Looking through vintage glass – fun with classic lenses.

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

Maidenhair ferns at f2.8 – soft non-distracting background

This stunning image (above) was taken through a lens that was made in Japan in the 1950s. What I love about using these well-cared for bits of photographic history is that they produce a level of clarity and sharpness but without the razor sharp and sometimes unnatural look you get with today’s best digital cameras and modern lenses. In my opinion, vintage glass mounted on a mirrorless digital camera is the best of both worlds.

Japanese garden lantern shot at around f8 – nearly perfect focus of the entire roof

Azalea blossoms shot at about one meter at f4 – soft circular highlights and gorgeous bokeh

Shot at 135mm at f5.6 – here the background is not pleasing as the sky is bright blue and cloudless – see image below

Nice separation and spot on focus of the top of the flagpole – 135mm at f8

Fujifilm X-A10 digital mirrorless camera with Fotodiox M42-FX adapter. The T-mount is changeable and in this case I’ve mounted an M42 screw-in adapter. M42 bodies are typically found on older Yashica, Pentax, Fujica, and many other 35mm SLR cameras.

Let me introduce the star of this post. A wonderful 135mm short telephoto lens made by Sankor for Spiratone. It’s a fast f2.8 lens of a sonnar design with multi-coated surfaces (Tc).

If you own or have been thinking of purchasing a digital mirrorless camera then definitely look into shooting with these classic lenses. I think you’ll find its an interesting diversion from the world of autofocus (and image stabilized) modern lenses. It tends to slow you down and makes you appreciate the photographic process.

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to stop by my shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com – Chris

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 – Yashica TL Electro X 1973 Hong Kong Model

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

We enjoy collecting and sharing our Yashica cameras with our readers, especially if they tend to be a little hard to find and in such outstanding condition. I say this is hard to find just because not many were made at Yashica’s new factory in Hong Kong during 1973. As the saying goes, this was assembled in Hong Kong from parts made in Japan.

There’s really no difference between the models assembled in Hong Kong from the ones made in Japan that we’ve been able to detect. In our experience the fit and finish is the same with no known issues particular to the HK model. In fact, the HK models that we’ve owned seem to be in excellent condition overall with exceptionally nice satin chrome surfaces that hold up well over the years.

Typically ‘JAPAN’ would be on the top plate next to the serial number but on these models ‘HONG KONG’ is on the bottom.

The serial number is easy to decode. 3 = 1973, 10 = Oct, 01219 = the number built up to this point for that month.

The lens on this beauty is a fast and sharp Auto Yashinon DS-M 50mm f1.4 made for Yashica by the recently acquired Tomioka Optical. All Yashica camera bodies use M42 screw mount lenses up to the C/Y mount cameras made much later.

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to stop by my shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com – Chris

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.

Modern Classic? – Fuji Panorama Cardia

March 2, 2021March 2, 2021Chris and Carol Leave a comment

How can a plastic fantastic from the 1990s be a modern classic? Well for one, to still find one of these 35mm film cameras still unused in its original box is getting harder and harder to find.

For more please visit my previous post https://yashicasailorboy.com/2019/05/

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to stop by my shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com – Chris

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 – Canon EOS Rebel G

February 2, 2021February 2, 2021Chris and Carol Leave a comment

A very simple 35mm SLR camera with outstanding features that hold up well even today. The EOS Rebel G was released in late 1996 featuring the latest in Canon’s autofocus and auto exposure technologies. The Cano EOS cameras also used Canon’s well respected EF family of lenses which could be switched to manual focus in an instant. I’ve always found these cameras to provide excellent results without the crazy weight of a more traditional SLR. I also have the Canon EOS Rebel 2000 that immediately followed the Rebel G in late 1999.

I believe that the Canon EOS Rebel G and EOS Rebel 2000 are underrated cameras in today’s marketplace. If you can find one-owner, gently used cameras and matching lenses they make great 35mm film cameras that are perfect for the beginner and the seasoned film photographer.

Here’s an interesting link from Canon – https://global.canon/en/c-museum/product/film190.html

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to stop by my shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com – Chris

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 2020

January 2, 2021January 2, 2021Chris and Carol 2 Comments

2020 was a pretty dynamic year as far as our camera collection was concerned. Lots of outgoing cameras and lenses and a few (well more than a few) additions. Here’s my top 6 new members of the hoard.

