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
The Yashica Mat-124 is an exceptional camera that does everything you’d expect from a well-designed, light-catching machine. The first units rolled off the assembly line in the summer of 1967, and the last just three years later in 1970. It was the last TLR Yashica made just before releasing its replacement, the Mat-124G. The 124G had lots of plastic parts and, for the first time, came in primarily all-black. The 124G had a long run that ended in 1986. Here is my Mat-124.
The built-in CdS light meter is activated by opening the viewing hood. The camera uses a 1.35v PX625 mercury replacement battery like the popular Wein Cell.It features dual Yashinon lenses. The taking lens (bottom) is 80mm f/3.5, while the viewing lens (upper) is 80mm f/2.8. The fast f/2.8 viewing lens makes for a bright image in the viewing hood, which makes it easier to compose and focus an image.The crank on the camera’s right side advances the film and cocks the shutter.The focus knob is on the left side, as is the battery compartment and cold shoe.On the bottom, a large knob is how you gain entry into the film chamber.The Mat-124 uses either 12-exposure 120 films or 24-exposure 220 films. The back of the taking lens can be seen on the far right in this image.Looking down at the match needle light meter.This gem of a camera is available for purchase in my Etsy camera shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com.
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
The original Canon Canonet 35mm rangefinder camera with a Canon 45mm f/1.9 lens. Based on its serial number, this one is likely from 1962 or 1963. It is the Version 3 with ASA to 400. The selenium cell meter has been working for all these years. The shutter sounds accurate on auto, but the aperture blades need service.
Canonet V3.The selenium cell meter surrounds the Canon 45mm f/1.9 lens.Simple lines on a simple camera.The film advance is on the baseplate.
The Canonet line was hyper-successful for Canon, selling millions throughout its production.
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
Here are just a few items in my Etsy camera shop from my collection of cameras and photo gear. Visit http://www.ccstudio2380.com to see these items in detail.
Canon and Contax.Asahi Pentax, Canon, Yashica, and Nikon.
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
In this post, I asked what ‘B.C.B.’ meant regarding how the flash was powered. It’s widely accepted that ‘B.C.’ is battery capacitor. The last part is speculated to mean battery. I say this because the flash can also be used with just batteries (usually D cells) and doesn’t need a capacitor battery combination. What do you think?
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
The Ricoh 519 is a 35mm rangefinder camera made by Riken Optical Industries, Ltd. of Tokyo in 1958. The 35mm rangefinder field was extremely crowded in 1958, with Yashica entering the market with its first rangefinder at about the same time. Almost every major and relatively unknown Japanese camera maker had at least an entry in the marketplace. In general, the designs of cameras during this period could range from downright ugly to beautiful – I would place this Ricoh in the beautiful category. I love its lines and thoughtful engineering details. The build quality is exceptional – everything fits nicely, and the finishes are extraordinary. Who wouldn’t love the extra attention to detail with the “519” written in script?
A mid-century gem.Shown here with its light meter attached.The meter is still active after all of these years.
It may not have had the build quality of a Leica, but it sure had style! Thanks for stopping by, Chris
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
“The Canon OD F-1 (released in March 1978) is a color-variation model of the F-1(later model) released in 1976. OD stands for Olive-drab, the camera’s body color, which was reminiscent of the U.S. army and a color popular with young people. Its specifications are the same as the F-1 (later model).” The preceding is a direct quote from Canon’s website.
My Canon OD F-1 with my homemade strap.
I say mysterious only because Cano was tight-lipped about it when it was released in early 1978. No official documentation exists other than that it was made, but no explanation of why it was made and in such limited quantities (estimated between two to three thousand). It’s not a military camera; it wasn’t made for the US Army or the Japanese forces, and other than being olive drab, it bears no markings that differ from a regular black Canon F-1 of the same period. Here is the only known supporting documentation.
The cover page of a flyer that wasn’t published until early 1980 and only released in Japan.The back page of the flyer. I’m not sure this flyer was published by Canon. When the camera was released, it didn’t include a lens, only the body. The camera depicted has a zoom lens, which wasn’t original to the set.The set was issued by Canon in early 1978.
Complete sets such as this command appropriate attention and value among collectors.
The set included a special olive drab case.
My fully decked-out OD F-1.
I’ve attached a power winder and what would have been the correct era lens for the body.
I’ll have more about the camera in future posts. Thanks for stopping by, Chris
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
I have a few camera sets from my extensive collection just in time for the holiday gift-giving season. Some of these cameras, along with their original boxes, are rare in their mint and new condition. I’ve serviced each one and thoroughly tested them with film where necessary. My Etsy shop is at http://www.ccstudio2380.com.
Classic Canon A-1 with a Canon NFD 50mm f/1.8 lens and limited edition 1980 Winter Olympics Lake Placid lens cap.A Canon FT QL 35mm SLR. This was released just before the Canon F-1 was released in the summer of 1971. The FT is built like a tank and will probably outlast us all.A favorite! The 1994 Contax RX is pretty close to the perfect film camera. Add a Contax Carl Zeiss T* lens, and you have photographic excellence.Attention Pentax fans. This is an Asahi Pentax SL from around 1968. It is in perfect condition inside and out and fully serviced. It is ready for film and ready for your next photo walk.Rare, rare, and more rare. From 1978, a completely new and never used Nikon F2A with its original box and certified Nikon USA 25th Anniversary Edition.Canon’s Black Beauty is a close cousin to the famous Canon F-1 but with some significant differences. In addition to a fully manual mode, it can shoot automatically in shutter priority mode. You select the shutter speed, and the camera sets the proper aperture. It can electronically time the shutter to up to a 30-second exposure. It’s one of Canon’s best designs from the mid-1970s.This is a rare Nikon blue canvas messenger bag. It was released in limited quantities as a promotional item around the same time as the F2A and F2AS in the late 1970s. It’s new and never used, making it a perfect gift for a Nikon collector.
Thanks for stopping by and allowing me to shamelessly promote my camera shop! – Chris
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
My Yashica FX-D Quartz goes from funky blue to stately black.
I like the blue, but the previous owner didn’t install it well.It looks like it should have looked when Yashica first released it. The black leatherette is from a seller in Japan, so I feel like it’s a good traditional match for this era camera.
What do you think? Blue or black. Thanks for stopping by, Chris
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
It looks like it did when it left Nikon USA back in 1978.The 25th Anniversary badge has never been attached. This is how I received it from Nikon USA.Numbered baseplate 25-0749.It has gorgeous chrome surfaces with no marks anywhere.Matching serial numbers.Matching serial number on the DP-11 finder.Perfect. Never had even one roll of film installed.
If you want to see more and learn, stop by my camera shop on Etsy at http://www.ccstudio2380.com. Thanks for stopping by, Chris
Comments are always welcome, as I’ve learned quite a bit from reader feedback. As always, thanks for stopping by. 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
Chasing Classic Cameras with Chris 