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Yashica Mat-124 6x6 Twin Lens Reflex Camera

The Yashica 124 is a film camera from Yashica — known for its 6x6 Medium Format Negatives and Twin-Lens Reflex Design. Used copies start from $159.82 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.

Yashica Mat-124 6x6 Twin Lens Reflex Camera

Yashica Mat-124 6x6 Twin Lens Reflex Camera

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Camera OverviewYashica 124

The Yashica Mat-124 is a twin-lens reflex (TLR) camera manufactured during the 1960s, designed around the medium format 120 film standard and producing 6x6 cm square negatives. As a TLR, it features two lenses stacked vertically — one for viewing and composing, one for exposing the film — a classic design that gives the camera its distinctive character and waist-level shooting experience. The Mat-124 accepts both 120 and 220 film stocks, giving shooters flexibility in how many exposures they get per roll.

Focusing is entirely manual, in keeping with the fully mechanical, hands-on nature of the camera. The leaf shutter design means the shutter is built into the lens rather than sitting in the camera body, a configuration common to TLR cameras that also enables flash sync at all shutter speeds. Flash users are accommodated via both a cold shoe and a PC sync port, covering a wide range of external flash units and accessories.

With a fixed lens configuration, there is no interchangeable optics system to navigate — what you see is what you get, making this a straightforward, purpose-built medium format tool. The camera weighs 1,120g, reflecting its solid, all-metal construction typical of the era.

Key FeaturesYashica 124

6x6 Medium Format Negatives: Produces 56x56mm square negatives on 120 or 220 film, offering significantly more detail and tonal range than 35mm formats.

Twin-Lens Reflex Design: Separate viewing and taking lenses allow waist-level composition through a bright ground glass screen without disrupting the exposure.

120 and 220 Film Compatible: Accepts both 120 and 220 roll film stocks, giving shooters the choice of 12 or 24 exposures per roll.

Leaf Shutter in Lens: Built-in leaf shutter syncs with flash at all shutter speeds, making it straightforward to use off-camera flash outdoors.

Fixed Yashinon Taking Lens: Fitted with an 80mm f/3.5 Yashinon lens, a well-regarded optic that delivers sharp results across a wide aperture range.

Manual Focus Operation: Focus is controlled via a front-mounted knob that moves both lenses together, offering a deliberate and tactile shooting experience.

Camera SpecificationsYashica 124

Yashica 124 full specifications
SpecDetail
Use CasesPortrait, Landscape, Street, Creative Effects
Hot ShoeCold Shoe (No Contacts)

DescriptionYashica 124

The Yashica Mat-124 is a twin-lens reflex (TLR) medium format camera produced during the 1960s, built around the 120 film format and generating 6x6 cm square negatives. It also accepts 220 film, giving shooters the option of more exposures per roll when that stock is available. The fixed lens configuration is integral to the TLR design — two matched lenses handle viewing and exposure respectively, with manual focus being the sole focusing method.

The leaf shutter sits within the lens assembly, a hallmark of TLR cameras that brings practical benefits for flash work. Speaking of flash, the Mat-124 offers both a cold shoe and a PC sync port, accommodating a range of external lighting setups without electronic TTL dependency. At 1,120g, the camera has the reassuring heft of a well-built mechanical instrument from its era.

For photographers drawn to medium format film, the waist-level TLR experience, or the aesthetic and discipline of vintage photographic tools, the Yashica Mat-124 presents a capable and historically significant option.

ProsYashica 124

  • Dual film compatibility — accepts both 120 and 220 film stocks for flexible shooting sessions
  • 6x6 medium format negatives deliver large film area compared to 35mm formats
  • Leaf shutter design enables full flash sync across all shutter speeds

ConsYashica 124

  • Fixed lens system means no option to swap optics for different focal lengths or apertures
  • At 1,120g, the camera is relatively heavy for a film body, especially for extended handheld use
  • Manual focus only — no autofocus option for faster-paced shooting situations

VideosYashica 124

Yashica Mat-124G Review - One of my favourite medium format camerasKyle McDougall

Resources & DownloadsYashica 124

Manuals & Guides

Frequently Asked QuestionsYashica 124

What film does the Yashica Mat-124 use?+
The Yashica Mat-124 is compatible with both 120 and 220 medium format film stocks. It produces 6x6 cm square negatives on 120 format film. 220 film offers more exposures per roll due to its longer length without backing paper.
Can I use modern flash units with this camera?+
The camera features both a cold shoe and a PC sync port for flash connectivity. The cold shoe holds a flash unit mechanically but does not pass electronic signals, so you would need a flash with its own triggering or a sync cable via the PC sync port. The leaf shutter design means you can sync flash at any shutter speed.
Can I change the lens on the Yashica Mat-124?+
No — the Yashica Mat-124 has a fixed lens configuration. There is no interchangeable lens system, so the taking lens and viewing lens are permanently integrated into the camera body.
How heavy is the Yashica Mat-124?+
The Yashica Mat-124 weighs 1,120g. Buyers should factor this into their decision if they plan on extended handheld or travel use, as TLR cameras of this era tend to be solidly built and correspondingly substantial in weight.
When was the Yashica Mat-124 manufactured?+
The Yashica Mat-124 was produced during the 1960s. As a vintage camera, individual units will vary in condition and service history, so inspecting or testing the camera before purchase is always advisable.

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