In the Shop – Fuji Classic 35mm Cameras

March 28, 2019March 28, 2019Chris and Carol Leave a comment

We’ve got some very nice (still new in their original boxes) classic Fuji Photo Film 35mm compact cameras in our shop – some are on sale for 15% off the already low list price.

If you’re looking for great 35mm cameras for your collection or to go out on photo walks then these are the best you can get. We call these Modern Classics because they are well designed 35mm film cameras still new and all have been fully tested by us. Many come with new batteries and film so they’re good to go right out of the box!

Our camera shop can be found at http://www.ccstudio2380.com

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For more about the Fuji Zoom Cardia 900 visit our post here.

This fine camera set can be purchased directly from this blog by selecting the PayPal payment button on the bottom of the page.

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Pretty rare Fujifilm APS camera from Tokyo Disneyland.

Officially licensed Fujifilm camera and film from Disney.

SOLD! Many thanks!

Please visit our shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com for additional pictures and complete descriptions of each set.

Fuji Zoom Cardia 900 Compact 35mm Film Camera Set

You’ll get everything as pictured and described in this post BEFORE it hits my shop. I’ll ship it in the USA for free! Please request a shipping quote for international sales. Thanks, Chris

$169.00

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.

Zoom Cardia 900 – SLR Slayer from Fuji

March 27, 2019March 27, 2019Chris and Carol 2 Comments

Released in Japan in February 1990, this powerful (and not so little) point and shoot 35mm film camera was designed to bring all of the best auto features into one small package. It listed for ¥ 43,800 ($300 at that time) and compared to other P&S compacts of that period that wasn’t a bad price.

It’s a good looking camera in my opinion and its got some heft to it with all of the micromotors built-in and that big Fujinon zoom lens (400 grams with the CR-P2 battery installed).

Excellent coverage from this sophisticated Fujinon zoom lens – wide-angle to a perfect portrait and short telephoto focal length.

The Cardia Zoom models are considered to be one of the best of the best in the compact 35mm film camera segment – certainly worthy of being called a Modern Classic!

Some of its impressive specs:

Fujinon Z 38-85mm f/3.8 (2.2x zoom) glass lens with 7 elements in 7 groups
1/8 to 1/250th Shutter
(1) CR-P2 6V Lithium Battery (powers both the camera and date/time function)
Built-in Auto Zoom Flash
Drop-in Film Loading with Pre-Winding
Uses DX Coded Film ISO 100, 200, 400, 1600
Date and Time Encoding
Back Light Compensation (BLC)
Multi Auto Focus with AF Lock
Fill-in Flash Mode
Auto Exposure Mode
Mid-roll Rewinding
Self-timer

LCD Window displays zoom lens focal length, frame counter, modes and a host of other data.

In actual use, the camera performs exceptionally well delivering better than expected consistently accurate exposures in a wide variety of situations. I would use ISO 400 as my daily film to be able to handle less than ideal lighting conditions. Of course, with the accurate fill-in auto flash, it would be hard not to take a great image.

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You’ll get this complete set as pictured – the film is expired (07/2010) but we typically get great results with it. Please buy a fresh roll of film before you take those “once in a lifetime” pictures.

Simple to use date and time databack.

Matching serial numbers. That’s the original purchase date (November 28, 1991)

The zoom flash adjusts with the focal length of the lens.

Yep, it’s an in the box original – just like we enjoy collecting them.

This set includes the original unused custom case from Fuji but like all of these vinyl cases from the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s they tend to get “sticky” and shouldn’t be used.

Two batteries will come with this set – the original unopened (probably dead) lithium battery and a fresh new one. It will be ready to use right out of the box!

If you’re interested in adding this awesome like-new camera to your collection I’ll be putting it in my camera shop shortly at http://www.ccstudio2380.com or you can purchase it here by clicking on the payment (PayPal) button below. I’ll ship it anywhere in the USA for free using USPS Priority Mail with tracking and full insurance.

Fuji Zoom Cardia 900 Compact 35mm Film Camera Set

You’ll get everything as pictured and described in this post BEFORE it hits my shop. I’ll ship it in the USA for free! Please request a shipping quote for international sales. Thanks, Chris

$169.00

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-Mat EM

March 27, 2019March 27, 2019Chris and Carol Leave a comment

My favorite go-to medium format camera with a built-in exposure meter (EM). This one is from 1964.

