Happy SUNday!

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

Happy Sunday all! Here’s three classic Yashicas that are certainly worth the chase. The only one that I’d consider rare or hard to find is the pro-black body J-3.

The Yashica J-3 in black was never advertised as best as I’ve been able to find out after years of searching and for the most part flew under the radar in sales and marketing. Fewer than 2,000 were made (unofficial count) and few remain today in mint or near mint (working) condition. It was Yashica’s first black 35mm SLR until the TL Electro X in black came along in 1968. There were chrome versions of both cameras that sold alongside the black models. Conversely, the TL Electro X ITS (Integrated Technology System) was only available in black and featured the gold electron symbol on the pentaprism. BTW, the Yashica Sailor Boy advertising figurine pictured here is the taller 20 cm dealer model and no, he’s not naked.

Yashica’s advertising figurine, ‘Sailor Boy’ (1962).

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.

Camera & Photo Gear Sale

Buy me a coffee

Saturday’s Camera – Leica IIIg

May 8, 2021May 9, 2021Chris and Carol 2 Comments

The Leica IIIg is the last Leica Screw Mount body – 1956.

Stripped of its skin.

I have the new leatherette for my IIIg but as of yet I haven’t found the quiet time needed to install it. The camera and the Leicavit received a complete CLA from Mr. Ye so it’s good to go. In this case I’m chasing time.

Friday’s Camera – Mamiya M645

May 7, 2021May 7, 2021Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Certainly a classic worthy of a chase. Beautiful lines, excellent features, awesome accessories – oh, and a wide selection of quality Mamiya-Sekor lenses.

This is an early model of the M645 – probably 1975 or so.

Interchangeable lenses, backs, finders, focusing screens, winders and probably a few bits I overlooked.

If you’re looking to explore medium-format photography and you want a camera that can be as creative as you and be used like a 35mm SLR, then the M645 is the way to go. Look for clean and damage free examples that haven’t been beaten to near death by a professional wedding or studio photog (no offense to those pros but I wouldn’t want their cameras).

Thursday’s Camera – Yashica TL Super

May 6, 2021May 6, 2021Chris and Carol Leave a comment

A handsome no frills 35mm Single-Lens Reflex camera.

A camera worthy of a good chase – we were lucky enough to find this one complete with its original box back in 2016. Nice examples are out there but don’t rush into just any one you find. Remember, cameras this age will need some attention especially the light seals (an easy fix) and possibly a good cleaning. Avoid cameras with lots of external corrosion or pitting on the chrome finish and peeling leatherette. Signs of a moist environment which is death to older electronics.

This one we’re thinking is from about late 1967. It was first introduced in 1966.

It’s a beautiful camera… the silver paint from the factory is a bit smoother than later finishes which tend to be grainy.

Yashica’s first TTL metered SLR so it is an important camera in Yashica’s evolution to even more sophisticated 35mm SLRs in 1968. The next major camera in the line was the famous TL Electro X.

Made by Tomioka Optical, the super sharp 50mm f1.4 lens has a great reputation for producing quality images at all apertures.

The Yashica TL Super with a Auto Yashinon lens can be an affordable camera set to start your adventures in film photography. Look for clean and damage free bodies and always buy the best your budget will allow.

stacking boxes

May 6, 2021May 6, 2021Chris and Carol Leave a comment

July 2009, Atlanta, Georgia

Wednesday’s Camera – Yashica Pentamatic

May 5, 2021May 5, 2021Chris and Carol Leave a comment

The original Pentamatic 35 with a rare Tominon branded lens.

The Yashica Pentamatic is a very worthy camera to chase after. About 20K were made but since it wasn’t considered a collectors camera not many were saved in mint condition. The next camera was the Pentamatic II and it was only available for purchase in Japan. The final model was the Pentamatic S and only about 5K were made.

I’ve always loved the lines of the Pentamatic – so modern and uncluttered but so retro at the same time. BTW, there’s no self-timer on this model and the shutter button was mounted on the front – right where your pointer finger naturally wants to be.

wordless wednesday

May 4, 2021May 4, 2021Chris and Carol 2 Comments

Tuesday’s Camera – Yashica A Twin-lens Reflex

May 4, 2021May 4, 2021Chris and Carol Leave a comment

We love Yashicas here on the blog and I can’t tell you how many enjoyable hours have been spent chasing these classic beauties from the 1950s.

This one was made in 1962 and features Yashikor lenses (the bottom lens is the “taking lens” and the top lens is the “viewing lens”.

As simple as simple gets so you’re likely to find one of these in a fully functioning condition. Not much can go wrong with these unless they’ve been abused or stored improperly.

The focus knob is on the right and the film advance knob is on the left. Simple.

The little door on the back has a red plastic window under it so that you can see which exposure you’re on as you’re advancing the film. Simple.

An accessory shoe and the two film spool knobs.

Opening and closing the camera is done by this rather large knob on the bottom.

You’ll get 12 exposures from a roll of 120 roll film, either color negative, color transparencies, or black and white negatives in a large 6 x 6 cm (2 1/4 x 2 1/4″). BTW, that is the backside of the taking lens. If you look closely you can see the leaf shutter inside the lens.

What a deal! $29.95 and the leather case for 1/5th the cost.

One of the easiest instruction booklets to follow. The Yashica A was made for beginner photogs on a budget.

So there you have it, our pick of the day. If you’re looking to get into medium format film photography then give this Yashica model a try. Use my example as a guide as to what to look for when you’re looking at purchasing one for yourself. No corrosion, complete leatherette coverings, clean and clear lenses, and no missing parts. Good luck!

May I suggest a visit to my good friend Paul Sokk’s site at http://www.yashicatlr.com/66ModelsPage1.html for some of the best information you’ll find anywhere about all things Yashica, Nicca, Leotax, and more.

Monday’s Camera – Asahi Pentax H2

May 3, 2021May 3, 2021Chris and Carol 2 Comments

I like their simple lines and I think they look uncluttered without the clunky self-timer lever stuck on its face.

M42 screw-in lens mount so most of my Yashinon (Tomioka) lenses will fit but not always correctly. The same goes for my Fujinon lenses.

Happy Monday! As I was surfing through my archives of cameras that have long since departed and I came across this little gem – the Asahi Pentax H2. I’ve always been fond of these, I guess I just like their look and the solid feel in your hands. I haven’t had much luck with them over the years as I almost always end up with a stuck in the up position mirror or some other shutter or film advance issue. They’re quite old now so a good CLA would bring them back. Too late for that with this one as it was purged in a big sell off years ago.

If you’re looking for an interesting classic camera to chase the H2 is worth your time and energy. As with all older SLRs look for the best you can afford. It may not work but it will look good sitting around.

Happy SUNday! – Uncle Sam wants your money!

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

Uncle Sam cast iron mechanical bank. Reproduced from the original which has a patent of 1875. This one was made in the late 1950s to early 1960s. He is a genuine original copy.