Yashica Mat-124G Twin Lens Camera
The Yashica 124G is a film camera from Yashica — known for its Twin-Lens Reflex Design and 80mm f/3.5 Yashinon Lens. Used copies start from $404 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Yashica Mat-124G Twin Lens Camera
Used Yashica 124G Listings on GearFocus
Camera Overview — Yashica 124G
Key Features — Yashica 124G
Twin-Lens Reflex Design: Separate viewing and taking lenses allow waist-level composition through a ground glass screen, a distinctive shooting experience favored by portrait and street photographers.
80mm f/3.5 Yashinon Lens: Fixed taking lens delivers sharp, detailed medium format images with a classic rendering characteristic of the era.
120 and 220 Film Support: Accepts both 120 and 220 roll film, letting photographers choose between 12 exposures or double the shots per roll.
Leaf Shutter Mechanism: Built-in Copal SV leaf shutter operates quietly with minimal vibration, making it well-suited for slower, deliberate shooting.
Waist-Level Viewfinder: Folding waist-level finder encourages a low, composed shooting angle and keeps the camera discreet during use.
Dual Flash Connectivity: Both a cold shoe and PC sync port are provided, accommodating a wide range of on-camera and studio flash setups.
Camera Specifications — Yashica 124G
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Portrait, Street, Creative Effects |
| Hot Shoe | Cold Shoe (No Contacts) |
Description — Yashica 124G
The Yashica Mat-124G is a twin-lens reflex (TLR) medium format camera produced in the 1970s, representing a classic approach to deliberate, craft-oriented photography. Built around the 120 film format with additional compatibility for 220 roll film, it offers flexibility in how many frames you can shoot before reloading. The camera's leaf shutter system is integrated into the fixed lens assembly, delivering quiet, low-vibration exposures that suit studio and portrait work particularly well.
Flash photographers will appreciate the dual connectivity options — a cold shoe and a PC sync port — covering a range of external flash setups. The fixed lens design means there is no interchangeable system, keeping operation straightforward and focused. Manual focus puts creative control firmly with the photographer. Weighing in at 1200g, the Mat-124G has the kind of solid, purposeful heft that reflects its medium format TLR heritage.
It is a camera that rewards patience and intentionality, making it a compelling choice for film shooters drawn to the TLR format.
Pros — Yashica 124G
- ✓Supports both 120 and 220 film formats, offering flexibility in roll capacity
- ✓Leaf shutter design produces minimal vibration and quiet operation
- ✓Dual flash connectivity via cold shoe and PC sync port covers a wide range of flash options
Cons — Yashica 124G
- ✗Fixed lens only — no option to swap lenses for different focal lengths or effects
- ✗Manual focus with no autofocus option may slow down shooting in fast-moving situations
- ✗No hot shoe listed — flash connectivity limited to cold shoe and PC sync port
Videos — Yashica 124G
Yashica Mat-124G Review - One of my favourite medium format cameras — Kyle McDougall
Frequently Asked Questions — Yashica 124G
What film formats does the Yashica Mat-124G accept?+
The Mat-124G is compatible with both 120 and 220 roll film. This gives photographers the choice between the standard 120 format and the longer 220 rolls, which provide more exposures per load without changing the frame size.
Can I use flash with the Yashica Mat-124G?+
Yes. The camera features both a cold shoe and a PC sync port for flash connectivity. Note that the cold shoe does not carry electrical contacts for TTL or automatic flash communication, so manual flash control is required.
Is the lens on the Mat-124G interchangeable?+
No. The Yashica Mat-124G uses a fixed lens only, meaning the lens cannot be swapped out. This is standard for TLR cameras of this type and era.
What type of shutter does the Mat-124G use?+
The Mat-124G uses a leaf shutter, which is built into the lens assembly rather than the camera body. Leaf shutters are known for their quiet operation and low vibration, which can be beneficial for sharp exposures.
When was the Yashica Mat-124G manufactured?+
The Mat-124G was manufactured during the 1970s. It is considered a vintage camera and is popular among film enthusiasts for its classic TLR design and medium format image quality.
How heavy is the Yashica Mat-124G?+
The camera weighs 1200g. This is a fairly substantial weight, reflecting the solid build typical of medium format TLR cameras from this era.