Woodblock print by Ando Hiroshige (1797-1858)

Studio Camera: Fujifilm FinePix S9900W

For more about the Yashica-Mat EM please visit one of my previous posts here.

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.

More Yashima Flex – The Dark Knight

March 27, 2019March 27, 2019Chris and Carol 2 Comments

The Yashima Flex represents Yashima’s first TLR with their name on it – their true first TLR was the uniquely named Pigeonflex.

Here are a small collection of studio images of the aptly named The Dark Knight.

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Studio camera: Fujifilm FinePix S9900W

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This Yashima Flex is the best TLR from any manufacturer in our collection. It is in pristine condition and is fully operational.

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The attention to even the smallest details like the metal lens cap shows that Yashima was serious about building the best quality cameras at the best price (a great value for the customer).

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The lenses were supplied by Tomioka Optical and the shutter was from NKS. As you can see from this 1954 made camera the company name was Yashima Kogaku Seiki Co., Ltd. and they produced their TLRs in a small factory in Nagano Prefecture along the shores of Lake Suwa in the small town of Suwa (the east shore of the lake).

I purchased this camera from a collector in Japan who apparently had it on display in a controlled environment as the camera has done well over these past six-plus decades.

Thanks for stopping by and if you want to learn even more about this camera and its place in history please visit my good friend Pauls’ amazing site at http://www.yashicatlr.com

My camera shop can be reached at http://www.ccstudio2380.com – I’m running a big sale starting today! Check it out! – 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.

Yashima Flex – 1954

March 26, 2019March 26, 2019Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Three Yashima Flex twin-lens reflex (TLR) 120 roll film cameras from 1954. This was the first camera to carry the Yashima (Yashica) name.

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For such a young Japanese camera company the Yashima Flex was a well-built TLR. These guys are still capable of producing quality images six decades later.

Thanks for stopping by! Be sure to visit my camera shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com for some interesting classic cameras and photo gear. – 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.

Yashima Pigeonflex – my oldest Yashica

March 22, 2019March 22, 2019Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Confusing title to be sure.

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Before Yashica there was Yashima and before that, there was a Pigeonflex. Yashima 1953. That’s 65 years of Japanese dirt, dust, and fuzz – purchased from a collector from Sapporo, Japan. In my eyes… it’s beautiful! The Tomioka lenses are clean and clear. The camera works great too! Made by the wonderful craftspeople of Yashima / Yashica in beautiful Nagano Prefecture along the shores of Lake Suwa.

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The original Pigeonflex on the left and the first ever TLR to bear the Yashima Flex name on the right. The Pigeonflex has been left in its “as found” condition… proudly showing its 65 plus years of dirt and grime. The Yashima Flex is also in its “as found” condition but it has lived a more protected life. Basically, these are the first two cameras that Yashica (as it has come to be known) manufactured.

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Thanks for stopping by! Be sure to visit my camera shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com as you may see something that strikes your fancy! – 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.

Cute 1980s Yashica Sales Brochures

March 21, 2019March 21, 2019Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Even a few Yashica-Kyocera brochures too!

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Great stuff! 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-Mat 124G Box – 1985

March 15, 2019March 16, 2019Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Just a quick post to share with you what Yashica’s last TLR box design looked like. After a long run that lasted from 1953 to 1986, this was the end of the road for Yashica (thanks to new owners the Kyocera Corporation).

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Here is the earliest box in my collection – from 1954

Back when Yashica was Yashima Kogaku Seiki Co., Ltd.

Kyocera purchased Yashica on a dark day in 1983. This box obviously is from very near the end of the run for the Mat 124G and puts it post-takeover. By serial number, I estimate that my 124G (SN224XXX) puts my camera at being made in 1985.

This is likely the last version of the instruction booklet for the 124G.

This one is dated 8506 (Jun 1985) 3rd printing. Notice that Yashica is now just a division of Kyocera and they were forced from their longtime head office in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo.

OK, enough Yashica trivia for one day! Thanks for sticking around! – Chris

BTW, I’ve listed a few more new items in my camera shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com – see you there!

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.

Asahi Pentax H2 – a favorite that I just keep letting go!

March 14, 2019March 15, 2019Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Every time I find a good looking H2 I sell it! What’s up with that?

I’ve owned more than a few of these over the years – some worked flawlessly and more than a few had shutter lock-up problems. They accept M42 screw-in lenses (just like my Yashicas) and I certainly have plenty of lenses to choose from but there’s something about the Asahi Pentax SLRs that keeps me moving on from them.

