SUNday Spotlight – Chasing Classic Cameras with Chris

July 12, 2020July 13, 2020Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Happy SUNday and thanks for stopping by!

Today I’d like to show you a new addition to our collection. While on one hand, we’re downsizing the collection while on the other hand, we continue to add classics – especially rather hard to find classics like this one.

The Yashica-Nicca 35 YF or as it was known in Japan, the Yashica 35 Fair-Way.

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The first and only dual-branded camera from Yashica, the YF is a 35mm rangefinder camera that uses interchangeable L39 screw-in mount lenses (made by a variety of lens producers). Here it’s mated with its original Yashinon f/1.8 5cm lens.

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The Yashica YF is rather unique in its design and a break from the more traditional Leica-like cameras of the 1950s. The YF was first produced in July 1959 and according to the serial numbers, ended its run by September 1959 with just a little over 6,200 made.

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The camera back features an easy to open film door that made loading 35mm film cassettes a breeze. Very similar to the Nicca Type-5 but its door swung to the right.

Shown with the film door and baseplate completely removed.

The serial number shown here decodes to August 1959 number 1,603rd made since the start of production in July.

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Another neat feature of the YF is that the film advance lever was located in a slot on the upper right of the top plate which made advancing the film and cocking the shutter super easy.

The single eyepiece is late and provides a clear view through the rangefinder.

The perfectly placed rangefinder windows afforded a bright view and easy focusing.

An original sales brochure from late 1959.

The original instruction booklet in English.

From a Yashica sales brochure from around mid-1960.

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to visit 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.

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.

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! – Happy Father’s Day

June 21, 2020June 22, 2020Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Mom and Dad 1961

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there! – 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! – pictures at the post office

June 14, 2020June 14, 2020Chris and Carol Leave a comment

I haven’t posted my typical ‘Happy SUNday!’ posts in a while given the depressing situation here in the US and as far as the pandemic is concerned, the world. The state that I live in and call home is Florida and it’s been my home for the most part since late 1971.

One of my favorite places to photograph is the local post office here on Amelia Island, the Fernandina Beach post office (Zip 32034). Built in 1911, this beautiful building is a hoot to explore as it’s filled with all sorts of historic details inside and out. So here’s a short photo essay of some of my best shots taken with a wide variety of cameras over the years.

Taken in August 2016 when the building was undergoing a complete restoration. Camera and film: Fujipet (1958 model) 120 roll film camera taking 6x6cm images on Fujifilm Neopan Acros 100 film.

Getting a grip on history – the front doorknob before restoration. Image from January 2014. Camera: Sony CyberShot DSC-W170.

Lamppost base – cast iron. Taken in January 2014. Camera: Sony CyberShot DSC-W170.

Lamppost details.

You have mail. Post office mailbox. Such beautiful detail. January 2014. Camera: Sony CyberShot DSC-W170.

Vintage Yashicaflex AS-II twin-lens reflex camera from 1954 photographed on a vintage table in the post office. January 2015. Camera: Samsung Galaxy S4.

Ink stained wood tabletop from where the inkwell was. January 2014. Camera: Sony CyberShot DSC-D170.

Postmaster’s office ca. 1911. January 2017. Camera: Samsung Galaxy S4.

Metal, glass, and wood. My Yashica Pentamatic on the upstairs wood (heart pine) floor. January 2015. Camera: Samsung Galaxy S4.

Post-restoration of the ca. 1911 post office. January 2017. Camera and film: Fujica GW-690 Professional (1978 model) 120 roll film camera producing 6x9cm negatives. Fujifilm Neopan Acros 100 film.

It’s been a while since I’ve photographed the post office. I’ve got some new to me cameras so it’s time to go for a photo walkabout.

Thanks for stopping by and have a beautiful day and be sure to visit my Etsy camera shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com and my eBay store at https://www.ebay.com/str/auntfotosphotography

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.

New in the Shop – neat stuff!

June 13, 2020June 13, 2020Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Hello all… I hope your day and weekend are going well. Here are some new items I’ve added to my Etsy shop this week. My shop can be visited at http://www.ccstudio2380.com

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Everything is discounted at least 10% and many come with free USA shipping. I can mail almost anything worldwide and if there’s something that you’ve been looking for I just may have it. You can email me at ccphotographyai@gmail.com

Have a safe and happy day and thanks for stopping by! – 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 Auto Focus Motor – Friday Fotos!

June 12, 2020June 12, 2020Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Also known as the Yashica 5-Star Auto Focus Motor – 1981. It featured a sharp 38mm f/ 2.8 lens that was more than likely made by Tomioka.

