Newbie Queries about Yashica's RFs

[genez]

Hi everyone,

I'm a recently joined member here to RFF and quite enjoying all the banter and talk about RF and such thus far, very insightful and helpful for the most part. I am looking to make my maiden foray into the world of Rangfinders and also a return to film which I had used previously in the mid-to-late 90's.

Was thinking of getting a Canonet GIII OL17 at first based on popular reviews and opinions, before discovering many other splendid options from various brands which are equally as competent if not more so. I'm hoping to shoot mostly monochrome (black & white) and would be probably be shooting indoors, street and low light situations to really try to leverage on the better dynamic range and possible shadow detail with film.

I must say I'm quite swayed for one reason or another towards the Yashica's in particular the Electro 35 GSN/GTN, GX, CC/CCN (prefer black bodies if possible). Would there be any guide on common issues and indicative pricing for these models? Am not totally adverse to the Lynx models either but would prefer something lighter and more compact for a start.

Would appreciate if I could be pointed in the right direction (I've been checking out Yashica guy's site, camera quest, Karen nakumura and other misc sites with info on these cameras, in addition to finding out that Mika Hama is the man to get the best CLAs for Yashica's outside of Japan)

I do not currently see any available models in the classifieds here, and thus have been poking my nose on that certain auction site, but am quite wary on the vague descriptions and crazy starting bids/buy it now prices on some. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers!

Gene

 

[Pete B]

I've only just got my Yashica 35 GSN. I didn't have a battery converter to allow it to function on auto, but, needing to take a couple of photos for our company magazine, I took a risk on the shutter operating at 1/500 and guessed the light level in the absence of a light meter. The results look great. It's a very impressive lens. These are virtually if not wide open at 1.7:

With this in mind I may send it for a CLA and check. Mine was £31 off the bay.

Pete

 

[genez]

Hi Pete,

Those photos from the GSN looks really nice. Both taken with no batt i.e. 1/500s?

 

[kxl]

I used to be into Yashica RF's - they are wonderful classic RF's that are easy to use and maintain. First thing you should check with them are their light seals -- easy enough to replace.
Prices depend on which model. The GX (esp. black, if you can find one) and Lynx 14e will be more expensive.

If you haven't already done so, check out the Yashica Guy.

 

[Pete B]

Hi Pete,

Those photos from the GSN looks really nice. Both taken with no batt i.e. 1/500s?

Yes, just used sunny 16 to set the aperture right.
I'll second the Yashica guy web site.
Pete

 

[stratcat]

I own and use several Yashica rangefinder models. They're beautiful cameras with classic looks and great lenses, each with it's own strong points.

I think that you'd enjoy the CC model, as the 35mm f/1.8 lens is very good for shooting indoors and it's compact size is great for carrying it around. Using filters for black and white is easy since the sensor is right over the lens, on the barrel. On the downside are the aperture priority only operation, 1/250 top shutter speed, no depth of field scale on the lens and no flash hot shoe; not to mention that connecting one using a PC cord automatically sets the shutter speed at 1/30. Also, the two blade diapraghm can sometimes create "interesting" bokeh shapes.

The GSN has a great lens but it's not really what you'd call compact and the use of filters requires dialing compensation using the ASA dial. However, its 1/500 top shutter speed makes it more versatile than the CC e.g. when you're shooting Tri-X on a sunny day. It also has "bulb" mode and the electronic exposure system works in very low light (I've done some 2 min. exposures with my GSN) if you're into night photography. Using flash is easier as the GSN models have a hot shoe and can sync at all speeds. Also aperture priority only (unless you shoot without a battery at 1/500 and "sunny f/16").

The Lynx 14 has no hot shoe; it's big, heavy and bulky... but it is fully mechanical which means it does not need a battery to work, and offers fully manual control; the shutter is silky smooth and the lens... oh, the lens! crisp color rendition, nice contrast, great resolution, and of course the bokeh at 1.4 is delicious.

My favorite all-around camera among my Yashicas is the GSN/GTN, but given the intended use you mentioned and the fact that you were considering a Canonet, I think the CC/CCN would suit you.

I can't say anything about the GX and GL since I don't own them, but many others swear by them.

