Chasing Classic Cameras – Yashica TL Electro X 1973 Hong Kong Model

March 4, 2021March 4, 2021Chris and Carol 2 Comments

We enjoy collecting and sharing our Yashica cameras with our readers, especially if they tend to be a little hard to find and in such outstanding condition. I say this is hard to find just because not many were made at Yashica’s new factory in Hong Kong during 1973. As the saying goes, this was assembled in Hong Kong from parts made in Japan.

There’s really no difference between the models assembled in Hong Kong from the ones made in Japan that we’ve been able to detect. In our experience the fit and finish is the same with no known issues particular to the HK model. In fact, the HK models that we’ve owned seem to be in excellent condition overall with exceptionally nice satin chrome surfaces that hold up well over the years.

Typically ‘JAPAN’ would be on the top plate next to the serial number but on these models ‘HONG KONG’ is on the bottom.

The serial number is easy to decode. 3 = 1973, 10 = Oct, 01219 = the number built up to this point for that month.

The lens on this beauty is a fast and sharp Auto Yashinon DS-M 50mm f1.4 made for Yashica by the recently acquired Tomioka Optical. All Yashica camera bodies use M42 screw mount lenses up to the C/Y mount cameras made much later.

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to stop by 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.

Canon F-1 Lake Placid 1980 Winter Olympics Edition

February 11, 2021February 11, 2021Chris and Carol Leave a comment

A very highly collectible version of the famous Canon F-1 (1971-1981).

This camera was built by Canon in February 1980 which is when the Olympics were being held in upstate New York. The Canon NFD 50mm f1.2 lens is from February 1981.

As Carol and I continue to downsize our camera collection we’re offering this wonderful camera for purchase. It’s fully functional and ready to be a highlight in the next collectors collection.

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to stop by 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.

Canon’s Technological Wonder EOS-1N RS

December 22, 2020December 22, 2020Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Back in late 1994 Canon released the newest member of their EOS 35mm SLR film camera family, the EOS-1N. This hyper-talented camera series would be the last 35mm film cameras made by Canon on the dawn of the digital age.

**The motor drive in the RS was non-removable and was capable of up to 10fps in the high-speed continuous mode!!**

**Scan from the Canon EOS-1N sales brochure for the RS – 1994**

**Scan of the instruction manual – Japanese Edition 1995**

**Pictured with its standard lens – Canon EF 50mm f1.4 USM**

Do I need the high-speed function of a 35mm SLR film camera that goes through film like it’s a movie camera? Heck no, but it’s a blast owning it (kinda like a Corvette). You don’t need it but it’s fun to drive.

As the weather turns more favorable for out and about shooting I hope to take this marvel for a spin around town (pandemic appropriate of course).

Thanks for stopping by! – Chris

Be sure to stop by my camera shop at 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.

Canon EOS-1N RS

December 11, 2020December 11, 2020Chris and Carol 2 Comments

A classic from Canon released in 1995.

One of the last 35mm SLR film cameras made by Canon. Their was another model, an update of this one released in 2000. What made the EOS-1N RS so special is its ability to accurately take up to 10 fps and still keep autofocus and auto exposure. It has a fixed, semi-transparent pellicle mirror.

Thanks for stopping by and have a fantastic Friday! – Chris

Be sure to stop by my camera shop at 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.

High-Speed Film Eaters from Canon

December 10, 2020December 10, 2020Chris and Carol Leave a comment

The original Canon F-1 35mm SLR film camera was capable of up to 3.5 frames per second (fps) when mated with the Canon Motor Drive MF (shown below left). My F-1 is from 1978 and at that time I didn’t purchase the motor drive. The drive was added within the last 5 or so years. The Canon EOS-1N RS (lower right) is the latest addition to my Canon collection and although I haven’t run a roll of film through it yet I have no reason to doubt that it’s fully operational.

The motor drive on the F-1 is removable thereby saving the extra weight of carrying it around when its not needed. The motor drive on the EOS-1N RS is built-in so there’s no option to save a bit of weight. The EOS weighs in at 1,476 grams which is 3 lbs 4 oz with batteries installed (8 AA) but without film and without a lens.

The Canon EOS-1N RS in all its glory. With its fixed, semi-transparent pellicle mirror the RS is capable of shooting film at up to 10 fps! A fun way to eat through a roll of 36 exposures in under 4 seconds!

Since the pellicle mirror doesn’t move when shooting the 10 fps with quick and accurate autofocus and auto exposure can be achieved. I can’t imagine ever holding the shutter button down to eat up 10 exposures in a second but who knows, it’s nice to think that I’ll someday use it if needed.

The two cameras are about the same width and height but they differ greatly in bulk.

