Yashica Electro 35

XA2inmypocket

XA2inmypocket

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I recently picked up a rather fetching (albeit bulky) Yashica Electro 35 GTN from a car booty, along with it's two "lenses" (plug in adapters). Clearly the lens adapters are rubbish, but I'm thinking of giving it a go. I've ordered a battery that will fit (with a bit of wire or foil), and if it functions electrically, I might replace the light seals. It's been kept in the case. The case is well worn, but the camera is clean and appears mechanically sound. The f/1.7 lens looks fungus free.

I didn't know anything about these cameras, but I see online that they were very popular, and eight million were spewed out in the 1960s/1970s.

What do you think? User or Loser?
 
Why don't you just take some pictures with it and see if it's worth restoring ?
 
They are great cameras. A little on the large side, but the aperture priority system is easy to use and stepless, which is a nice touch. The lens renders colours wonderfully, and the coating generally holds up quite well, on most of the examples I have seen.

Prices have risen because everyone purchased one, as they were always seen as a 'budget rangefinder', and this made the cost rise! They are still relatively good value for money, when all is functioning.

Main thing that goes wrong is the pad of death, generally. This is extremely well documented online - probably one of the best documented classic camera problems, in fact.
 
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I have one and rate it highly. The lens is excellent, though it is prone to flare when shooting against the light. It is an unbeatable camera for hand held available light work.
 
freecom2 said:
They are great cameras. A little on the large side, but the aperture priority system is easy to use and stepless, which is a nice touch. The lens renders colours wonderfully, and the coating generally holds up quite well, on most of the examples I have seen.

Prices have risen because everyone purchased one, as they were always seen as a 'budget rangefinder', and this made the cost rise! They are still relatively good value for money, when all is functioning.

Main thing that goes wrong is the pad of death, generally. This is extremely well documented online - probably one of the best documented classic camera problems, in fact.
Click to expand...

That's good information freecom. No, I wasn't aware of that. I'll give it a look.
 
XA2inmypocket said:
I recently picked up a rather fetching (albeit bulky) Yashica Electro 35 GTN from a car booty, along with it's two "lenses" (plug in adapters). Clearly the lens adapters are rubbish, but I'm thinking of giving it a go. I've ordered a battery that will fit (with a bit of wire or foil), and if it functions electrically, I might replace the light seals. It's been kept in the case. The case is well worn, but the camera is clean and appears mechanically sound. The f/1.7 lens looks fungus free.

I didn't know anything about these cameras, but I see online that they were very popular, and eight million were spewed out in the 1960s/1970s.

What do you think? User or Loser?
Click to expand...
Funny you should have bought one of these, I was looking at what appears to be the same set at a car boot this morning, nearly bought it, was complete with both add on lenses and the manuals.
 
I have an earlier GT model, the lens is excellent. Once you get the hang of the idiosyncratic meter system it is a lovely camera to use. As others have said the 1.7 lens is really rather good. In mono the supplemetary lenses are actually not to bad, although they area a faff to set.

These camera have quite a following and not without reason.

Look forward to seeing some shots from your GTN.
 
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The Electros are cracking cameras and still the best bang for buck rangefinders out there. Don't be too quick to dis the lens adapters they are high quality glass, although a bit of a faff to use.
If you want information check out Yashica Guy's site http://www.yashica-guy.com its full of really useful info he's a friendly bloke too and will always try and answer any questions you might have.

Put a roll of decent film in it and take it out for a run, the lens is excellent and renders colours very well.
 
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