Pathfinder 110 from 1953
Do you have an “untouchable” camera in your collection? We have a few and I hope to share them over the next few weeks. – Chris
The Fuji Photo Film Company of Tokyo has a long history of making some very desirable cameras – from simple point and shoot models to high-quality professional medium format film cameras covering most types of film formats (Fuji Photo, after all, is in the business of selling film). Along the way, there have been a few cameras that have stood out for their technical achievements and innovations and one of them is the Fujicaflex Automat (for much more about this model please check out Mr. Koyasu’s wonderful site).
We’ve wanted to add this camera to our collection for many years and the right combination of events led us to this one. It was for sale in Japan a short while back and we missed it – it became available again from a collector in Thailand so we went for it.
Of the many neat features that this camera has, one of the most useful is its close-up capabilities. Although we haven’t finished our first test roll of film we wanted to verify the reported 70cm close focusing feature. By pushing the little button above the thumbwheel you’ll be able to adjust the taking and viewing lenses for a closer focus (notice that the lens rings extend outwards about 4mm or so). The ability to bring the taking lens closer to the subject allows the camera to get closer to the subject without the use of cumbersome auxiliary lenses.
Here the lenses are retracted back to their “normal” positions.
Thanks for stopping by! We’ll cover more of the camera’s features in future posts and we will post images from our first test roll soon. – Chris
Two heavyweights from the Yashica Company, Limited.
Yashica 35 (left) & Pentamatic (right)
The Yashica 35 was a 35mm rangefinder camera first introduced in early 1958. The Pentamatic was Yashica’s first 35mm single-lens reflex camera first released in early 1960.
Thanks for stopping by! Be sure to stop by our online shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com
Chris
The Yashica 35 was produced starting in April 1958. This camera (above) is one of the last of the series to roll off the assembly line at Yashica’s factory in Shimosuwa, Nagano Prefecture, Japan in December 1960. Little changed from its original design – minor tweaks here and there but never anything major.
The lens was made by Tomioka Optical and was produced in two models – the f/1.9 and f/2.8, 4.5cm fixed lens.
Close-up of the front group removed.
Very similar to other Tomioka made lenses of the period.
With the front lens group removed we can see the Copal shutter assembly – here a mix of parts produced a hybrid. Is it an MXV or SV shutter? It would appear that Yashica was cleaning out its parts bins when this late model was built. Notice that the focus scale is in feet.
10 blade aperture.
Original early sales brochure – the sharp-eyed will notice that the name on the lenses is “Yasinon” vice “Yashinon”. Changes were made even as the brochure went to press.
About $47.00 USD for the f/1.9 and $32.00 for the f/2.8 – add another $2.77 for the leather case.
The 35 “F” variant. Not a new model just a changeover to a different style of serial numbers. The serial number decodes as follows: 6 = 1960, 12 = Dec, and 1150 = sequence number for that month’s production.
From this point of view, it looks just like it did in April 1958.
A beauty in black & white.
Yashica 35 & Yashica Pentamatic 35 – Yashica’s first rangefinder and first SLR.
The Yashica 35 is certainly a worthy addition to any early 35mm rangefinder collection. If you like to collect “firsts” then may I recommend that you check out the Yashima Pigeonflex, Yashimaflex, the Yashica 35 and the Yashica Pentamatic 35 – each of these wonderful cameras was a major milestone in the development of the Yashica Company.
So there you have it, a brief visual tour of the Yashica 35. If you would like to know more, much more, cruise on over to my good friend Paul’s website.
Thanks for stopping by!
Chris
Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. – Tokyo
Fuji’s first 35mm SLR
Originally released as the Fujicarex in 1962 and sold only in Japan (it listed for ¥25,000). An updated model was released in the United States in July 1964 (in Chicago) as the Fujicarex SLR 35 and for other overseas markets as the Fujicarex II. It listed for around $150 USD without a case. It came with a Fujinon-S f/1.9 5cm lens with an additional f/4 35mm wide angle lens and a f/2.8 80mm portrait lens available.
Billed (advertised) as the “World’s easiest-to-use SLR 35mm camera” – Electric Eye with Cluster Control!
What do you think of its design?
