Thinking about bidding on a TLR:

[fish4570]

Which one?

http://www.shopgoodwill.com/viewItem.asp?ItemID=6417614

http://www.shopgoodwill.com/viewItem.asp?ItemID=6429152

http://www.shopgoodwill.com/viewItem.asp?ItemID=6438394

http://www.shopgoodwill.com/viewItem.asp?ItemID=6453489

I have a roll of 120 Ektar 100 and would like to use it ...

[Spotmatic]

I'd choose either the Ricoh or the Yashica. Both seem very fine picture takers,

But about the Voigtlander: the Brillants are not very popular but I know that some have been offered with the famous 5-element Heliar. I cannot see which lens is on this camera but I do see that there's a Compur shutter on it. The Compurs were the top of the line so why use an expensive shutter with a cheap lens... Also buy it if it has the 4-element Skopar.

[fish4570]

Thanks, Spot. The ad says it has a Voigtar lens.

Goooooooooooooooo Oranje!

[Spotmatic]

[fish4570]

Har!

[Minolfan]

I think too that the Ricoh and the Yashica are the most attractive ones. I use Yashica Mat and Rolleicord IVb. The Yashica has a lot clearer viewfinder.

[Nesster]

I have both the Diacord and a Yashica Mat, though not this model. I think either will be excellent, I really love my Diacord more than the Mat, I think the lens may be a wee bit better. Both have about equivalent brightness in view finder.

The Diacord's one 'failing' is that attaching a cable release isn't always easy - theoretically it takes a Leica nipple but in practice on some there's not really enough thread.

That's a Yashica LM which should be well made, from the mid 50's. It has a light meter built in, the diacord does not.

Here's an ad for the LM, from '56

[Katastrofo]

The Diacord pictured in the Goodwill sales has the meter, it's the same camera as my Ricohflex Dia L.

[fish4570]

What do you think of the photos in the ad, Bill?

[cooltouch]

My vote's for the Yashica. The LM has the earlier Yashicor lens than the later Mat-series Yashinon, which is allegedly better, but I suspect the differences are slight.

My Mat 124 takes amazingly sharp photos, and since I have experience with a Yashica TLR, I'm naturally inclined to prefer it.

[Katastrofo]

[Katastrofo]

Another TLR to think about is the Minolta Autocord. I've seen pix at RFF
from these that compare quite favorably to a Planar-equipped Rolleiflex.
Rokkors rokk! They are a little more pricey, however.

[nemesis101]

Think you need to revise the posting title?

Isn't this about TLR (Twins Lens Reflexes) rather than TTL (Through The Lens...) which apart from pin-hole cameras all cameras are? lol

Doug


PS I have a Diacord G and LOVE it.. especially the nifty focus levers which are much easier to operate than turning a lens....

[fish4570]

Yes, Doug. What a dork I am ...

[fish4570]

I think I will pass on the Diacord. I just looked closely at the photos again, and that thing has been ridden hard. The Yashica has a much better appearance, which MAY mean it has not been used much. I used a Y 124 at the first two small newspapers for which I worked 36-37 years ago ...

[Nesster]

I corrected the title

[fish4570]

I thought I did after Doug's catch.
Strange ...
And thanks.

[cooltouch]

We know what you meant.

[fish4570]

24 hours left on the auction. No has bid but me in two days. I expect that will change soon ...

[fish4570]

I let the Yashica go. $35 was my limit. The Diacord is still available but I figure it will pass $50 ...

[brokenboy]

I have a Minolta Autocord and a Ricoh Diacord

The Minolta wins on ease of use and produces stunning photos, the lens is just brilliant from about 5.6 (wide open it is fine) - i have one with a meter and this works just fine (tested against my lightmeter)

Just remember to push the focusing lever to the left or right before you open the back to change film, so you don't bend it with the hinge.

The Ricoh focusing is a little weird but you get used to it, the photos have been very sharp - my selenium light meter on this works pretty well, only occassionally getting stuck. I really like both of them.

The Minolta can be pricey but is amazing, the Ricoh is the bargain though - way more than the Yashica.

[cooltouch]

[fish4570]

Yes, thanks to Bill, I am working with a Yashica A. I have shot one roll and developed it, but my scanner went down. Still awaiting scanner replacement. I think I will get a roll of c-41 color so I don't have to depend on a scanner for posting ...

[Katastrofo]

I have a roll of Arista 100 in my Yashica A I need to shoot. Looking forward
to those color shots, Paul. I'd recommend Reala 100, but Freestyle prices
have shot up on that film, which was rumored to be discontinued.

[fish4570]

I will probably get some Ektar or something like that locally ...