Monday’s Camera – Asahi Pentax H2

May 3, 2021May 3, 2021Chris and Carol 2 Comments

I like their simple lines and I think they look uncluttered without the clunky self-timer lever stuck on its face.

M42 screw-in lens mount so most of my Yashinon (Tomioka) lenses will fit but not always correctly. The same goes for my Fujinon lenses.

Happy Monday! As I was surfing through my archives of cameras that have long since departed and I came across this little gem – the Asahi Pentax H2. I’ve always been fond of these, I guess I just like their look and the solid feel in your hands. I haven’t had much luck with them over the years as I almost always end up with a stuck in the up position mirror or some other shutter or film advance issue. They’re quite old now so a good CLA would bring them back. Too late for that with this one as it was purged in a big sell off years ago.

If you’re looking for an interesting classic camera to chase the H2 is worth your time and energy. As with all older SLRs look for the best you can afford. It may not work but it will look good sitting around.

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.

Hansa Self-Timer from the 1950s and its relationship with Canon

April 30, 2021April 30, 2021Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Before built-in self-timers were available on cameras there had to be a way to remotely trigger the shutter so that the photographer could get into the picture or to prevent camera shake when shooting at slow shutter speeds. That’s where this little gizmo came in (and dozens more like it).

They’re very popular with classic camera collectors and this gem sold within 24 hours of listing it in my camera shop (www.ccstudio2380.com).

More than likely only a few manufacturers made these things for other companies and collecting all of the different models and versions can be a whole fun branch of camera collecting.

They simply screwed into the shutter button just like a cable release and with the action of a mechanical timer would fire the shutter. Usually anywhere from 5 to 10 seconds or just enough time to get in the shot.

Hansa refers to the Omiya Photo Supply Company. Please see http://camera-wiki.org/wiki/%C5%8Cmiya

Interestingly back in 1936 the first Canon camera made after their name change from “Kwanon” had the word “Hansa” engraved on the top of the camera and that camera is commonly referred to as the “Hansa Canon”. To my eye the way Hansa is written on the case of this timer is the same as Hansa was engraved on the Canon. The “H” and “A” being slightly modified by the 1950s. Certainly the “S” is spot on. For more about this bit of interesting Canon history please visit https://www.canonrangefinder.org/Canon_Hansa.htm

So if you’re looking to collect something different from the 1950s and it’s related to photo gear, then these self-timers can provide hours of fun searching and researching. Heck, I’ve seen the Hansa timer in about every color case you can imagine from this striking green to blue, and yellow!

By the way, the little “Hc” in the circle just may relate back to “Hansa Canon”. Something to think about.

Looking through vintage glass – fun with classic lenses.

March 14, 2021March 14, 2021Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Maidenhair ferns at f2.8 – soft non-distracting background

This stunning image (above) was taken through a lens that was made in Japan in the 1950s. What I love about using these well-cared for bits of photographic history is that they produce a level of clarity and sharpness but without the razor sharp and sometimes unnatural look you get with today’s best digital cameras and modern lenses. In my opinion, vintage glass mounted on a mirrorless digital camera is the best of both worlds.

Japanese garden lantern shot at around f8 – nearly perfect focus of the entire roof

Azalea blossoms shot at about one meter at f4 – soft circular highlights and gorgeous bokeh

Shot at 135mm at f5.6 – here the background is not pleasing as the sky is bright blue and cloudless – see image below

Nice separation and spot on focus of the top of the flagpole – 135mm at f8

Fujifilm X-A10 digital mirrorless camera with Fotodiox M42-FX adapter. The T-mount is changeable and in this case I’ve mounted an M42 screw-in adapter. M42 bodies are typically found on older Yashica, Pentax, Fujica, and many other 35mm SLR cameras.

Let me introduce the star of this post. A wonderful 135mm short telephoto lens made by Sankor for Spiratone. It’s a fast f2.8 lens of a sonnar design with multi-coated surfaces (Tc).

If you own or have been thinking of purchasing a digital mirrorless camera then definitely look into shooting with these classic lenses. I think you’ll find its an interesting diversion from the world of autofocus (and image stabilized) modern lenses. It tends to slow you down and makes you appreciate the photographic process.

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to stop by my 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 – I have Nikon gear in my shop!

February 21, 2021February 21, 2021Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Lots of recent Nikon items have been listed in my shop – if you’re a Nikon collector or are looking for some neat gear please check my shop out at http://www.ccstudio2380.com

Nikon F3 genuine leather semi-soft field case.

Nikon F mount Tamron zoom telephoto AF lens.

Classic Tamrac Expedition 5 Pro camera and lens backpack.

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to stop by my 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.

Friday Fotos! – you’ve been warned!

February 19, 2021February 19, 2021Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Nikon Nikkor AI 50mm f1.4 lens test on Nikon D800.

Nothing yet. Lens test Nikon Nikkor AI 50mm f1.4 on Nikon D800.

I recently acquired a few cameras and lenses from a good friend who lives on Long Island. Some of her gear has been sitting around unused for a while so I like to test and inspect (and clean) them. The results with the Nikon Nikkor AI 50mm f1.4 lens are very pleasant. Now to test the Nikon FM10 and Nikon N75 that she also sent. It’s always great fun to “play” with new to me gear.