If you're patient you can find Yashicas in the classifieds here. If you want to buy from ebay I'd recommend seller 'sangetsu03'. I have no relation to him but I have bought several rangefinders from him (among them my CC and GTN) and I'm more than satisfied with his service and with the cameras.

Good luck and let us see some pictures from your Yashica when you get it.

cheers!

 

[Juan Valdenebro]

I got a GTN, and it's a big camera. My R3A with the 40 1.4 make a smaller set, and the Yashica feels like a brick. For a fast normal like its fixed 45 1.7, I wanted parallax correction for close focus, and a black camera too, so the options were close to none... You should wait for a black canonet maybe... (Shutter priority instead of Aperture priority). Don't forget the GTN and other Yashicas are autoexposure only: no manual speeds...

There are not too many black compact RFs with parallax correction and fast lenses...

Good luck!

Cheers,

Juan

 

[bugmenot]

I'd say if you want to take the dive into RFs, go with a Leica CL/Minolta CLE and the 40mm Summicron-C f/2. Both black, very compact, and great combination. The lens is spectacularly sharp, and it would fit your needs quite well. Though, the combination can cost anywhere from $500 to $1000, so that is something to consider.

 

[ColSebastianMoran]

Yashica GSN, GTN, GX, CC, and CCN are great, if you are happy with aperture-prefered auto exposure. The Lynx 14e is a great manual exposure, fully mechanical camera, big, heavy, and f/1.4. I tried for a while to get a $20 bargain, but I concluded that these all need service to be reliable. Think of it as a great $100 camera.

You can put complete trust in Sangetsu03 on eBay.

 

[biomed]

Welcome Gene. I purchased two GSNs a couple of years ago. One was in excellent shape and the other OK. You can buy or make an adapter to use a modern battery. No adjustment to the meter is necessary. Here is a good place to go for Yashica RF info: http://www.yashica-guy.com/

Mike

 

[one90guy]

I discovered the Yashica RF's about 4 years ago and love them. I prefer the MG-1 over the GSN, meter reads through the lens so using filters is not a problem, I always forget to reset asa. The MG lens is 2.8 which for me is fine as I mainly shoot landscapes. I also have the Lynx 5000e with a dead meter and a EE which has a working meter, but can not use it due to the small finder and glass's. Good luck in your search.

 

[farlymac]

I started with a GTN a long time ago. It was a great camera for having with me at all times, but after a period of non-use, it now needs a POD change. So I got a GL, and loved it right off the bat. Slightly smaller than the GTN, it has the meter placement in the lens barrel (like on the MG-1), so no filter compensation is neccessary. Then, I got a GX. But for the lack of a way to directly control the shutter, and lens interchangebility, it is quite nearly the perfect rangefinder. It's only fault is the dim over-under lights in the viewfinder. But I got used to that. Smaller still than the GL, it is slightly larger than the CC/CCN, but a true compact size.

If you do purchase a Yashica rangefinder, and don't get a hood with it, the S&W Wide Angle hoods from Heavystar are about the same dimension as the originals, but conveniently screw-on. The original hoods are very hard to get, and thus also expensive. It is highly recommended to use a hood with any of the Yashica rangefinders as such contrastly lenses also are prone to flare.

PF

 

[tbhv55]

I didn't have a battery converter to allow it to function on auto

It looks as though you're in the UK (as you quote the price of your Yashica in £s), so if you're looking for a battery, I'd suggest trying the Small Battery Company (http://www.smallbattery.company.org.uk). Just enter PX32 in the search box, and you'll find their mercury-free replacement for the PX32.

I've purchased several items from them over the past couple of years, including a battery for my GSN, and have found them good to deal with. (No connection... just a satisfied customer).

Hope that this helps.

 

[Pete B]

Thanks for that link. I've been waiting for my adapter to arrive but it's now here.
Pete

 

[Mablo]

GSN/GTN models are quite old and are becoming harder and harder to find in good nick. In most cases you need to replace light seals, take care of the ever present POD problem and find a solution for the battery. I know a guy who once bought 6 GSN cameras of which just one was in working condition. The GX is more modern, smaller and lighter and its lens is just fabulous. It's more expensive but not very much in real money.

http://www.cameraquest.com/yash35gx.htm

 

[genez]

I used to be into Yashica RF's

If you haven't already done so, check out the Yashica Guy.

