New in the Shop – Yashica-Mat 124G

March 12, 2019Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Perfectly operating Yashica-Mat 124G twin-lens reflex (TLR) 6×6 cm medium format film camera. Whew!

The last TLR in a very long line of innovative and quality made cameras by Yashica. The last 124G rolled off the assembly line at the Okaya factory in 1986 (Kyocera was in “control” and was about to kill off the Yashica name. Yashica’s first TLRs? The Pigeonflex and then the Yashima Flex (1953, 1954).

This model’s serial number is 164216 (roughly 1983) and it’s never been offered for sale before. I purchased it directly from the original owner who kept it unused as part of his collection. It’s been thoroughly tested – the light meter is spot on (I’ve installed a new battery), the shutter is accurate at all speeds, the lenses are crystal clear, and the aperture blades are snappy and oil free. I see only the slightest specs of dust on the reflex mirror inside which is typical (even straight from the factory there was dust as the mirror chamber is not sealed). It’s a joy to use and all controls operate as they should – smooth and precise. I’ve installed new light seals after carefully cleaning away the old ones. The CdS meter is built-in and coupled. BTW, these later model 124Gs are built as rugged as any of Yashica’s previous models – you get the benefits of a newer TLR with a fresher CdS meter with gold contacts. You should be able to use this camera with proper care for another 30 years or more!

It’s available for purchase in my camera shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com or you can buy it directly from here by clicking on the PayPal payment button and get free USA shipping!

Vintage 1983 Yashica-Mat 124G Twin-lens Reflex (TLR) Medium Format Camera (120 or 220 Roll Film) Producing 6×6 cm Negatives & Slides

Nearly new Yashica-Mat 124G TLR that's been completely tested and is in 100% fully operational condition. Open the box, load some film and you're a medium format square shooter! I've installed a new battery and new light seals. It comes with the original plastic Yashica lens cap (correct for this model). This camera is perfect for the discriminating collector or an active photographer. They don't come nicer than this well cared for beauty. It will ship FOR FREE within the USA via USPS Priority Mail and I'll mail it worldwide with some exceptions. Please contact me first for a quote. Thanks, Chris

$475.00

The Yashica YE & YF – a definitive history

March 5, 2019March 5, 2019Chris and Carol Leave a comment

My good friend Paul Sokk would argue that nothing about the history of Yashica could ever be “definitive”. Yashica no longer exists and its previous owners (Kyocera) could care less about the history of the company that it killed off back in the late 1980s. But that’s where Paul really shines – he’s always researching and searching for that extra crumb of information that leads to the next crumb that eventually leads you to the cake.

The cake, in this case, is the latest addition to his amazing website. Paul deftly guides us through the complicated maze that was Yashica and details its relationship with the Nicca Camera Company and the wonderful Leica copies that were produced during the 1950s. Many of the conclusions that Paul describes are found nowhere else on the web and to his credit, no detail is too small or unimportant to look at.

The family – Yashica YE, Nicca 3-F, Tower Type-3 (top to bottom)

The Yashica-Nicca YF (the lens is not the standard lens for this body)

Please stroll on over to Paul’s site (be sure to bookmark it) for everything you ever wanted to know about the early days of the Yashica-Nicca collaboration. Paul quickly puts to rest many bits of intentional and unintentional misinformation that’s been floating around the web about this subject.

Paul’s site can be reached here.

Thanks for stopping by! – Chris

Be sure to visit the “gift shop” before you leave today for some great deals on some vintage cameras and equipment – 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.

a man, a watch, a camera

March 5, 2019March 5, 2019Chris and Carol 2 Comments

Mr. David Yulee as seen in downtown Fernandina Beach

Yashica Pentamatic S 35mm SLR mated with the sharp 5.8cm f/1.7 lens which I believe was designed by Zunow. No direct written evidence to support that claim but the design cues are clearly more Zunow than Tomioka. The camera is from 1961 and the lens is from 1960.

Yashica Pentamatic S with attached exposure meter.

Yashica’s first SLRs represented a steep learning curve for the company.

The original Pentamatic ’35’ was co-designed with Nicca Camera starting in 1958. The camera was groundbreaking for Yashica to be sure but a miss overall against the competition (think Nikon F). Yashica’s best was yet to come. I happen to appreciate the rock-solid construction of this often overlooked camera. The lens was only in production for six months and disappeared from Yashica’s lineup at the same time as Zunow’s demise (January 1961). It was the standard lens for the Pentamatic II. This was not the lens that was supplied with the S – Yashica went back to the 5.5cm, f/1.8

Shot with my Samsung Galaxy S4 – January 2015

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to check out my camera shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com for some great 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.

