Yashica TL Electro-x

January 12, 2019January 12, 2019Chris and Carol 1 Comment

One of the best cameras that Yashica made – in 1968 Yashica produced an exciting 35 mm SLR with a built-in computer! Well, integrated circuits and an electronic “brain”.

It was my first SLR and I fell in love with its looks and the feel of it in my hands. This one is from my rather silly large collection of Yashica cameras and I’ve decided to make it available in my online shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com

This one is from around 1970 and besides being in stunning mint condition it works like new!

Gotta love the gothic “Y” on the pentaprism – pure Yashica!

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The battery for this camera is still readily available today and isn’t very expensive.

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I’ve always felt that the satin silver finish on this model was the best – it holds up well and it’s easy to keep clean.

The camera will come with a fresh (new) battery, the original leather case, an unopened vinyl strap, a roll of Fujicolor film and an instruction booklet. The beauty of this Yashica is that it accepts a wide array of M42 screw mount lenses which are available everywhere for very fair prices.

Thanks for stopping by! – Chris

Studio camera – Fujifilm X-A10 with a Fujinon Aspherical Lens – Super EBC XC 16-50mm f3.5 OIS II

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.

Time Capsule – 1960

October 12, 2018October 11, 2019Chris and Carol 1 Comment

The original Pentamatic.

A nice example of Yashica’s first 35mm SLR – the Pentamatic. Also known as the Pentamatic ’35’ in its earliest advertisements and sales brochures. This particular camera is from August 1960 – the same month that Yashica started production of the Pentamatic II – a model that was destined for the Japanese home market and not for world export. The Pentamatic II stayed in production only until January 1961 when it was replaced a few months later with the Pentamatic S. The original Pentamatic was first produced in December 1959 but widescale production didn’t begin until January 1960. As of this update (Oct 11, 2018), I still haven’t found evidence of an instruction booklet printed in Japanese – only English booklets so far. I would think that there must be booklets in Japanese and at least 2 or 3 other languages but none found. The Pentamatic II booklet is in Japanese and no English editions have been found.

As always, thanks for stopping by and please check out 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.

Yashica Pentamatic & Yashica 35

September 7, 2018Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Two heavyweights from the Yashica Company, Limited.

Yashica 35 (left) & Pentamatic (right)

The Yashica 35 was a 35mm rangefinder camera first introduced in early 1958. The Pentamatic was Yashica’s first 35mm single-lens reflex camera first released in early 1960.

Thanks for stopping by! Be sure to stop by our online shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com

Chris

Fujicarex II by Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.

August 6, 2018August 30, 2018Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Unique – Odd – Quirky – Ugly – Gorgeous – Cool – Modern – Sexy – Sophisticated – Clunky – a failure?

Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. – Tokyo

Fuji’s first 35mm SLR

Originally released as the Fujicarex in 1962 and sold only in Japan (it listed for ¥25,000). An updated model was released in the United States in July 1964 (in Chicago) as the Fujicarex SLR 35 and for other overseas markets as the Fujicarex II. It listed for around $150 USD without a case. It came with a Fujinon-S f/1.9 5cm lens with an additional f/4 35mm wide angle lens and a f/2.8 80mm portrait lens available.

Billed (advertised) as the “World’s easiest-to-use SLR 35mm camera” – Electric Eye with Cluster Control!

What do you think of its design?

According to a very reliable Japanese source, the Fujicarex II was available in Japan as a replacement to the original model and that the model II was destined for other overseas markets beyond the U.S. (like Europe). This would lead one to believe that the Fujicarex SLR 35 was only available in America. I haven’t been able to verify that as I’ve never seen the “plain” Fujicarex logo.

So was it a failure? Well, it got Fuji Photo moving in the right direction but I think overall it was just overdesigned and a bit hard to use. A bit like the Yashica Pentamatics – neat cameras that didn’t catch on. From what I understand it was only sold for about three years or so. The next 35mm SLR from Fuji didn’t appear until 1971.

