Lenses for Yashica YF (and Nicca's)?

[SimonPJ]

I have recently acquired a Yashica YF with Yashinon 50/1.8 and would like to find out what other 39mm/LTM lenses Yashica made. The YF viewfinder shows brightlines for 50mm and 100mm and the edges of the finder would probably cover 35mm. Does anybody know about Yashica 35mm or 100mm lenses? Or other non-50mm lenses that were provided for the Nicca cameras? I haven't been able to find information on the web, and no sign of anything on ebay.

I'm very impressed by the build quality and the viewfinder of the YF - and by how much the camera resembles the chrome Leica M's on which its design was obvioulsy based. I can't wait to use it BUT - it's missing its take-up spool! If anybody can help me with where or how I might be able to find a take-up spool for the YF (probably the same as the other Nicca / Tower cameras) I would be very grateful!

Simon.

 

[fca]

Hello,
I am interested in some more information about which other lenses you can fit on a Y-G{T,S}[N] camera. If I am not wrong, the Y has a M42 mount... I am waiting (can't wait in fact) for my first Y to come through the mail. Thanks in advance. Ciao, Fed

 

[KoNickon]

Stephen Gandy has a very thorough writeup: http://www.cameraquest.com/yashiyf.htm A very interesting camera!

My guess is that any Canon or Leica (M39 or M) spool will fit, but I hope someone can confirm this.

 

[xayraa33]

any m39 LTM lens with the focus cam can be used on the YF
ie: Ltm Leitz, Ltm Nikkors, LTm Canon/Serenars and any japanese LTm lens from the 1950s like Komura, Acall, Sun Sola, Zunow, Fujinon, Topcor, Hexanon etc, not to mention most FSU LTm lenses like the J-12 , J-3 , J-9 J-8 , and the Industars in Ltm
Yashica made the 50mm 1.8 for the YF and a 50mm 2.8 in LTM for the previous rebadged Nicca 33.
Remember, when the YF was sold in 1959, you could buy new LTM lenses from most of the makers I mentioned, inc, other German makers, like Steinheil, which Sears sold in the US and Canada. Schacht , Schneider and Rodenstock LTM lenses were availabe new in some places in the world . Even new English LTM lenses could be bought at that time, like the Taylor Hobson Anastigmat 50mm f2 and a few LTM lenses made by Ross and even by Dallmeyer .

 

[xayraa33]

re: YF film T.U. spool.
the Canon and ltm Leitz spools will not fit the later Nicca cameras like the YF
nor will a spool from a Zorki 4 or Fed 2
the YF/ Nicca spool has a smaller internal dia. than the above mentioned spools
I would try a T.U. spool from a Zorki 1 or a Zorki C (S) as IIRC, the Zorki 4 spool was too big for my Zorki C
try a spool from a Zorki 1 or a Zorki C on your Yashica YF, it might be the ticket.

 

[xayraa33]

as far as new ltm lenses for your YF, I forgot to mention the fabulous full lineup of CV lenses available new from certain sponsors of our website.

 

[Solinar]

You have in your hands what I'll refer to as one of the nicest LTM cameras and its very collectable.

Earlier Niccas were fitted with Nikkors, a.k.a. some very nice Nipon Kogaku glass.

Both the 50/2 and 50/1.4 were improved clones of the Zeiss Sonnar .

The 85/2 and 105/2.5 are heavy, but have a classic smoothness in portraiture.

 

[xayraa33]

Just think about this, when the YF came out for sale, it was the lowest priced focal plane shuttered RF with projected frame lines in the VF.
only the Leica M's and the IIIg and the Nikon SP had this feature, and the Canon 7 had not been intoduced yet.

I am still upset for turning down buying a YF with lens, still in the box for $100 CAD back in 1989. live and learn.

 

[Solinar]

Wasn't there a Canon VI-L, VI-T and P ???

 

[xayraa33]

Wasn't there a Canon VI-L, VI-T and P ???

they had reflected framelines not projected.
the projected lines setup is more complicated (and a lot nicer and longlasting) to make and therefore more expensive.