Yashica

Yashica Twin Lens Reflex	Yashica-Mat

	Of all the Yashica Twin Lens Reflex cameras the Yashica-Mat was the preferred model of professional photographers through the 70's and 80's. The "Mat" was designed for 120 film exclusively in the 6 x 6 cm format. The ground glass viewer on this camera has a full matrix grid which allows the photographer to compose for both vertical and horizontal formats. The taking lens is a 4 element Yashinon 80mm f3.5 in the "tessar" style and is capable of producing very sharp images. Most Twin Lens Reflexes are built around a cast metal body ensuring rigidity and a good platform for the viewing screen, mirror, lens and shutter. The "Mat" was a tough camera, easily able to withstand the rigors of wedding and event photography. The "crank" on the RH side of the body does double duty as film advance and shutter cock. The fully interlocked system prevents double exposure. The "Mat" has metal crank gears unlike some later versions of the Mat-124gs with plastic gearing. Some photo-journalists disparagingly liken the noise made by the film advance to a coffee grinder. Well I like both coffee and cameras so what! It works. The photo below shows the "Mat" with an optional extra lens set mounted (both wide-angle and telephoto were available) and the hood window open to provide a sports viewfinder.