Thanks, yeah been checking out the site. Thanks for the tip on the seals, seems to be pretty much the standard fix required on most of these due to the age of them.

Sounds like you've moved on from the Yashica's and onto something else now?

I think that you'd enjoy the CC model, as the 35mm f/1.8 lens is very good for shooting indoors and it's compact size is great for carrying it around. Using filters for black and white is easy since the sensor is right over the lens, on the barrel. On the downside are the aperture priority only operation, 1/250 top shutter speed, no depth of field scale on the lens and no flash hot shoe; not to mention that connecting one using a PC cord automatically sets the shutter speed at 1/30. Also, the two blade diapraghm can sometimes create "interesting" bokeh shapes.

My favorite all-around camera among my Yashicas is the GSN/GTN, but given the intended use you mentioned and the fact that you were considering a Canonet, I think the CC/CCN would suit you.

If you're patient you can find Yashicas in the classifieds here. If you want to buy from ebay I'd recommend seller 'sangetsu03'. I have no relation to him but I have bought several rangefinders from him (among them my CC and GTN) and I'm more than satisfied with his service and with the cameras.

Good luck and let us see some pictures from your Yashica when you get it.

cheers!

Yeah, particularly drawn to the CC coz of the lens 35mm f1.8 and the form factor which seems ideal and to top it off, its a black body camera too!
Been skulking around "the bay" and it seems that prices for it floats around US$130 and beyond (not sure if its a decent reflective price) Thanks for the tip on the seller you've mentioned, will check it out. Not sure if I would want to add in a flash to add bulk and all to something like the 35 CC/CCN which would kind of be in contrary of the "small and discreet" intent behind getting such a camera

There's a GX that seems in pretty good physical shape but the meter seems to work in spurts.. so seeing that there's no manual mode, I'm wondering if that could mean possible connection/electrical issues that might render it a fancy paperweight soon if I'm unlucky.

I got a GTN, and it's a big camera. My R3A with the 40 1.4 make a smaller set, and the Yashica feels like a brick. For a fast normal like its fixed 45 1.7, I wanted parallax correction for close focus, and a black camera too, so the options were close to none... You should wait for a black canonet maybe... (Shutter priority instead of Aperture priority). Don't forget the GTN and other Yashicas are autoexposure only: no manual speeds...

There are not too many black compact RFs with parallax correction and fast lenses...

Good luck!

Cheers,

Juan

Thanks Juan, wow I didn't realise that the GSN is larger than the Bessa Rs. Pity that the Yashica's don't offer manual exposure mostly. That's probably why some people still fervently recommend the Canonets as a good starter. Was gonna bid for a black canonet (non G3 & MiJ too) which ended up selling for about 90 Euros (which is a decent price for a black I understand) but there was some doubt about the shutter so didn't want to risk it.

At the end of the day, I think I might have to compromise on the wanting black and get something that works.. and maybe a Oly XA for the really low key street stuff.

 

[genez]

I'd say if you want to take the dive into RFs, go with a Leica CL/Minolta CLE and the 40mm Summicron-C f/2. Both black, very compact, and great combination. The lens is spectacularly sharp, and it would fit your needs quite well. Though, the combination can cost anywhere from $500 to $1000, so that is something to consider.

Thanks for the suggestion. The Leica CL & Minolta CLE are fine cameras and might be on my bucket list to try out at a later juncture, but I'm afraid its more than what I can muster for what I'm calling my great "RF experimental experience"

Yashica GSN, GTN, GX, CC, and CCN are great, if you are happy with aperture-prefered auto exposure. The Lynx 14e is a great manual exposure, fully mechanical camera, big, heavy, and f/1.4. I tried for a while to get a $20 bargain, but I concluded that these all need service to be reliable. Think of it as a great $100 camera.

You can put complete trust in Sangetsu03 on eBay.

