Macro Monday – vintage film

July 20, 2020July 20, 2020Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Hello all!

I hope your day is going well and you’re staying safe. Here’s a vintage 1950s metal film can from Fuji Film. Neopan is a black & white negative film.

Neopan SS – the SS is ASA 50. SSS is ASA 100

I’ve had this film can for years unopened. It was included with a Yashica Pentamatic that I acquired years ago.

Camera: Fujifilm FinePix S9900W at f/8, ISO 100, 1/60

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.

SUNday Spotlight – Polaroid Pathfinder Land Camera 110

July 19, 2020July 19, 2020Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Happy Sunday all! In the spotlight today is my dad’s favorite camera and by default, my favorite. I have lots of great memories associated with using this camera. It’s one of the first cameras that my dad showed me how to use.

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Pictured below is from a Polaroid brochure from 1953. The Pathfinder 110 is the first camera listed.

In 1953, $249.50 for a camera was big bucks (still is).

Thanks for stopping by – have a beautiful and safe day and be sure to stop by 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.

Leotax ‘Silhouette’ – a French Connection?

July 14, 2020July 15, 2020Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Here’s an advertisement that appeared in the Asahi Camera Yearbook 1958.

leotax silhouette

Leotax TV advertisement from Asahi Camera Yearbook 1958. Other than this ad, I haven’t seen any other mention that the TV was also known as the Silhouette. Leotax went on to name two other cameras – Merite and Elite.

It’s important to point out that Leotax, for the most part, did not engrave the names of their cameras on the top plates so you won’t find cameras that have Silhouette, Merite, or Elite on them. So far I’ve seen these names in advertisements, in a sales brochure, and on a box.

My box with the name Merite vice Merit as it is incorrectly known.

Flyer from 1959 clearly shows the camera as being the Merite.

If you’d like to know more about the Leotax Camera Company please visit my good friend Paul Sokk’s site at http://www.yashicatlr.com/Leotax.html. Paul’s done an excellent job at compiling some of the best information anywhere about Leotax (and a bunch of other things too).

Thanks for stopping by and if you have anything you’d like to share with me about Leotax please do so in the comments. I would especially like to see more examples of Leotax boxes and advertisements (and brochures). – Chris

Be sure to visit my camera shop hosted by Etsy 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.

Shinano Camera Company Ltd. – Pigeon Model III

July 13, 2020May 9, 2022Chris and Carol 6 Comments

From around 1953 or late 1952.

35mm viewfinder camera with non-interchangeable lenses.

Asahi Camera magazine advertisement from 1953. Download courtesy of Paul Sokk http://www.yashicatlr.com

A very clean and streamlined design gives this camera a rather modern look even by today’s standards.

The standard lens is a Tomioka Optical Company Tri-Lausar f/3.5 4.5cm

A simple top plate features a film advance lever (far right) tucked into the upper right corner of the backplate. Maybe a first for a Japanese made 35mm camera.

A closer view of the film advance lever. Advancing the film did not charge the shutter.

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Below is a scan of the original instruction sheet supplied with the Model III.

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Pigeon Model III

My Pigeon Model IIA from 1952. This gorgeous camera is no longer in my collection.

These Shinano Pigeon 35 cameras are an interesting collectible but so far after owning two of them I’ve yet to be able to shoot a roll of film. The Model IIA pictured above had a non-functioning focus lever that somehow became detached internally. I didn’t catch that it wasn’t right until after I sold it. The Model II that I recently acquired at auction has two major problems. Again the focus lever did not work as it was frozen in the infinity position probably from lack of use and the second problem was that although the film advance lever moved it did not advance the film. That might have been a simple fix but since the focus lever wasn’t working I won’t try to get it repaired. The Tomioka lenses on both cameras were clean and clear and the shutters sounded accurate.

My advice is to proceed with caution before purchasing these early cameras as they are approaching nearly 70 years since they were made. Things happen over time and unless you’re a talented repairperson expect these to simply look good in a collection of early Japanese 35mm cameras.

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.

Here is a cleaned-up version of the leaflet courtesy of a reader. Thanks to ‘Bambi’.

Here is a translation (maybe a rough translation) of the leaflet provided by the reader ‘Bambi’. Thanks

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.

Chasing Classic Cameras with Chris

Yashica cameras and so much more!

Tag Film

Macro Monday – vintage film

Hello all!

SUNday Spotlight – Polaroid Pathfinder Land Camera 110

Happy Sunday all! In the spotlight today is my dad’s favorite camera and by default, my favorite. I have lots of great memories associated with using this camera. It’s one of the first cameras that my dad showed me how to use.

Leotax ‘Silhouette’ – a French Connection?

Here’s an advertisement that appeared in the Asahi Camera Yearbook 1958.

Shinano Camera Company Ltd. – Pigeon Model III

From around 1953 or late 1952.

35mm viewfinder camera with non-interchangeable lenses.

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