The Final Evolution of Yashica’s TLR Craftsmanship
The Yashica Mat-124 G represents the final polish of Yashica’s twin-lens reflex design: a compact, metal-bodied 6x6 camera that balanced affordability and image quality. Introduced in the 1970s, it distilled decades of TLR experience into a camera that still feels approachable and purposeful in the hands of today’s film photographers.
Where earlier Yashica TLRs experimented with different lenses, shutters, and meter setups, the Mat-124 G settled on a formula that worked. It paired a sharp Yashinon taking lens with a bright viewing system, added gold-plated electrical contacts (“G” for gold), and refined the ergonomics so the camera disappears and the square frame takes over your attention.
The first time you look down into a waist-level finder and see your world flipped left-to-right, something shifts. The scene is familiar yet strange, forcing you to slow down and consciously place every element. Instead of reacting, you compose—almost like arranging pieces on a chessboard.
That waist-level perspective is at the heart of the Mat-124 G experience. It encourages a more contemplative style of shooting, different from the eye-to-viewfinder immediacy of SLR film cameras. And for many, that slower rhythm is exactly what makes film photography so rewarding.
Technical Characteristics That Define the Mat-124 G
Lens, Format, and Focusing
The Yashica Mat-124 G is a 6x6 medium format TLR that uses 120 (and with adjustment, 220) roll film. Its fixed 80mm Yashinon f/3.5 taking lens, roughly equivalent to a 50mm on 35mm format, delivers crisp detail and smooth, classic rendering. The paired viewing lens projects the scene onto a ground glass screen for accurate focusing.
Focusing is done via a side-mounted knob, with distances displayed on a scale. The large focus throw gives precision, especially useful when shooting portraits at closer distances where depth of field is shallow.
Shutter, Meter, and Controls
The Mat-124 G uses a leaf shutter with speeds typically from 1 second to 1/500s plus Bulb. Aperture and shutter speed are controlled via two front-mounted knobs; once you get used to them, adjusting exposure becomes a fluid thumb-and-finger motion while looking down into the finder.
A built-in, battery-powered light meter guides exposure, displaying readouts in the viewing hood. While fully manual, the meter is a welcome aid—especially when learning to read light.
Essential Checks Before Buying
Because every Mat-124 G is now a vintage camera, a careful inspection is vital. Use this quick checklist when evaluating a copy:
- ✅ Check shutter across all speeds.
- ✅ Test film advance and frame counter function.
- ✅ Inspect lens for haze or fungus.
- ✅ Verify meter compartment is clean.
- ✅ Confirm viewing screen is aligned and clear.
How the Yashica Mat-124 G Fits into Today’s Film Workflow
Slowing Down in a Digital World
In a time of instant previews and high-speed bursts, the Yashica Mat-124 G offers something radically different. With only 12 exposures on a roll of 120 film, every frame matters. You meter carefully, re-check the edges in the waist-level finder, and wait for the exact moment before pressing the shutter.
This pacing makes the Mat-124 G a great “counterbalance” to digital gear. Many photographers bring it alongside a modern mirrorless or DSLR, using the TLR when a scene deserves extra attention and a larger negative.
Hybrid: Film Capture, Digital Output
Though it’s entirely mechanical, the Mat-124 G slips easily into a modern hybrid workflow. You shoot 120 film, develop it at home or via a lab, then scan the 6x6 negatives for editing and sharing. The large negative size yields files rich in detail and tonality, ideal for printing or online portfolios.
For those already experimenting with analog cameras, the Mat-124 G is an attractive next step into medium format, without the bulk and complexity of some modular systems.
Buying a Yashica Mat-124 G on the Second-Hand Market
What to Look For
On the second-hand market, condition varies widely. Cosmetics are less important than mechanical and optical health. A few marks on the body are fine; a scratched lens or misaligned focus is not. Ask for clear photos of the lens elements, focusing screen, and film chamber, and confirm that the shutter and advance have been tested.
If buying in person, advance through a full roll’s worth of frames (without film) to ensure the frame counter behaves correctly. Dry-fire the shutter through all speeds and listen for consistent changes in timing.
Serviced vs. “As-Is”
A recently serviced Mat-124 G usually costs more, but can save you both time and uncertainty. “As-is” cameras can be excellent value if you’re prepared to accept minor quirks or invest in a professional CLA (clean, lube, adjust).
Accessories and Maintenance Tips
Helpful Accessories
A few thoughtful additions can make the Mat-124 G even more enjoyable. A sturdy neck strap is essential; the camera hangs naturally at chest or waist height, ready to lift the hood and compose. A lens hood helps tame flare and protect the front element.
To round out your kit, consider a light meter app or standalone meter for cross-checking the built-in meter, and browse wider photography accessories like cable releases and cleaning kits.
Maintenance for Longevity
Keep the Mat-124 G in a dry environment to deter fungus, and use a soft blower and microfiber cloth to clean the viewing screen and exterior. Avoid touching internal surfaces or lens elements with bare fingers. Fire the shutter through its speeds every few weeks; regular use often keeps vintage leaf shutters happier than long periods of inactivity.
For the meter, the original PX625 mercury cell is no longer available, but modern substitutes work well when used correctly.
Why the Mat-124 G Still Matters in 2026
The Yashica Mat-124 G sits at a sweet spot between accessibility and character. It offers the image quality and tonal richness of medium format in a body that remains portable and unintimidating. Unlike some complex systems, its fixed-lens simplicity invites you to master a single field of view and focus on the essentials: light, timing, and composition.
In 2026, with film’s renewed popularity and a global interest in sustainable, second-hand gear, the Mat-124 G feels more relevant than ever. Keeping these cameras in circulation honors the craftsmanship that created them and reduces the need for new production. For photographers, it’s a chance to connect with a slower, more deliberate tradition of image-making—one 6x6 frame at a time.
FAQs
Is the Yashica Mat-124 G suitable for film beginners? Yes. It offers full manual control, but the reliable lens, bright viewfinder, and straightforward film loading make it approachable for newcomers to medium format.
Can I still find 120 film for the Yashica Mat-124 G? Yes. 120 format film remains widely available in both color and black-and-white. With proper adjustment, you can also use 220 film where it’s obtainable.
What battery should I use instead of the original mercury cell? Modern options include 625 alkaline cells or 1.4V zinc-air hearing aid batteries, which are practical replacements for the discontinued PX625 mercury battery.
How does the Yashica Mat-124 G compare to modern cameras? It’s slower and fully manual, but rewards you with a tactile, meditative shooting experience and beautifully detailed 6x6 negatives you won’t easily match with smaller formats.
Curious to experience a waist-level view of the world? Explore our curated selection of analog cameras and supporting photography accessories to build a timeless, second-hand film setup that fits your style.