Yashica’s handsome compact point & shoot 35mm film camera from the early 1980s. It features auto everything and includes a fast Yashica 38mm f/2.8 4 element lens.

Released in late 1981, this camera proceeded the T* Series and was a good seller for Yashica.

At its introduction, the 5 Star was still made in Japan at Yashica’s modern factory in Okaya, Nagano Prefecture. I understand that later models were made in Hong Kong (with parts made in Japan). Kyocera acquired Yashica in late 1983.

Yashica’s goal was to deliver a simple high-quality 35mm camera with a fast lens. At the time of its release, the maximum ASA setting was only 400.

Almost drop-in loading – the user still had to extend the film leader to a take-up point before closing the camera’s back cover.

A rather unique lens cap that covered the viewfinder and auto-focus windows.

Complete kit with the exception of Yashica’s marketing figurine. Yashica’s Sailor Boy holds the camera while telling the world about its arrival.

About $190 USD in late 1981 at 230 yen to the dollar.

Yashica’s ‘Sailor Boy’ announcing the release of the 5 Star.

Thanks for stopping by and if you get a chance to use this camera by all means do so. I think you’ll be pleasantly pleased. As always, please stop by my Etsy camera shop as I’ve added a few neat items recently (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 © 2015-2020 Yashica Pentamatic Fanatic, Chris Whelan
All rights reserved.