Relative Costs of Yashica Cameras, 1969

[NickTrop]

According to this page, which had jpgs of some ad copy for various Yashica models both 35 and 120 TLR cameras...

Yashica-Mat A professional camera featuring quality optics, fully automatic crank action film transport. Under $90 plus case.

Yashica Mat-124 All fine professional features with convertable pressure plate that permits use of new 220 film, as well as 120. Sensitive CdS match-needle exposure. Under $110 plus case.

Minister III Features rangefinder focusing, uncoupled round-the-lens electric eye. Under $67 plus case.

Electro-35 With rugged, shock resistant solid state exposure system, all advanced features. Under $115 plus case. Electro-35 kit $220

Lynx-14e Advanced model of the popular Lynx, with superfast DX/1.4 lens, 1/500th shutter, and Electronic Exposure Readout. Under $125 plus case.

http://www-unix.oit.umass.edu/~coreya/yashica/moreyash.html
(Note other Yashica Mat and Lynx models and their prices are also listed on the page.)
-----------------------------------------------

Using the Inflation Calculator on this page, http://www.westegg.com/inflation/infl.cgi

- The Yashica Mat TLR would cost $504 (rounded) in 2006 dollars
- The Yashica Mat 124 TLR would cost $616 US in 2006
- The Minister III would cost $375
- The Electro 35 G would cost $644
- The Lynx 14e would cost $700!
---------------------------------------------------

Some observations.

- First, did I err somewhere? I didn't think these cameras - the Lynx 14 and the Electro in particular, were this expensive/high-end when they were released. If I did somehow, please let me know.

- Yashica charged quite a bit for their teleconverter lenses + case kit, bringing the cost of the Electros to $220 1969 dollars or $1232 in 2006 dollars.

- Seems the Lynx 14e with its f1.4 lens was their flagship at $700 for just the camera (these prices do not include the case...)

- Interesting that the 35mm Lynx and Electros were actually a good bit more expensive than their medium format 120 Yashica Mat cameras. I assumed these cameras were a marketed to professionals, as I'm old enough to recall wedding photographers using the Yashica Mats.

 

[erikhaugsby]

- The Lynx 14e would cost $700!

😱

- Interesting that the 35mm Lynx and Electros were actually a good bit more expensive than their medium format 120 Yashica Mat cameras. I assumed these cameras were a marketed to professionals, as I'm old enough to recall wedding photographers using the Yashica Mats.

But the TLR cameras weren't as automated as the 35 RFs, were they?

 

[jan normandale]

Nick , why don’t you run a similar test as a parity check on a few other lines of cameras like Nikon, Canon, or any other you choose. This may put the values you have derived into context and then you should be able to tell if the prices make sense?

 

[NickTrop]

😱 But the TLR cameras weren't as automated as the 35 RFs, were they?

I never owned a TLR but I think they're pretty comparable to the 35's of the day in terms of automation. I guess the rangefinder and the 7element 5group lens of the Lynx was expensive to produce? Dunno.

The only time I saw a Yashica Mat, they were around the neck of a wedding photographer, so I assumed it was targeted to a professional market. Plus I assume that 120-anything is considerably more expensive than any 35mm camera. Never expected to cost less than the 35mm Lynx 14e.

I now have a greater apprecation now of my $2.39 + shipping Lynx 14e, which was completely restored by Greyhoundman for his extremely reasonalbe $40 (2006 US) charge.

 

[NickTrop]

Nick , why don’t you run a similar test as a parity check on a few other lines of cameras like Nikon, Canon, or any other you choose. This may put the values you have derived into context and then you should be able to tell if the prices make sense?

I did take a quick swag at Leicas but in the limited time I had couldn't find a nice page that laid it all out like this Yashica page I found. I will do this when I get back (going out now) when I have time...

If anyone else wants to take a swag at it be my guest. Kinda neat to see what these old beaters cost back in the day in today's dollars.

 

[gb hill]

Seems the Lynx 14e with its f1.4 lens was their flagship at $700 for just the camera (these prices do not include the case...) N. Tropp Quote:


Nick do you have one of these cameras? Funny that you menchion the Linx. On the whiskey thread in off topic BMattox makes a great assumption of the camera that you may find interresting.

 

[NickTrop]

Seems the Lynx 14e with its f1.4 lens was their flagship at $700 for just the camera (these prices do not include the case...) N. Tropp Quote:


Nick do you have one of these cameras? Funny that you menchion the Linx. On the whiskey thread in off topic BMattox makes a great assumption of the camera that you may find interresting.

Yes. I have this camera and shoot it regularly. I have a perfectly restored fully functional model, thanks to G-man. I also have a GSN. Both fine cameras I shoot regularly. The Lynx I use more with black and white - Tri-X + Diafine specifically. The GSN I use with color stock and is probably my most-used camera. I have this at the career college I work at and take candids of students that I enlarge to 8X10s on two displays which I update regularly. I also have the Yashica 35 CC - great aperture priority street shooter with a 35/1.8 lens. My other rangefinder is a Konica Auto S3, and outstanding camera that might be my favorite of them all. My SLR has the Jupiter 9 almost permanently attached, my portrait camera.

