Phil Koenig

A Rolleiflex-inspired twin lens reflex (TLR) from Japan.

A Japanese alternative to the Rolleiflex

The Yashica Mat is a twin lens reflex, camera (TLR). Its design is derivative, based on the Rolleiflex and Rolleicord. Which is not true of all Japanese TLRs. For example the Mamiya C series didn’t follow that pattern; it had bellows focus and interchangeable lenses.

The Yashica Mat-124G came with an 80mm f/3.5 Yashinon lens. Like the Tessar, it has four elements in three groups (source: camera manual).

Lighter than the Rolleiflex

While Rolleiflexes have a heavy, machined feel, the Yashica Mat is lighter with stamped sheet metal vibes. But I have not had any structural problems, and I appreciate the lighter weight. The Yashica Mat does not have the automatic loading feature of the Rolleiflex MX; you line up the start of the film manually, which is just as easy really.

f/3.5 v. f/2.8 lenses

The Yashica Mat lens is an 80mm f/3.5 and there was no option for a faster f/2.8 lens as with the Rolleiflex. Generally I like fast lenses. However, f/2.8 Rolleiflexes are noticeably bulkier and heavier than their 3.5 equivalents, so I generally prefer TLRs with f/3.5 lenses.

Maintenance and repair

I had one of these from the mid-1990s until recently. It was a great camera and I put a lot of film through it. But the shutter failed a few years ago. I purchased another one which has not required maintenance so far.