Well worn traveler – Weston Master II

September 6, 2021September 6, 2021Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Weston Master II Universal Exposure Meter – 1945 to 1953, Model 735

Going strong although a little beat up and the finish is a bit rough.

Selenium cells still putting out power after all these years. The flap can be closed to cut down on the amount of light reaching the cells.

This wonderful meter was hiding out in a dark corner of an old leather camera bag that I was gifted recently by a neighbor. The cameras, lenses, and this meter all belonged to her father. I gave it a good cleaning (Q-tips dipped in a mixture of Windex and alcohol) and it looks like new (a stretch). It’s got plenty of character.

Thanks for stopping by and have a great evening!

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.

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.

Leica-like 35mm Cameras by Paul Sokk

August 15, 2021August 15, 2021Chris and Carol Leave a comment

My good friend Paul Sokk in Australia has one of the best camera sites you’ll ever come across. Paul covers in great detail cameras from Yashica, Nicca, and Leotax to name just a few. Here’s the link to a rather new section that Paul added just recently. http://www.yashicatlr.com/LeicaCopies.html

Paul’s knowledge of Yashica cameras, especially the twin-lens models, is second to none (shameless plug). http://www.yashicatlr.com/index.html

If you decide to give his site a read be sure to let him know what you liked specifically and please share anything of interest as Paul is always seeking out new information and ideas to share with his readers.

Canon Model 7 Instruction Booklet – 1968

August 13, 2021August 13, 2021Chris and Carol Leave a comment

I was rather surprised to find such a late date booklet for the original Canon 7 35mm rangefinder camera (August 1968) since the camera went out of production in 1964. The Canon Model 7s was in full production during this period (it followed the Model 7 with only slight improvements).

A scan of the front cover and inside back cover from the booklet. Canon didn’t feature their 50mm f/0.95 lens in this edition.

A scan of the back cover – take note of the 08/68 date code (bottom center). Again the f/1.4 lens is featured.

I haven’t had the opportunity to use my Model 7 yet as I’ve been super busy with a refresh of my kitchen (paint, new floors, and new cabinets) but I hope to soon. Here in Florida COVID-19 the Delta variant is running rampant so the thought of a walkabout with the camera is on hold for now. I’m vaccinated but apparently not many of my fellow Floridians and tourists are (https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#county-view). What a shame as the local hospitals are nearly full with sick unvaccinated people.

Thanks for stopping by and be safe.

Fujifilm and Fernandina Beach

July 13, 2021July 13, 2021Chris and Carol Leave a comment

The Fujifilm Instax Wide 300 does a respectable job under bright sunshine and blue skies. Here’s a few images from a walkabout in the Historic District of downtown Fernandina Beach (Amelia Island), Florida.

I think Fujifilm’s Instax color film is an excellent film as it appears to handle high contrast scenes well. With the limitations of the camera’s lens just don’t expect sharp pics even when focused at infinity.

New Arrivals

June 15, 2021June 15, 2021Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Hi all… thanks for stopping by! Just in time for Father’s Day I’m offering a nice 10% discount on almost everything in my shop – CC Design Studios at http://www.ccstudio2380.com

Lots of unique items from our vast collection of photo gear and other collectibles from our travels over the years. Here’s a small sample…

We also have a bunch of gear and cameras that haven’t been listed yet. If there’s a particular item you’ve been searching for lets us know as we just might have it. Contact us here or at ccphotographyai@gmail.com

Rare Zunow 35mm SLR Set

June 6, 2021June 6, 2021Chris and Carol Leave a comment

A very rare, no let me say, ultra rare Zunow camera and lens set is for sale via an online auction in Japan. The Zunow was made in extremely limited numbers in 1959 and few remain this complete in the present collector world. Yashica’s first 35mm SLR was designed in early to mid-1959 shortly after Yashica acquired Nicca camera in 1958. The Yashica Pentamatic ’35’ started production in December 1959 with the first units reaching the US market in the Spring of 1960. The Pentamatic and the Zunow share some similar DNA as Yashica purchased lenses from Zunow (mostly cine lenses) and they were for a time dual branded.

Not often seen together original box, lens cap, case with strap, camera body and lens.

Here’s a snip of a completed auction for just the brochure.

Here’s my first Pentamatic ’35’ with a super-rare Tominon and Yashica branded wide-angle lens.

Looking at the Zunow and the Pentamatic it’s not hard to let your imagination run wild that maybe Zunow, Nicca, and Yashica all shared some design features with one another over a drink or two at a local bar on the outskirts of Tokyo.

This could be another sales brochure or brochure and instruction booklet combination.

Zunow and Yashica branded box for an 8mm cine camera lens.

An advertisement for a rare dual offering from a well-known Japanese camera dealer a few years back.

If you’re so inclined to bid on the current set online, here’s the link https://www.easyauctionjapan.com/YahooAuction-Yahoo-607566-j736361126.html

Thanks for stopping by! Enjoy your day and please feel free to visit my camera shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com

Chris

SUNday Spotlight – visible instamatic

May 23, 2021May 23, 2021Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Kodak Instamatic X-15F (1976-1988).

Happy SUNday! – Remembering Expo 67

May 23, 2021May 23, 2021Chris and Carol Leave a comment

It’s hard to believe that Expo 67 was 54 years ago – I remember most of our trip and stay in Montreal but not that much of the event except, I remember meeting one of the hostesses (not these exact ladies) and having my picture taken next to her and another taken with a Canadian Mountie. I know where the Mountie picture is but I can’t find the other. Perhaps I’ll scan the Mountie pic for another Sunday.

Perfect 1960s style just right for Expo 67.

The Kodak Instamatic 104 camera she’s holding was released in July 1965 and retailed for just under $20 (that’s quite a bit of 1960s money). The 104 was the first to feature the new flashcube and like all early Instamatics used the newly developed 126 film cartridge. The 104 was replaced by the 124 in 1968.

Zeiss Ikon Contax IIIa

May 13, 2021May 13, 2021Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Carl Zeiss Sonnar f/ 1.5 50mm lens shown here with a Zeiss Ikon slip-on lens hood (shade).

This lovely camera is from 1951 and features a built-in exposure meter.

Shown with the meter flap open for business. This image was taken with my Nikon D800 in my studio as a test shot – no post processing.

I haven’t had a chance to run a roll of film through this beauty yet. All levers, knobs, buttons, and dials are working as is the meter. My list of film test cameras is quite extensive so the likelihood that this one will see film anytime soon is slim, very slim.

A quick search on eBay shows a nice selection of these available in all sorts of condition and states of operation. A recent set with body, lens, and box went for $450 (similar to mine) in working condition. I would think around $350 to $400 is reasonable for a clean example and having the box is always nice and in this case worth the $50. I’d give the Contax IIIa a chase factor of 6 – they’re out there so finding one isn’t a problem but finding a 70-year-old camera in full functioning condition is the hard part. Expect some issues that may need to be addressed and of course without service (CLA) little guarantee of continued function. It does make an awesome display camera amongst my other 35mm rangefinders so it’s got that going for it.

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chasingacoffee