 

[gb hill]

I now have a greater apprecation now of my $2.39 + shipping Lynx 14e, which was completely restored by Greyhoundman for his extremely reasonalbe $40 (2006 US) charge.

Posted right after you and missed this. I'm looking at a GSN right now but that Lynx sounds really tempting to start looking for. May not be done afterall.

 

[NickTrop]

The Lynx lens is flare prone to be sure. It's 100% manual, unlike the aperture priority GSN. It's more of an indoor ambient light camera than an outdoor camera. The body is the same size as the GSN but its lens is larger and heavier. If you don't like large cameras, don't get the Lynx.

You also stand a much better chance of getting a working GSN than a Lynx 14. I really wanted this camera and just assumed it wouldn't be working when I got it and "built in" the CLA/restoration costs. G-man, I don't think, is working on cameras anymore but Mark Hamma does. He has a great rep but charges $80 for a CLA.

I like both these cameras. If I had to keep only one, I would keep the Lynx. Love the all manual + parralax corrected finder + 1.4 lens. That said, I think the GSN would appeal to a first time Yash rangefinder user, does color film better than the Lynx and controls flare better.

 

[burninfilm]

I don't know from what year the information you have came from (regarding the original prices of the cameras). However, I have a photographic supplies catalog from 1960 with a few interesting cameras in it. Here's some comparitive prices from around the same time frame as your info:

Yashicamat- $85.50
Rolleiflex 3.5F, Xenotar lens and coupled meter- $249.50
Rolleiflex 2.8E, Xenotar lens, no meter- $259.95
Tele-Rolleiflex, 135mm f4 Zeiss Sonnar lens- $399.50
Rolleicord Va- $114.00
Ansco Super Memar, Agfa Apotar f2.8 lens- $74.50
Minolta Super A, f2 50mm Rokkor lens- $129.50
f3.5 35mm Rokkor lens- $59.50
f3.8 100mm lens- $99.50
Exakta VXIIa, prism finder, automatic 50mm f1.9 Xenon- $408.50
Exa, standard 50mm f2.8 Tessar- $109.50
Kodak Retina Reflex S, 50mm f1.9 lens- $235
Kodak Retina IIIS, 50mm f1.9 lens- $193
Kodak Retina IIIC, 50mm f2 Xenon lens- $175
Kodak Signet 80, 50mm f2.8 lens- $129.50
Aires 35V, f1.5 lens- $174.50
Zeiss Contaflex Super, 50mm f2.8 Tessar- $199.00
Leica M3, 50mm Summarit f1.5 lens- $369
Leica M3, rigid 50mm f2.0 Summicron lens- $399
Leica M2, 50mm Summarit f1.5 lens- $315
Leica M2, rigid 50mm f2.0 Summicron lens- $345
Leica IIIg, 50mm Summarit f1.5 lens- $262.50
Leica IIIg, collapsible 50mm Summicron f2.0 lens- $292.50
Contax IIa, f1.5 50mm Sonnar lens- $268.00
Contax IIIa, f1.5 50mm Sonnar lens- $288.00
Graflex Speed Graphic, 4X5, 127mm f4.7 Ektar lens, Graphic rangefinder- $377.95

I know, lots of numbers, but interesting to look through. So yes, $125 for a Yashica Lynx is a lot, but incredibly cheap compared to a Leica (any of them!) of approximately the same era. When put into this type of perspective, it doesn't seem like the Yashica cameras were as "high-end" as it may seem.

 

[dmr]

Yashica-Mat A professional camera featuring quality optics, fully automatic crank action film transport. Under $90 plus case.

Yashica Mat-124 All fine professional features with convertable pressure plate that permits use of new 220 film, as well as 120. Sensitive CdS match-needle exposure. Under $110 plus case.

Any idea of what the vintage of the Yashica D is? I have a feeling it's slightly older than these.

Anybody know what a D would have sold for new?

Thanks? 🙂

 

[Xmas]

http://www.camerapedia.org/wiki/Yashica_D

still on sale in '72, seems late to me as well, I recall it much earlier.

Noel

 

[NickTrop]

I have a photographic supplies catalog from 1960 with a few interesting cameras in it. When put into this type of perspective, it doesn't seem like the Yashica cameras were as "high-end" as it may seem.

I don't know if a nine year spread 1960-1969 can be considered comparable, necessarily. But a $700 camera - while certainly not in the Leica category, ain't exactly spit in any era. Especially considering the Lynx is a fixed lens model. Thanks for posting these prices.

By the way, according to the inflation calculator I was using:

"What cost $100 in 1960 would cost $119.34 in 1969. "

So there was a pretty steep 20% jump during the decade.

 

[NickTrop]

Any idea of what the vintage of the Yashica D is? I have a feeling it's slightly older than these.

Anybody know what a D would have sold for new?

Thanks? 🙂

This camera is also on the link to the page in my first post:

Minister D Features uncoupled "2 in 1" meter, perfect for backlighted shots. f/2.8 lens. Under $72 plus case

That would put it at $403 in today's dollarettes

 

[burninfilm]

Which is why I said "comparable" and not "exact". You might note, however, that the price of the Yashicamat didn't change much. I included the price of this camera to allow a direct comparison to the others, since I figured your information came from a later date than mine.

