Yashica Yashimat-S Movie Camera

October 4, 2019October 4, 2019Chris and Carol 2 Comments

Yashica’s ghost of a camera. There’s not much out there on the web, in fact almost nothing. I do have the instruction booklet in case I ever find the camera.

From what I’ve been able to glean, it was produced between 1963 to 1965 (not sure on these dates). It’s got a rather strange name for a Yashica 8mm movie camera – closer to the Yashica-Mat TLR camera of the 1950s. In fact, the instructions give very little clues as to what type of film it takes – the first mention isn’t until page 9 of the instructions!

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It was advertised as a pocketable 8mm camera with a CdS meter and a universal focus lens. Fully automatic exposure.

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Yashimat-S Movie

It looks a bit bigger than “pocketable”.

I do like its clean modern design. I’m thinking that it wasn’t around long before it was replaced by the zoom model since they’re almost impossible to find for sale.

Thanks for stopping by and if you have this camera please share some pics with me at ccphotographyai@gmail.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.

Camera matchmaker – Canon Model 7

October 3, 2019October 3, 2019Chris and Carol 2 Comments

A rather odd title for an odd post about cameras. Let me explain. Recently I purchased a rather large collection of camera manuals, user guides, sales brochures and whatnot from a seller in Japan. Mixed in with all the stuff that I wanted and knew about was some surprising finds.

Here are the original warranty-registration papers that would have been included with a Canon Model 7 (or simply the Canon 7) 35mm rangefinder camera that was produced between 1961 and 1964. The paperwork contains the camera and lens serial numbers as they were recorded by the factory.

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A close-up of the registration card (below) shows the body and lens serial numbers.

Body number 806188 and the lens’ serial number 38115

The Canon 7 was produced in rather large quantities and it was considered a fairly capable camera especially with the 50mm f/1.2 lens attached. An impressive f/0.95 lens was also available. As I understand it, production started at 800001 or 800000 – the camera pictured in the instruction booklet was numbered 800022 (see below).

So the papers that I have are from an early production model (6,188) which I would guess is from late 1961.

All of the papers are in excellent vintage condition and show very nicely. Just some slight yellowing with the passage of time.

The Matchmaker Part – If you own this camera or lens – then heck, contact me at ccphotographyai@gmail.com and we’ll get the two of them back together. If you own a Canon 7 and would like to add these papers with your camera or to your collection then head on over to my shop at http://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.

Happy SUNday! – Silly Cool!

September 29, 2019October 3, 2019Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Under the heading of silly cool things to add to my collection, this one definitely fills the bill. Available during Expo ’70 which was held in Osaka, Japan between March and December 1970.

The “badge” is about 3 x 3 inches and is sewn onto a felt back with a pin for quick attachment.

Yashica was still promoting its first generation of electronic cameras in 1970. The famous Yashica TL Electro-X first hit the market in October 1968. The Electro 35 came out in 1966.

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The original Yashica Sailor Boy on the left (1962) and his undated cousin on the right. My best guess is that the guy with the camera was fashioned after ‘Wee Willie Winkie’ spreading the word about Yashica’s new camera (the Electro 35) in this case. The sleeping cap, the slippers and his hand up to his mouth (not ear) to better shout the news.

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I’m at a loss to explain the whys behind the apparent clown costume in this case. I get the partial reference to the previous Wee Willie Winkie design but can’t even begin to imagine why Yashica’s marketing folks took away his original sailor suit. This little figurine was pretty popular during the 1960s and 70s as the Sailor Boy was made in a wide variety of sizes from small 4 inch models up to a nearly 24-inch dealer model.

Yashica’s possible inspiration. There are enough similarities to suggest that Yashica’s Sailor Boy was modeled after WWW.

Large dealer display model. I had the opportunity to acquire this guy a short time ago but apparently, I missed out.

Anyway, happy Sunday to all! – 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.

New in the Shop – 9.28.2019

September 28, 2019September 28, 2019Chris and Carol Leave a comment

New in the shop this week at http://www.ccstudio2380.com

Some awesome Asahi Pentax K-Mount lenses and other Pentax gear!

