yashica mat em vs minolta autocord cds iii

#Yashica mat em vs minolta autocord cds iii full#

There are too many characteristics to check (i use about 15) and no model is best for all of them. Among these, the ones with 4 elements (tessar type) are the best pics. These 2 clues will bring you to the best value models.

#Yashica mat em vs minolta autocord cds iii full#

You are better to stick to models that have full aray of speeds (B and 1 sec to 1#300 or better 1#400 or 1#500) and using Bay I (also call bay 30) filter size.

Main disadvantage : image reverse left-right (confusing to follow subject) Main are : silence, no miror blackout (unlike slr), freedom of point of vue (waist level + sport finders) and picture quality (some models). It is thrue but it can also be your definitive mf because of its unique combination of advantages. I have used Yashicas since 1970 (and still do), have many TLRs (including Yashicas, Autocords, Diacords, etc.), have bough many times on Ebay and Keh and done conferences on the subject.Ī TLR is often described as the best entry level to mf (medium format). So much to say but i'll try to be fairly short. Often a camera looks better than it works so be cautious, but if the functions are good don't sweat the leather. You can redo the leather for very little money. The earlier models offer fewer shutter speeds. You can get one to equal it for ten bucks. The meter is uncoupled, meaning it's basically a handheld match needle mounted to the camera. If the meter works consider it a bonus, but don't pay more for a model with a meter. The EM has a light meter, but I wouldn't count on the meter working. The 124 is the latest, therefore newest, model. Yashicor lenses do a great job, but people who know say there is a difference. Most of them are similar, but there are a few differences. I wouldn't pass up a good deal on any of them, but as far as setting your sites on one you should try to select from the best you can get for the money. I can speak from my own experience with Yashicas. For $300 you can get into a serious Medium Format rig, so consider that before dropping a lot of money on a very old TLR. I can't see paying more than seventy dollars. The right one will come along.Īs far as prices go I would not spend any more than one hundred dollars and it would have to be mint to pay that. You won't go wrong with either camera you suggested. Mine takes excellent pictures at all shutter speeds and all apertures. These older lenses are prone to flare and the lowest and fastest shutter speeds may be off by a hair. Stopped down to 5.6 it will rival my Bronica under ideal conditions. I picked up my YashicaMat EM on ebay and I got it for about 65 dollars. You just might let a lot of them get by, but you can get a fantastic TLR for that amount of money. I would only bid on what looked to be excellent cameras from reputable sellers. Having said that, if you are patient you can get great deals on ebay. KEH does appear to be a little expensive on their TLRs for some reason, most likely because the warranty everything they sell. Their 'ugly' is equal to 'perfect' on ebay. Can't say that about any of those plastic and silicone paperweights being made now-a-days can you? Any of the three are still wonderful cameras, even if fifty years old. It is my opinion that the dial system helps prevent unwanted crap & crud from slipping into the mechanism. The Yashica uses Rollei-style dials to adjust the shutter speeds and aperture size, while the Autocord and Diacord uses levers. That means several decades of dust and grit.

Now remember these cameras are all several decades old at the very youngest. But there is something that I have noticed that would give the Yashica a very slight edge over the others. Fit, finish and overall workmanship is likewise similar. I have never understood that, so it just may have to be the name itself is worth more to some people.Īll three cameras are about the same in lens quality - the best the Japanese made in the '50s. Often found at half the price of the other two and every bit the equal of both. First of all I heartily agree with Alvin about the Diacord - a real undervalued gem of a camera.