Category Studio Fun

Happy SUNday! – Have you been flashed lately?

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It’s easy to forget that at one time getting the right amount of light on your subject was no easy task…

Every one of us with a smartphone carries around a powerful “photo machine” in our pockets or purses. Not that long ago, well really a long time ago now when you think about it, these monsters were the epitome of high tech flash units and cameras in the 1950s and 1960s.

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Yashica Mat EM – 1964

Pictured above are a fully functional Yashica-Mat EM and Yashica PRO 40 Quick-Lite electronic flash. This was “as-simple-as-it-gets” with a medium format camera in that era. The EM has a built-in exposure meter (not a thru-the-lens type) and the PRO 40 was a straight forward light machine. Both units together with the 8 AA batteries and a roll of 120 film weigh in at nearly 4 pounds! Yikes!

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A close-up view of the exposure meter and scales on the Yashica Mat EM.

Going even further back in time, this Yashica Flex S is mated with a Minicam flash unit.

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Yashica Flex S – 1956 with Minicam flash. Powered by two “D” cell batteries.

The Yashica Flex model S also has a built-in selenium cell light meter made by Sekonic (that little thingy attached to the side of the camera). The cells are located behind the nameplate flap which can be opened to gather more light in low-light situations.

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The attached light meter made by Sekonic for Yashica. Here pictured on a Yashica AS-II camera.

The Minicam flash advertised itself as “sunlight at night”! If you can remember back to the days that these types of flash units were used you can agree – they did make “sunlight at night” as you were often blinded for quite some time afterward.

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to visit my camera shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com for some great vintage cameras and photo gear. – 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.

Copyright © 2015-2019 Yashica Pentamatic Fanatic, Chris Whelan
All rights reserved.

 

The Yashica 44 – A ‘Tiny’ TLR

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The 44 uses 127 roll film

Yashica-44

The easier to handle Yashica 44 TLR (4×4 cm negatives and slides vice 6×6 cm) from early 1959 or so. The leatherette is “dove gray” while the metalwork is “machinery gray”. Yashica made these in about 8 different colors if you count black as a color. From the look of this sales brochure, the 44 was designed with women in mind as an alternative to the bulky and unstylish 66 models that were in use. Many of the Japanese ads from that period feature stylish modern women posing with their new cameras.

This camera has managed to travel to the present in a rather nice condition and the original light gray leather case is intact as is the original box. Many thanks to the good people at the factory in Shimosuwa for their good design and quality construction.

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A sales brochure from 1959

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The 44’s colorful original box hints at the wide variety of colors available (although not quite these colors).

Yashica also made the 44 LM which featured a built-in exposure meter (light meter) which you can read about here.

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to visit my camera 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.

Copyright © 2015-2019 Yashica Pentamatic Fanatic, Chris Whelan
All rights reserved.

In the Shop – Canon World Cup Lens Cap

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In the shop today I’m featuring this hard to find Canon 1982 World Cup lens cap.

For additional pictures and details please visit our shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com

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It fits 52mm filter rings and is a snap-on type. It does have a few small marks on the face but nothing distracting. It functions as it should.

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Vintage Canon World Cup 52mm Front Lens Cap

Super hard to find Canon lens cap. This will add a nice touch to any Canon collection and makes for a nice conversation starter when you're out and about. It's a genuine Canon issued lens cap. It fits a wide variety of lenses including non-Canon lenses. I'll mail it anywhere in the US via USPS First Class Mail for only $2.99... I'll mail it to almost anywhere in the world but please ask for a shipping quote first. For more details and additional pictures please visit http://www.ccstudio2380.com Thanks, Chris

$39.00

In the Shop – Sigma Minolta AF Zoom Telephoto Lens (digital ready)

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In the shop today we’re featuring a super nice Sigma-Minolta 60-200mm AF Zoom Lens set.

Sigma-Minolta AF Zoom Lens 60-200mm f/4-5.6 Telephoto Lens

More pictures and details at http://www.ccstudio2380.com

– Minolta “A” Mount
– SN 1016845
– the lens can be adapted for use on digital cameras (Sony)
– this is a high-quality lens built well
– perfect for everyday use
*The condition is overall outstanding with the optics being
super clean.
*Some minor specs of dust. No mold, no fungus, no cleaning marks
that I can see.
*The lens functions perfectly. The aperture blades are clean
and snappy, the lens mounts securely, the focus is smooth
and spot on.
*The set includes the original Sigma leather case, lens hood,
the original Sigma 52mm front lens cap, instructions, and a Sigma rear lens cap.
It’s a one owner lens that has never been offered for sale before.

