Rare State of the Union images of Reagan by Eastman Kodak – 1987

May 14, 2021May 14, 2021Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Until I was asked to sell these framed images by a client I never realized just how uncommon (rare?) pictures of the State of the Union were. Google it and you’ll find virtually nothing. They’ll be some screen grabs from C-Span and a stray shot here and there but these types of images (seen below) are just not there.

From a historical point of view, President Reagan addressing the 100th Joint Session of Congress was pretty significant as it marked a major milestone in our country’s history and the history of our style of government.

Vice-President George Bush (left) and Speaker of the House Jim Wright sit behind Reagan.

Some background as it was passed on to me by my client. These images were photographed by professional Kodak photographers who were given exclusive access to document the address to Congress on that historic night. The Kodak photogs worked out of the Georgetown offices of Kodak during the 1980s. Only a few of these special edition images were ever produced (I believe only six) and none were released to the public or press. This special set was presented to and owned by a now-retired Kodak executive that worked at the White House during the Reagan and Bush administrations. These are original color prints made from the negatives as I understand it, the negatives were given to the White House historian.

If you’d like to own this framed 26 x 22 inch pop on over to my Etsy camera shop and I’ll put something together for you.

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.

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Like a Leica, or better? Nicca

May 14, 2021May 14, 2021Chris and Carol Leave a comment

My good friend Paul Sokk has authored one of the most comprehensive sites dedicated to all things (I mean all things) related to and about Yashica twin-lens reflex cameras you’ll ever see. As if cracking Yashica’s history wasn’t enough, Paul then went on to research pretty much everything there is to know about Nicca and the cameras they made and their contribution to Yashica and their development of the Yashica Pentamatic.

All decked-out with its 28mm W-Nikkor lens and matching viewfinder.

I could go on and on about Paul’s site or just give you the link – it will be well worth a visit and your time. http://www.yashicatlr.com/Nicca.html

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chasingacoffee

Zeiss Ikon Contax IIIa

May 13, 2021May 13, 2021Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Carl Zeiss Sonnar f/ 1.5 50mm lens shown here with a Zeiss Ikon slip-on lens hood (shade).

This lovely camera is from 1951 and features a built-in exposure meter.

Shown with the meter flap open for business. This image was taken with my Nikon D800 in my studio as a test shot – no post processing.

I haven’t had a chance to run a roll of film through this beauty yet. All levers, knobs, buttons, and dials are working as is the meter. My list of film test cameras is quite extensive so the likelihood that this one will see film anytime soon is slim, very slim.

A quick search on eBay shows a nice selection of these available in all sorts of condition and states of operation. A recent set with body, lens, and box went for $450 (similar to mine) in working condition. I would think around $350 to $400 is reasonable for a clean example and having the box is always nice and in this case worth the $50. I’d give the Contax IIIa a chase factor of 6 – they’re out there so finding one isn’t a problem but finding a 70-year-old camera in full functioning condition is the hard part. Expect some issues that may need to be addressed and of course without service (CLA) little guarantee of continued function. It does make an awesome display camera amongst my other 35mm rangefinders so it’s got that going for it.

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chasingacoffee

The Unremarkable Yashica FFT

May 12, 2021May 12, 2021Chris and Carol 1 Comment

The rather hard to chase down Yashica FFT – the last of its kind. I give this bugger a high chase factor of CF 9 not because it’s a sophisticated 35mm SLR with tons of features, it earns a CF 9 because Yashica just didn’t make a bunch of these things and when they were for sale I believe most of them stayed in Japan.

The serial number on this one is 41001738 (1974, October, and number 1,738 for that month up to that point).

HTF instruction booklet for a HTF camera.

No auto exposure or auto focus, no built-in power winder, and little to no style.

So what’s this gem’s claim to fame? It was the last m42 screw mount lens body in the Yashica family. Big deal. Something’s got to be last and this guy was it.

Yashica m42 lens mount bodies began in the Spring of 1961 and ended (maybe with this one) in the Autumn of 1974. Along the way such classics as the TL Electro X was made which was one of the first SLR’s with an IC “brain”.

