SR-T MC – a little gem from Minolta

February 12, 2019February 12, 2019Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Now, this is a good looking camera with a simple straightforward design. From what I’ve been able to glean, this model was made by Minolta for sale only at J.C. Penny and K-Mart department stores in the United States and only in a pro-black finish.

It’s fitted with a Minolta MC Rokkor-PF 55mm f/1.7 lens and the original metal lens cap.

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Made from 1973 to 1975 and it differentiated from the other Minolta’s made during the same period by the lack of a self-timer and the focusing screen had a microprism for focusing. I believe that they’re rather hard to find and somewhat rare in this nearly mint condition.

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I’ll have more about this camera soon as it’s undergoing testing before I list it for sale in my shop. Stay tuned!

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 Little Radio – still rockin’ at 60!

February 10, 2019February 10, 2019Chris and Carol Leave a comment

From 1959 – one of two transistor radios Yashica introduced in late 1959. This one, the YT-100 was priced at $34.95 which was big bucks back in the fifties!

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Works like a charm!

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1950s tech from Yashica and proudly advertised that it was manufactured in Tokyo, Japan even though the camera factories were in Nagano Prefecture (Suwa and Shimosuwa). There’s a chance that Yashica assembled their electronics in Tokyo at an unknown to me factory or they simply wanted to flaunt their business and marketing headquarters which was in Tokyo. A cool little thing from a time long ago. Here’s the copy from an advertisement –

From Yashica’s ad for this radio in Life magazine – December 1959
6-Transistor Pocket-Portable Radio
“Powerful little receiver with built-in antenna and loudspeaker.
Fits pocket or purse. Works everywhere – indoors and outdoors;
brilliant, clear reception – superb tone. With battery,
carrying case and miniature earphone for private listening. $34.95″

A bit of marketing hype but hey they were proud of their radio!

By the way, if you get a chance to visit my shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com you’ll see more pics of this amazing set.

Studio camera – Fujifilm X-A10 with Fujinon Aspherical Lens XC 16-50mm f/3.5

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.

Pentamatic vs. Pentamatic S – Yashica’s Heavyweights

February 9, 2019February 9, 2019Chris and Carol Leave a comment

It’s time to revisit this post as it introduces new readers to the “wonders” of the Pentamatic series of SLRs from Yashica. Chris

Chasing Classic Cameras with Chris

The Pentamatic was Yashica’s first single-lens reflex (SLR) and was released in 1960 (May-June) timeframe. The Pentamatic S was released about mid to late 1961. Not much changed between the two – the S model added a built-in self-timer and most notably, a provision for mounting an exposure meter to the top right of the camera that coupled with the shutter speed dial. Other small changes were to add lugs for holding the neck strap (moving them from the extreme right and left sides of the body on the Pentamatic to a more typical front mounting on the S). Unseen from the exterior is a change to the focusing screen inside the pentaprism. The original fresnel screen in the Pentamatic was replaced with a split image screen in the model S. For me, that change makes the Pentamatic S much easier to focus and improves the brightness inside the viewfinder.

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A Flash from the Past

February 9, 2019February 9, 2019Chris and Carol Leave a comment

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I picked up a box full of these vintage light bulb sized flashbulbs the other day as part of a camera purchase (Graflex Super Speed Graphic 4×5). The seller of the camera added them in as an afterthought. Looking at the screw-in bases I wonder how many people have put these in a regular lamp socket “for fun”? Not recommended as it would more than likely cause the bulb to explode and trip the circuits in the house (if it didn’t burn it down first)!

I’m thinking these things flash pretty brightly

Once I get the Graflex up and running I’ll probably give one of these a try. By the way, this batch is available in my shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com if you’d like to add some vintage bulbs to your collection.

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.

Military Spec Speed Graphic 4×5 Large Format Camera – 1944

February 1, 2019February 2, 2019Chris and Carol 1 Comment

Beautiful Anniversary Speed Graphic by Graflex made in 1944 for the USAAF. All black edition of this classic camera. Considered to be the pre-eminent press camera of its era.

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It features a Kodak Supermatic leaf shutter to 1/400, a Kodak Ektar 127mm f/4.7 lens, dual shutters with the inclusion of a rear focal plane shutter capable of a 1/1000 top speed! For the 1940s, this was the bang!

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This image is from the US Army technical manual for this camera. Of note, this version features an all blacked-out body and flash unit.

This camera is part of a complete set (film holders and Graflex flash units) all housed in a custom mahogany box made for the USAAF. I believe this set was specially designed for use by a General’s staff, the base or squadron commanding officer or by the public affairs office as it looks as though it led a pretty comfy life. It certainly doesn’t look like it bounced around in aircraft of the day.

Inside of the custom wood box made by Graflex for the USAAF. Here we can see the stamped markings from the box lid (inside).

Everything looks to be in full working order right down to both shutters. It will be film tested soon by its owner after I finish my adjustments and finalize my detailing of such a fine machine.

