Review: Yashica Minister-D

[eckmanmj]

When it comes to classic Yashica Rangefinders, Electros, Lynxes, and even the old Nicca branded Leica copies usually come up more often than the lowly Minister-D.

Yet, I'm here to tell you that the Minister-D's lack of notoreity is certainly not because of any lack of greatness. In fact, this is a truly wonderful camera thats fun and easy to use, and comes with a lens that belies it's humble specs.

Read my review for the full details!

Yes, I know some PC antivirus programs like Avast and Webroot incorrectly flag my site as spam, but I assure you, its not. I've tried to remedy this with those software companies, but they don't respond to my requests.

http://www.mikeeckman.com/2016/08/yashica-minister-d-1963/

 

[konicaman]

Thanks for the review - very interesting. It is a very good and informative site you've got there!

 

[eckmanmj]

Thanks for the review - very interesting. It is a very good and informative site you've got there!

Thanks for the compliments. I am happy you found it informative! 🙂

 

[Frontman]

For whatever reason, I have never tried out the Minister D. I have a couple Minister 700 cameras, which are essentially the same as the D, but with a faster f/1.7 lens. These are quite well made cameras, and very solid. The only weakness is that the lenses are rather easily scratched, and gas from the mercury batteries often corrode the wiring, making the meter inoperative.

 

[farlymac]

Good write-up on the Minister-D, Mike. I have Webroot, and have no problem viewing your site.

The Yashica M was objected to by Leica as too close in name to their M series cameras, so Yashica changed the name to Minister, with the M being rare to find these days since it had such a short production run.

My biggest problem with the older Yashica rangefinders is the semi-silvered mirror in the viewfinder being worn out, with it sometimes being easier to scale/zone focus.

My favorite variant is the Minimatic-C, with its grey covers and case. Even though it is a selenium-coupled meter type, with the meter controlling the exposure, mine works quite well, with some accuracy. Or at least it did a couple of years ago.

PF

 

[johnf04]

Yashica M. I've had 2 of these, and both looked almost brand new.

 

[eckmanmj]

For whatever reason, I have never tried out the Minister D. I have a couple Minister 700 cameras, which are essentially the same as the D, but with a faster f/1.7 lens. These are quite well made cameras, and very solid. The only weakness is that the lenses are rather easily scratched, and gas from the mercury batteries often corrode the wiring, making the meter inoperative.

The Minister 700 is much less common than the D, and while the Yashinon f/1.7 lens is great, and I am definitely jealous that you have a couple of them, their prices are a bit higher on the used market.

I got my "D" for $4.99 + shipping and I regularly see them on the ebay without selling. For anyone looking for an excellent Japanese rangefinder for dirt cheap, as long as you aren't trying to shoot in very low light, the D is an awesome camera!

With that in mind, if you ever want to get rid of one of your 700s, PM me! 🙂

Good write-up on the Minister-D, Mike. I have Webroot, and have no problem viewing your site.

The Yashica M was objected to by Leica as too close in name to their M series cameras, so Yashica changed the name to Minister, with the M being rare to find these days since it had such a short production run.

My biggest problem with the older Yashica rangefinders is the semi-silvered mirror in the viewfinder being worn out, with it sometimes being easier to scale/zone focus.

My favorite variant is the Minimatic-C, with its grey covers and case. Even though it is a selenium-coupled meter type, with the meter controlling the exposure, mine works quite well, with some accuracy. Or at least it did a couple of years ago.

PF

That is interesting about the "M" name! I will update my review with this information! 🙂 Thanks!

Also, thanks for the confirmation that the site is wroking with Webroot again. I've had reports of people with their software incorrectly flagging my site. It seems to still be Avast and a few other "lesser" AV programs.

 

[eckmanmj]

Yashica M. I've had 2 of these, and both looked almost brand new.

John, let me know if you ever plan on selling yours. I'll be honest with you, I won't offer you much, but I will use it, and review it, so at least you'd know it went to a good home! 🙂

 

[farlymac]

I did some repairs on a Yashica M once, but never could get the internal LVS gears to synchronize. https://flic.kr/s/aHsjSeSXiv


Control Ring Dis-assembly 1 by P F McFarland, on Flickr

I did get it back together though.


Yashica 35 M by P F McFarland, on Flickr

BTW, Leica had the same naming issue with the original Olympus SLR, so that's why it became the OM. Early versions are rare, and highly collectible.

PF