Greyscale
Veteran
You don't see these come up very often, i was starting to wonder if they were mythical. Outside of my price range, but I'm sure that someone may find it interesting:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Yasuhara-T9...060136429?pt=Film_Cameras&hash=item4ac0ace5ed
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Yasuhara-T9...060136429?pt=Film_Cameras&hash=item4ac0ace5ed
Lawrence Sheperd
Well-known
I had not heard of these. After getting my Canon P, I'm sold on the 1:1 viewfinder. This would be great for a collector, but yes, out of my price-range, too!
jamais
Established
The Vienna (Austria) Leica Shop has one from time to time:
https://www.leicashop.com/vintage/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=yasuhara&x=0&y=0
https://www.leicashop.com/vintage/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=yasuhara&x=0&y=0
goamules
Well-known
The top looks OK, but the rest looks like some frankencamera someone kludged together in their garage. How about the cheap way the strap lugs overhang the black part of the body? The phillips head screws just look bad, but I know they are a better screwhead. It looks like something the cat dragged in, I know nothing about them, but if I saw one at an antique shop, I wouldn't pay $100 bucks for it. Basically, as rough as the design looks, I wouldn't want it.
Frontman
Well-known
These cameras were pretty much hand made, and there are not many of them around. These camera use a Copal focal plane shutter which is not very light tight, so it is recommended that a lens cap be fitted when the camera is not being used.
I found one of these a couple of years ago, and I thought it was a great camera.
I found one of these a couple of years ago, and I thought it was a great camera.
lonemantis
Well-known
Wow, I don't think I've ever seen one of these for sale before... what a beauty! If I were a collector I'd pounce on one of these given its rarity and historical significance. I also found another one currently on sale for $900 from Japan: http://www.ebay.ca/itm/EX-Leica-cop...943478146?pt=Film_Cameras&hash=item2578fa9582
It's a bit pricier, but for an extra $150 you get the Yasuhara-branded 50/2.8 as well. I'd love to have one, but I'd sooner buy a cheap used Bessa R for shooting than a collectible like this.
It's a bit pricier, but for an extra $150 you get the Yasuhara-branded 50/2.8 as well. I'd love to have one, but I'd sooner buy a cheap used Bessa R for shooting than a collectible like this.
Tom A
RFF Sponsor
I do have one - ths one was made for the Chinese Communist Party's 50th anniversary. It was an interesting concept as a camera. 1:1 finder, good exposure system (though it can be difficult to see the red numbers sometimes). It doesn't feel cheap - kind of solid, finder is bright and true 1:1.
The copal shutter was intended for SLR's were the mirror becomes part of the light baffle - so initially they could leak light - even with the lens on it! Mine doesn't - but think the ones made for the Chinese Communist Party were later versions.
When it was announced in late 98(?) - you had to subscribe to it - the serial number of the camera supposedly was your place in the line-up! Unfortunately, a lot of these were also made "during the night" and shipped out the back door. The 50f2.8 is quite good, will hold its own against an Elmar 50f2.8. In many ways it was the first of the Leica compatible rangefinders in modern time. I dont think it was a huge success . I dont find it quieter than a Bess R - about the same.
The copal shutter was intended for SLR's were the mirror becomes part of the light baffle - so initially they could leak light - even with the lens on it! Mine doesn't - but think the ones made for the Chinese Communist Party were later versions.
When it was announced in late 98(?) - you had to subscribe to it - the serial number of the camera supposedly was your place in the line-up! Unfortunately, a lot of these were also made "during the night" and shipped out the back door. The 50f2.8 is quite good, will hold its own against an Elmar 50f2.8. In many ways it was the first of the Leica compatible rangefinders in modern time. I dont think it was a huge success . I dont find it quieter than a Bess R - about the same.
