Happy SUNday!

February 12, 2023February 12, 2023Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Nikon advertisement from around 1983.

It’s a fun (and easy) camera to use and gives excellent results. There are two versions of the original shown here – an ISO 400 and an ISO 1000 version. The two versions look exactly the same it’s the ISO dial above the lens that’s different (this is actually the ISO 1000 version just set at 400). Thanks for stopping by, Chris

Follow me on Instagram at @ccphotographyai

Comments are always welcomed as I’ve learned quite a bit from reader feedback. As always, thanks for stopping by, and while you’re at it, feel free to visit my camera shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com (CC Design Studios hosted by Etsy). – Chris Whelan

Please respect that all content, including photos and text, is this blog’s property and its owner, Yashica Pentamatic Fanatic, Yashica Sailor Boy, Yashica Chris, Chasing Classic Cameras with Chris.

A less expensive street camera – Konica Kanpai

November 25, 2022November 25, 2022Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Candid street photography can be super satisfying but it can also be stressful if you’re not an outgoing person or you’re in a less than favorable shooting location (busy street, lots of people). I’m basically very shy so approaching strangers is a challenge for me. There’s no one camera that’s best suited for taking candid pics but a few have earned a reputation as good street cams. One that comes to mind is the Yashica T3 (Kyocera T Scope).

The Konica Kanpa! (Kanpai). 35mm “Party Camera” with a voice-activated shutter.

I believe the “scope” on the Konica is a bit bigger.

Slide the microphone switch upwards to adjust the sensitivity of the built-in mic.

It features a sharp 34mm Konica 3element/3 group glass lens.

Designed to be used in a group setting for automatically tripping the electronic shutter when someone or everyone yells “Kanpai” (Cheers) or whatever you want to yell out – cheese works too. When used in a street setting the camera can conveniently sit in your lap or just hang around your neck and frame your shot with the top-mounted finder. I guess you could just yell “Hi!” at everyone without touching the shutter button and then capture their reaction (I’m not that brave).

As I continue to pass along interesting bits of my camera collection I’ve added this unique camera to my online camera shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com. It might make the perfect Christmas gift for that hard to buy for person on your holiday shopping list. Thanks for stopping by, Chris

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Yashica Auto Focus Motor 5 Star – 1981

August 19, 2021August 19, 2021Chris and Carol Leave a comment

The Yashica ‘Sailor Boy’ advertising figurine was brought back for the launch of this nifty point and shoot compact. The figurine made its first appearance in 1962 and has cycled through a few retirements since his introduction. He’s holding that camera in this version of the ‘Sailor Boy’.

I’m not sure when Yashica started using the term ‘5 Star’ with this model as the only place I see it mentioned is on the original presentation box.

Comments are always welcomed as I’ve learned quite a bit from reader feedback. As always, thanks for stopping by and while you’re at it, feel free to visit my camera shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com (CC Design Studios hosted by Etsy). – Chris Whelan

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.

SUNday Spotlight! – Discovering some Fuji Fun

August 30, 2020August 30, 2020Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Fujifilm = Fuji Fun! Here’s a simple but fun to use point and shoot 35mm film camera from Fuji Photo Film Company – 1993. It’s hard to imagine that this camera is now over 25-years-old and it’s never been used.

It features a Fujinon f8 34mm lens with 3 elements in 3 groups. The shutter operates from 1/40 to 1/600 of a second. Built-in automatic flash and of course, red-eye reduction.

The Discovery line from Fuji was very popular with a ton of models produced in the early 1990s. The Discovery 90 Date listed for ¥18,500 in 1993 (about $160 USD).

It has some pretty nice features for such an easy to use camera. That’s the original film that came with the set – it’s expired but still usable.

I replaced the original CR2025 battery with a fresh one and reset the date.

These “Plastic Fantastic” cameras are a joy to use and with its Fujinon 34mm lens produced some quality images especially loaded with Fujicolor film.

Thanks for stopping by and have a fantastic Sunday! – 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.

Yashica 5 Star Auto Focus Motor – 1981

June 22, 2020June 22, 2020Chris and Carol 2 Comments

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.

Happy SUNday! – Aloha Fujica

December 15, 2019December 15, 2019Chris and Carol Leave a comment

One of our favorites – this stunning all-red Fuji Fujica DL-20 (Auto Mate) from our collection of neat Fuji compact 35mm cameras.

This one is still new in its original box from 1983. It was Fuji’s first drop-in loading camera (pretty neat back then). It’s built like a tank and features a super sharp 38mm Fujinon 3 element lens. Easy zone focussing and built-in flash.

