Yashica Yashica-Mat TLR Camera w/ 80mm f3.5 Lens -Haze, Fungus- [AS-IS]

TLR Design

 

"The twin lens is obsolete...Who would want one?" I strongly disagree with that statement. Let me try to convince you.

 

SLR cameras are certainly more useful for certain types of photography but the TLR has some important advantages that flow directly from its design. In an SLR there is a large and heavy mirror that has to move at high speed with every exposure. The mirror slows down response but more importantly it creates a strong slap that you can hear and feel, particularly in a medium format camera (this is the source of the Hasselblad "thunk.") The slap makes noise that can be objectionable, particularly if you are shooting weddings or strangers on the street. It also creates vibration that degrades your photos, even with a tripod.

 

In contrast, there is no mirror slap on the TLR. The shutter is very quite, nearly silent in a large room and there is greatly reduced vibration, which makes for sharper photos, particularly when hand-held or with long exposures.

 

In addition to the functional advantages, the TLR design has a charm not found in SLR designs. I find that people open up to a camera that they see as a charming oddity and this gets you better pictures.

 

The model for sale is the Yashica-Mat, a nice 6x6 TLR that is very small for a medium format camera.

 

This one has a few condition issues. The viewing and taking lenses each have a few tiny marks on the front element but I can only see them with a flashlight, they won't impact your images. There is a moderate haze in the taking lens that will likely soften your images. There was also fungus on the rear element of the viewing lens as well as the mirror behind the viewing lens that our technician cleaned of but the etching is still visible. The nameplate is missing and there are a few engravings that say "Yelen" on the body (see photos) but it is only cosmetic. The shutter is strong and accurate and the mechanical functions work perfectly. It has new light seals.

 

This is an as is sale.

 

SKU: 221215-13