Yashica Mat-124: A classic 6×6 twin-lens reflex camera from the late 1960s.

December 26, 2024December 26, 2024Chris and Carol Leave a comment

The Yashica Mat-124 is an exceptional camera that does everything you’d expect from a well-designed, light-catching machine. The first units rolled off the assembly line in the summer of 1967, and the last just three years later in 1970. It was the last TLR Yashica made just before releasing its replacement, the Mat-124G. The 124G had lots of plastic parts and, for the first time, came in primarily all-black. The 124G had a long run that ended in 1986. Here is my Mat-124.

The built-in CdS light meter is activated by opening the viewing hood. The camera uses a 1.35v PX625 mercury replacement battery like the popular Wein Cell.

It features dual Yashinon lenses. The taking lens (bottom) is 80mm f/3.5, while the viewing lens (upper) is 80mm f/2.8. The fast f/2.8 viewing lens makes for a bright image in the viewing hood, which makes it easier to compose and focus an image.

The crank on the camera’s right side advances the film and cocks the shutter.

The focus knob is on the left side, as is the battery compartment and cold shoe.

On the bottom, a large knob is how you gain entry into the film chamber.

The Mat-124 uses either 12-exposure 120 films or 24-exposure 220 films. The back of the taking lens can be seen on the far right in this image.

Looking down at the match needle light meter.

This gem of a camera is available for purchase in my Etsy camera shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com.

Thanks for stopping by, Chris

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Comments are always welcomed, as I’ve learned quite a bit from reader feedback. As always, thanks for stopping by, and while you’re at it, feel free to visit my camera shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com (CC Design Studios hosted by Etsy). – Chris Whelan

Please respect that all content, including photos and text, is this blog’s property and its owner, Yashica Pentamatic Fanatic, Yashica Sailor Boy, Yashica Chris, Chasing Classic Cameras with Chris. Copyright © 2015-2024 Chasing Classic Cameras with Chris (Yashica Pentamatic Fanatic), Chris Whelan. All rights reserved.

Happy Holidays!

December 25, 2024December 25, 2024Chris and Carol 2 Comments

Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah 2024.

This is what I hope for every Christmas… The answer is pretty simple.

Each day we want you to imagine a better world.

A world of peace in our homes, in our communities, and in our country.

Each day, we want you to imagine a world of equality, where no- one is discriminated against because of their religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, or beliefs.

A world where we build up each other and not destroy.

A world of hope.

But also a world where we help and build towards making this a reality.

To paraphrase the song:

“You may say we’re a dreamers

But we’re not the only ones

We hope someday you’ll join us

And the world will be as one.”

Thanks for stopping by, Chris

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Original Canon Canonet – 1961

December 24, 2024December 24, 2024Chris and Carol Leave a comment

The original Canon Canonet 35mm rangefinder camera with a Canon 45mm f/1.9 lens. Based on its serial number, this one is likely from 1962 or 1963. It is the Version 3 with ASA to 400. The selenium cell meter has been working for all these years. The shutter sounds accurate on auto, but the aperture blades need service.

The selenium cell meter surrounds the Canon 45mm f/1.9 lens.

The Canonet line was hyper-successful for Canon, selling millions throughout its production.

Thanks for stopping by, Chris

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plane spotting

December 23, 2024December 23, 2024Chris and Carol Leave a comment

I spent part of my Saturday near the Fernandina Beach Municipal Airpot, photographing birds, the salt marsh, and distant bridges. I couldn’t pass up the chance to grab a few shots of airplanes passing overhead.

Piper PA-28-181. N222MN
Meridian Aircraft LLC
Wilmington, DE
Touch and goes at the Fernandina Beach Municipal Airport (never ending).
Canon EOS R
Canon EF 300mm f/4L IS USM Lens

Boeing 737 MAX 8 makes an Approach to JAX. American Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 makes a long, low approach to Jacksonville International Airport (JAX), as seen from Amelia Island, which is 15 miles to the NE of JAX.
Canon EOS R
Canon EF 300mm f/4L IS USM

Aero Commander 100. Also known as the Darter Commander and the Lark Commander.
c1968.
This one is registered to Elite Fleet Jacksonville LLC.
Practicing touch and goes at the Fernandina Beach Municipal Airport, Amelia Island, Florida.
Canon EOS R
Canon EF 300mm f/4L IS USM Lens

Canon EOS R with Canon EF 300mm f/4L IS USM Lens.

Thanks for stopping by, Chris

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Happy SUNday! – 2

December 22, 2024December 22, 2024Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Our Beautiful Island

Salt marsh grasses in the late autumn and late afternoon sun. Along the Amelia River, viewed from Crane Island, Florida.

Canon EOS R

Canon EF 300mm f/4L IS USM Lens

Hope you have a beautiful day, and thanks for stopping by, Chris

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Happy SUNday!

December 22, 2024December 22, 2024Chris and Carol Leave a comment

A bald eagle in its nest on Crane Island, Florida, along the banks of the Amelia River. Camera/Lens: Canon EOS R with Canon EF 300mm f/4L IS USM.

The eagle keeps a watchful eye on me and its favorite fishing grounds along the river. It is their nesting season currently and typically runs through May.

For more about Florida’s bald eagles, visit https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/bald-eagle/

Thanks for stopping by, Chris

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Bridge to Amelia Island

December 21, 2024December 21, 2024Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Bridge to Amelia Island

A lot can be seen in this image, such as the Thomas J. Shave, Jr. Bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway (Amelia River) and the railroad swing bridge framed in the center.

Looking north over the salt marsh from Crane Island. The marsh is ablaze in the golden hues of the late autumn light.

Canon EOS R

Canon EF 300mm f/4L IS USM Lens

I enjoy using my Canon EF 300mm f/4L IS USM lens on my Canon EOS R mirrorless digital camera.

It’s pretty nimble and well-balanced, even with the Canon EF-EOS R Mount Adapter attached.

300mm is a great focal length if you enjoy telephoto shots like this. The image stabilization is perfect for handheld photography.

Thanks for stopping by, Chris

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steel tree?

December 21, 2024December 21, 2024Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Just a bit out of place. Maybe a CIA listening tower. Camera: Samsung Galaxy S8+

Real tree with a bald eagle in its nest. Camera/Lens: Canon EOS R with Canon EF 300mm f/4L IS USM

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images along the salt marsh

December 20, 2024December 20, 2024Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Photographed in the late afternoon along the Amelia River, Crane Island, Florida.

Camera/Lens: Canon EOS R with Canon EF 300mm f/4L IS USM

In late autumn, the marsh grass becomes a sea of golden brown.

The salt marshes on and along Amelia Island are ablaze with autumn colors. Now that the heat and humidity of summer have passed, it’s a good time to explore the island’s natural beauty.

Thanks for stopping by, Chris

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New in my Camera Shop, just in time for holiday gift giving.

December 20, 2024December 20, 2024Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Here are just a few items in my Etsy camera shop from my collection of cameras and photo gear. Visit http://www.ccstudio2380.com to see these items in detail.