New Canon Page from Paul Sokk

May 20, 2023Chris and Carol 4 Comments

My good friend Paul Sokk from Australia has done it again! He’s uploaded an amazing and detailed history of Canon rangefinder cameras that’s second to none.

You can check it out at http://leica-copies-japan.com/Canon.html

Thanks for stopping by, Chris

Canon F-1 from 1978

May 11, 2023May 11, 2023Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Here is my original F-1 from 1978 purchased new at the Navy Exchange in Yokohama, Japan. I later added the Motor Drive MF and the Canon FD 55mm f1.2 lens.

Photographed – Fujifilm X-T2 with Fujinon XF 18-55mm f2.8-4 R LM OIS zoom lens at f10, 1/8 at ISO 800

Lighting – Single 4-foot LED set at 4000K placed directly overhead.

Thanks for stopping by, Chris

Follow me on Instagram at @ccphotographyai

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, is this blog’s property and its owner, Yashica Pentamatic Fanatic, Yashica Sailor Boy, Yashica Chris, Chasing Classic Cameras with Chris.

Another Nikon ‘Plastic Fantastic’ – One Touch 200

May 9, 2023May 9, 2023Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Chasing Classic Cameras with Chris –
Another neat Nikon from my collection. The Nikon One Touch 200 is a plastic fantastic from 1991 with a sharp Nikon 35mm lens and smart flash capabilities. It focuses from 2.1 feet to infinity (and beyond). This one is still new in the box and one of the last Nikons of this type to be ‘Made in Japan’. It’s available in my online camera shop CC Design Studios at www.ccstudio2380.com

The Nikon One Touch 200 features a sharp glass Nikon 35mm f3.5 lens (3 elements/3 groups).

It’s not often that you can still find a new camera from 1991.

I have a few other Nikons from my collection in my shop right now – check them out at http://www.ccstudio2380.com

Nikon N6006 35mm SLR with AF Nikkor zoom lens.

Nikon One Touch Zoom 90 35mm compact point & shoot with a sharp zoom lens.

Nikon One Touch 100 35mm point & shoot camera set.

Thanks for stopping by, Chris

Follow me on Instagram at @ccphotographyai

Yashica LM – 1957

May 5, 2023May 5, 2023Chris and Carol Leave a comment

An old favorite of mine. This one was made by the good folks at the Yashima factory in Shimosuwa, Nagano Prefecture, Japan in about mid-1957. The serial number, 119xxx puts it in the early first stages after a slight upgrade to the original design from late 1956. This one has a built-in exposure meter on the camera’s left side and the “light gathering window” is located under the nameplate. The shutter and focus are spot on and the meter appears accurate.

These images were taken using my new overhead studio light and my Fujifilm X-T2. Simple setup with excellent results. Thanks for stopping by, Chris

Follow me on Instagram at @ccphotographyai

Not always as they appear…

April 16, 2023April 16, 2023Chris and Carol 3 Comments

I recently took delivery of what appeared to be a well-kept Canon A-1 35mm SLR from 1983. It was reported by the seller as in good condition but untested. The lens was specifically listed as clean and clear. As you can see from the pictures the lens is far from “clean and clear”.

It looks great and from my experience with this model when they look this good they generally have no issues.

Canon NFD 50mm f1.8 lens as seen from behind. BTW, the date code (Y1116) to the right of the red dot indicates that this lens was made in November 1984.

Opening the aperture blades to f1.8 and shining a bright LED light reveals the hidden issues with the lens – haze and overall edge cloudiness.

I knew the camera was untested (I asked the seller and they said that they didn’t have a battery) so I knew that going in. BTW, the 6v A544 batteries that power the A-1 are quite common and available in stores and online. After checking out the camera with a fresh battery I discovered that the light meter display wasn’t working. The shutter speeds sounded accurate but without knowing if the meter was responding I wouldn’t have been able to trust the camera in full auto mode. The camera also had the infamous Canon “squeal” that happens whenever the mirror assembly’s lubrication dries out over time and from sitting unused for long periods. The squeal is not caused by the shutter as some people believe.

Obviously looks can and often are deceiving and in this case, I could have taken a hit. Fortunately, I was able to return the camera. At this moment I’m waiting to receive my refund.

Thanks for stopping by, Chris

Follow me on Instagram at @ccphotographyai

Happy SUNday! – Mamiya TLRs

April 16, 2023April 16, 2023Chris and Carol Leave a comment

A few snips from a Mamiya brochure dated June 1985. If you’ve ever considered getting into medium-format photography then I highly recommend checking out the cameras offered by Mamiya – my personal favorite is the Mamiya C33.

Although I’m a big fan of Yashica’s TLRs they lack the one thing that the Mamiyas can do – interchangeable lenses!

The C220 is the slightly less expensive cousin to the very capable C330.

Great shot! So 1980s! I love the Honda motorcycle thrown in for detail and depth.

Often the C220 can be found for far less than the C330 making it the better choice. However, a well-maintained Yashica EM or Yashica D can deliver medium-format photographers a better value over the bigger and generally more expensive Mamiyas.

My Mamiya C33. It’s built like a tank and weighs only slightly less (just kidding). Don’t overlook this model when chasing a solid medium-format (6×6 cm) film camera (also known as 2 1/4 x 2 1/4) that uses 120 roll films. This one was made in June 1969.

Shown with Mamiya-Sekor f3.5 105mm lenses. Seiko shutter up to 1/500th of a second. Unique bellows for a TLR, the 105mm lens had a close focus of about 16 inches with the bellows fully extended.

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

Follow me on Instagram at @ccphotographyai

Yashica TLR Advertisement – 1957

April 3, 2023April 3, 2023Chris and Carol Leave a comment

I enjoy finding ads that not only have great content but a date of publication too – throw in prices and it’s a winner!

Yashica-Mat and the Yashica Model LM plus all four models that were offered in late 1957.

Thanks for stopping by, Chris

Follow me on Instagram at @ccphotographyai

Yashica Electro-35 Advertisement

April 2, 2023April 2, 2023Chris and Carol Leave a comment

From around 1970. It’s an interesting ad since it used real people and not models – or were they?

The Electro-35 CC was released in 1970 so it’s possible this was when this ad was run.

It’s a great ad for the collection!

Thanks for stopping by, Chris

Follow me on Instagram at @ccphotographyai

Happy SUNday! – another super nice Canon AE-1 Program

March 12, 2023March 12, 2023Chris and Carol Leave a comment

They’ve always been a favorite of mine for their versatility, design, and functionality. The Canon AE-1 Program is an interesting A Series camera that’s kind of a Canon A-1 “Lite”. I’ve put together this wonderful set for you – a film-tested, super-clean AE-1 Program.

I’ve added another super nice Canon AE-1 Program camera to my shop. This one is from 1981. It’s been fully film tested, is as clean as new, and the Canon NFD 50mm f1.8 lens is clear, clean, and sharp. The Fujicolor film is fresh (10/2024), I’ve installed a new battery, and the instruction booklet is complete and in mint condition. It’s ready to shoot right out of the box – guaranteed. Check out my shop CC Design Studios at http://www.ccstudio2380.com
Thanks for stopping by, Chris

Follow me on Instagram at @ccphotographyai

Olympus OM-1 MD

February 28, 2023February 28, 2023Chris and Carol Leave a comment

They don’t get much more classic than this gem – Olympus OM-1 MD with F. Zuiko Auto-S 50mm f1.8 lens. Film tested and working perfectly. What a joy to use! It’s in my camera shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com
Thanks for stopping by, Chris