinder. These are a lot of camera for the money and the combination of the 6x7 negative and the outstanding optics will blow your socks off!!. These can be purchased for $700-800 used and they have a counter on the bottom that tells you how many rolls of film have been through the camera. I considered one before taking the plunge into a new p67 system with 3 lenses and new 6x7 omega and 80mm el nikkor. I may pick one up in the future as a complement to the p67 system.

 

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I use pro nikon equipment and in my opinion you need to go to 6x7 or 6x9 to get the max advantage of MF over top of the line 35mm.

[michael_heal]

<p>Before you purchase, you might wish to read <a

href="http://www.smu.edu/~rmonagha/mf/gindex.html">http://www.smu.edu

/~rmonagha/mf/gindex.html</a> as it contains lots of introductory

material, plus detailed information about numerous models. Also,

check out other recent threads started by others new to Medium

Format.</p>

[dave_kemp]

Fausto, Since you're considering Yashica and Mamiya TLR's, I'd like to

recommend that you also consider late model Rolleicords. The

Rolleicord was the budget-priced model of the famous Rolleiflex TLR.

They are well-made, reliable, simple cameras with excellent Schneider

lenses; I bought a new one in 1964 and it's still going strong,

delivering very sharp pictures. You can find them used and in good

shape at much lower prices than late-model Rolleiflexes in similar

condition.