Using a Twin Lens Reflex camera is a different experience.

Firstly, everything in the viewer is backwards. So when you move one way to adjust the shot your camera moves in the opposite direction. Takes some getting used to. Secondly, rather than staring straight at the subject you stare down into the camera for the view.  The perspective of the resulting shot is from a lower stance, because instead of being at eye level it's more like tummy level.  TLRs take photography and - for those who have grown up using regular analog or digital cameras - changes the dynamic completely.  It makes a person work hard to get the shot, because the set up is not as simple as lifting a camera to the eye and snapping away.  But the results are usually worth it, because lenses are often nice and clear.  In an era when someone will level a digital SLR and shoot off 50 pictures of Johnny, the TLR stands as a deliberate one-shot machine.

This Yashica 44 LM has family history.

It belonged to my in-laws, who took many pictures with it during the 1960s. The LM stands for its integrated Light Meter.  The meter displays in numbers 1 through 10, with 10 being the most light.  Using a dial on the side that is first set to the ISO speed, I line up a mark with whatever number shows in light meter to determine what shutter and aperture setting it recommends.  Pretty simple actually, once it's done a couple of times.  

The 44 uses 127 film, which is sized smaller than standard 120 medium format film, and bigger than 35mm.  127 is considered obsolete because most manufacturers have discontinued it, but it is still available from a few sources - especially from Efke black & white from Eastern Europe.  I just loaded the 44 LM with a roll of Bluefire Murano 160 color film, which I got from Blue Moon am told is similar to Kodak Portra.  This is the first roll of film this thing has seen in over 40 years.

I'm going to enjoy this!

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About the Yashica 44: On Camerapedia

About 127 Film: On Wikipedia

About Twin Lens Reflex cameras: On Wikipedia

Blue Moon Camera: In Portland OR