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A nice sales brochure (above) from October 1981. The cameras featured in this brochure are the Diary, Flasher, Snap, and the Auto Focus Motor.

Yashica Auto Focus Brochure

Yashica Auto Focus, Auto Focus Motor, and Motor-D. These were technological breakthrough cameras for Yashica in the early 1980s. Of course, at this same time, Canon had the A-1, AE-1, AE-1 Program, and of course the Canon F-1. These cameras from Canon were all SLRs so not a fair comparison but Canon made similar compact rangefinder cameras. It was a tough go for Yashica at this time and a takeover was on the horizon.

Promotional playing cards featuring the Yashica Sailor Boy and the new Auto Focus Motor.

Thanks for stopping by and have a beautiful (and safe) day! – Chris

BTW, I’ve added some new items in my Etsy shop – check it out 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.

Zeiss Ikon Contax IIa – 1954

June 4, 2020June 11, 2020Chris and Carol Leave a comment

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Zeiss Ikon Contax brochure from 1954.

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35mm rangefinder camera with interchangeable lenses. Considered by many to be better than a Leica from the same time period.

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The Contax IIa and IIIa from the early 1950s. If you run across one in your travels definitely pick it up – you’ll be very pleased. Thanks for stopping by and be sure to visit my camera shop hosted by Etsy 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.

Vintage Japanese Leather Camera Cases

May 30, 2020May 30, 2020Chris and Carol 1 Comment

Here’s a small sample of some pretty rare (or at least super hard to find) leather cases from the late 1930s to the mid-1950s.

Coolest camera logo ever! Pluto 7

From Konishiroku (later became Konica) Semi-Pearl 4.5x6cm folding medium format 120 roll film camera – ca. 1938

The Semi-Pearl was the first camera made in late 1938. As I understand, there were other models made during the war, and after that became somewhat popular. Still, finding a leather case from the thirties is super rare as most have fallen apart.

Konishiroku Konilette (later became Konica) 35mm compact film camera – ca. 1953

This Konilette used a 35mm film without sprocket holes so the image was just a tad larger than a traditional 35mm image size.

Shichiyo Kogaku of Tokyo Pluto Six P medium format folding 120 roll film camera – ca. 1955

As I understand it, there were only two camera models made by Shichiyo – the Pluto Six P and the Pluto Six L. The cameras are super rare so finding an intact leather case after all these years is hyper rare. The “Pluto 7” logo derives from the Japanese word for seven – shichi which is part of the company name and is considered good luck.

These are currently available in my online (Etsy) camera shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com

If you have one (or all) of these cameras then you’ll appreciate just how rare it is to find the cases in excellent condition. Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful weekend! – 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.

New In the Shop – neat stuff!

May 25, 2020May 25, 2020Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Hi all! Here’s some new and interesting items in our Etsy Shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com

Take advantage of my Memorial Day sale with 15% off.

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Lots more can be found in our shop at http://www.ccstudio.2380.com

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.

Chasing Classic Cameras with Chris

Yashica cameras and so much more!

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SUNday Spotlight – Chasing Classic Cameras with Chris

Happy SUNday and thanks for stopping by!

Today I’d like to show you a new addition to our collection. While on one hand, we’re downsizing the collection while on the other hand, we continue to add classics – especially rather hard to find classics like this one.

The Yashica-Nicca 35 YF or as it was known in Japan, the Yashica 35 Fair-Way.

Minolta SR-T 202 new in the shop today!

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

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! – Happy Father’s Day

Happy SUNday! – pictures at the post office

I haven’t posted my typical ‘Happy SUNday!’ posts in a while given the depressing situation here in the US and as far as the pandemic is concerned, the world. The state that I live in and call home is Florida and it’s been my home for the most part since late 1971.

New in the Shop – neat stuff!

Hello all… I hope your day and weekend are going well. Here are some new items I’ve added to my Etsy shop this week. My shop can be visited at http://www.ccstudio2380.com

Yashica Auto Focus Motor – Friday Fotos!

Also known as the Yashica 5-Star Auto Focus Motor – 1981. It featured a sharp 38mm f/ 2.8 lens that was more than likely made by Tomioka.

Zeiss Ikon Contax IIa – 1954

Vintage Japanese Leather Camera Cases

Here’s a small sample of some pretty rare (or at least super hard to find) leather cases from the late 1930s to the mid-1950s.

New In the Shop – neat stuff!

Hi all! Here’s some new and interesting items in our Etsy Shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com