Yashica 635 – shoot 6×6 cm and 35 mm all in one TLR

March 25, 2020March 25, 2020Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Back in 1958 (May-June) Yashica released or introduced the inventive model 635 twin-lens reflex (TLR) camera to the export markets. It would be a short while before the camera would make its debut in Japan.

The only film it couldn’t shoot was movie film!

This one is from one of the first batches of cameras made in June 1958. Its serial number puts it at the 231st made. It was purchased new by the original owner at the RAF Changi base in Singapore.

Close-up view of the 35 mm conversion kit that originally came with the camera.

A general idea of how to install the 35 mm film cartridge and kit.

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A gem from 1958.

As Carol and I continue to downsize our camera collection we’ve made this camera and kit available in our online camera shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com

If you’re looking to get into medium-format film photography and still want to use 35 mm film to make color transparencies (slides) this is a perfect combo camera to invest in.

Thanks for stopping by and feel free to hit us with an offer if you’re so inclined. Chris & Carol

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.

In the Shop – New this Week!

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

Hi all! I hope everyone is doing well and staying safe and happy. It’s best to keep your spirits up during these uncertain times. Here are some new items in the shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com

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There are lots of neat stuff in the shop so pop on over to http://www.ccstudio2380.com and check them out. Also, if there’s something you’ve been looking for please ask – we may have it and it’s just not listed yet.

Thanks a bunch! – Chris & Carol

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.

Yashica’s Electronic Marvel

March 14, 2020March 14, 2020Chris and Carol 2 Comments

The Yashica TL Electro X was one of Yashica’s most successful 35mm SLR out of a line-up that included many winners but also plenty of losers. The TL Electro X made its debut in the fall of 1968 (October) and was produced until early 1974. Many thousands were made over that span and although we have many examples in our collection, this is the only one that still has its original box.

This one is from May 1969.

The dealer display card states “World’s First SLR With IC Computer”. This example is fully functioning including the built-in electronic TTL exposure meter (TTL – Thru The Lens). I imagine that the ‘TL’ in the name relates to where the meter is located.

The Yashica TL Electro X is a fun camera to use and the metering system is easy to master. They’re readily available through online auction sites and clean, working examples can be found at comfortable prices. Caution is needed if the seller says they’re not sure if it works as the alkaline 6v battery (A544) is available for under $5 so there’s no reason not to test the camera and meter before listing it.

The Auto Yashinon-DX f/1.7 50mm lens that’s standard with most TL Electro X’s is plenty fast enough with medium speed film and I’ve always found it to be sharp enough at all apertures. The body takes M42 screw mount lenses of which there are still plenty to go around.

If you’re looking for a great camera to get into film photography than we highly recommend this model.

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to visit our camera shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com

Chris & Carol

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.

Fujica GW690 – A big shot from Fuji Photo Film Company

March 8, 2020March 8, 2020Chris and Carol Leave a comment

The Fujica GW690 6×9 Professional camera by Fuji Photo Film Company. Mine was made around 1978 and it’s still going strong today. It’s one of the most affordable (and plentiful) larger medium-format film cameras available.

The Fujica is a fixed-lens rangefinder that takes (6) D cell batteries – it could take 6 batteries as it’s big enough but there’s no built-in light meter and the shutter is mechanical so no need for batteries.

3 lbs 2 oz (1,1414 grams) without film.

This is a big, no crazy large camera with a super sharp EBC Fujinon 90mm f/3.5 lens. The lens is made up of 5 elements in 5 groups. The leaf-shutter is a Seiko #0 with B, 1-1/500.

Yashica TL Electro X ITS with a huge Tomioka 55mm f/1.2 and the ‘Beast’.

My TL Electro X ITS with its super-fast Tomioka 55mm f/1.2 lens is big and heavy but not Fujica heavy. The Yashica weighs in at 1,019 grams which is heavy enough. Size and weight do not make a camera great – the size of the negative and the quality of the optics are the foundation of true greatness and this camera delivers

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Direct scan of the 6x9cm negative. No post-production.

Direct scan of the 6x9cm negative. No post-production.

I’m very pleased with the camera and lens and I’m equally pleased with the Fujifilm Neopan 100 Acros black and white film. If you’re looking to get into the 6×9 format then I recommend you give the Fuji a try.

Thanks for stopping by! – Chris

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 EF – A Classic 35mm SLR

March 7, 2020March 8, 2020Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Canon EF 35mm SLR film camera from 1977. This one includes a super nice (and fast) Canon FD 50mm f/1.4 S.S.C. lens.

