Many photographers who are getting back into film photography or contemplating starting this special activity may envision 35mm at the only format. Certainly 35mm cameras have been a force in film photography for many years, but it is a mistake to assume that there are no other options. Cameras that use 110 film are numerous and serious photographers have long used cameras that produce larger negatives, particularly those that use 120 film. Medium format photography offers several advantages over other forms. So, you may be thinking of getting a medium format camera, but are intimidated by the prospect of such cameras being inordinately expensive or complicated.
Recently, I have been doing some searching for 35mm cameras of the type that are referred to as “point and shoot” meaning that the user does not have to focus or select shutter speed and aperture. There has been a lot of interest in such cameras, probably as a result of their being so simple to operate. A few models such as the Olympus Infinity Stylus have become cult classics and the prices reflect that with some of the models that I have seen going for $100-$300. The prices of used single lens reflexes (SLRs) have also risen dramatically as the interest in film photography has undergone a resurgence. Bargains can still be found, but some searching is necessary. Are there any bargains in medium format cameras?
The answer is yes, but you must decide on the type of camera you want. Single lens reflex medium format cameras tend to be considered as professional models that have advanced features and they are often priced accordingly. Vintage cameras that use 120 film are most often folding or twin lens reflex (TLR) models. There are excellent examples of both types, some that can be considered as basic models. Dealing here with TLR cameras, we can usually omit the Rolleicord and Rolleiflex cameras produced in Germany on the basis of cost, but there are others. Yashica cameras produced in Japan are generally well built and perform well. Moreover, the Yashica TLR cameras are considerably lower priced than are others such as Rolleiflex and Rolleicord.
If one is considering a Yashica TLR the profusion of models may be confusing. They span the range from basic models that feature the bare bones necessities for good photography to those that have built in light meters, shutters with a wide range of speeds, lenses of more complex construction, etc. Although the more advanced models command higher prices, they are still much less expensive than the Rollei models. To gain experience in photography using a medium format camera, I recommend starting with one of the more basic models, and I will describe my personal choice. Although I have the most sophisticated Yashica TLR, known as the Yashica Mat 124G, the Yashica A is an excellent starting point for medium format photography. This illustration shows the features and controls of the Yashica A.
The Yashica A was introduced in 1956 and carried the price tag of $29.95. The camera was produced until 1969, and recently, I have seen nice versions listed for $75-100 although some sellers attempt price gouging and ask much more. There are several reasons for my recommending the Yashica A.
First, it is a relatively simple camera with fewer things to go wrong which is why so many are still in good working order. Film is advanced by turning a knob that operates a spindle within the camera and the exposure number is seen through a red window on the back of the camera. The shutter must be cocked manually by moving a lever so there is no complex mechanism connecting the shutter to the film advance process. Exposure parameters such as shutter speed and aperture are set manually and the camera does not have a light meter.
Second, the lenses used on the Yashica A are triplets, known as Yashimar or Yashikor, in construction, but they are coated to give good color reproduction and reduce flare. Although of relatively simple construction, these lenses perform very well. So, there are reasons why I like the Yashica A well enough that I have two. Of the others that I have actually examined and manipulated, only two have had an issue. In one case the shutter cocking mechanism did not work and in the other the mount of the taking lens was loose and needed to be tightened by turning it. Short of physical abuse, there is not much to go wrong and a Yashica A will perform in excellent fashion. A properly working Yashica A will enable one to enjoy medium format photography and produce results that are very close to those obtained with a TLR with a selling price of four figures. In fact there are numerous samples available now for $50-$80 on the internet.
As a well-known camera expert says, “All you need to do is learn the basic settings of whatever camera you have, and go out and show the world the way you, and you alone, see it.” Ken Rockwell
What do you need to take wonderful photos? You need a camera that has a lens that will record scenes in sufficient detail and shutter speeds and apertures that will provide latitude for correct exposure. The Yashica A has all of these and it will provide what you need except for specialized types of photography such as wildlife or sports. Having no electronics, no pixels, and no apps, the Yashica A is an excellent camera. If you have or obtain one, get some 120 film from Brooktree and go to it.
-Jim House
