Yashica 35 Professional

[maxwell1295]

I picked up a black Electro 35 from eBay a few weeks ago for the grand sum of $25.50 shipped. It turns out that this is most likely a very early Professional model as described on Yashica Guy''s "Variations" page.

http://yashica-guy.com/document/variations.html

"The earliest known 'Professional' seems to have been a market test. Instead of the logo on the front, it sports a Professional decal on the rear. It also has 4 screws holding the bottom plate instead of the 3 screws found on all later models of the 'G' series."

From what I can tell, this camera pretty much coincides with what's described there. Another thing is the ASA has a max of 400. What's even better is that it appears to be fully functional. The meter works, shutter operates at all speeds (including Bulb), and the film advance seems to be working as it should. The only thing missing is the "thunk" from the pad.

A few pics for anyone interested in seeing this one-offf camera.

 

[FrankS]

Nice. Not a one of, but certainly an example of a rare variation. I like how the professional label is crooked.

 

[b1bmsgt]

Wow! Nice score!! 😀


Russ

 

[Frontman]

I have two of them (these are a bit easier to find in Japan). One of them works well, but looks ratty, the other looks nice, but doesn't work. I won the working camera for 1 yen (1 cent).

Good find though, I've only seen 3 of these come up in the last couple of years. No doubt collectors will become more interested in the rarer Electros in the future.

 

[maxwell1295]

A few images from this camera. Turned out a bit underexposed, but they're more likely underdeveloped. I've been messing around with Rodinal stand developing, with mixed results so far. These were shot with with Arista Premium 400.