The Yashica-Mat 124G was the final incarnation of the Yashica medium format TLR and was manufactured between 1970 and 1986. It is similar to the Yashica-Mat 124 that preceded it, excepting the fact that the 124G has gold-plated meter contacts and the 124G's finish is a low-chrome, black-out style.

Some of the general features of the Yashica-Mat 124G include:

• 4 element f/3.5 - f/22 Yashinon lens
• Copal shutter, speeds range from 1 sec - 1/1000 sec plus B
• Dual film format: 120/220
• X/M flash sync
• Coupled CdS light meter
• Crank film advance/shutter cock
• Waist level finder w. sports finder window
• Compur style screw in cable release socket
• Auto-timer

I had previously owned a pretty well beaten-up Yashica-Mat (produced from 1957 - 1971) that also had the Yashinon lens but I foolishly sold it, not appreciating the quality of the camera's abilities despite it's appearance.

My current Yashica-Mat 124G was a birthday present from my parents, and what a present it is! I've gotten some razor sharp images with this camera due to the large negative size plus the razor-sharp Yashinon lens.

It is a very capable camera and one I would highly recommend to any amateur photographer who wants to make the leap into medium-format photography. Used Yashica-Mat 124Gs in excellent condition can be easily found in the $200-$300 price range. Several of the other Yashica TLRs, such as the Yashica 12, any of the Yashica-Mat models, and later Yashica D cameras, also feature the 4 element Yashinon lens and can be had for less money. (The prior Yahica lens designs Yashikor, Tri-Lausar, and Yashimar featured 3 elements, but are also of good reputation.)

An excellent online resource to learn more about Yashica TLR's is Peter William's New Yashica TLR FAQ .