Yashica’s ‘Sailor Boy’

March 4, 2019March 4, 2019Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Here’s one of our first-year posts appropriately about Yashica’s advertising figurine.

Chasing Classic Cameras with Chris

Yashica’s ‘Sailor Boy’ advertising doll made by Modern Plastics of Japan in 1962. This guy is the large 20cm Yashica dealer store display model.

Beautifully detailed by talented craftspeople.

Thanks for stopping by!

Chris

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Yashica-Mat EM… on assignment… update 12.9.2016

March 3, 2019March 4, 2019Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Another look at one of my favorite Yashicas to use – my Yashica-Mat EM is still going strong (since 1964) and the meter is as accurate as ever. Take a peek at the original post – if you please.

Chasing Classic Cameras with Chris

This month’s assignment (actually from September) is to load some Fujifilm into our Yashica-Mat EM and enjoy the benefits that only medium format film photography can fulfill.

Oh the joys of composing 6 x 6 cm images through a pop-up viewing hood in bright sunlight. What I do find nice is that the focusing dial is on the camera’s left side… a natural place for it to me. The EM has a built-in exposure meter and a ‘computer’, slide rule actually, to adjust the aperture and shutter speeds which you then set by using the two thumb wheels. I’ve learned over the years to use the guess method of focusing – I’ve learned how to judge distances by eye and then I set the focus on the marked dial. If you’re shooting in bright light and use the smallest apertures then the dept of field will cover most inaccuracies in…

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The Yashica 44 – A ‘Tiny’ TLR

March 2, 2019March 2, 2019Chris and Carol Leave a comment

The 44 uses 127 roll film

Yashica-44

The easier to handle Yashica 44 TLR (4×4 cm negatives and slides vice 6×6 cm) from early 1959 or so. The leatherette is “dove gray” while the metalwork is “machinery gray”. Yashica made these in about 8 different colors if you count black as a color. From the look of this sales brochure, the 44 was designed with women in mind as an alternative to the bulky and unstylish 66 models that were in use. Many of the Japanese ads from that period feature stylish modern women posing with their new cameras.

This camera has managed to travel to the present in a rather nice condition and the original light gray leather case is intact as is the original box. Many thanks to the good people at the factory in Shimosuwa for their good design and quality construction.

A sales brochure from 1959

The 44’s colorful original box hints at the wide variety of colors available (although not quite these colors).

Yashica also made the 44 LM which featured a built-in exposure meter (light meter) which you can read about here.

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.

Yashica’s New Factory – 1972

February 23, 2019February 23, 2019Chris and Carol 3 Comments

Yashica opened a modern factory in Okaya, Nagano Prefecture in October 1972. They moved from their previous factory location in Shimosuwa (within 2 kilometers or so).

Here’s a picture of the factory taken on or near opening day. This image was “found” inside a Photax Catalogue from 1973/1974. Photax was the exclusive importer for Yashica products in the U.K.

Image captured from the catalog (by me).

Google Map Image

Current view of the same location which is now occupied by Kyocera. If you look closely you’ll notice that the overall boundaries of the complex haven’t changed or expanded past the original walls. The front drive and entrance to the Kyocera facility are basically the same as it was back in 1972. Of course, Kyocera purchased Yashica in 1983 and by 1986 the Japanese brand Yashica was killed off. The present-day users of the name Yashica have no ties to the once proud Yashica Company.

For more about the history of Yashica’s factories please visit my previous post here.

As always, thanks for stopping by! Be sure to also stop by the “gift shop” at http://www.ccstudio2380.com for some amazing deals on some vintage 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.

In the Shop – Fabulous Yashica D Set

February 22, 2019Chris and Carol 2 Comments

In the shop today we’re offering this beautiful Yashica D twin-lens reflex set – complete as if it left the factory yesterday! A true time machine that’s in full working condition (tested) featuring crystal clear Yashikor (made by Tomioka) lenses. This wonderful set is available here first – it’s not available in the shop yet.

Payment button at the end of the post. I’ll mail this set anywhere in the US for free! That includes full insurance and tracking. I’ll ship worldwide with some exceptions. Please message me for a quote first.

What’s included –

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The Yashica D camera (1965 model), the original presentation box and the outer shipping box, the instruction booklet, the Yashica lens cap, all guarantee papers as well as the camera dealer’s customs forms, the inner packing material including the very hard to find plastic bag, a silica gel pack, and of course the Yashica brown leather camera case.