I’ll mail this wonderful lens anywhere in the US via USPS Priority Mail for a flat $10.95 – I’ll mail it almost anywhere in the world where there’s tracking to your doorstep. Just message me for a quote. Thanks, Chris

 

Sigma-Minolta AF Zoom Telephoto Lens

Sigma-Minolta AF Zoom Lens 60-200mm f/4-5.6 Telephoto Lens with the original Sigma case, lens hood, instruction sheet, and the front and rear lens caps. It's a gorgeous lens set that's been super well cared for and it shows. It covers a nice range of focal lengths from 60-200mm. It mails anywhere in the US for just $10.95 via USPS Priority Mail. Mails worldwide with a few exceptions. Please contact for a shipping quote. Chris

$22.00

Yashica’s New Factory – 1972

Chris and Carol 3 Comments

Yashica opened a modern factory in Okaya, Nagano Prefecture in October 1972. They moved from their previous factory location in Shimosuwa (within 2 kilometers or so).

Here’s a picture of the factory taken on or near opening day. This image was “found” inside a Photax Catalogue from 1973/1974. Photax was the exclusive importer for Yashica products in the U.K.

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Image captured from the catalog (by me).

kyocera map

Google Map Image

Current view of the same location which is now occupied by Kyocera. If you look closely you’ll notice that the overall boundaries of the complex haven’t changed or expanded past the original walls. The front drive and entrance to the Kyocera facility are basically the same as it was back in 1972. Of course, Kyocera purchased Yashica in 1983 and by 1986 the Japanese brand Yashica was killed off.  The present-day users of the name Yashica have no ties to the once proud Yashica Company.

For more about the history of Yashica’s factories please visit my previous post here.

As always, thanks for stopping by! Be sure to also stop by the “gift shop” at http://www.ccstudio2380.com for some amazing deals on some vintage photo gear.

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.

Copyright © 2015-2019 Yashica Pentamatic Fanatic, Chris Whelan
All rights reserved.

 

In the Shop – Fabulous Yashica D Set

Chris and Carol 2 Comments

In the shop today we’re offering this beautiful Yashica D twin-lens reflex set – complete as if it left the factory yesterday! A true time machine that’s in full working condition (tested) featuring crystal clear Yashikor (made by Tomioka) lenses. This wonderful set is available here first – it’s not available in the shop yet.

Payment button at the end of the post. I’ll mail this set anywhere in the US for free! That includes full insurance and tracking. I’ll ship worldwide with some exceptions. Please message me for a quote first.

What’s included –

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The Yashica D camera (1965 model), the original presentation box and the outer shipping box, the instruction booklet, the Yashica lens cap, all guarantee papers as well as the camera dealer’s customs forms, the inner packing material including the very hard to find plastic bag, a silica gel pack, and of course the Yashica brown leather camera case.

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The camera is a joy to use and unlike other more complicated medium-format cameras this one is “fall down” easy to shoot with. It features a simple to use knob for advancing the 120 film (12 exposures – 6x6cm), easy shutter cocking, and clear accurate focusing. The aperture and shutter speed is changed by the two thumbwheels on the front of the camera and the settings are visible from above in an easy to see window. This camera is perfect for the discriminating collector and/or the active photographer who enjoys using a vintage camera (54 years and counting). It does have a few small marks in the paint, some dust visible inside the viewing hood but absolutely no corrosion, no lifting of the leatherette and no issues with the optics. The presentation box does have one small tear in the cardboard and the lid is a bit discolored (see pic below).

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The camera and lens serial numbers match the box and the guarantee papers. The set was purchased in England in the summer of 1967.

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Don’t miss out on this rare opportunity to own such a beautiful (and complete) set of this classic from Yashica.

