Any Yashica J rangefinder users?

[Rob]

Just came across this camera in a small store.
Looks like a stripped down GSN, no meter or
auto anything. Was used to my long throw on
my GSN which had to be a half inch to take the
picture. This one without any meter to engage
has near instant shutter tripping...really surprised
me.Bet you could really catch the best moment for
a photo with this one. Its all manual camera with
a Yashinon 45mm F2.8 lens.
I like the rough texture of the camera leather vs the
GSN. Anyone using one of these? Is the lens good
like the GSN?
Rob

 

[pshinkaw]

The Yashica J is described and illustrated on this site (Yashica Guy) It also has some interior pictures of the mechanics.

http://www.yashica-guy.com/

-Paul

 

[JohnM]

It's a decent performer, but perhaps not as sharp as the lens on the Electro G models.

I had one up until last year. Always loved the looks of it - almost as much as I liked the look of the M5. I kept a non-working M5 around for years just because it looked good on the shelf. Simple, rather narrow body with a big crome lens - really pretty.