An eclectic mix of cameras presented in no particular order.

Canon EOS-1N RS. The Superman of Canon’s 35mm SLR film cameras. This one is from about 1998. The high-speed motor drive is built-in and at its fastest its capable of shooting 10 fps! Here it has a gorgeous Canon EF AF 50mm f1.4 USM lens mounted.

Zeiss Ikon Contax IIIa from 1951 is a 35mm interchangeable lens rangefinder film camera. A fully operational Contax IIIa from early 1951. Here it’s pictured with the exposure meter flap in the closed position. The Carl Zeiss Sonnar f/1.5 50mm lens is in excellent condition as is the camera. Even the exposure meter is working!

The last in the long line of Leica L39 (LSM) interchangeable lens rangefinder cameras. This is the famous Leica IIIg with the Leicavit winder attached. The lens is a wonderful and sharp Ernst Leitz Summaron f3.5 35mm wide-angle lens.

I didn’t need to add this full-frame monster to my collection but when the opportunity came along to own it I couldn’t pass. At 36 MP it will laser etch your eyes with it’s resolution. Here it’s got a sharp AF Nikkor 50mm f1.4 lens. The only downside to this camera is no built-in image stabilization so you need a tripod (at least I do) for any shot with a lens over 135mm.

My favorite Yashica hands down. This classic 35mm SLR film camera is in mint condition and came with its original box. From May 1970.

Yashica-Nicca YF – August 1959. Mated with a sharp Yashinon f1.8 5cm lens. This Yashica is a 35mm interchangeable lens film camera that uses L39 (LSM) lenses.

Believe it or not but there’s a few more not listed here. I’ll blog about those soon. There were many more outgoing cameras in our collection in 2020 which is always a good thing. You can’t keep them all.

Thanks for stopping by and a big thanks to all of my new followers that joined the blog in 2020. Also a very big thanks to all of my followers since day one back in 2015. I couldn’t have ever imagined over 700 followers in my wildest dreams. Thanks!!! – Chris

Be sure to stop by my camera shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com

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.

Saturday Spotlight – My favorite RF

December 19, 2020December 19, 2020Chris and Carol 1 Comment

Whenever I reminisce about classic cameras from the 1950s it’s hard not to think of this Nicca camera inspired by the iconic Leica 35mm rangefinder (RF).

By today’s standards there’s nothing easy about using a camera from this era. Some of the “negatives” – manual focusing using a rangefinder (not thru the lens like an SLR), manual exposure and shutter speed settings, difficult film loading, and lots of add-ons just to be able to shoot with a wide angle or telephoto lens to name just a few. The positives – this is considered to be a miniature camera (compared to other film cameras), interchangeable lenses, rugged construction, excellent lens choices, and portability. I like this camera because it just feels right cradled in your hand.

Tiny 2.8cm (28mm) wide angle lens made by Nippon Kogaku (Nikkor-Nikon).

Optical viewfinder that provided the correct angle of view of the 2.8cm lens.

Nippon Kogaku W-Nikkor.C f3.5 2.8cm lens.

Optical viewfinder mounted on the Nicca’s accessory shoe.

If you want to experience film photography in its purest form then check out one of these amazing machines from the 1950s. Leica, Nicca, Yashica, Canon, Nikon, Leotax, and dozens more.

Totally random here but I wanted to give a shout out to my friend Peggy’s WordPress site at https://cameragocamera.com/ It’s a lot of fun to visit and she’s tested nearly every camera on the planet (almost) nearly every camera. Pop on over for a read and be sure to click follow while you’re there.

Thanks for stopping by and have a safe and beautiful day! – Chris

Be sure to stop by my camera shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com

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.

Canon EOS-1N RS Box

December 17, 2020December 17, 2020Chris and Carol Leave a comment

I know, this isn’t an exciting topic but when you collect classic cameras some of the fun is finding them with their original boxes too.

Here’s the outer box for the Canon EOS-1N Rs from about 1995.

And here’s a few boxes from a few years ago that I thought I had lost the SD card that they were on.