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to stop by my 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.

Canon F-1 Lake Placid 1980 Winter Olympics Edition

February 11, 2021February 11, 2021Chris and Carol Leave a comment

A very highly collectible version of the famous Canon F-1 (1971-1981).

This camera was built by Canon in February 1980 which is when the Olympics were being held in upstate New York. The Canon NFD 50mm f1.2 lens is from February 1981.

As Carol and I continue to downsize our camera collection we’re offering this wonderful camera for purchase. It’s fully functional and ready to be a highlight in the next collectors collection.

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to stop by my 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.

Mystery Meter by Yashica

January 23, 2021January 23, 2021Chris and Carol 6 Comments

My friend Graham has a wonderful collection of Yashica and Contax cameras, lenses and gear. His Flickr page can be found at https://www.flickr.com/photos/164456136@N06/

Recently Graham acquired a previously unknown exposure meter from what appears to be the 1960s.

***News Flash*** Please see new information at the end of this post!

Graham’s beautiful mystery meter shown mounted on a Yashica YE

Front view of the meter shown mounted on a Yashica Reflex 35 J

Although this meter has a shoe for mounting on a camera’s accessory shoe its long strap indicates that it also was designed to be worn around the neck and used as a hand held meter. It’s a CdS meter which requires a 1.3 v battery. Graham states the meter is fully functional!

My question to my readers. Has anyone seen a meter like this with Yashica markings? It has no model number and we haven’t found it in any sales brochure from that era. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Another view of this lovely meter and camera

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to stop by my shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com – Chris

All images curtesy of Graham Buxton-Smither.

***New Info***

It appears that this Yashica branded meter is the same as a Kuribayashi Petri ELEX model M-302.

Modern Marvel – Canon’s little digital IXY

January 19, 2021January 19, 2021Chris and Carol Leave a comment

2003 seems like a lifetime ago with what all that’s happened since then. In the field of electronics, specifically digital photography, the changes and advancements have been monumental.

Take this groundbreaking digital camera from Canon. Released towards the end of 2003, the Canon IXY Digital L as it was known in Japan (Canon PowerShot SD10 Digital ELPH here in the US) listed at an amazingly high price of $349! For that amount of money you got a sharp fixed 6.4mm f/2.8 Canon lens and 4.1 megapixels. The images were recorded on a standard SD card (only the second Canon digital to do that) hence the US name ‘SD10’.

Canon’s ultracompact digital beauty.

This tiny camera was offered in four colors – this one is Piano Black.

Bright and sharp 1.5 inch LCD screen. Here’s an example of a near macro shot of my keyboard.

Every version of this camera carries the same model number – PC1060. A pocket-friendly 3/4 inch profile with the lens retracted.

What surprises me the most about this camera is the quality of the images. It’s amazing what 4 MP can do with a tiny CCD sensor and high-quality Canon optics. Here’s a few samples below.

A high-contrast scene was still rendered correctly albeit with a rather slow autofocus.

The Canon 6.4mm lens gives a nice 39mm equivalent in 35mm.

Talk about a dusty keyboard! Close-up shot with auto flash. Not bad for such a tiny camera.

If you like collecting older digital cameras then this one is a must. I’m not quite sure how I ended up with the Japanese market model vice the common US model. In markets outside Japan and the US the camera is known as the Digital IXUS i.

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to stop by my 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 – Olympus Classic

January 17, 2021January 17, 2021Chris and Carol Leave a comment

One of the most popular 35mm SLR cameras – ever.

Olympus OM-1n with Zuiko MC Auto-S 50mm f/1.8 made between 1979-1987.

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to stop by my 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.

Nikon’s Gem of a Lens – f/1.4 50mm AI

January 16, 2021January 16, 2021Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Nikon Nikkor lenses have been praised since the dawn of time (a slight exaggeration) and in some cases rightly so. This Nikkor lens is right up there in its reputation as a fast quality lens that’s as relevant today as when it was made.

Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI lens made between 1977 to 1981. Don’t confuse this with the later AIS lens which immediately followed this lens.

It takes 52mm filters and caps, has a seven blade aperture, features seven elements in six groups, close focusses to 1.5 feet, and weighs in at 255 grams. It uses the famous Nikon F-mount.

Here I’ve included a nice B+W 52E 010 1X filter for protection. The lens is of course made in Japan.

This lens functions perfectly and the front and rear elements are clean and clear but there is some dust specs inside and some light haze. In my test shots with my Nikon D800 the lens performed well with the imperfections not visible in the final images.

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to stop by my 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.

Chasing Classic Cameras with Chris

Yashica cameras and so much more!

Tag Made in Japan

Monday’s Camera – Asahi Pentax H2

Hansa Self-Timer from the 1950s and its relationship with Canon

Looking through vintage glass – fun with classic lenses.

SUNday Spotlight – I have Nikon gear in my shop!

Friday Fotos! – you’ve been warned!

Canon F-1 Lake Placid 1980 Winter Olympics Edition

Mystery Meter by Yashica

Modern Marvel – Canon’s little digital IXY

SUNday Spotlight – Olympus Classic

Nikon’s Gem of a Lens – f/1.4 50mm AI