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This is one of our all-time favorite Canon cameras to use – the Canon EF 35mm SLR film camera. Also known as the ‘Black Beauty’ for its generous expanses of semi-gloss black paint. It’s a close cousin to the famous Canon F-1 (the original from 1971) with the exception of no removable prisms.

It’s available for purchase direct from our collection in our online shop at https://www.ccstudio2380.com

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.

Saturday Snaps – Canon F-1

March 7, 2020March 7, 2020Chris and Carol 3 Comments

Canon was the official 35mm camera of the 1984 Olympics held in Los Angeles.

Canon New F-1. A complete redesign of the original F-1 from 1971.

Beautiful camera.

A well used Canon F-1 on the left (just the right amount of brassing). The camera on the left has the eye-level finder and the one on the right has the AE finder.

And here’s another limited edition F-1 from 1978. Only about 2000 were made in this distinctive olive drab color with this super cool box, special strap and matching OD camera case. Also known as the Canon ODF-1. It appears that this version of the F-1 was only available for sale in Japan.

Image kindly borrowed from the web.

Have a wonderful day and thanks for stopping by! – Chris

http://www.ccstudio2380.com

In the Shop – New This Week!

March 2, 2020March 2, 2020Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Hi all! Here’s a look at what’s new in my camera shop this week – you’ll find my shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com

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You’ll find much more rare, unique, and hard to find camera and photogear at http://www.ccstudio2380.com

I ship almost worldwide and my shop is hosted by Etsy for safe and secure shopping. 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.

Happy SUNday! – Minolta Six

March 1, 2020March 1, 2020Chris and Carol 1 Comment

Minolta’s first 6×6 medium-format camera. The body is made almost entirely from Bakelite. 1936

Minolta Six side

Minolta Six top

Minolta six ad

It’s kinda hard to find a pre-war Minolta especially one that has a working shutter. What a lovely picture machine from another era. It’s available in my camera shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com

Have a beautiful day and as always, 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.

Yashica Pentamatic S – 1961

February 27, 2020February 27, 2020Chris and Carol 1 Comment

Yashica Pentamatic S with Auto Yashinon f/1.7 5.8cm lens made by Zunow (likely).

Pentamatic s with yulee

Pentamatic s body and lens

The Pentamatic S – the last 35mm SLR in the short-lived Pentamatic series. I believe that this rather odd lens was made by Zunow for Yashica and was sold exclusively on the Pentamatic II (Aug 1960 to Jan 1961). Here it’s pictured on the later model S. Most of the early Pentamatic bayonet mount lenses were made by Tomioka but a few were made by Kyoei Optical who was known for their Acall lenses.

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.

Happy SUNday! – Carol’s first Canon camera

February 23, 2020February 25, 2020Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Carol with her brand new Canon AE-1 – 1978

Just back from a trip to the Navy Exchange… Carol’s first 35 mm SLR and she’s all smiles!
Our on-base house in Yokohama, Naka-ku, Honmoku, Japan.

Thanks for stopping by! – Chris & Carol

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 Classic Film Cameras

Yashica 635 – shoot 6×6 cm and 35 mm all in one TLR

Back in 1958 (May-June) Yashica released or introduced the inventive model 635 twin-lens reflex (TLR) camera to the export markets. It would be a short while before the camera would make its debut in Japan.

In the Shop – New this Week!

Hi all! I hope everyone is doing well and staying safe and happy. It’s best to keep your spirits up during these uncertain times. Here are some new items in the shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com

Yashica’s Electronic Marvel

Fujica GW690 – A big shot from Fuji Photo Film Company

The Fujica GW690 6×9 Professional camera by Fuji Photo Film Company. Mine was made around 1978 and it’s still going strong today. It’s one of the most affordable (and plentiful) larger medium-format film cameras available.

Canon EF – A Classic 35mm SLR

Canon EF 35mm SLR film camera from 1977. This one includes a super nice (and fast) Canon FD 50mm f/1.4 S.S.C. lens.

Saturday Snaps – Canon F-1

Canon was the official 35mm camera of the 1984 Olympics held in Los Angeles.

In the Shop – New This Week!

Hi all! Here’s a look at what’s new in my camera shop this week – you’ll find my shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com

Happy SUNday! – Minolta Six

Minolta’s first 6×6 medium-format camera. The body is made almost entirely from Bakelite. 1936

Yashica Pentamatic S – 1961

Yashica Pentamatic S with Auto Yashinon f/1.7 5.8cm lens made by Zunow (likely).

Happy SUNday! – Carol’s first Canon camera