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 – 1960

January 29, 2019January 29, 2019Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Gettin’ its 1960s groove on with a little bit of fun in the studio.

Yashica ヤシカ Pentamatic ’35’

The Pentamatic was Yashica’s first 35mm single lens reflex (SLR) camera. For a company known for building quality twin lens reflex (TLR) cameras, it was a big step forward for them. It wouldn’t have been possible without the combined expertise of the engineers, designers, and craftspeople from Nicca Camera Company which Yashica had acquired in early 1958.

The Pentamatic with its placement of the cold shoe on the camera’s left top plate moved this clip on exposure meter away from the shutter button and film advance lever. A much more convenient location.

It’s a uniquely beautiful camera with all sorts of interesting angles and that forward facing shutter release button. (see below) The cold shoe (accessory shoe) wasn’t mounted on top of the pentaprism as was common (well most SLRs didn’t have a cold or hot shoe yet) but instead was located on the upper left side of the camera and combined with the rewind lever. (see above)

That wonderful shutter release button – right where your “trigger” finger wants to be when holding such a heavy camera.

A crop of the full-page ad from the June 1960 issue of Modern Photography. Yashica’s first public advertisement of their new SLR.

A complete set as it would have come from the factory with the exception of the lens. I swapped out the standard Tomioka made 5.5cm f/1.8 lens for this beauty.

Earliest known sales brochure (from Japan) for the Pentamatic. We’re unsure of its exact month of issue but it appears to be at least from the first half of 1960 as it talks about the cooperation between the designers at Nicca and Yashica to bring this camera to market. Many thanks to my good friend Paul Sokk for the kind use of his brochure. For more from Paul, stop by his amazing site at http://www.yashicatlr.com

Thanks for stopping by and hopefully you’ve learned a bit more about this wonderful camera from Yashica. – 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.

Beauty and the Beast

January 26, 2019January 26, 2019Chris and Carol Leave a comment

The Canon New F-1 and New F-1 AE ’84 Olympic

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The Canon New F-1 which was released in late 1981 replaced the original F-1 which made its appearance in 1971. This latest F-1 was a radical step forward for Canon’s professional camera as it incorporated many features into the camera that were previously only available as an accessory. The 1985 Los Angeles Olympics model followed in line with previous Olympic editions – 1976 Montreal and the 1980 Lake Placid.

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.

Hard workin’ F-1

January 26, 2019January 26, 2019Chris and Carol 2 Comments

“It’s been a hard day’s night…”

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Canon New F-1 (or F-1N)

Sometimes a well-used camera can feel just right in your hands – no worries about keeping it mint – just focus on getting the shot. This one has certainly earned its keep and rewarded me with its lovely patina. Showin’ a little brass!

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.

Minolta’s Gem from the 1970s

January 25, 2019January 25, 2019Chris and Carol 2 Comments

The Minolta SR-T 102 aka SR-T Super. In its day it was considered to be one of the best all-around 35mm SLRs.

1973-1975

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With proper care, these well-built cameras (and Rokkor lenses) will deliver decades of use. The shutter is mechanically timed and the battery is only needed to use the TTL light meter.

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.

Minolta SR-T 102 (Super)

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

I have a very nice (super clean) and fully working Minolta SR-T 102 35mm film camera set available for purchase in my shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com

A little bit about this set. I believe the camera is from 1974 (I purchased it from the original owner) and it was her dream camera back in the day. It’s been around the world a few times as she is now a professional photographer. I’ve thoroughly inspected it, tested it and detailed every square millimeter of it and it’s ready to begin its next life.

The lens that is attached is an Access branded (made by Kobori Optical of Japan) 28-70mm f2.8 zoom lens which of course has the Minolta MD and MC mount. The lens is also super clean, the zoom is silky smooth and the focus is bright and spot on. The optics are totally free of any distracting marks – no fungus, no mold, no cleaning marks and except for a few stray specs of dust looks mint. The aperture blades are oil free and snappy and the lens mounts to the body securely.

The Access polarizing filter is in mint condition and the UV filter is nice as well and has been on this lens since new. The camera does have a small dent on the left side of the top plate and as was common in the 1970s she etched her Colorado DL number in the base plate. The camera takes the very easy to find (and affordable) 625 3v battery which powers the TTL meter (accurate).

Pop on over to the shop if you’re interested – I’ll ship it pretty much worldwide.

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Have a great day and thanks for stopping by! BTW, there’s plenty to see in 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 Classic Film Cameras

SR-T MC – a little gem from Minolta

Yashica’s Little Radio – still rockin’ at 60!

Pentamatic vs. Pentamatic S – Yashica’s Heavyweights

A Flash from the Past

Military Spec Speed Graphic 4×5 Large Format Camera – 1944

Yashica Pentamatic – 1960

Beauty and the Beast

Hard workin’ F-1

Minolta’s Gem from the 1970s

The Minolta SR-T 102 aka SR-T Super. In its day it was considered to be one of the best all-around 35mm SLRs.

Minolta SR-T 102 (Super)