No matter what, this unique camera is seldom seen in today’s collector marketplaces. It would make a wonderful addition to any vintage Japanese SLR collection since it was Fuji’s first SLR. Thanks for stopping by!

Chris

I’m thinking that this is the original Fujicarex logo (close to the cold shoe).

This should be the U.S. Fujicarex SLR 35 as there isn’t the “II” under the “Fujicarex”.

Nikon’s Little Gem – the EM

July 14, 2018July 14, 2018Chris and Carol Leave a comment

It doesn’t get any simpler than this – Nikon’s little gem, the Nikon EM. This one is mated with a sweet Series E 28mm f2.8 wide angle lens. If you like compact easy to use 35mm SLRs then you’ll love this guy!

This lovely set is available directly from our online store at http://www.ccstudio2380.com for a very reasonable price. It’s a one owner camera that’s been gently used over the years. I’ve inspected it, tested it (fresh batteries included), and lightly cleaned it. Oh, and the old sticky foam light seals have been removed. You get to install new ones – easy to do and readily available.

***SOLD! One hour after listing it! Thank you!

Per the Nikon EM owner’s booklet, here’s a list of the Nikon and Nikkor lenses that will work with the EM. Chances are you already own one or more of these lenses. I’ve included the Series E 28mm f2.8 with this camera (notice that it’s not on the list) as it came out shortly after the EM was released.

nikon lenses

Of course, opinions are all over the map concerning this camera from not worth it to love it. Die-hard Nikonites hated it when it came out (1979-1982) but some people loved it because they finally had an affordable platform for their Nikkor lenses. The EM is an aperture priority camera – you pick the f-stop and the camera picks the shutter speed. I know, some people hate that but if you use 400 films in daylight seldom will you run into problems.

Streetfighter! Do you like street photography? Throw in some Neopan Acros, set the wide angle lens on infinity and select f8 or f11 and snap away! It’s small, lightweight, black, and quiet – perfect for the streets!

Well, there you have it – a neat little Nikon that won’t break the bank. You’ll get everything pictured so there’s lots of little bonus goodies included. Pop on over to http://www.ccstudio2380.com and give it a spin. You may see something else to your liking.

Thank you!

Chris

Nikon F from 1971

July 9, 2018Chris and Carol 1 Comment

We are pleased to offer this wonderful Nikon F for purchase. It’s a one owner camera (bought new in Chicago). It has never been offered for sale before. The serial number is SN 7293919 which establishes a production date between October 1971 and February 1972.

The camera is in mint condition – just a bit off from a mint new condition. It has been very gently used with probably no more than 20 rolls of film ever run through it (that’s likely way high). If you’ve ever wanted to own the legendary Nikon F, then here’s your chance. Everything works as it should and quite simply put this camera is stunningly beautiful!

Nikon F 35mm SLR Film Camera

Simply one of the best SLRs – ever. It’s in mint condition with only the slightest traces of past use. It comes from a one owner home that has a smoke and pet free environment. This camera is ready to roll – just add your favorite film, attach your favorite lens and go create! The Nikon F is a fully mechanical camera – no battery needed so there’s no built-in TTL exposure metering – pure old school shooting. Contact me for a shipping quote to your location. It must be shipped via accountable means with door to door tracking with signature and insurance. With that said I’m sure we can work out a very affordable shipping option for you. Don’t let this opportunity to own this wonderful camera slip through your hands. Additional pictures are available at http://www.ccstudio2380.com (it can be purchased in our Etsy shop if you would like). Thanks, Chris

$375.00

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Thanks for stopping by!

Chris

Daily ‘Fuji-Fix’ – the Fujica ST701

June 18, 2018June 18, 2018Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Classic 35mm SLR from 1971. One of a few SLR’s with a rather different looking logo.
This one works like a charm.
Bright viewfinder and sharp f/1.8 Fujinon lens.

Be sure to visit our online shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com for some rather rare and unique cameras and gear.

