Hansa Self-Timer from the 1950s and its relationship with Canon

April 30, 2021April 30, 2021Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Before built-in self-timers were available on cameras there had to be a way to remotely trigger the shutter so that the photographer could get into the picture or to prevent camera shake when shooting at slow shutter speeds. That’s where this little gizmo came in (and dozens more like it).

They’re very popular with classic camera collectors and this gem sold within 24 hours of listing it in my camera shop (www.ccstudio2380.com).

More than likely only a few manufacturers made these things for other companies and collecting all of the different models and versions can be a whole fun branch of camera collecting.

They simply screwed into the shutter button just like a cable release and with the action of a mechanical timer would fire the shutter. Usually anywhere from 5 to 10 seconds or just enough time to get in the shot.

Hansa refers to the Omiya Photo Supply Company. Please see http://camera-wiki.org/wiki/%C5%8Cmiya

Interestingly back in 1936 the first Canon camera made after their name change from “Kwanon” had the word “Hansa” engraved on the top of the camera and that camera is commonly referred to as the “Hansa Canon”. To my eye the way Hansa is written on the case of this timer is the same as Hansa was engraved on the Canon. The “H” and “A” being slightly modified by the 1950s. Certainly the “S” is spot on. For more about this bit of interesting Canon history please visit https://www.canonrangefinder.org/Canon_Hansa.htm

So if you’re looking to collect something different from the 1950s and it’s related to photo gear, then these self-timers can provide hours of fun searching and researching. Heck, I’ve seen the Hansa timer in about every color case you can imagine from this striking green to blue, and yellow!

By the way, the little “Hc” in the circle just may relate back to “Hansa Canon”. Something to think about.

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, are the property of this blog and its owner, Yashica Pentamatic Fanatic, Yashica Sailor Boy, Yashica Chris, Chasing Classic Cameras with Chris.

Chasing a Classic from Yashica – Yashica Flex AS-II

April 25, 2021April 25, 2021Chris and Carol Leave a comment

I first spotted this lovely camera on Etsy way back in November 2020. At that time the seller was in a bit of a funk and we couldn’t put a deal together. Now after four short months of watching it sit I made an offer and they accepted. Yeah! Chasing classic cameras is as much of a hunt as it is a waiting game.

This TLR was made by Yashima Kogaku Seiki Company, Ltd. (later Yashica) around November 1954 based on its early serial number.

The selenium cells are located behind the nameplate flap.

Flap in the open position. The cells inside sent a small electric current to the built-in exposure which is mounted on the left side of the camera.

A close-up view of the exposure meter which was made by Sekonic (Seiko Electric Instruments Industry, Company).

The lens on the bottom is called the taking lens and the one on top is the viewing lens. Both lenses were made by Tomioka Optical for Yashima. The shutter was made by Copal and as I mentioned earlier, the exposure meter was made by Sekonic.

A view inside the film chamber shows the serial number – No.31147. The serial number in the first edition of the user’s guide is 30126 and another AS-II that I own is 30302. BTW, there was a roll of unexposed Kodak film inside as a nice bonus.

My first and earliest AS-II showing the lowest serial number found in the wild. Take notice of the “Made in Japan”.

If you would like to know more about Yashica’s earliest days then my good friend Paul Sokk’s site is the place you want to go – you can find Paul’s site at http://www.yashicatlr.com

Back to the chase. I wanted this AS-II but the seller didn’t offer much information about its overall condition or whether it even worked. It was listed with the complete contents of an old leather camera case so there were lots of goodies inside along with the camera. Sometimes you’ve got to follow your instincts and go for it. A lack of info can add some excitement to the chase! The camera also had it’s original case which was sort of welded to the camera. The case even left some of its green crud behind as you may be able to see on the exposure meter housing.

Bonus! A roll of unexposed Kodak Verichrome Pan (VP-120) film inside.

Happy SUNday!

April 25, 2021April 25, 2021Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Ready for Spring to spring!

Camera – Fujifilm FinePix JX250 (from 2010).

beads in a box

April 24, 2021April 24, 2021Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Camera Fujifilm FinePix S9900W

Yashima Flex TLR – 1954

April 24, 2021April 24, 2021Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Made by Yashima which later changed its name to Yashica. This is one of the earliest TLRs made by them and this one is in mint condition inside and out.

The lenses were made for Yashima by Tomioka Optical which would later be acquired by Yashica.

A beautiful machine from another time – made by the talented craftspeople in Nagano Prefecture (on the shores of Lake Suwa). It’s getting close to celebrating its 70th anniversary.

This gem was worth chasing all the way to Japan. I was very lucky to buy this directly from the original collector.

Goody Box!

April 22, 2021April 22, 2021Chris and Carol Leave a comment

My rather large mail box in front of my home. Lots of cool stuff comes in and lots of great stuff heads out. It’s a wonderful thing.

Test shot with my new Fujifilm FinePix JX250 ultra-compact digital camera. It features a super-sharp Fujinon f3.6 5X Zoom lens (5-25mm) and a useful 14 megapixels. No post production except for a tiny crop.

Wide-angle shot with my Fuji… super-sharp details and accurate auto exposure in a tricky lighting situation. No post production.

Ferns in a pot. OK exposure in a tough backlighting situation.

I’ll have more about this interesting point and shoot digital camera from Fujifilm soon.

Earth Day 2021

April 22, 2021April 22, 2021Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Happy Earth Day! Be safe, respect the Earth and one another.

Disney Stuff

April 22, 2021April 22, 2021Chris and Carol 2 Comments

From the Whispering Canyon Cafe in the Wilderness Lodge Resort at Walt Disney World… a menu.

One of our favorite places to eat while staying at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort. The kids (and us) always had a great time while there. Lots of great food and a fun “floor show” put on by the servers and guests.

wordless wednesday

April 21, 2021April 21, 2021Chris and Carol Leave a comment

New items in my camera shop for April 21, 2021

April 21, 2021April 21, 2021Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Hello all… I’ve been busy adding new items for sale in my online camera shop, CC Design Studios, which can be found at http://www.ccstudio2380.com

I’m offering a very nice 10% discount on almost everything in the shop plus some with free shipping! I have many more items not pictured in my collection so if there’s a particular camera or lens that you’re looking for I just may have it. You can contact me here or at ccphotographyai@gmail.com – Chris

Chasing Classic Cameras with Chris

Yashica cameras and so much more!

Month April 2021