Which is better?

[ErnestoJL]

I have used both and found no noticeable differences between both lenses in terms of picture quality, contrast, resolution, etc. The only I can say is that the 1.4 from the Lynx is seriously flare prone, meanwhile the GSN does a lot better perhaps due to a better lens coating.

Even compared with other lenses, both performed equally well and as good as higher priced lens.
It was also said that the GSN lens design came as a result of the first steps of cooperation between Zeiss and Yashica (they were starting cooperation for the Contax SLR), but I cannot tell if that´s true or not

Ernesto.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

I am going to be googling tomorrow. Hit it somewhere, but I'm betting Yashica Guy has it right and the other source went by the Lynx 5000 with its slower F1.8 lens. I was surprised enough that Canon did it with 6, but they were experimenting with high index of refraction glass with that line of lenses. The front module is 1-2 (pretty sure), for three elements in two groups. That would make the rear module most probably a 2-1-1, like a Summarit and early Summilux. Maybe I'll have to look for a parts Lynx 14...

 

[Brad Bireley]

My first car was a 68 LeMans!

 

[Socke]

I'm a fan of small cars, mean and lean!

My Mini 1000 with 1300ccm engine and SU HS4 carb:

And the car I wanted then:

An Inocenti Mini Cooper slightly modified by Tuner Mario DelOlivio. 1.8 litre Austin Maxi engine with Rotray Speed supercharger. The first Mini I've seen with 13" wheels and 175/50-13 Pirelly P7 tires.

That was in April 1981 and shot with a Rollei 35TE. For the first picture I set it up and gave it to a friend with the instruction to press the shutter when I come around the corner 🙂

 

[Mister_Hat]

My first car was a 68 LeMans!

That brings back memories... mine was a '65 LeMans. The little beast could fly !

Drove it until the frame rusted out, then I sold it to a guy who needed a car for a demolition derby. He took second place with it.

 

[Nearsighted]

That's funny Bill, I prefer the Electro series cameras because I don't need to think about the shutter speed. The 1st real step and most signifigant leap toward automation. If they had only offered the 1.4 lens on the Electro series... Sorry, I was responding to BMattlock statement at the end of page 1.

 

[bmattock]

That's funny Bill, I prefer the Electro series cameras because I don't need to think about the shutter speed. The 1st real step and most signifigant leap toward automation. If they had only offered the 1.4 lens on the Electro series... Sorry, I was responding to BMattlock statement at the end of page 1.

I just finished scanning the film from the photos I took in NYC last week. Half taken with my Yashica Lynx 14, half with my Olympus 35 RC. I used the RC in pure automation mode, letting it set the f-stop. I used the Lynx in manual, since that's all it has. Here are the photos:

http://www.cameramentor.com/nyc.html

Hint: All of the night shots were taken with the Lynx. The lens is superb.

Best Regards,

Bill Mattocks

 

[Brad Bireley]

I want a Lynx! Bill, your photographs are great!

 

[Kat]

What are the chances of picking up a nice lynx with a working meter in the 'bay, say, compared to GSNs?

 

[Nearsighted]

Thanks for sharing the pictures Bill. What film? Do you develope yourself?

 

[bmattock]

What are the chances of picking up a nice lynx with a working meter in the 'bay, say, compared to GSNs?

Working meter? Aye, that's the rub. The 14 had a CDS metering cell, the battery of course was mercury and no longer available. I have two Lynx 14's, both have clean battery compartments and the meters respond to light with a modern 'converter' adapter in them. However, they are simply 'match' style meters and frankly - I don't trust them.

The 14E had an integrated circuit control for the meter - a first and they advertised it (there is a big "IC" on the front of the camera) and it used two PC640A batteries and they quite often are found having corroded out the battery compartment, which sadly is on the back of the camera and not the bottom - so hard to ignore the creeping crud when you have to hold it next to your face. I have one 14E, and mine has a pristine battery compartment, but the meter does not work, despite my having procured a couple of those ancient batteries that test OK. Even if it did - again I would not trust it.

I purchased a Gossen Digisix and that's what I used to meter with on my trip. Worked well for me.

To get back to your question - I don't know what the liklihood of finding a Lynx with a working meter on eBoy might be - but in my case, I hardly cared (other than the corrosion/yuck factor).

Both of my Lynx 14's came with stuck shutters - easily freed with a quick rub with lighter fluid and q-tips - the front elements come right out easily no tools needed. My 14E came looking like it had never had a roll of film in it. SWEET!

Both Lynx 14 and 14E are very flare-prone. You will not like the images you get if you do not purchase and use a lens hood at all times. Buy a metal one (Kalt 58mm screw thread or similar) not a rubber toilet plunger style - they block the rangefinder window.

These cameras are very big. And very, very, nice. And they go cheap - so far. Here's a hint - search for "1C" and "Lynx". Very often, people selling them think that the "IC" is really a "1C".

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

http://www.cameraquest.com/yaslyn14.htm

Best Regards,

Bill Mattocks

 

[bmattock]

Thanks for sharing the pictures Bill. What film? Do you develope yourself?

Yes, I do my own B&W film processing. For this most recent trip, I used Kodak Tri-X 400 rated at EI 1250 and processed in Diafine. I also used Efke KB 100 and Arista.EDU Pro 100 (aka Fomapan 100) and one roll (I had it hanging around) of Ilford Delta 100 Pro. By the way, Ilford Delta 100 is FANTASTIC film. Just saying.

Best Regards,

Bill Mattocks

 

[Sonnar Brian]

I repaired the meter on the Lynx 14e bought here. The way-too-thin wire on the back of the battery compartment had come undone. Soldered it back into place.