I’ll test and review this camera soon (I know, you’ve heard that before!). BTW, I have no earthly idea what ‘FFT’ stands for if anything. Any ideas?

Uncluttered and unremarkable top plate. Simple.

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chasingacoffee

Picture Perfect Polaroid

May 12, 2021May 12, 2021Chris and Carol Leave a comment

I’ve always had a soft spot for sharp looking Polaroids and this one fit the bill perfectly.

Polaroid Land Model 350. The Zeiss Ikon designed rangefinder was a nice feature.

The release price was around $150 which in 1971 (the year I graduated from high school) was a ton of money.

A 3 element glass lens (114mm f8.8) produced crisp images (as crisp as Polaroid film could go).

Beautiful case in better than expected condition given its age.

Made for only a short period of time (1969-1971) this model used Polaroid 100 Instant Packfilm. Here’s a little blurb about the future of Packfilm (https://support.polaroid.com/hc/en-us/articles/115012363267-Will-you-reintroduce-Polaroid-packfilm-).

This one was in our collection back in 2011 and has since moved on to another collector. If you can find a clean one for your collection I strongly suggest this model or the next one up, the 450. Chase factor 5 (easy to find but tough in mint condition).

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chasingacoffee

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chasingacoffee

wordless wednesday

May 12, 2021May 12, 2021Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Inside the belly of The Beast! – Sansui G9000

May 11, 2021May 11, 2021Chris and Carol 2 Comments

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Monday’s Camera – 1936 Hansa Canon

May 10, 2021May 10, 2021Chris and Carol Leave a comment

I wish! If it was the real camera, Canon’s first, it would be worth around ten thousand dollars in average working condition and well a lot more in mint condition. Instead this is a replica of that very first Canon made by Canon to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Canon (2012).

A 1:1.4 scale model (replica) of the original HANSA Canon 35mm rangefinder camera.

Like most of my collectibles this one is still unopened and un-played with.

BTW, the original lens was made by Nikon for Canon. See image below.

The real thing. This is what an original Hansa Canon looks like and it’s available online for around $17.5K on eBay **353374854594**

Since the real thing is beyond my and most people’s budgets, then this fine replica will just have to do. The HANSA Canon existed at the same time as the original 1930s Leicas. Which one was the better camera?

The replica is available in my camera shop.

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chasingacoffee

Our Uncle, Our Money

May 9, 2021May 9, 2021Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Is he laughing?

Just a little test now that I know how to do a video (maybe).

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Canon Snappy LX

May 9, 2021May 9, 2021Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Canon Snappy LX 35mm Film Camera – New in Unopened Box

The Canon Snappy LX is a fully automatic compact point and shoot film camera that’s simple to operate. It features a large bright viewfinder, built-in flash, and a fixed focus Canon 35mm f/4.5 lens (3 elements/3 groups). The lens cover release acts as an on/off switch, and the built-in flash allows for day and night-time photography, capturing clear photos with good color rendition. Uses (2) AA batteries (not included). Takes standard color negative and slide film capable of 24 or 36 exposures. Automatic film advance and automatic rewinding. DX coded for automatic setting of film speeds. It’s rare to find an unopened film camera from this period so it’s a perfect addition to your collection. I’ll mail it via USPS Priority Mail with tracking and insurance FOR FREE in the USA!

$65.00

Here’s a chance to buy this still new in its original factory box Canon camera directly from my blog at a great price over my Etsy camera shop. PayPal is a secure way to get exactly what you want without a bunch of fees or hassle. I’ll mail this virtually worldwide but please contact me for a shipping quote for purchases outside the US. Thanks a bunch! – Chris

Chasing Classic Cameras with Chris

Yashica cameras and so much more!

Month May 2021

Rare State of the Union images of Reagan by Eastman Kodak – 1987

Like a Leica, or better? Nicca

Zeiss Ikon Contax IIIa

The Unremarkable Yashica FFT

Picture Perfect Polaroid

wordless wednesday

Inside the belly of The Beast! – Sansui G9000

Monday’s Camera – 1936 Hansa Canon

Our Uncle, Our Money

Canon Snappy LX