Yashica 35 with 45mm f1.9 lens

[nhchen]

Hi,
I just got a yashica 35 with a 45mm F1.9 lens. But I cant find much information about it. Has anyone used one before?
It looks like this one:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0a/Yashica_35_Yashinon_1.1.9_45_mm_rangefinder.jpg

 

[jajong]

Hi, I have one with a "sand-papered" front lens. Apparently, the coating is soft, so be careful with that. I suspect the lens is Tomioka made, and maybe Nicca made the body. It has more density than later Yashicas. It is a rare machine.
I shot one roll with it (it needs a good cleaning!) and I found the lens nicely sharp with the "old' look to it. Mine glows a bit, probably because of the multitude of tiny scratches on the front lens.
Antway, it is a nice shooter.

Cheers,
Jan

 

[farlymac]

It's very similar to the YK, with the differences being 2.8 max aperture on YK vs 1.9 on the 35; shorter rangefinder base on the YK; frame counter on top plate of 35 instead of top of the winder shaft on YK; top shutter speeds are 1/300 on the YK, and 1/500 on the 35; and smooth sided rewind knob on the YK vs knurled on the 35. It looks like maybe the ASA/Film reminder is on the top plate of the 35 next to the re-winder knob, whereas this is on a dial on the camera back on the YK. And the accessory shoe of the 35 is aligned over the lens center, while it is offset on the YK. This shouldn't be much of a factor as you don't really need a viewing accessory with the YK, unless you find some auxiliary lens set specifically made for it (Accura perhaps).

Other than those, they are quite the twins. Same viewfinder with combined rangefinder; same body size and design; same lens barrel design and size (46mm filter ring) with lever focusing. You could use the manual of the YK to operate the 35 with no problem, as long as you keep those differences in mind.

Find the manual for the YK at http://www.butkus.org/chinon/

PF