Loving the capabilities of the stylish Buroni S2, and not being able to justify an EC-TL (or heaven forbid, that Leyland Bus of 6x6s, the RB67), when looking for a reasonable MF portrait camera I was left with a few viable choices.
Options had to be metered, as juggling a meter in the field was becoming increasingly tiring as I approached my mid-30s. Dropping my Seikonic in the dirt when changing film on my last portrait shoot was the final stick in the
yakitori jar.
1985 Yachicamat 124G.Enter the Yashica Mat. The 124G (named I assume for its 12-frame 120, or 24-frame 220 capability), and `G` of course for its solid gold chassis. The all-black finish too suited my black skivvie wearing, tortured ex-Melbourne artist look.
Why a TLR? Asking strangers for a street portrait results in a very different pose than a more conventional camera. Also, while putting the eye to a viewfinder is common, in using a waist-finder in the street passers-by rarely notice.
Go-fujin. TCN400.This Black Mat meters just fine with a 1.5V alkaline, maybe a half-stop off, so unless I'm shooting Fortia it has no need for a 1.35V mercury adapter thingy. Regardless, the meter`s match needle operation allows easy corrections with brain engaged.
Nihonbashi. Expired x-pro VC100.
A man ranting about the French demanded I take his photograph. TCN400.I like this camera!
A man who told me he tended the sento fires for over 25 years. Expired Fuji 400 color.Next month: The Franken-Pack. Have fun.
