Yashica's simple TLR — the Yashica-B, 6x6 on 120, waist-level finder, leaf shutter, 1958.
The Yashica-B was one of the simpler twin-lens reflex cameras in Yashica's 6x6 TLR range, sitting near the more basic end of the line. It offered the TLR format at an accessible price, following the layout established by earlier Rollei-style twin-lens cameras. It is a mid-century Japanese TLR now used as an affordable route into medium format.
This is a twin-lens reflex (TLR) exposing 6x6 frames on 120 roll film, with separate viewing and taking lenses on one front standard and a waist-level finder over ground glass. A leaf shutter sits in the front standard behind the taking lens, and film advance is by knob. As one of the simpler models it had a reduced feature set compared with the Yashica-D. Confirm the taking-lens make and shutter markings on the individual camera.
The Yashica-B suits portrait and general square-format work and is a common choice for students and beginners wanting a low-cost TLR. Its mechanical, uncomplicated design makes it easy to operate, though it offers fewer conveniences than the higher-specified models in the range.
For a used example, examine taking and viewing lenses for haze, fungus and separation, noting only the taking lens affects images. Check focus-knob smoothness, confirm the leaf shutter and aperture operate across speeds on the front standard, test the film-wind and counter, and assess ground-glass brightness for accurate composition.