ian
Member
This may have been asked before but as a new member I am wondering what a fair price is for a Yashica electro GTN in very good to excellent condition. Thanks
I sold one in nice, working condition for $50. I cleaned the viewfinder and shot film through it before selling. I replaced the light seals on it.
sparrow6224
Well-known
The cosmetics matter. So does whether you have the wide angle and tele attachment lenses, I suspect. Case. all that. You could go over $50 if all that's in place and the camera is guaranteed working, especially the electronics. And if I remember correctly there is a black version that people pay a premium for.
All that said, I too sold mine for $50.
All that said, I too sold mine for $50.
KoNickon
Nick Merritt
The GTN is the black version, and it commands a premium over the chrome GSN -- which is the same camera in all other respects. (I'm sure you know that.) I'd say a GTN is typically more in the $65-$75 range, while you can get a nice GSN for $50 or less. The GT is the earlier version, and I forget how it's different (film speed range is more limited, perhaps?), but it's well worth considering as a less expensive alternative to the GTN.
The electronics seem to be pretty hardy on the cameras, which is surprising given their age (but critical, obviously, since the shutter is electronic). What's more of a problem is finding one that doesn't suffer from the infamous "pad of death" shutter linkage problem, and with a viewfinder that isn't hazy. The first problem makes the camera unusable, and the second makes using it an unpleasant experience, especially in low light. So it's definitely worth asking questions, or checking the camera out yourself, before buying.
The electronics seem to be pretty hardy on the cameras, which is surprising given their age (but critical, obviously, since the shutter is electronic). What's more of a problem is finding one that doesn't suffer from the infamous "pad of death" shutter linkage problem, and with a viewfinder that isn't hazy. The first problem makes the camera unusable, and the second makes using it an unpleasant experience, especially in low light. So it's definitely worth asking questions, or checking the camera out yourself, before buying.
ColSebastianMoran
( IRL Richard Karash )
Look on the auction site for listings by Sangetsu03 (frontman here). His cameras are, in my opinion, fairly priced and they usually sell. They are in excellent working condition. (I've bought a couple.)
GTN is a great camera, black is a plus, and so is ASA to 1000. Fully operational (this means worked on by a talented technician recently), in excellent condition, $120 to $150 or possibly higher. Seems to work now, but not seen the technician, probably $75. The "I don't know if it works" cameras on auction should be $15-30.
For my GTN, between the auction purchase and work by Mark Hama, I have $150 into it and I'm very happy.
I don't think the aux lenses and finder are worth anything to a user. They might be for a collector.
GTN is a great camera, black is a plus, and so is ASA to 1000. Fully operational (this means worked on by a talented technician recently), in excellent condition, $120 to $150 or possibly higher. Seems to work now, but not seen the technician, probably $75. The "I don't know if it works" cameras on auction should be $15-30.
For my GTN, between the auction purchase and work by Mark Hama, I have $150 into it and I'm very happy.
I don't think the aux lenses and finder are worth anything to a user. They might be for a collector.
ColSebastianMoran
( IRL Richard Karash )
Ian, one more comment... "Very good to Excellent Condition"... Are you talking about cosmetics or about function? What's the service history of the camera?
These cameras need attention by a talented technician to be a reliable shooter today. I've had two or three in my hands that seemed to work for a short while, then stopped.
In good operating shape, they are excellent cameras.
Are you buying or selling?
These cameras need attention by a talented technician to be a reliable shooter today. I've had two or three in my hands that seemed to work for a short while, then stopped.
In good operating shape, they are excellent cameras.
Are you buying or selling?
Dave S.
Well-known
I bought my Yashica Electro 35 GTN (w/case) in perfect cosmetic condition for $52.
I then paid $125 for a complete overhaul by Mark Hama + convert camera to take 4LR44 alkaline battery.
Prices above include shipping charges.
My copy was made in Japan which some report are better built than those made in Hong Kong and therefore more desirable.
-Dave
I then paid $125 for a complete overhaul by Mark Hama + convert camera to take 4LR44 alkaline battery.
Prices above include shipping charges.
