I picked up this Yashica twin-lens reflex camera a few years ago at an antique store at the end of a tour with my friend, Frances. I was so impressed by its perfect condition that I went for it! I think I paid ~$175 for it.
A few months ago I started thinking about how I'd never run a roll through it, and how I've never even shot medium format at all. I loved shooting film for years and years, but always bargain bin 35mm stuff. I used cameras I bought at the thrift store, and film I got for 10¢ a roll at a flea market. I think I always felt intimidated by medium format cameras, which is why this one probably sat unused for so long after I got it.
Anyway, when I did some googling I was really excited to find out this is a highly suggested beginner medium format camera. I bought the much beloved Portra 400 for the first time ever and a Sekonic L-358 Flash Master Light Meter.
I found the camera pretty easy to use overall. Looking at the mirrored image was a bigger adjustment for me than I'd thought it'd be! But the camera feels good in my hands, and I love seeing the image so big on the viewfinder. I'm excited to get more comfortable with it.
The first photo is of the camera, film, & light meter before I used it. The following photos are my favorites from my first roll through it! No editing, just a little cropping on a couple.
