Yashica Mat and Ricoh Diacord

[Nesster]

Larger image available:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/nesster/2559820782

The reason my camera budget's taken a big hit. Mark Hama was selling one of these that he'd reconditioned... I'd sworn up and down I was not going to get a 124G... what with that built in meter and black face... such a common pick.

But the daughter likes to use a TLR, and I managed to convince myself that she'd appreciate the auto shutter cocking and meter.

So how does the Yash compare with the Ricoh?

The crank advance is more convenient than I expected. I like the push button and turn knob of the Ricoh, but got used to the crank right quick. The auto cocking shutter removes the doubt: did I cock or not, did I advance or not that an old distracted person such as myself has with the Ricoh arrangement. On the other hand, I can easily do double exposures with the Diacord.

The Yash viewing lens is a bit faster than the Ricoh's, but so far I haven't noted much difference in visibility between the two. They both focus well, perhaps the Ricoh snaps the tinies bit better... and the Yash has lines on the screen to help with alignment etc. While Yash uses knob focus and Richoh levers, I don't have a preference.

Nor do I prefer how one sets shutter and aperture - turning wheels on Yash and levers on Ricoh, except I have a habit of setting the self timer on the Ricoh when I'm fumbling for the aperture lever.

Oh yes: while the Yash has standard shutter speeds, the Ricoh doesn't. A minor quibble with the Ricoh.

The are about the same size and weigh about the same, nothing major there. Richoh has a 10 bladed aperture and Yashica (I think) 5 or 6. Whether that makes any difference in bokeh is to be seen.

I've only had the Mat for less than 2 weeks, so the 3 rolls aren't developed yet. And the Ricoh has different film in it.... At some point I'll arrange to take the same photo with each camera.

I really like the Ricoh and have got some great results with it. I didn't NEED the Yash... I'd told myself if I were to get another TLR it would be a Rollei. But I am glad I got the 124G as so far it is a joy to use.

[Katastrofo]

Nesster, congrats! I've been thinking about the Yashica. But will wait till
I'm comfortable with my Ricohflex, which does have shutter speeds up
to 1/500 and a lightmeter, which seems to still work.

The Yashica is the prettier camera, though, hands down.

BIll