And yes, even though the corrected price for the Lynx of $700 isn't inexpensive, it still wouldn't cost NEARLY as much as a Leica rangefinder of the same era. In fact, the Leica would cost 3-4 times more. If you want a comparison to one of the most popular cameras of all time, a Kodak Brownie Hawkeye Flash outfit sold for $13.95 in 1960. That would probably cost around $50-$70 if corrected for inflation, which I also wouldn't really consider cheap!

Another thing to keep in mind is the type of advertising pamphlet the prices you listed are from. Those prices sound an awful lot like manufacturer suggested retail prices. As you already know, these tend to be higher than the actual selling price of retailers.

Finally, I looked through a Photography Directory & Buying Guide from 1964, and here are a few more comparisons:

Yashicamat, 80mm Yashinon lenses- under $76
Nikon F, prism finder, 50mm f2 Nikkor lens $323
Yashica Lynx, 45mm f1.8 lens- under $90
Yashica Minister II, 45mm f2.8 lens- under $61
Leica M3, 50mm f2.0 rigid Summicron, $447

And yes, these are suggested retail prices, not the actual ones like from the catalog I quoted earlier.

 

[NickTrop]

Leicas cost silly money, imo. For whatever reason, I never got that bug with Leicas. Price-wise, they are and always were in a league of their own. I would actually prefer an old Contax or one of the Canons vintage RFs before a vintage Leica or Nikon RF. I'll probably settle for a Kiev 4A in all probability.

However, while the Leicas cost several times more than a Yashica Lynx 14e, consider that in 1969 you were also paying for much higher European labor costs vs Japanese labor or in the case of the GSN Chinese labor rates. Also, the Leica was targeted as much toward journalists/newspapers as consumers so they could "get away with" a higher margin than the more competitive consumer market, and let's face it you're also paying for the Leica name.

I think more of the cost of a Yashica made it into the camera, rather than european labor rates of the times, target magins (high in the case of the Leica, "made up in volume" in the case of the Yashs...), and the cachet of the Leica name.

 

[Jocko]

This is something which has always intrigued me. Nick, I think your figures are pretty much correct, possibly in real terms even on the modest side, given the decline in single income families, which inflation figures seldom take into account.

In a 1960 British price guide the 7 available Yashica 35mm rangefinders run from the 35YK at £17.11.8 to the YF at £79.5.4, with most models around £35.00. The 9 TLRS are consistently lower priced - from the £17.00 Yashica A to the Yashicamat at £38.9.7. Most other models are around £20-27.00. The 35s seemingly carried a cutting edge of technology premium 🙂

In the UK most of these cameras would have eaten up around 2 weeks of the average domestic income at the time. Decent cameras were innately "high end".

Cheers, Ian

 

[rbiemer]

We had a similar discussion about Canonets and Mamiya RFs and I think you may find this site useful:http://www.measuringworth.com/index.html
It uses a wide range of comparisons to arrive at a "worth".
Rob

 

[dennisinst.louis]

According to this page, which had jpgs of some ad copy for various Yashica models both 35 and 120 TLR cameras...

Yashica-Mat A professional camera featuring quality optics, fully automatic crank action film transport. Under $90 plus case.

Yashica Mat-124 All fine professional features with convertable pressure plate that permits use of new 220 film, as well as 120. Sensitive CdS match-needle exposure. Under $110 plus case.

Minister III Features rangefinder focusing, uncoupled round-the-lens electric eye. Under $67 plus case.

Electro-35 With rugged, shock resistant solid state exposure system, all advanced features. Under $115 plus case. Electro-35 kit $220

Lynx-14e Advanced model of the popular Lynx, with superfast DX/1.4 lens, 1/500th shutter, and Electronic Exposure Readout. Under $125 plus case.

http://www-unix.oit.umass.edu/~coreya/yashica/moreyash.html
(Note other Yashica Mat and Lynx models and their prices are also listed on the page.)
-----------------------------------------------

Using the Inflation Calculator on this page, http://www.westegg.com/inflation/infl.cgi

- The Yashica Mat TLR would cost $504 (rounded) in 2006 dollars
- The Yashica Mat 124 TLR would cost $616 US in 2006
- The Minister III would cost $375
- The Electro 35 G would cost $644
- The Lynx 14e would cost $700!
---------------------------------------------------

Some observations.

- First, did I err somewhere? I didn't think these cameras - the Lynx 14 and the Electro in particular, were this expensive/high-end when they were released. If I did somehow, please let me know.

- Yashica charged quite a bit for their teleconverter lenses + case kit, bringing the cost of the Electros to $220 1969 dollars or $1232 in 2006 dollars.

- Seems the Lynx 14e with its f1.4 lens was their flagship at $700 for just the camera (these prices do not include the case...)

- Interesting that the 35mm Lynx and Electros were actually a good bit more expensive than their medium format 120 Yashica Mat cameras. I assumed these cameras were a marketed to professionals, as I'm old enough to recall wedding photographers using the Yashica Mats.

Thats cool to know thanks for the info.