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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The ‘Yashica Pentamatic Fanatic’ is now ‘Chasing Classic Cameras with Chris’

April 7, 2021April 7, 2021Chris and Carol 4 Comments

Hi all!

It’s time for a change here on the blog. When I first starting blogging back in 2015 my goal was to consolidate everything I had discovered about one of Yashica’s least known 35mm SLR cameras, the Yashica Pentamatic.

The Pentamatic family of cameras were not often seen in the resale online platforms and quite frankly little was known about them (Pentamatic, Pentamatic II, and Pentamatic S). Now it’s time to rename the site to reflect a much broader range of cameras – mostly classic cameras and a few what I call ‘Modern Classics’ (even first generation digital cameras).

While I want to mainly focus on older film cameras I do enjoy the last run of modern film cameras from the late 1980s all the way up to the middle 2000s when the last 35mm film cameras for the most part were no longer being produced. I have found that I also enjoy collecting the early digital cameras from Sony, Canon, Nikon, and Fujifilm just to name a few. Some of the 3 to 8 megapixel cameras can be fun to use as they still produce better than expected image quality and some of the early Sony’s had excellent Carl Zeiss zoom lenses.

So, I’m still the ‘Yashica Sailor Boy’ and I’ll still mainly feature Yashica and Kyocera cameras with the Pentamatic still being my favorite, I’ll also document the other awesome cameras that I’ve had the pleasure to own and use over the years.

Chasing Classic Cameras – another Nikon N75 / U2

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

The Nikon N75 / U2 was one of the last 35mm AF SLR film cameras made by Nikon. U2 for the Japanese market, N75 in the United States, and F75 elsewhere. It’s a rather sophisticated camera with a host of useful and cool features, even full on manual.

To me the black body looks sexy and the silver one looks kind of pewter or champagne silver (if that’s even a color).

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.

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 with Chris

Yashica cameras and so much more!

Category Chasing Classic Cameras

Tuesday’s Camera – Yashica A Twin-lens Reflex

Monday’s Camera – Asahi Pentax H2

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

Chasing a Classic from Yashica – Yashica Flex AS-II

The ‘Yashica Pentamatic Fanatic’ is now ‘Chasing Classic Cameras with Chris’

Chasing Classic Cameras – another Nikon N75 / U2

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