TLR Review: The Unique Yashica 635
Yashica 635
by Kar Yan Mak
In 1958, Yashica manufactured a one and only dual format TLR, the Yashica 635. It takes 6×6 on 120 rollfilm and 24x36mm on 35mm film (with a special adapter kit). It has a Copal MVX shutter and a Yashikor 80mm f/3.5 lens. The 635 looks similar to the Yashica D, except for the additional knobs for 35mm film operation.
The 35mm adapter kit consists of six items: 35mm sportsfinder mask, mask assembly, pressure plate, spool, adapter ring, and supporter shaft. For 35mm framing, a mask goes on the sportsfinder and red line marks are shown in the viewfinder. There are seperate frame counters for 120 and 35mm films. The counter for 120 film is above the focusing knob and for 35mm, it surrounds the 35mm film advancing knob (where marked “35mm Film Only”). I’ve heard mixed opinions about the 35mm kit. Some say it’s a waste of time due to the mediocre quality and the all vertical shots but some are paying way over $40 for the kit only. MY opinion is, how many cameras out there have dual formats? I will cherish this camera. I have yet to find out the results from 35mm film, if I do I’ll keep you posted.
I’ve heard that the 635 also came with a version that has a Yashinon lens (see below). It’s supposedly superior to the Yashikor due to the 3-element glass versus the Yashinon’s 4-element. Many people are going after the Yashica 124G, which I also happen to own, because of the Yashinon lens and a couple of interesting features. The 124G is the last of the Yashica TLR line. You ask, how do the 124G and 635 compare? For starters, I doubt you could tell the difference between a 635 and 124G’s quality. The pluses of a 124G are the crank handle advance which automatically charges the shutter for the next frame, the built-in coupled meter, and being able to use a standard cable release. The 635 requires a special adapter (called the Leica nipple) for cable releases.
 |
| Yashica-635 with 35mm kitimage by Yi-tao “Timo” Lee (Image rights)
Here is a nice set on flickr produced using yashica 635 http://www.flickr.com/photos/slimjim/sets/72157622962737783/with/4234548674/                                                                         |
Zeiss Ikon Ikoflex IIa (late)
I was searching about this camera and saw a post by a photographer from Taiwan (I guess). The photos below were produced by this photographer (Losanfo) using his/her ikoflex IIa late versions.
Below is a image of his camera.
A pretty interesting camera using a tessar lens made by zeiss. Its value is increasing very fast recently.
View lens：Teronar 75mm f3.5
Taking lens：Tessar 75mm f3.5
Film type：120 Roll film
Pruduced：1950～1952
IKoflex IIa manual
The Yashica 12: A Review
hello reality – The Yashica 12: A Review.
Geof did a review on Yashica 12 TLR. Based on the production quantity, the number of Yashica 12 produced is only one third of Yashica 124. Guess what, the number of yashica 12 existing is only 5.4% of the famous Yashica 124G.
About
The Yashica 12 is a 120 medium format camera. It takes 12 photos on a roll of 120 film, producing a 6x6cm or 2.25×2.25in negative. It has a 5×5 grid to aid composition. The square format was absolutely fantastic. Being used to a 35mm and similar digital aspect ratio, this format was a nice experience. It gave me fresh compositions, and forced me to think differently.
The camera is pretty straightforward. It’s entirely mechanical. The fact that it has lasted nearly half a decade is a testament to its durability.
Glass and Bokeh
While the Yashica-12 isn’t quite as iconic as the Rollei TLRs, it’s build quality is fantastic and the glass is fairly decent. The 80mm f3.5 Yashinon lens produces sharp images and pleasant bokeh.
Build Quality
This camera isn’t the lightest. But I wouldn’t hesitate to take it on a short hike. It’s dimensions fit pleasingly in the hands. The leatherette is still intact, and looks like it will last some time.
Overall
This camera is pretty fantastic. Sure, it doesn’t have iTTL, or even a functioning light meter (the mercury riddled batteries for it are no longer made). But, it’s enjoyable to shoot with. It’s slow operating, and only takes twelve shots to a roll. It may not seem attractive to todays PowerShot strutting user, but that’s not the point. This camera’s purpose is to enforce the user to take their time. Compose their image. And ask the often overlooked photography question: “Is this worth taking a photo of?”
TLRgraphy 