My copy was made in Japan which some report are better built than those made in Hong Kong and therefore more desirable.
-Dave
ian
Member
I am looking to buy. I saw a 35 cc with extra lenses ( no battery of course ) and extra lenses at an antique shop for $65 (Canadian). However, the shutter didn't move when the button was pressed - just a click. It is even worth buying to be fixed? i would prefer the GTH as it has a hot shoe and 1/1000.
ColSebastianMoran
( IRL Richard Karash )
Ian, look for earlier comments by frontman here. I remember him saying "The Electros always need work, except the CCN."
Here are some options for a good working Yashica rangefinder:
- buy from frontman (sangetsu03 on eBay); he has the sources and the knack for fixing these. He ships from Japan.
- buy an uncertain camera and have it worked over by Russ Sisco (b1bmsgt here) or Mark Hama (google him), both in the US. Russ does a great job on the bigger Electros and Lynx. Mark is the ultimate authority on everything Yashica and he has parts. I've had good experiences with both.
If I were in Canada, with US-Canada shipping being relatively expensive, I'd buy one from frontman.
Which model? The GSN/GTN are great. I personally like the GX; I'm traveling with one right now. The Lynx 14e is an f/1.4 rangefinder camera, a rare bird, but it's big, heavy, and no auto anything.
Here are some options for a good working Yashica rangefinder:
- buy from frontman (sangetsu03 on eBay); he has the sources and the knack for fixing these. He ships from Japan.
- buy an uncertain camera and have it worked over by Russ Sisco (b1bmsgt here) or Mark Hama (google him), both in the US. Russ does a great job on the bigger Electros and Lynx. Mark is the ultimate authority on everything Yashica and he has parts. I've had good experiences with both.
If I were in Canada, with US-Canada shipping being relatively expensive, I'd buy one from frontman.
Which model? The GSN/GTN are great. I personally like the GX; I'm traveling with one right now. The Lynx 14e is an f/1.4 rangefinder camera, a rare bird, but it's big, heavy, and no auto anything.
btgc
Veteran
I'd suggest for 45mm lens go straight for Lynx, 5000 or 14. For 35mm rangefinder there's only CC/CCN. For 40mm consider GX or cheaper FC, or scale focus MC. GL is also 40mm but rather rare bird.
ian
Member
Thanks for all your input. I was looking for a working black Yashica as I already have an Olympus SP and a couple of Canon compact rangefinders. I guess I'm a little frustrated with the pricing on E- Bay by the time the bidding ends on these cameras. I've pretty much surrendered on my hope for a GTN or similar Yashica and am prepared to say adieu to that possibility and the Yashica forum. The members seem like a great group. Thanks again!
stratcat
Well-known
Well, there's always the forum classifieds. I got a nice enough black MG-1 from another RFF member at a price you wouldn't get on ebay even in your wildest dreams.
I seem to recall there's currently a nice Electro 35 GT for sale at a very nice price too....
I seem to recall there's currently a nice Electro 35 GT for sale at a very nice price too....
ian
Member
I guess I was a little pessimistic. I have acquired a Yashica Electro 35 GTN after all, from right here in Canada, eh! It should be in my hands in a week or so and I am looking forward to shooting with it and reporting my results. It's a birthday present from my wife who is quite happy that the search is FINALLY over but was very encouraging in my attempts to get one. "I know you don't need it, but you want one; so go for it", were her words. It's great to have that support for my interest (obsession?).
ColSebastianMoran
( IRL Richard Karash )
Ian, send us news when you get the camera. Enjoy your birthday present!
ian
Member
I just received my Yashica GTN today (Oct. 12)! I put in a temporary adapter using a PX28A, two o rings at each end and a spring from a broken small flashlight. The indicator lights flashed; so I figure everything is a go. As well the cosmetics rate an excellent! I just need to shoot some film now. My son-in-law is making me a much more elegant adapter for the camera as well as ones thta will work for my Olympus SP and my Canonet 28s and my GIII QL1.7 (or whatever the combniation is). Once I have shot some film and see the results, I will get back to the group.
:S