Thanks for your thoughts, Lynx is probably one to get maybe after as I do read good things about it, but I'm looking for something that's smaller, lighter and more discreet versus my prosumer DSLR+grip and at times flashgun. I have a sneaky feeling i might end up as a closet yashica collector (kind of curious about TLRs too)

I started with a GTN a long time ago. It was a great camera for having with me at all times, but after a period of non-use, it now needs a POD change. So I got a GL, and loved it right off the bat. Slightly smaller than the GTN, it has the meter placement in the lens barrel (like on the MG-1), so no filter compensation is neccessary. Then, I got a GX. But for the lack of a way to directly control the shutter, and lens interchangebility, it is quite nearly the perfect rangefinder. It's only fault is the dim over-under lights in the viewfinder. But I got used to that. Smaller still than the GL, it is slightly larger than the CC/CCN, but a true compact size.

If you do purchase a Yashica rangefinder, and don't get a hood with it, the S&W Wide Angle hoods from Heavystar are about the same dimension as the originals, but conveniently screw-on. The original hoods are very hard to get, and thus also expensive. It is highly recommended to use a hood with any of the Yashica rangefinders as such contrastly lenses also are prone to flare.

PF

Thanks, have read about heavystars as the go-to source for lens hoods on "the bay..." And I hope to get a black GX if I can find a suitable one.

The GX is more modern, smaller and lighter and its lens is just fabulous. It's more expensive but not very much in real money.

http://www.cameraquest.com/yash35gx.htm

Yeah, I'm quite liking it as a camera, and if it had a manual override capability, it would be pretty much THE Yashica RF I've been looking for.

 

[btgc]

There's reason why Lynx series do not have X-sync contact in coldshoe, espeacially 14 And you all here know answer so I don't have to tell it, right?

Small Electro? CC, GX, FC or scale focus MC. All compact Electro cameras are Av only so if you prefer manual mode Electros aren't your bet. Lynxes aren't as compact as you are looking for, I feel. Compact and manual? Olympus 35RC, if slow speeds aren't must (still has Bulb, though). Ricoh 500GX - small, and what's important - has metered manual mode unlike Canonets which shut off meter in M mode. Canonets, QLIII model, are mostly overpriced (that's subjective, of course). GSN is too bulky and heavy, if you ask me - for what it is. Nice lens with average controls (which, again, is subjective as some really like controls of GSN).

 

[genez]

There's reason why Lynx series do not have X-sync contact in coldshoe, espeacially 14 And you all here know answer so I don't have to tell it, right?

Compact and manual? Olympus 35RC, if slow speeds aren't must (still has Bulb, though). Ricoh 500GX - small, and what's important - has metered manual mode unlike Canonets which shut off meter in M mode. Canonets, QLIII model, are mostly overpriced (that's subjective, of course). GSN is too bulky and heavy, if you ask me - for what it is. Nice lens with average controls (which, again, is subjective as some really like controls of GSN).

Maybe its my newbie-ness showing here, but was it due to the fact that the Lynx was produced when such hotshoe and features weren't made available yet?

I have looked at the Oly RC/RDs and while they have a loyal following and good feature set, I'd rather have something with an f2 or wider max aperture for low light/night shooting if possible. Googling the Ricoh 500GX to see if this is something to that I might like in theory. Thanks for your thoughts on the models.

 

[btgc]

Maybe its my newbie-ness showing here, but was it due to the fact that the Lynx was produced when such hotshoe and features weren't made available yet?

That's quite good guess! I had such thought in mind writing my replay Well, I haven't checked when exactly hotshot became commonly used but first Yashica Electro RF's haven't got it. And Lynxes were before Electro series.
Another reason is this nice cameras shine at available light shooting, 14 especially as being optimezed for large apertures. And being size/weight monster in it's class already, with flash it would be...too big, too heavy...and no fun to use at smaller apertures with flash.

I have looked at the Oly RC/RDs and while they have a loyal following and good feature set, I'd rather have something with an f2 or wider max aperture for low light/night shooting if possible. Googling the Ricoh 500GX to see if this is something to that I might like in theory. Thanks for your thoughts on the models.

Just keep in mind - sub-f/2 lenses and compact size don't come together, most of times, and when come then at some cost. Be prepared also to spend some money on CLA (or invest your time/labour) as these 40-50 y.o. cameras aren't supposed to work flawlessly after idling in closet for decades. Not that they are junk, no - rather that's how stuff work. Hey, even people go bad without regular excersize!