According to a very reliable Japanese source, the Fujicarex II was available in Japan as a replacement to the original model and that the model II was destined for other overseas markets beyond the U.S. (like Europe). This would lead one to believe that the Fujicarex SLR 35 was only available in America. I haven’t been able to verify that as I’ve never seen the “plain” Fujicarex logo.
So was it a failure? Well, it got Fuji Photo moving in the right direction but I think overall it was just overdesigned and a bit hard to use. A bit like the Yashica Pentamatics – neat cameras that didn’t catch on. From what I understand it was only sold for about three years or so. The next 35mm SLR from Fuji didn’t appear until 1971.
No matter what, this unique camera is seldom seen in today’s collector marketplaces. It would make a wonderful addition to any vintage Japanese SLR collection since it was Fuji’s first SLR. Thanks for stopping by!
Chris
I’m thinking that this is the original Fujicarex logo (close to the cold shoe).
This should be the U.S. Fujicarex SLR 35 as there isn’t the “II” under the “Fujicarex”.
Studio Camera: Fujifilm X-A10 with 16-50mm f3.5 Fujinon Lens
Thanks for stopping by!
Chris
The camera is in mint condition – just a bit off from a mint new condition. It has been very gently used with probably no more than 20 rolls of film ever run through it (that’s likely way high). If you’ve ever wanted to own the legendary Nikon F, then here’s your chance. Everything works as it should and quite simply put this camera is stunningly beautiful!
Nikon F 35mm SLR Film Camera
Simply one of the best SLRs – ever. It’s in mint condition with only the slightest traces of past use. It comes from a one owner home that has a smoke and pet free environment. This camera is ready to roll – just add your favorite film, attach your favorite lens and go create! The Nikon F is a fully mechanical camera – no battery needed so there’s no built-in TTL exposure metering – pure old school shooting. Contact me for a shipping quote to your location. It must be shipped via accountable means with door to door tracking with signature and insurance. With that said I’m sure we can work out a very affordable shipping option for you. Don’t let this opportunity to own this wonderful camera slip through your hands. Additional pictures are available at http://www.ccstudio2380.com (it can be purchased in our Etsy shop if you would like). Thanks, Chris
$375.00
Thanks for stopping by!
Chris
Complete kit – I’m only missing the original batteries. Not pictured is the wired remote control.
LIFE magazine ad from 1961
From the Australian catalog by Swift & Bleakley c1962
“Oh no”, she exclaimed! “Not movie cameras too!” Carol to Chris upon seeing the new toy.
More to come. Thanks for stopping by!
Chris
This little unit was made around 1965 or so by the Japanese company Gold Crest (think Vivitar) – they manufactured all types of little gizmos for photography in the 1950s and 60s. I picked the Yashica 44 (from 1958) to use as the model for the flashcube adapter – the gray metalwork and gray leather go well with the flash unit.
The adapter was powered by a Mallory M-504 15 volt battery. Gold Crest, by the way, made their own 15v batteries too. The lever on the back rotated the flash cube and the little silver lever popped it off. Too cool!
Check out the awesome color of the vinyl case! The 504 battery is still available today for under $10 if the mood strikes to fire off some cubes!
Thanks for stopping by! This item will be available in our shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com
Chris
Yashica Super 60E Super 8 Movie Camera
Yashica super 8 movie camera – fully working. Power zoom Yashinon-DX 48mm f1.8 lens is one of Yashica’s best lenses for a movie camera. This offering includes the original instruction booklet, Yashica branded lens cap and Yashica guide ‘How to take better pictures with your Yashica’ c1969. The camera is clean and in excellent condition. It features TTL exposure, 6-1 electric zoom, uses super 8 film – it originally sold for $225.00
$20.00
Time to move this very nice Yashica movie camera to another collector. It’s been a while since I shot film with it but its been very well taken care of and short of testing it with film it’s fully operational. It has a fast Yashinon-DX f1.8 lens that looks almost spotless – certainly no issues that I can see with the camera.
I’ll mail it worldwide – contact me for a shipping quote.
Thanks for stopping by! Be sure to check out our online store at http://www.ccstudio2380.com for other great deals.
Chris
Chasing Classic Cameras with Chris 