Yashica Electro 35: Arigato, Japan!

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It is a well known rangefinder camera, and in a digital age, it shoots with high quality! Thanks to the great works of Japan!

This camera came to life in the mid 60’s, looking good with a brushed satin chrome finish. To my surprise, it was bigger and heavier than I thought; nonetheless I had to buy this camera. It has an iso range from 12-400, and a dial for the iso and din settings. This camera was known for the automatic electronic step-less shutter, made possible by its electro-magnet feature.

It is equipped with a tripod socket, and cable release socket, perfect for night/long exposure shots. Advancing the film is easily done with a push of your thumb. Now I know we all love the multi-exposure technique, the Yashica can perform this with the help of the rewind button below the camera, similar to most camera’s without an instant “MX” feature. The Yashica Electro 35 does not have a hot-shoe, but it does have a PC socket, this is where your PC Adaptor comes in handy, and pair it up with a colorsplash flash.

Since the battery for the Yashica is no longer produced, I was not able to use this camera to its best potential, and I haven’t tried to use an alternative battery (still doing my research). The camera can still function without a battery, but you won’t be able to use the Bulb setting, and sometimes the PC contact just won’t let your colorsplash flash fire away. Also, without a battery, the camera will shoot at a default speed of 1/500th second. It takes good quality photos; the lens is still working very sharp right now. With the right focusing and setting, you can achieve a photo with the focus right where you need it, if not, then the subject is just out of focus.hehe. Overall, this camera is a great camera, some would say a poor man’s Leica. But this camera must be highly respected, for it is a legendary camera.

Lucky me I was able to get this camera for a great bargain! And it is a great addition to my camera collection!

written by cinzinc on 2009-09-11 #gear #review #analogue #camera-review #yashica-electro-35

8 Comments

  1. vicuna
    vicuna ·

    A japanese camera masterpiece!! the only other japanese camera as perfect as the Yashica Electro 35 GSN is the Canon Canonet QL 17 GIII.... (my opinion...)

  2. lomosexual_manboy
    lomosexual_manboy ·

    A great camera, no doubt. I would tell you what batteries I have in mine, but it is currently being borrowed by a friend. I highly recommend getting those batteries so you can use it to its fullest. It won't let you down.

  3. teepee_uk
    teepee_uk ·

    I've done some research on battery adaptors for these

    tinyurl.com/mgv2oo

    The cheapest place on the net to get them, plus you can sell your spare and make the money back ;)

  4. adi_totp
    adi_totp ·

    tadi pagi baru aja liat microsite yashica ini.. yg hasil armin adams.. cool review brooo!!

  5. cinzinc
    cinzinc ·

    thanks everyone! i found a modified battery, uses 2 LR44 and a CR123A battery, works great. BUT, it was only good for using the camera on B setting *sigh
    nevertheless I love this camera =)

  6. dogma
    dogma ·

    Great camera indeed :) oh and you dont need any battery adapters :) just plug in a spring insteed of adapter and go shoot ;)

  7. stouf
    stouf ·

    Very cool camera ! And great gallery !

  8. kdstevens
    kdstevens ·

    Great camera! I bought a battery adapter for mine on e-bay for 10 bucks.
    cgi.ebay.com/YASHICA-ELECTRO-35-BATTERY-ADAPTER_W0QQitemZ15…
    It's worth it.

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