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The camera is a joy to use and unlike other more complicated medium-format cameras this one is “fall down” easy to shoot with. It features a simple to use knob for advancing the 120 film (12 exposures – 6x6cm), easy shutter cocking, and clear accurate focusing. The aperture and shutter speed is changed by the two thumbwheels on the front of the camera and the settings are visible from above in an easy to see window. This camera is perfect for the discriminating collector and/or the active photographer who enjoys using a vintage camera (54 years and counting). It does have a few small marks in the paint, some dust visible inside the viewing hood but absolutely no corrosion, no lifting of the leatherette and no issues with the optics. The presentation box does have one small tear in the cardboard and the lid is a bit discolored (see pic below).

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The camera and lens serial numbers match the box and the guarantee papers. The set was purchased in England in the summer of 1967.

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Don’t miss out on this rare opportunity to own such a beautiful (and complete) set of this classic from Yashica.

Yashica D Complete Camera Set

Classic Yashica D twin-lens reflex camera set in nearly new condition. The set includes the camera, case, lens cap, the inner and outer boxes, all papers and the instruction booklet, and all of the factory packing materials. The camera is fully functional, the lenses are crystal clear, and the set is complete right down to the matching serial numbers. Shipping in the US is free. Shipping worldwide with some exceptions - please message me first. Thanks, Chris

$395.00

In the Shop – Yashica D Presentation Box

February 21, 2019Chris and Carol Leave a comment

In the shop today we have a bit of a collector’s special. I’ve listed one of my early Yashica presentation boxes – those colorful boxes that were often tossed when new so 60 years on it’s getting harder to find these fun collectibles. They add instant appeal to your collection.

Stop by our shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com for complete details and additional pictures of the box. It can be purchased here or in the shop.

Vintage Yashica D Presentation Box

Vintage Yashica D presentation box from the first run of these iconic cameras (1958-1963 or so). Later boxes (1964 onward) were radically changed to a more modern style. This box represents the earliest days of Yashica. The colors are unique - a pinkish gray with the letter 'D' in yellow, green, and black. It is missing one of the lids end flaps which could be easily duplicated by the serious collector or left as is. The box is solid and complete otherwise. For additional details and pictures pop on over to the shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com You can purchase this item here by simply clicking on the payment button or buy it in our shop. Shipping in the US is via USPS Priority Mail for $8.50 and I'll ship basically worldwide - just ask for a quote before ordering. Chris

$19.75

Yashica’s First Radios – 1959

February 20, 2019February 20, 2019Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Most people don’t realize that Yashica made a wide range of electronic and electrical items in the 1950s.

Although I’m not sure that these were completely assembled at Yashica’s factory in Nagano Prefecture. They were known as a maker of fine twin-lens reflex (TLR) film cameras during much of the 1950s, but Yashica made and sold 8mm movie projectors and editors as well so it would seem logical that they would make some early consumer products – in this case, the Yashica YT-100 and the bigger and more powerful YT-300.

The YT-100 on the left and the YT-300 on the right

Not often seen together as these have become extremely hard to find 60 years later

The last time these two were photographed together as the YT-100 sold yesterday to another collector. Thank you for your purchase and enjoy your radio!

Thanks for stopping by and feel free to stop by my shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com for a fantastic collection of neat camera stuff! Everything’s on sale at 10% off too!

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 Yashica

New in the Shop – Yashica-Mat 124G

Perfectly operating Yashica-Mat 124G twin-lens reflex (TLR) 6×6 cm medium format film camera. Whew!

The Yashica YE & YF – a definitive history

a man, a watch, a camera

Yashica’s ‘Sailor Boy’

Yashica-Mat EM… on assignment… update 12.9.2016

The Yashica 44 – A ‘Tiny’ TLR

Yashica’s New Factory – 1972

Yashica opened a modern factory in Okaya, Nagano Prefecture in October 1972. They moved from their previous factory location in Shimosuwa (within 2 kilometers or so).

In the Shop – Fabulous Yashica D Set

In the Shop – Yashica D Presentation Box

In the shop today we have a bit of a collector’s special. I’ve listed one of my early Yashica presentation boxes – those colorful boxes that were often tossed when new so 60 years on it’s getting harder to find these fun collectibles. They add instant appeal to your collection.

Yashica’s First Radios – 1959

Most people don’t realize that Yashica made a wide range of electronic and electrical items in the 1950s.