I’m still up in the air as to which EF AF lens I want to get. I do know that as I’ve aged my ability to hold a steady shot has diminished so the lens will have to have image stabilization.

Canon’s EF 24–105mm f/3.5–5.6 IS STM lens is at the top of my wishlist as it falls within what most people would call the normal range for 35mm photography.

$599.99 new. I’ll have to save up a bit to get this one.

Thanks for stopping by. I would recommend looking at the Canon EOS-1N RS or Canon EOS-1V which is a bit newer ( I think 2000). I would say that these cameras represent the best (most sophisticated) film cameras that Canon made just before going digital. The good news is that the EOS-1N RS is not all that expensive via online auction sites, in fact it’s quite a bit less expensive than the EOS-1V which in some cases goes for double the cost of the RS. Have a great day and if you own this camera please drop me a comment about what your impression with the camera has been. – Chris

Be sure to stop by my camera shop at 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.

New in the Shop – Nikon U2 Date 35mm SLR Set with Zoom-Nikkor 28-80mm Lens

December 4, 2020December 4, 2020Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Now available in my camera shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com is this stunning and very complete 35mm film camera with matching lens, battery pack/grip, and all original boxes. A Nikon collectors dream camera as this was one of the last film cameras made by Nikon in or around 2003.

Nikon U2 Date 35mm Film Camera Set

Gorgeous Nikon SLR with Nikkor zoom lens and Battery Pack. Complete set with matching serial numbers and all of the original boxes. Works perfectly and ready to shoot with right out of the box. Ships nearly worldwide – please contact for a shipping quote. Thanks, Chris

$197.00

Remember, this is a 35mm film camera with autofocus and auto exposure modes as well as a full manual setting. For more complete details please visit my shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com

Thanks for stopping by! – Chris

(almost) wordless wednesday

July 29, 2020July 29, 2020Chris and Carol Leave a comment

yashica pentamatic big time

Have a beautiful and safe day and many thanks for stopping by! – Chris

I have some interesting new items in my camera shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com which is hosted by Etsy.

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 202 new in the shop today!

June 29, 2020June 29, 2020Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Happy Monday all! I’ve added this wonderful one-owner Minolta SR-T 202 35mm film camera set in my camera shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com

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Gorgeous Minolta from around 1975.

The original boxes (with styrofoam inserts) have matching serial numbers with the lens and camera. One-owner since new!

Perfect film camera for the beginner or seasoned pro. Fully manual camera with built-in exposure meter. The best way to improve your photography skills.

It’s a beauty!

Please stop by my Etsy hosted camera shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com for more details. – 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.

Minolta SR-T 201 35mm SLR

May 4, 2020May 4, 2020Chris and Carol Leave a comment

One of the workhorses of the mid to late 1970s – the Minolta SR-T 201 is built like a tank (and weighs just slightly less) and its design shouts basic but functional. A perfect camera for a beginning film photographer.

Natural light from a north-facing window softened the look of the vintage chrome.

The Minolta SRT 201 was in production between 1975 and 1981 which is a pretty long run for such a basic camera. The competition at that time was fierce between Canon, Nikon, Olympus, and even Yashica for solid SLRs that wouldn’t break the bank. Minolta had a good reputation for delivering value and its Rokkor lenses (this one takes the MD mount) in a wide range of focal lengths. maximum apertures, and budgets. Excellent quality used Rokkor lenses that would fit this camera are plentiful in online auction sites.

It comes in a black and white version too!

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A simple top plate with easy to adjust controls.

So why is this Minolta perfect for a first-time film shooter? It’s pretty much as manual as you can get – the button type battery powers the built-in TTL (thru-the-lens) exposure meter but the shutter is completely mechanical with speeds from ‘B’ (bulb) to 1/1000th of a second. If you choose to meter with a phone app or hand-held exposure meter then you don’t even need the battery. The viewfinder is bright and it displays the selected shutter speed across the bottom and a match needle indicator along the right side.

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Thanks for stopping by and be sure to pop on over to my camera shop to see what I’ve got in stock. Visit 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.

Saturday Snaps – Canon F-1

March 7, 2020March 7, 2020Chris and Carol 3 Comments

Canon was the official 35mm camera of the 1984 Olympics held in Los Angeles.

Canon New F-1. A complete redesign of the original F-1 from 1971.

Beautiful camera.

A well used Canon F-1 on the left (just the right amount of brassing). The camera on the left has the eye-level finder and the one on the right has the AE finder.

And here’s another limited edition F-1 from 1978. Only about 2000 were made in this distinctive olive drab color with this super cool box, special strap and matching OD camera case. Also known as the Canon ODF-1. It appears that this version of the F-1 was only available for sale in Japan.