Thinking about buying a 124G...

[ElectroWNED]

Do you'all think $160 is a reasonable price for a fully functioning, meter working, new battery Yashica Mat 124G?

I have a guy coming to look at my film scanner on Saturday (I bought it when I bought a Leica CL, but only scanned two rolls and sold the Leica...), but that seems to only be making me want to move up to MF TLR even more. I think it would be a nice 1-2 travel combo w/ the Ricoh GRD3 I already have...

[xayraa33]

Great camera, I paid 180 dollars in the early 90s for a minty used 124G.

In the early 1980s at one photo shop these were sold new at a clearance price of 99 dollars but I was not wise enough to pick one up for that price in those days.

What ever price you pay for this camera, I am sure you will not be disappointed with the quality of the photos this camera can help you make.

[davidbivins]

That seems like a very good price for what you get. I use a Yashica-Mat (earlier model) and I couldn't be happier with the images and ease of use.

[Moto-Uno]

If I told you I own three YashicaMats and gave a fourth to my daughter,you'd be able to guess my answer.
Regards,Peter

[Coldkennels]

I borrowed a 124G from an Uncle while I was at university. Had to give it back when I graduated. Broke my heart - stunning camera. Lovely to use and took some fantastic images. If I had $160, I'd happily throw it at a 124G in that condition.

[Rogier]

Check the battery compartment for oxidation!

[Steve Bellayr]

Price sounds about right. It is interesting to experiment with that format. And, nice to have the built in meter as a guide.

[froyd]

Worth it. All the images I see from the talented owners who post here are top notch.

But, if you even have an inkling that you'll someday want a Rolleiflex, might as well bit the bullet now. I've seen some occasionally crop up on the classified for little over that price. Matter of fact, I snagged one myself.

[kknox]

Great camera, $160 well spent.

[ElectroWNED]

Originally Posted by froyd

Worth it. All the images I see from the talented owners who post here are top notch.

But, if you even have an inkling that you'll someday want a Rolleiflex, might as well bit the bullet now. I've seen some occasionally crop up on the classified for little over that price. Matter of fact, I snagged one myself.

No, the images I see on FlickR's 'Interesting' page for the 124 are amazing enough... just have to clear some space so I don't feel so guilty

[PMCC]

I had one of these pass briefly thru my hands. My specimen worked a treat in all ways but I only managed to have a few extended outings with it before my daughter adopted it and took it back to school with her, shooting the dickens out of it for her intro photography course. She still has it, and somehow I don't expect to be getting it back.

P.S. Now that I think about it, that camera started me down my own personal TLR slippery slope ---> 'cords (Auto - Dia - Rollei) and 'flex (Ricoh - Kallo - Rollei). No need to feel guilty about merely one Yashica Mat, it's the follow-on to watch out for.

[Leigh Youdale]

Years ago I had a Yashicamat, then just a couple of years ago bought a 124G (bear in mind the "G" is no different to the previous model except it had gold plated flash contacts which means it's not really worth the premium but it's a very nice camera and nice-looking.
I probably would have kept it except I was offered a nice Rolleiflex for $400 and I fell. Nothing wrong with the Yashica though. For the price you're quoting I'd go for it.
That is, unless you want a new, mint, unused one. Look at this on the big auction site. Item number: 261016768477. Four days to go.

[Mablo]

My 124G had light leaks through the back door and through the bottom of the light meter module. First thing make sure the distance between image frames is satisfactory. Overlapping frames can be beyond repair (economically). It's a common problem with this camera. The lens is a Tessar copy so you'll get the usual Tessar sharpness stopped down and softness wide open. The original viewfinder screen is very clear, no need for a Maxwell screen. It's a great camera in good condition.