The Minolta 35, a Leica re-imagined

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

I know that the camera brand Minolta conjures up many different images depending on which decade you experienced your first encounter with this popular brand. My good friend and fellow Yashica collector (sorry, we’re researchers) Paul Sokk from Australia has written one of the most comprehensive articles you’ll ever read about the early days of Minolta. I highly recommend you pop on over and give his latest post a good read. While you’re at it, be sure to check out his articles about Yashica, Nicca, and Leotax. Paul’s latest can be enjoyed at http://www.yashicatlr.com/Minolta35.html

Just a small sample from Paul’s site. Thanks for stopping by and have a great evening!

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.

Is this for your Leica?

September 8, 2021September 8, 2021Chris and Carol Leave a comment

How’s that for click bait? Seriously, I have something that just may go with your 1955 Leica M3.

Yep, an inspection tag for a 1955 Leica M3.

If you’re interested and would like to add this to your Leica collection I’ve listed it in my Etsy Camera Shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com

Thanks for stopping by!

Well worn traveler – Weston Master II

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

Weston Master II Universal Exposure Meter – 1945 to 1953, Model 735

Going strong although a little beat up and the finish is a bit rough.

Selenium cells still putting out power after all these years. The flap can be closed to cut down on the amount of light reaching the cells.

This wonderful meter was hiding out in a dark corner of an old leather camera bag that I was gifted recently by a neighbor. The cameras, lenses, and this meter all belonged to her father. I gave it a good cleaning (Q-tips dipped in a mixture of Windex and alcohol) and it looks like new (a stretch). It’s got plenty of character.

Thanks for stopping by and have a great evening!

Sears Super 8 Movie Camera

September 6, 2021September 6, 2021Chris and Carol 2 Comments

Late 1970s technology, plastic wood trim and all!

Why would you put fake woodgrain on a camera? Too funny but so 70s.

Takes Super 8 silent movie film cartridges.

It has a pretty good lens and features automatic exposure control with its TTL reflex design.

Made in Japan by Bell & Howell (B&H Model 2146 XL).

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day (no better yet, awesome day!)

Happy SUNday! – Argus C3 from 1955

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

The Argus C3 was produced with very little variations or upgrades between 1939 and 1966 with reportedly over two million sold. This one is the Color-Matic model and based on its serial number was likely made in 1955. Since its a basic 35mm film camera with no built-in light meter or electronic exposure control it requires no batteries to operate. With proper care and storage there’s little to go wrong or fail. The camera is affectionally known as “The Brick” due to its weight and lack of any ergonomic design. It features interchangeable lenses – here it’s fitted with a 50mm f3.5 Argus Coated Cintar lens.

I acquired this camera from the estate of a retired US Army Colonel along with some very nice early 1950s East German made lenses. This was the first camera the colonel purchased upon the completion of his assignment in West Germany. The Argus was proudly made in the US.

Here it’s pictured with an Argus flash designed specifically for use with the C3 (takes 2 C cell batteries).

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!

Ihagee-Exakta Vacublitz (Flashgun) 1950

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

Rare set and camera. Exakta Varex early model mid-1950.

Made in Soviet occupied East Germany (Dresden) in early 1950. It’s pretty rare to find one of these in such a good condition. I have it in my camera shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com