Twin Lens Reflex Cameras?

TheTimeChamber

TheTimeChamber

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Forgive me if there is already a thread like this, I haven't really looked.

But I want to have a go at Medium Format Film, but before I do anything like head off and pick a 'Blad and confuse the hell out of myself, I thought I would start with a TLR.

Which are good, which are bad? And which have an inbuilt meter and which would need an external meter (I would prefer an in built meter).

Anything else I would need to know? What focal length would be best for a first time?
 
Well I can add.....don't worry about the in built meter as it probably wont be accurate after many years, also you can achieve more accurate metering esp for tricky shots by using another camera (even digital) or a separate light meter.
 
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Good idea to try TLR. pretty big choice, though most don't have built in meters. Those that do are often not trusted to give correct readings due their age.

My first, and for many here was a Yashica Mat. Real bargains these, often found for less than £100. Great lenses.

Most TLR's will have fixed focal length of 75-80mm. The Mamiyaflex system offers interchangeable lenses.

Of course ROLLEIFLEX are the most revered and are around in many differing models. Prices vary from budget to VERY high.
Superb build quality and great lenses. Offered in fixed focal lengths. Wide (rare and expensive) standard and tele (also quite hard to find)

TLR's are light, hand holdable. And with leaf shutters almost silent.

Good starting point for Medium Format.
 
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lubitel probably cheapest tlr, apart from a recesky, but that's 35mm make your own :-O

oh stuff is reversed in viewfinder with tlr style viewfinder, so that'll slow you down
 
Almost all of those questions have answers that are budget dependent.

TLRs are a refreshing way of working, and offer a lot of quality in a relatively small, compact package (if you stay away from the bulky and heavy Mamiya TLRs), but they are quirky and do not work for everyone.
 
freecom2 said:
Almost all of those questions have answers that are budget dependent.

TLRs are a refreshing way of working, and offer a lot of quality in a relatively small, compact package (if you stay away from the bulky and heavy Mamiya TLRs), but they are quirky and do not work for everyone.
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......and also should be mentioned:- you get a square picture and if you want a rectangular one? Then ensure that when you take the shot allow room for cropping.
 
A wise move. I have had a Yash A a Yashmat and a 124g and they all have lovely, sharp lenses. My 124g has an accurate light metre as well. They are light and a joy to use, get one quick and join the 'hip to be square' club.

Andy
 
Andysnap said:
A wise move. I have had a Yash A a Yashmat and a 124g and they all have lovely, sharp lenses. My 124g has an accurate light metre as well. They are light and a joy to use, get one quick and join the 'hip to be square' club.

Andy
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:)

What about batteries for the light meter? Just read something that they are now a discontinued item?
 
Pretty much the only way you'll get a reasonably priced TLR with a working light meter will be a 124(G).
 
The autocords area good but quite rare and generally a bit pricier. I got replacement batteries from the small battery company for a tenner for two.

Andy
 
Terrywoodenpic said:
Or a minolta Autocord which is rather better.
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Better is definitely a subjective definition, and they are much rarer (and as Andy points out, pricier) than the equivalent 124G. A nice idea, but more difficult in practice.
 
I was really convinced I needed a coupled light meter before I picked up my Mamiya C33, but you don't need one as much as you think. I used an iphone app that worked just fine, along with an old Russian light meter I thought was long dead :)
 
I have 2 TLR's! A Yashica 635 which apparently takes 35mm film as well as 120 and also a C330. The Yashica has an 80mm lens it is lovely and light and I use it for lots of portrait type photos. Having a square negative is lovely too. I would deffo recommend one if you can pick one up for a price that is right for you.
 
Nguss said:
I have 2 TLR's! A Yashica 635 which apparently takes 35mm film as well as 120 and also a C330. The Yashica has an 80mm lens it is lovely and light and I use it for lots of portrait type photos. Having a square negative is lovely too. I would deffo recommend one if you can pick one up for a price that is right for you.
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It does but you need the inserts to work (the viewfinder has the 35mm marks on it)
 
Go with your first instinct.

Get the blad...you wont regret it :)
 
Well, I joined the square club - just picked up my yashica mat from the post office. The meter doesn't work, but I have yet to look at the battery - but using the meter on my iPhone, it doesn't seem too bad!

Will post the first few photos in a week, get a BW roll and a slide roll to put through it
 
Tell us more, with pics! Ive just brought a bronica but want the yashica too :D:D
 
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