We’ve added this hard to find Fujica to our online shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com. With its bright red finish and colorful box, it makes a perfect Christmas gift for your photo bug or collector. It’s been tested with fresh batteries and everything works as it should.

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It’s available at http://www.ccstudio2380.com

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It’s a cool little piece of history – a modern classic as we like to call them. Thanks for stopping by and have a great day! – 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! – Unopened Treasure

June 30, 2019June 30, 2019Chris and Carol Leave a comment

It’s always a blast to find a camera set that’s still new in its original box. Of course, it also creates a bit of a dilemma – should I use what is still a new camera and “ruin” its newness or should I be happy with keeping it unused and therefore in mint condition?

This, on the other hand, presents a whole different ballgame. Should I remove the outer plastic wrap and play with my new find or leave it as is – still wrapped from the factory and obviously untouched (and unused by me)?

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The Fujifilm Zoom Date 135V with its Fujinon 38-135mm zoom lens was first released in the US in April 2004. In Japan, it’s known as the Silvi F135 and was listed at ¥ 29,400. It’s part of the well respected Silvi series of sophisticated compact 35mm film cameras that Fuji Photo was making as late as the mid-2000s.

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This set was available at Ritz Camera as late as July 2005 and would have been competing against digital cameras and affordable megapixels.

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Here’s what the camera looks like outside of the box. Tempting!

A modern classic from Fujifilm.

If you would like to be the next owner of this still new camera, it’s available in my Etsy shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com

Thanks for stopping by and have a beautiful day! – 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.

Modern Classic – Fujifilm Zoom Date 140

July 5, 2017July 5, 2017Chris and Carol 2 Comments

Released around late 1999 or early 2000 – another of Fujifilm’s high zoom 35mm autofocus compact cameras.

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It’s a good looking camera that fits well in my hand. Not too small but not overly big either. Still handles like a quality point and shoot camera from the 1990s. Features a nice Fujinon zoom lens so it handles a wide range of shooting situations. Of course when it extends the lens it looks a bit goofy at 140mm but at least the motor is kinda quiet.

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The Fujinon lens features 5 components, 5 elements, 38-140mm zoom f/ 7 to 13 with closest AF focusing from 0.9 meters to infinity.

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Quality materials used throughout – solid construction.

Nice bright viewfinder – recessed on/off button and an easy to use zoom lever (gray thingy) for zipping through the different focal ranges.

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Easy to set date modes and of course an easy to see and read LCD. Big shutter button feels good under your finger.

Easy to load and has some what looks like glass over the rear element. Nice touch.

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Of course it has a self timer, auto film advance and rewind, autofocus, autoflash with red-eye reduction and DX coding from ISO 50-3200. Uses the still easy to find CR123A lithium battery. Weighs 240 grams without the battery.

Comes with a roll of Fujicolor Superia film – expired in 2002.

Should you collect these plastic fantastic P&S compact 35mm cameras from the 2000s? Yes of course – if you can find one still new in the box, why not? They don’t make them anymore and if you’re looking to find a good 35mm film camera as a user, this one has enough features and a quality zoom to handle most demanding shooting situations.

This set can be viewed at our online store, CC’s Studio Twenty-3 Eighty at http://www.ccstudio2380.com if you’re interested.

Thanks a bunch for your visit and as always, Carol and I appreciate your comments and likes.

Chasing Classic Cameras with Chris

Yashica cameras and so much more!

Tag 35mm Compact P&S

Happy SUNday!

A less expensive street camera – Konica Kanpai

Yashica Auto Focus Motor 5 Star – 1981

SUNday Spotlight! – Discovering some Fuji Fun

Fujifilm = Fuji Fun! Here’s a simple but fun to use point and shoot 35mm film camera from Fuji Photo Film Company – 1993. It’s hard to imagine that this camera is now over 25-years-old and it’s never been used.

Yashica 5 Star Auto Focus Motor – 1981

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.

Happy SUNday! – Aloha Fujica

One of our favorites – this stunning all-red Fuji Fujica DL-20 (Auto Mate) from our collection of neat Fuji compact 35mm cameras.

Happy SUNday! – Unopened Treasure

It’s always a blast to find a camera set that’s still new in its original box. Of course, it also creates a bit of a dilemma – should I use what is still a new camera and “ruin” its newness or should I be happy with keeping it unused and therefore in mint condition?

Modern Classic – Fujifilm Zoom Date 140