These two from the mid-1970s are not often seen together. The RTS was released in 1975, and I purchased this F-1 in 1978. I considered buying the RTS instead of the F-1, but the representative from Canon at the Navy Exchange store in Yokohama convinced me the F-1 was better, and at the time, a bit less expensive than the Contax. Many years later, I was able to get the RTS, and I added the PMD W-6 as a bonus. The Canon handles better due to its larger rubberized grip, but the RTS is a bit more sporty (designed by Porsche). I use them both. The Contax can eat through film at 5 fps vs. the Canon’s 3.5 fps.
Heavyweight superstars.The Canon’s drive is much larger, but the Contax is faster.Designed to excel in sports and unmanned photography.I find the large rubberized grip on the Canon to be easy to hold, and the extra-wide base kept the camera stable on a table.The Contax is super slick; the drive almost disappears into the camera’s body. Conversely, the smaller footprint means the camera is not as stable on a table.The grip on the Canon is removable, which opens up additional possibilities and accessories..One of my favorite Carl Zeiss lenses.
Comments are always welcome; I’ve learned a great deal from reader feedback. As always, thanks for stopping by. While there, visit my camera shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com (CC Design Studios, hosted on Etsy). – Chris Whelan
Comments are always welcome; I’ve learned a great deal from reader feedback. As always, thanks for stopping by. While there, visit my camera shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com (CC Design Studios, hosted on Etsy). – Chris Whelan
Classic Nikon. This is the last Nikon F in my collection. I enjoy using and collecting the early Nippon Kogaku logo bodies and, of course, a Nikkor-S Auto 50mm f1.4 lens. The camera was built in mid to late 1964. The lens is from 1965. I like it when it all comes together.
Instantly recognizable.A classic 35mm SLR.It was first released in 1959. This one is from 1964.The reputation of the Nikkor-S Auto 50mm f1.4 lens is world-renowned.
Comments are always welcome; I’ve learned a great deal from reader feedback. As always, thanks for stopping by. While there, visit my camera shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com (CC Design Studios, hosted on Etsy). – Chris Whelan
Hi all! I have my last Canon Macrolite ML-1 electronic flash from my collection for sale. This one is the latest version from 1985. It will work perfectly with the Canon New F-1 as well as any of the earlier A-Series cameras. It’s in my Etsy camera shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com
Comments are always welcome; I’ve learned a great deal from reader feedback. As always, thanks for stopping by. While there, visit my camera shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com (CC Design Studios, hosted on Etsy). – Chris Whelan
The Canonflex was released in May 1959. It was Canon’s first 35mm SLR. The Yashica Pentamatic was Yashica’s first 35mm SLR, and it was released in March 1960. It was designed with the help of the recently acquired Nicca Camera Company in 1958. It’s safe to say that without Nicca’s help after the acquisition, the Pentamatic wouldn’t have come to market when it did.
Likely two cameras many have never seen.
As a collector of classic cameras, I appreciate these designs from the late 1950s.What makes them different keeps them the same. Both cameras feature sharp standard f/1.8 lenses. The Canomatic lens is reportedly radioactive. No evidence that the Yashica lens is also radioactive. The lens on the Yashica was made by Tomioka Optical for Yashica. The Canon lens was made by Canon.The Canon is a slightly larger camera than the Yashica. The Pentamatic is slightly more compact compared to the Canonflex. Its all-metal construction puts its weight right there with the larger Canon.Rear view. The serial number on the Canon indicates it was the 5,998th camera made. The Yashica was manufactured in August 1960 and was the 8,101st model produced up to that point in 1960.
Comments are always welcome; I’ve learned a great deal from reader feedback. As always, thanks for stopping by. While there, visit my camera shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com (CC Design Studios, hosted on Etsy). – Chris Whelan
I know, the title looks like a mathematical equation. Fujifilm (USA) is now selling its most popular models made in Japan instead of China to avoid its US customers from paying the high tariffs imposed on China. Here is a snip from Fuji’s website this morning (July 2, 2025). The ‘JP’ designates that the camera is made in Japan.
That’s quite a difference in the price between a Chinese-made X-T5 and a made-in-Japan model. Currently, Fujifilm has the X-T5 (Silver Model) in stock. If you’re interested in this camera, I suggest you move quickly, as it’s likely to sell out.I use the Fujifilm X-T2 and love it. Would I like to upgrade to the X-T5? Yes!
Comments are always welcome; I’ve learned a great deal from reader feedback. As always, thanks for stopping by. While there, visit my camera shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com (CC Design Studios, hosted on Etsy). – Chris Whelan
From Japan, released in 1955. The Asahiflex IIa was one of Japan’s first 35mm SLR cameras.
The Asahiflex IIa with a gorgeous Asahi-Kogaku Takumar f/3.5 50mm lens.
The Asahiflex had interchangeable screw-in lenses.
1956 advertisement.The waist-level finder open.With the waist-level viewfinder closed.The Asahiflex IIa and a Nicca 3-S. The Nicca is from 1956.This is a Leica IIIg from 1956. It was made in Germany and features a sharp Leica Summaron f/3.5 3.5cm lens.