I think they look great, they generally feel good in my hand, and people swear by them. So why do I keep hunting for them only to sell them off after a short while? I usually sell them for just about what I paid for them so it’s certainly not the profit angle.

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I think I know deep down what the reason is… I don’t need to start an Asahi Pentax collection and add to my already bursting at the seems camera collection. I’m not getting any younger so I should be selling, not buying!

Here are a few others that I no longer own –

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This one was still mint in its original box but I still let it go.

A great camera that took giant negatives – I shot one roll and put it away. I sold this one about four years ago (it was so nice I was afraid to ding it).

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So when I’m bored I peek and poke around the Asahi Pentax aisles of my favorite auction sites – maybe I’ll stumble on a keeper one of these days, or maybe not.

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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-Mat 124G

March 13, 2019March 13, 2019Chris and Carol Leave a comment

The Yashica-Mat 124G was Yashica’s last TLR in a long line of twin-lens reflex cameras dating back to 1953. The likely end date for the 124G was 1986. That’s a phenomenal run for a TLR.

Think about the cameras that were being marketed in the 1980s – the Canon New F-1N, the Canon T90 and EOS 650, a gem from Nikon like the F3, autofocus and autoexposure 35s from Fujifilm, Canon, Olympus and a host of others. TLRs were dinosaurs in a George Jetson world but there was Yashica plodding away building 124Gs for a world that didn’t need or want them.

To be fair, Yashica was also making some modern cameras too during this period that were very well received building on the successes of their pioneering electronic cameras from the late 1960s and the 1970s. But all was not well for Yashica. 1983 saw the takeover by Kyocera and except for a few surprising winners now and then, Kyocera was not committed to advancing the Yashica brand.

I believe that the Yashica-Mat 124G during this period did not suffer from its association with Kyocera. Early 1980, 1981 and 1982 124s look and feel just as good as the later 124Gs that were made during the later Kyocera years.

The “G” in the 124G indicates that Yashica used gold plated contacts in their electronic CdS light meter connections implying that it was a better way to make a more reliable connection.

With the viewfinder hood closed power to the light meter was shut off conserving battery power. Here the shutter speed is set at 1/250 and the aperture at f16. The red meter needle is deflected to the left.

With the hood opened, the meter is now powered and with the shutter set at 1/30th and the aperture opened up to f3.5 the red meter needle is deflected to the right. The ASA is set a 400.

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In my opinion, there’s nothing cheap about the Yashica-Mat 124G. I think it’s actually quite modern looking given that a TLR is far from advanced design and technology. Yes, Yashica switched from using chrome metal trim items in favor of black plastic pieces but have you ever looked closely at Canon’s T90 and EOS 650? Even the F3 uses plastic – done well there’s nothing wrong with it. The weight difference between my venerable mid-1960s Yashica-Mat EM and my 124G is about one ounce.

In summary, if you want to experience medium format photography at its best you can’t go wrong with either a classic from Yashica like the Yashica D, EM or Mat or this modern classic the Yashica-Mat 124G. The Tomioka made optics are sharp, the Copal shutters are accurate and the build quality from Yashica was second to none (millions made).

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to visit 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

In the Shop – Fuji Classic 35mm Cameras

We’ve got some very nice (still new in their original boxes) classic Fuji Photo Film 35mm compact cameras in our shop – some are on sale for 15% off the already low list price.

Zoom Cardia 900 – SLR Slayer from Fuji

Released in Japan in February 1990, this powerful (and not so little) point and shoot 35mm film camera was designed to bring all of the best auto features into one small package. It listed for ¥ 43,800 ($300 at that time) and compared to other P&S compacts of that period that wasn’t a bad price.

Yashica-Mat EM

My favorite go-to medium format camera with a built-in exposure meter (EM). This one is from 1964.

More Yashima Flex – The Dark Knight

The Yashima Flex represents Yashima’s first TLR with their name on it – their true first TLR was the uniquely named Pigeonflex.

Yashima Flex – 1954

Yashima Pigeonflex – my oldest Yashica

Cute 1980s Yashica Sales Brochures

Yashica-Mat 124G Box – 1985

Asahi Pentax H2 – a favorite that I just keep letting go!

Every time I find a good looking H2 I sell it! What’s up with that?

Yashica-Mat 124G

The Yashica-Mat 124G was Yashica’s last TLR in a long line of twin-lens reflex cameras dating back to 1953. The likely end date for the 124G was 1986. That’s a phenomenal run for a TLR.