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Stop by the shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com for some great gear and some great deals! Everythings on sale at a 10% discount and I’m open to offers. Contact me at ccphotographyai@gmail.com

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Lots more in the shop and thanks for stopping by! – Chris

Canon Data Back F for the Canon F-1

September 25, 2019September 25, 2019Chris and Carol Leave a comment

One of those must-have items from my younger days. When I purchased my first Canon F-1 in July 1978 there were many additional bits of gear that I wanted to add to it. My first purchase was the Canon FD 24mm f2.8 S.S.C. wide-angle lens followed by the Canon FD 80-200mm f4 S.S.C. telephoto zoom lens. Carol got her Canon AE-1 by December so after that we were pretty well set. But I kept wanting a few more bits – the Canon Data Back F was one of them.

Fast forward thirty years and a few months and I finally got my wish.

Complete set from 1980.

It’s been on display with my other Canon bits in my camera collection – unused but at least I have it!

In pristine factory fresh condition and fully functional too.

It’s time to downsize my collections so this still new in the box Canon accessory is now available for purchase in my camera shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com

A fresh battery installed and fully tested.

It’s designed to replace the film door back on the original Canon F-1.

The little window houses the LED that imprints the film.

All sorts of combinations of dates, data, digits, and letters can be imprinted.

A sturdy plastic case is a perfect home for the back when not in use or on display.

The original instruction booklet from 1979. Pictured is the Data Back for the A Series of cameras.

So there you have it. If you’ve been looking to add this wonderful Canon collectible to your Canon collection now’s the time to do so. It’s as clean and new as it looks (the pics are from just the other day) and it’s ready to use (or display). Check it out in my shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com

Thanks! – 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 TL-Electro

September 24, 2019September 24, 2019Chris and Carol 3 Comments

The TL-Electro was one of Yashica’s longest-running models in the very successful TL Series of 35mm single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras. Don’t confuse this model with the better known TL Electro X or TL Electro X ITS. It’s a totally different camera but equally important to Yashica’s success during the 1970s.

By analyzing serial numbers my good friend Paul Sokk ( YashicaTlr.com ) and I have determined that the TL-Electro was in production from April 1972 to February 1978. There’s still a chance of finding a few cameras outside of these dates but at this time they look pretty accurate.

Original undated sales brochure for the TL-Electro.

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Essentially the TL-Electro is an updated version of the Yashica TL which was first produced in November 1967. The TL used a meter needle centering system vice the lighted arrows in the TL-Electro (same side and location in the viewfinder display).

Cover of the instruction booklet dated 1974.

From the instruction booklet. These exact batteries are no longer made (due to mercury) but there are replacements available that may do the job. The alkaline replacement is APX-640 or PX-640A (at 1.5v). The batteries only power the exposure meter system and not the shutter.

Original box that was with a camera that was produced in July 1973.

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Below is the Yashica TL from late 1967. The TL was the second camera in the TL Series right after the TL-Super (1966).

The very basic but highly functional Yashica TL from an undated sales brochure.

The Yashica TL and TL-Electro are almost exact matches with the exception of a few placements of the dials and levers. Of course, the TL uses a mechanical meter display system where the TL-Electro gains the IC Brain and lighted arrows for metering. I haven’t had the opportunity to weigh each body to compare them yet but I would guess that they are pretty close.

When shopping for the TL-Electro or TL obviously choose the best looking and most functional cameras that your budget will allow. The TL, Electro AX and the FFT are the hardest to find in good condition even though plenty were made over the years. All of Yashicas cameras during this period used M42 screw-in lenses so it’s easy to mix and match.

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’s TL Series of 35mm SLRs

September 23, 2019September 23, 2019Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Yashica’s evolution during the 1960s and beyond started with their first TTL (Thru-the-Lens) exposure metered cameras – the much loved TL Series which were introduced right after the successful J Series (Penta J, Reflex 35, J-3, J-5, J-P, J-4, J-7).

It began with the exceptional TL-Super in April 1966. The chronology is as follows based on serial numbers and not based on advertised or previously known release dates.

TL-Super Apr 1966
TL Nov 1967
TL Electro-X Oct 1968 Type 1
TL-E Jun 1969
TL Electro X Jul 1969 Type 2
ITS Dec 1970
Electro AX Mar 1972
TL-Electro Apr 1972
FFT Jul 1973

The TL Series ended in 1978 with the last TL-Electro made. All of these Yashicas used the M42 screw-in lenses which were made by a variety of lens makers.