Canon AE-1 Program from 1982 (for the 1984 Olympics)

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day! – Chris

Be sure to stop by my camera shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com

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.

Canon EOS-1N RS

December 11, 2020December 11, 2020Chris and Carol 2 Comments

A classic from Canon released in 1995.

One of the last 35mm SLR film cameras made by Canon. Their was another model, an update of this one released in 2000. What made the EOS-1N RS so special is its ability to accurately take up to 10 fps and still keep autofocus and auto exposure. It has a fixed, semi-transparent pellicle mirror.

Thanks for stopping by and have a fantastic Friday! – Chris

Be sure to stop by my camera shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com

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.

High-Speed Film Eaters from Canon

December 10, 2020December 10, 2020Chris and Carol Leave a comment

The original Canon F-1 35mm SLR film camera was capable of up to 3.5 frames per second (fps) when mated with the Canon Motor Drive MF (shown below left). My F-1 is from 1978 and at that time I didn’t purchase the motor drive. The drive was added within the last 5 or so years. The Canon EOS-1N RS (lower right) is the latest addition to my Canon collection and although I haven’t run a roll of film through it yet I have no reason to doubt that it’s fully operational.

The motor drive on the F-1 is removable thereby saving the extra weight of carrying it around when its not needed. The motor drive on the EOS-1N RS is built-in so there’s no option to save a bit of weight. The EOS weighs in at 1,476 grams which is 3 lbs 4 oz with batteries installed (8 AA) but without film and without a lens.

The Canon EOS-1N RS in all its glory. With its fixed, semi-transparent pellicle mirror the RS is capable of shooting film at up to 10 fps! A fun way to eat through a roll of 36 exposures in under 4 seconds!

Since the pellicle mirror doesn’t move when shooting the 10 fps with quick and accurate autofocus and auto exposure can be achieved. I can’t imagine ever holding the shutter button down to eat up 10 exposures in a second but who knows, it’s nice to think that I’ll someday use it if needed.

The two cameras are about the same width and height but they differ greatly in bulk.

I’m still up in the air as to which EF AF lens I want to get. I do know that as I’ve aged my ability to hold a steady shot has diminished so the lens will have to have image stabilization.

Canon’s EF 24–105mm f/3.5–5.6 IS STM lens is at the top of my wishlist as it falls within what most people would call the normal range for 35mm photography.

$599.99 new. I’ll have to save up a bit to get this one.

Thanks for stopping by. I would recommend looking at the Canon EOS-1N RS or Canon EOS-1V which is a bit newer ( I think 2000). I would say that these cameras represent the best (most sophisticated) film cameras that Canon made just before going digital. The good news is that the EOS-1N RS is not all that expensive via online auction sites, in fact it’s quite a bit less expensive than the EOS-1V which in some cases goes for double the cost of the RS. Have a great day and if you own this camera please drop me a comment about what your impression with the camera has been. – Chris

Be sure to stop by my camera shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com

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 -Nikon U2 – end of the line Nikon 35mm SLR

November 23, 2020November 23, 2020Chris and Carol 2 Comments

Also known as the Nikon N75 in North America and the F75 everywhere else outside of Japan. It’s a sophisticated autofocus and auto exposure 35mm film camera that uses almost all of Nikon’s F mount lenses.

Original list price in 2003. It’s actually a very expensive film camera in it’s day. At about 110 JPY to USD puts it in the high $500 range.

This particular camera had the date time display option so technically it would be the Nikon U2 QD.

I’ll have this wonderful available in my camera shop very soon. You can visit my shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com

Here’s a fun little contest brochure that was included with my camera.

Thanks for stopping by! – Chris

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

Yashica cameras and so much more!

Category Chasing Classic Cameras

Looking through vintage glass – fun with classic lenses.

Chasing Classic Cameras – Yashica TL Electro X 1973 Hong Kong Model

Modern Classic? – Fuji Panorama Cardia

Chasing Classic Cameras – Canon EOS Rebel G

Chasing Classic Cameras 2020

Saturday Spotlight – My favorite RF

Canon EOS-1N RS Box

Canon EOS-1N RS

High-Speed Film Eaters from Canon

Chasing Classic Cameras -Nikon U2 – end of the line Nikon 35mm SLR