Yashica’s Yashikor f/2.8 5cm Gem

A wonderful LTM lens from 1959 was likely made for Yashica by Tomioka Optical for use on their new Yashica YE 35mm Leica-inspired rangefinder camera. The YE was also known as the 35 YE and the 35 E type during its short run.

Here the lens is shown mounted to my Nicca 3-S.
It’s a handsome lens and it looks well-suited for this mid-1950s Nicca.
A test image from my Fujifilm X-A10 with Fotodiox adapter. I believe this was taken at f/11.
At f/8 or f/11
This one was taken late in the day in deep shade. The Fujifilm X-A10 was set to Velvia film simulation mode. Nice strong colors and sharp contrast.

If you’re interested in discovering more about this under-the-radar lens and Yashica camera might I suggest you stop by my good friend Paul Sokk’s site at http://www.yashicatlr.com/YE&YF.html#yashicaye

As always, thanks for stopping by, Chris

Follow me on Instagram at @ccphotographyai

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, is this blog’s property and its owner, Yashica Pentamatic Fanatic, Yashica Sailor Boy, Yashica Chris, Chasing Classic Cameras with Chris.

Copyright © 2015-2022 Chasing Classic Cameras with Chris (Yashica Pentamatic Fanatic), Chris Whelan
All rights reserved.

Tuesday’s Camera – Yashica A Twin-lens Reflex

We love Yashicas here on the blog and I can’t tell you how many enjoyable hours have been spent chasing these classic beauties from the 1950s.

This one was made in 1962 and features Yashikor lenses (the bottom lens is the “taking lens” and the top lens is the “viewing lens”.

As simple as simple gets so you’re likely to find one of these in a fully functioning condition. Not much can go wrong with these unless they’ve been abused or stored improperly.
The focus knob is on the right and the film advance knob is on the left. Simple.
The little door on the back has a red plastic window under it so that you can see which exposure you’re on as you’re advancing the film. Simple.
An accessory shoe and the two film spool knobs.
Opening and closing the camera is done by this rather large knob on the bottom.
You’ll get 12 exposures from a roll of 120 roll film, either color negative, color transparencies, or black and white negatives in a large 6 x 6 cm (2 1/4 x 2 1/4″). BTW, that is the backside of the taking lens. If you look closely you can see the leaf shutter inside the lens.
What a deal! $29.95 and the leather case for 1/5th the cost.
One of the easiest instruction booklets to follow. The Yashica A was made for beginner photogs on a budget.

So there you have it, our pick of the day. If you’re looking to get into medium format film photography then give this Yashica model a try. Use my example as a guide as to what to look for when you’re looking at purchasing one for yourself. No corrosion, complete leatherette coverings, clean and clear lenses, and no missing parts. Good luck!

May I suggest a visit to my good friend Paul Sokk’s site at http://www.yashicatlr.com/66ModelsPage1.html for some of the best information you’ll find anywhere about all things Yashica, Nicca, Leotax, and more.

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.

Copyright © 2015-2021 Chasing Classic Cameras with Chris (Yashica Pentamatic Fanatic), Chris Whelan
All rights reserved.