Tom A
RFF Sponsor
I knew there was picture of it somewhere - JG 50 (the 50 denoting the 50th Anniversary). It was intended only for distribution within Chine - but a small handful was exported with the engraving on the back "For Offical Export". Came in a wooden box with a gold colored inside box. A bit gaudy - but interesting. Mine came from Stephen at Cameraquest.com - our head bartender. Kindo of neat camera too. I usually take it out on May 1 for Commie Camera Day.
BNLee
Established
Yes, our Head Bartender also made a web page based on this camera, I:
http://www.cameraquest.com/yasuhara_phenix_jg50.htm
And there is the similar but I think different camera, Yasuhara T981, found here:
http://www.cameraquest.com/yasu2.htm
The rangefinder base length is really close if you ask me... That is what I feel.
http://www.cameraquest.com/yasuhara_phenix_jg50.htm
And there is the similar but I think different camera, Yasuhara T981, found here:
http://www.cameraquest.com/yasu2.htm
The rangefinder base length is really close if you ask me... That is what I feel.
thegman
Veteran
I find them very tempting, but I think a better price can be had.
goamules
Well-known
The bads:
- rangefinder base close - inaccurate focusing.
- known other focusing problems, due to improper tolerances.
- light leaky design.
- looks like something the cat dragged in - meoowww, hack.
- strap lugs look like a nailed on afterthought, they span two different materials/sections.
- major metal-to-metal gaps.
- shutter speed knob recessed in an almost impossible position to turn (unless you use needle-nose pliers
- made in china quality
Goods
- it's Rare and therefore expensive
- 1:1 viewfinder
- lever wind
Personally, I'd buy 2 Nicca/Tower 5Ls or 3 Canon Ps instead of 1 of these.
- rangefinder base close - inaccurate focusing.
- known other focusing problems, due to improper tolerances.
- light leaky design.
- looks like something the cat dragged in - meoowww, hack.
- strap lugs look like a nailed on afterthought, they span two different materials/sections.
- major metal-to-metal gaps.
- shutter speed knob recessed in an almost impossible position to turn (unless you use needle-nose pliers
- made in china quality
Goods
- it's Rare and therefore expensive
- 1:1 viewfinder
- lever wind
Personally, I'd buy 2 Nicca/Tower 5Ls or 3 Canon Ps instead of 1 of these.
sparrow6224
Well-known
I'm confused by the dates here, Tom: Chinese Communist party only dates to 1948? Revolution was already underway, I thought... and how could the Chinese CP Anniversary cameras be late in teh production if the camera only came into being in 1998? You live closer to China than I do. Perhaps you know....
Actually, Wikipedia confirms my suspicion. Chinese Communist Party was officially founded in 1921 in Shanghai, growing out of the 1919 uprisings there. (I thought so because I thought the Communists were part of resistance to Japanese occupation during WWII; see Ang Lee's superb film, Lust, Caution.) So the 50th anniversary in question would have been of the People's Republic, which celebrated its 50th in 1999.
Actually, Wikipedia confirms my suspicion. Chinese Communist Party was officially founded in 1921 in Shanghai, growing out of the 1919 uprisings there. (I thought so because I thought the Communists were part of resistance to Japanese occupation during WWII; see Ang Lee's superb film, Lust, Caution.) So the 50th anniversary in question would have been of the People's Republic, which celebrated its 50th in 1999.
goamules
Well-known
Communist China is different than a Communist party existing in China.
roundg
Well-known
I don't think these camera has any high collection value. They are rare because they are not successful in market and low performance.
roundg
Well-known
any Rf made in Japan in 1960 easily surpass the quality of these rare cameras.
ramosa
B&W
I hadn't heard of these either. When I saw "mythical," I thought it was going to be a Rollei 80mm or a Hex 60mm!
cameosis
word? up!
judging by the adress label, the brother (david mosher) of one of the sellers bought the camera in japan (hiroshima) -- that would be the way to go, ebay is too expensive and there are many options out there which are more sensible price wise.
