Rolleicord vs. Yashica Mat 124G | Which TLR should you buy?

I recently found a Rolleicord V for a good deal, so I decided to pick it up to add to my collection, and also so I could compare it against the Yashica Mat 124G. These are both two very popular TLR cameras, and I was curious to see how they stacked up against one another.

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[nkgeorge]

I recently dug up some old photos taken with a YashicaMat 124G that I briefly owned around 1985. What lovely images they are! I think I will pick one up again on my next trip to Japan for old times sake!

[jenserwig]

Rolleicord all the way, I serviced a bunch of them and the insides are just as beautiful and stunningly engineered as the outside. The close up lenses add a uniquely interesting look to portraits and the rest of the accessory catalogue is also top notch. With the addition of a brighter screen and, in an optimal case, a prism finder, that’s by far the greatest camera I ever laid hands on.

[olivernunn]

I fitted one of Rick Oleson's screens to my Rolleicord V, and it utterly transformed it - fantastic brightness, and with the addition of a microprism area which is really helpful for critical focus. Definitely a recommended upgrade! I also sourced one of the little Rollei shutter buttons that screws into the cable release socket, and find that way more intuitive to use than the combined cocking/release lever.

[tylerervin]

Managed to find a 124 G a few months back for a steal and I absolutely love it. Got me hooked into medium format though and I don’t think I’ll ever financially recover😂

[markgarcia]

My Rolleiflex 2.8D with Xenotar lens has a magic effect for BW film. Literally a perfect camera. Perfect for traveling and always great for Studio Strobe work due to the leaf shutter

[JasperBunschoten]

The best TLR is the one you have with you!

[neilpiper]

I did my apprentiship using a Rolleicord V.
When I started my own business I used 2 Yashica Mat Tlrs. One was made in 1957, and the other one was from 1964.
All metal construction back then, bright finder and a fast lever wind.
I still have the 1957 one with the 75mm Lumaxar f3.5 lens.
The 1964 had the 80mm Yashinon f3. 5 lens. Both were tremendous cameras that never let me down.
The 1957 is due for a cla with ppp camera repair here in the UK. £60 estimate. It will be good for 60 more years then hopefully.

[rickeyhargrove]

I've never owned a Rolleicord, but bought my Yashica Mat 124G used in the late 1970s or very early 80's. I've used it heavily and have never been disappointed with it. All these years later, I'm still shooting with it. A quality camera capable of excellent results and built to last. You can't beat that combination.

[nickdigrispino]

I have had my Rolleicord Va for 26 years now. I love it!

[simonguitton]

I can't have a go at both cameras, while I might want to pick one, and only one, someday. Your clearly and concisely exposing the most noticeable practical differences between them is pretty valuable to anyone in my case. Thanks!

[senbilverglate]

I've been borrowing a Yashica-Mat 124g from a family friend for a few months and I love it, I cant wait to get my own

[gamaseki]

I found a Yashica 12 at a thrift store I frequent. After I pointed out the mold in the lenses, the guy behind the counter gave it to me, along with the wide angle and telephoto lens sets. Thankfully, I have a great camera repair shop in Fort Lauderdale, and he got the lens cleaned up and even installed a new battery compartment. This was my first foray into film in decades, and WOW. I'm blown away by the quality of this camera and amazed at the images it captures. Now to get the Yashica 635 that was just gifted to me up and running.

[atta]

Kyle McDougall, the perfect photography youtuber. Comes with honest and humble advice and reviews — without the items up for review skyrocketing in international price. I have always appreciated Kyle and always will. Would be a treat sitting down with him talking about his point of view on life over a pint

[fadisg]

From a simple experience with many TLRs, I will always pick the Mamyia C220(F) over any TLRs.... Magnificent lenses, viewfinder and built better.... It is simple with no complications (like light meter) just a sturdy dark box with great capabilities to compose.... And yes it is heavy so it is not for streets other than that its the best of the best, pair it with sharp negative and get ready to be amazed.

[spiritwalker]

I was in the market for a Rollei at one time until I met the Mamiya C 330. I know it is a big and bulky TLR but I like that.

[forrestgreene]

Seeing the two viewfinders side by side was something we all wanted to finally see. Nice.

[stephenwhited]

I just got one and WOW. I had the images drum scanned and they are tigher than I get out of my Canon 90D. I could not believe the resolution! I saw the same thing with my RB 67. I am always amazed at what I have been getting. This was from Gold 200 since it just came out.

[Narsuitus]

I had been shooting medium format cameras for years before I started working for a photographic studio. The studio provided me, and the other wedding photographers it hired, a Yashica Mat TLR to use. I loved the image quality and the ergonomics of the Yashica Mat but did not like them because they were not in the best working condition. I decided to buy my own TLR so I would have one in better condition. I considered the Yashica Mat, the Rolleicord, the Rolleiflex, and the Mamiya. Since I needed a camera with interchangeable lenses, I selected the Mamiya with an 80mm normal lens, a 55mm wide-angle lens, and a 180mm telephoto lens.

[josephschimmer]

My father, who brought me into photography, used to work with a Rolleiflex. Since mirrorless allows flipscreens, every waistlevel shooting remind me of him which is kind of nice.

[bigpossum]

I've had my Yashica for 25yrs. I love it.
You can tell by my badge. Lol