Camera · TLR
Yashica Mat 124G
1970-1986
Discontinued120BeginnerIntermediate
Affordable medium format entry
- Format
- 120
- Mount
- Fixed lens
- Metering
- Built-in
- Shutter
- 1/500
- Battery
- 1.35V mercury PX13/PX625 (discontinued); Wein MRB625 zinc-air or adapter substitute
Battery req.
Max speed
Best for
- Affordable medium format entry
- Portrait photography
- Learning TLR shooting
Features
- 80mm f/3.5 Yashinon taking lens
- 6x6 format
- 120 and 220 film capability
- Built-in CdS match-needle meter (separate cell, not through the lens), ASA 25-400
- Crank film advance
- Copal-SV leaf shutter, 1 s to 1/500 s plus B, MX sync
Limitations
- Fixed lens only
- Waist-level composing takes practice
- Parallax at close focus
- Mercury battery discontinued
Common issues to check
- Sticky shutter blades
- Light meter failure (mercury battery)
- Focus screen deterioration
- Taking lens fungus
- Film advance issues
Buying guide
The Mat-124G (1970-1986) is a 6x6 TLR with a Copal MXV shutter (1s-1/500 and B), a crank advance and a CdS match-needle meter. Its mercury battery is discontinued, so use an adapter or substitute cell or work without the meter. Test the shutter at all speeds and check both lenses for fungus or haze.
Pricing
- Typical range
- £150 - £350
- Excellent condition
- ~£450
Indicative, no dated source.
Prices as of 2026-01. UK market, may vary.
Specifications
| Format | 120 |
| Years produced | 1970-1986 |
| Mount | Fixed lens |
| Shutter type | Leaf |
| Shutter speeds | 1s - 1/500 |
| Flash sync | all speeds |
| Metering | Average |
| Battery required | Yes (1.35V mercury PX13/PX625 (discontinued); Wein MRB625 zinc-air or adapter substitute) |
| Weight | N/A |
| Dimensions | N/A |