Yashica D Complete Camera Set

Classic Yashica D twin-lens reflex camera set in nearly new condition. The set includes the camera, case, lens cap, the inner and outer boxes, all papers and the instruction booklet, and all of the factory packing materials. The camera is fully functional, the lenses are crystal clear, and the set is complete right down to the matching serial numbers. Shipping in the US is free. Shipping worldwide with some exceptions - please message me first. Thanks, Chris

$395.00

In the Shop – Yashica D Presentation Box

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In the shop today we have a bit of a collector’s special. I’ve listed one of my early Yashica presentation boxes – those colorful boxes that were often tossed when new so 60 years on it’s getting harder to find these fun collectibles. They add instant appeal to your collection.

Stop by our shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com for complete details and additional pictures of the box. It can be purchased here or in the shop.

Vintage Yashica D Presentation Box

Vintage Yashica D presentation box from the first run of these iconic cameras (1958-1963 or so). Later boxes (1964 onward) were radically changed to a more modern style. This box represents the earliest days of Yashica. The colors are unique - a pinkish gray with the letter 'D' in yellow, green, and black. It is missing one of the lids end flaps which could be easily duplicated by the serious collector or left as is. The box is solid and complete otherwise. For additional details and pictures pop on over to the shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com You can purchase this item here by simply clicking on the payment button or buy it in our shop. Shipping in the US is via USPS Priority Mail for $8.50 and I'll ship basically worldwide - just ask for a quote before ordering. Chris

$19.75

Yashica’s First Radios – 1959

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Most people don’t realize that Yashica made a wide range of electronic and electrical items in the 1950s.

Although I’m not sure that these were completely assembled at Yashica’s factory in Nagano Prefecture. They were known as a maker of fine twin-lens reflex (TLR) film cameras during much of the 1950s, but Yashica made and sold 8mm movie projectors and editors as well so it would seem logical that they would make some early consumer products – in this case, the Yashica YT-100 and the bigger and more powerful YT-300.

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The YT-100 on the left and the YT-300 on the right

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Not often seen together as these have become extremely hard to find 60 years later

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The last time these two were photographed together as the YT-100 sold yesterday to another collector. Thank you for your purchase and enjoy your radio!

Thanks for stopping by and feel free to stop by my shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com for a fantastic collection of neat camera stuff! Everything’s on sale at 10% off too!

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.

Copyright © 2015-2019 Yashica Pentamatic Fanatic, Chris Whelan
All rights reserved.

Fuji Discovery 90 Date – classic P&S from Fuji Photo Film Co.

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Today’s addition in my shop is this beautiful, still new in the box, Fuji Discovery 90 Date point and shoot 35mm camera. You can purchase it at http://www.ccstudio2380.com or right here… see details below.

Fuji Discovery 90 Date Compact 35mm Film Camera – still new in the box!

These modern classics are getting harder to find still new in their boxes (as one would expect). They make perfect additions to your 35mm film camera collections or make the perfect point and shoot street cameras for your walkabouts. This set is ready to shoot with right out of the box! I’ve tested its functions with a fresh battery and everything is working just right. Check out the details in my online store and while there check out the additional pics of this still new camera. I'll ship it via USPS Priority Mail anywhere in the US for $10.95 fully insured. Worldwide shipping also available... please ask for a quote. Thanks, Chris

$65.00

Fuji Discovery 900 Zoom Plus

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Another listing from my online shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com, or it can be purchased “straight away” here in this post. I’m offering at a special discount here for my readers and followers. Pop on over to the shop for the details and then come back and buy it here. Thanks, Chris

Just SOLD! Thank you!

Still lots of neat stuff at http://www.ccstudio2380.com

NEW Fuji Discovery 900 Zoom Plus Compact 35mm Camera

New in its original box and straight from our collection of these "modern classics" is this wonderful (and quite sophisticated) compact point and shoot 35mm film camera from those talented folks at Fuji Photo. This one is a special presentation camera from 1993. I've completely tested it just short of running a roll of film through it, and because its still "new in the box" everything tested out just fine. These fun cameras are getting really hard to find still new so here's your chance to pretend it's the 1990s again. I'll ship almost anywhere in the world that has tracking to your door. Just ask me for a shipping quote before you hit the "BUY" button. Shipping in the US is a flat $10.95 for USPS Priority Mail. Thanks, Chris

$69.00