It’s a great camera to add to any early 35mm camera collection, and there are plenty still available to collect.
Comments are always welcome; I’ve learned quite a bit from reader feedback. As always, thanks for stopping by. While there, visit my camera shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com (CC Design Studios, hosted on Etsy). – Chris Whelan
I’ve decided to sell my recently acquired Fujifilm X100VI. It’s never been used and is still new and untouched, just as it came from Fujifilm USA. Here is your chance to get this hard-to-find camera.
Unopened and ready to deliver.Brand new X100VI.It was built in the first quarter of 2025 (5A) and is the North American model, indicated by the second ‘A’ in the serial number. Factory fresh!Stock images from Fujifilm.Stock images from Fujifilm.Stock images from Fujifilm.
Brand New Fujifilm X100VI 40.2MP Digital Camera Set
Fujifilm X100VI in black. Factory fresh, never used, never handled. It will be mailed in the US via USPS Priority Mail Express for free (shipping, insurance, tracking, and signature confirmation paid by me).
I mail daily.
PayPal only. USA addresses only.
$2,195.00
Fujifilm X100VI Black 40.2 MP Digital Camera Set w/ a Fujinon 23mm f/2 Aspherical Lens – New in Box – US Model – Never Used, Brand New
I have a brand-new, never-used (or handled) Fujifilm X100VI in black available for purchase. It is the US (North American) model made in the first quarter of 2025. It comes with a US warranty from Fujifilm. The first image is a stock picture of the camera from Fujifilm. This is a compact digital camera. It has never been registered. New in its original box with everything pictured. You will receive: Fujifilm X100VI Digital Camera w/ Fujinon Lens Box Fujifilm Lens Cap USB Cable Fujifilm Camera Strap Fujifilm Rechargable Battery NP-W126S Fujifilm Warranty Papers
Some of its amazing features: 40.2MP X-Trans CMOS 5 HR Sensor Up to 6.0 stops In-Body Image Stabilization 4-stop Internal ND 4x and 2x Digital Teleconverter 20 Film Simulation modes, including REALA ACE 2K/30P, 4K/60P, FHD/240P 10-Bit Video
Powerful Sensor The imaging technology of the 40MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS 5 HR Sensor of the Fujifilm X100VI allows for detailed and masterful shots. With high resolution available in most cameras, creators can capture all the fine details in their environment. Whether it is a crowded city street or a rocky beach lit up in striking shades at sunset, the Fujifilm X100VI’s powerful sensor is a necessary upgrade. Operating at twice the speed of the previous generation, capturing fleeting expressions in portraits or the waves as they crest a seawall is no problem for the Fujifilm X100VI.
Digital teleconverters come in handy, especially when you need a closer shot. Users will get 1.4x and 2.0x crop factors with this Fujifilm camera, along with an internal 4-stop neutral density (ND) filter, to give you even more control over your shots.
Original owner, smoke and pet-free home.
***I mail daily, and this will be sent fully insured, tracked, and must be signed for upon delivery. USPS Priority Mail Express shipping is available for the quickest service.
***Since this is a brand-new camera, I can not accept a return on this item.
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
In many ways, it’s better than the much more famous F-1.
It’s also known as the Canon Black Beauty. It’s built on the F-1’s frame but does not have interchangeable viewfinders or the ability to use a power winder or motor drive.
The EF was first released in 1973, just two years after the F-1. It was Canon’s first aperture-priority camera, well before the AE-1.The standard lens is the Canon FD 50mm f/1.4 S.S.C. shown here with its lens hood.Here, a Canon EF and its cousin, the Canon F-1. The F-1 is shown in a limited-edition olive drab.Another EF in my collection.
The Canon EF is a worthy camera for your collection. The ability to electronically time exposures from 1/2 to 30 seconds accurately makes it more versatile than the F-1 in its base form.
From the Japanese instruction book.The view in the viewfinder. The later EFs had a split-image and microprism focusing screen.From my EF released in Japan.An earlier EF with the FD 50mm F/1.8 S.C. lens.
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
I often purchase used cameras and lenses from individuals in person and from online sites. Some of these gems are usually over forty years old and older, and even though they look clean, I know they’re not. I don’t think I’m a germaphobe (a bit, maybe), but the thought of putting an obviously dirty camera up to my face isn’t too appealing. The flip side to making a camera clean again is that it will go a long way to preserving the camera’s surfaces, preventing corrosion, and removing oils and contaminates that will deteriorate the camera in the long term. I think of it as preserving a bit of history.
Here is a camera I acquired recently. It looked in mint condition and, at first glance, clean. The camera is from 1976, and although it wasn’t heavily used, it’s been sitting around collecting pollutants.
Standard cotton buds (Q-tips) and household Windex and lots of time remove the dirt and grime trapped in and on the surfaces of the camera. These were from the leatherette on the back cover. Think nose oils and dirty fingers. The front leatherette is another grimy area.Dirty buds.
After an evening happily spent detailing this gorgeous Canon (below).
After.
I’ve cleaned cameras like this for over thirty years, and never has it damaged a camera or lens. Obviously, I dip the Q-tips in a small container of Windex. Don’t directly spray the camera.
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
Chasing Classic Cameras with Chris 