It’s easy to decode your camera’s serial number as Yashica used a 3 or 4 digit date code at the beginning of the serial number. As an example, here’s a serial number on a TL-E (90607952) 9 = 1969, 06 = Jun, 07952 = 7,952nd made that month in sequence from 00001.

Here’s a TL (2816946) 2 = Feb, 8 = 1968, 16946 = 16,946th made that month in sequence.

If you’ve got a serial number that you can’t quite decode send it to me at ccphotographyai@gmail.com

Thanks, 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 M42 Timeline – update 9.23.19

September 20, 2019September 23, 2019Chris and Carol 6 Comments

Yashica’s M42 screw mount 35mm SLR cameras were super successful and in some cases, groundbreaking. Yashica was known as a “Pioneer in Electronic Cameras” during the 1960s and 1970s with the TL Electro-X being the first electronically controlled SLR camera. My good friend and fellow Yashica collaborator Paul Sokk ( YashicaTlr.com ) and I have studied Yashica’s serial numbering system as it applies to their 35mm SLRs that used the universal M42 screw-in lens mount.

These dates represent the earliest finding of an individual model based solely on their serial numbers – not necessarily their release date. In some cases, the dates are still fluid as there is still the possibility of finding a stray in the wild that would prove an earlier production date.

Yashica often included a month and year in the first 3 or 4 digits of the camera’s serial number. By decoding these numbers Paul and I have come up with the following list.

Penta J 6/1961
Reflex 35 3/1962
J-3 2/1963
J-5 3/1964
J-P 8/1964
J-4 4/1965
TL-Super 4/1966
J-7 11/1966
TL 11/1967
TL Electro-X Type 1 10/1968
TL Electro X Type 2 7/1969
TL-E 6/1969
ITS 12/1970
TL-Electro 4/1972
Electro AX 3/1972
FFT 7/1973

In some cases, the dates are from cameras that appeared in sales brochures and user manuals. We have a high degree of confidence that these dates are correct and that they reflect a true chronology of these cameras as of this post.

Here’s an example of a Yashica serial number during this period –

(81200636) 8 = 1968, 12 = DEC, and 00636 = 636th made that month.

The serial number on my Yashica TL Electro-X Type 1

If you’ve found a camera that exists outside of these start dates, please feel free to let me know and if you have a serial number that you’re unable to decode send it my way. You can contact me at ccphotographyai@gmail.com

Thanks – 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.

New In the Shop – 9.20.2019

September 20, 2019September 20, 2019Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Happy Friday everyone! Some interesting items have hit the shelves in the shop this week at http://www.ccstudio2380.com

Now everything’s 10% off! Special sale through the end of September!

shop snip 9.20.2019

Visit http://www.ccstudio2380.com and see 10% savings on everything!

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There’s many more items listed in my shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com – some with free USA shipping!

If you have a question about something or if you’d like a shipping quote please contact me at ccphotographyai@gmail.com

Thanks – Chris

Sears Tower 35 – 1952 Catalog

September 19, 2019September 19, 2019Chris and Carol 2 Comments

Beautiful 35mm camera made for Sears by Nicca Camera Company, Tokyo.

Certainly an expensive camera set but compared to the Leica that inspired it a definite bargain. The Nicca-Tower camera’s fit and finish and the performance of the Nikkor lenses were the equal of the Leica. How about that complete outfit at $652.95? Big bucks in 1952 (still big bucks today).

The Nicca version is the Nicca Type-3 (Type III).

Colorful cover of the Sears Fall 1952 – Spring 1953 camera catalog.

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 Classic Film Cameras

Yashica Yashimat-S Movie Camera

Camera matchmaker – Canon Model 7

Happy SUNday! – Silly Cool!

New in the Shop – 9.28.2019

New in the shop this week at http://www.ccstudio2380.com

Canon Data Back F for the Canon F-1

Yashica TL-Electro

Yashica’s TL Series of 35mm SLRs

Yashica M42 Timeline – update 9.23.19

New In the Shop – 9.20.2019

Sears Tower 35 – 1952 Catalog