Chris

Happy SUNday!

March 4, 2018March 4, 2018Chris and Carol Leave a comment

The view through a Canon EF viewfinder.

Thanks for stopping by! Have a great day!

C&C ^.^

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 J-3 Sales Brochure – 1962

January 23, 2018January 23, 2018Chris and Carol 4 Comments

We don’t have an exact date on this brochure – we’re mainly basing it on the recognized release date in the United States. Since this is a Japanese brochure it could have been earlier or later.

Of interest, the first M42 screw mount camera made by Yashica was the Penta J which was also known in Japan as the “Jaguar”. The name Jaguar never appeared on the camera body, just in advertising. It is possible that the “J” in the J-3 could have been for Jaguar but the marketers from Yashica decided to shorten it to just “J” at the last minute.

Front and back covers for the first J-3 brochure.

These images (below) are from two different J-3 instruction booklets that we have in our collection. The one on the left appears to be from a rare early version of the book with the image on the right from the later and more common book. Of note, the camera in the left image does not have a name on the body while the camera in the book on the right shows J-3. It’s an entirely different picture of the J-3. Our guess is that the book on the left has either a prototype or pre-production camera before Yashica finalized the name for the camera. They may have still been up in the air about naming it J-3 or possibly Jaguar something.

The left camera appears without a name and very different (and rather odd looking) accessory shoe. The camera on the right carries the J-3 name and the “correct” accessory shoe that ended up in production.

2 j-3 collage

Same instruction booklet but with the “J-3” written in on the image. Look closely, notice how crude it is. Another clue that the camera was a pre-production or prototype camera.

Well, there you have a bit of Yashica controversy discovered 56 years after the fact! lol

Thanks for your visit!

Remember to stop by our store at http://www.ccstudio2380.com

C&C ^.^

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.

Always a Favorite – Asahi Pentax H2

January 12, 2018January 12, 2018Chris and Carol 4 Comments

Always a favorite with us the Asahi Pentax H2 – we like the clean lines and simple straightforward design. The H2 uses M42 mount lenses but can’t use all of the M42’s out there. Some Yashica and Fujinon M42 mounts aren’t always a good fit.

Here’s one from around mid-1960

If you can find a nice working H2 or S2 then we highly recommend it for your collection. They’re as manual as they come – no built-in exposure meter and a top shutter speed of only 1/500th of a second but their classic design win the day out in the field.

Thanks for stopping by! Be sure to visit our online store at https://www.ccstudio2380.com

C&C ^.^

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!

Tag 35mm SLR

Yashica TL Electro-x

Time Capsule – 1960

Yashica Pentamatic & Yashica 35

Fujicarex II by Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.

Unique – Odd – Quirky – Ugly – Gorgeous – Cool – Modern – Sexy – Sophisticated – Clunky – a failure?

Nikon’s Little Gem – the EM

It doesn’t get any simpler than this – Nikon’s little gem, the Nikon EM. This one is mated with a sweet Series E 28mm f2.8 wide angle lens. If you like compact easy to use 35mm SLRs then you’ll love this guy!

***SOLD! One hour after listing it! Thank you!

Nikon F from 1971

We are pleased to offer this wonderful Nikon F for purchase. It’s a one owner camera (bought new in Chicago). It has never been offered for sale before. The serial number is SN 7293919 which establishes a production date between October 1971 and February 1972.

Daily ‘Fuji-Fix’ – the Fujica ST701

Happy SUNday!

Yashica J-3 Sales Brochure – 1962

We don’t have an exact date on this brochure – we’re mainly basing it on the recognized release date in the United States. Since this is a Japanese brochure it could have been earlier or later.

Always a Favorite – Asahi Pentax H2

Always a favorite with us the Asahi Pentax H2 – we like the clean lines and simple straightforward design. The H2 uses M42 mount lenses but can’t use all of the M42’s out there. Some Yashica and Fujinon M42 mounts aren’t always a good fit.