Yashica GS(GT) vs. GSN(GTN)

[kestas]

Hi all 🙂
I'm a new guy here, also I'm quite new in rangefinder photography.
So, I have a question. I'm thinking about buying one of these Electros.
Generally GSN and GS is the same camera, except GSN has hotshoe, and GS not.
I don't like flash and never use it, and hot or cold shoe it's not my problem 😉
Which camera is better? GSN body made in Hong Kong. I heard some people don`t like GSN rangefinder contrast in low light, and in general quality of older Japanese GS is better. Is it true? I hope get an opinions from GS/GSN users.
And one more question. I heard top plate of black GT/GTN made of plastic, not metal like on GS/GSN. Is it true?

Thanks in advance.
Kestas

 

[RicardoD]

Buy this camera click here and start shooting. I regret selling my GS, should have sold my Canonet GIII QL17 instead. I just like how it operates.

If you don't need hot shoe there really isn't any difference. Although I though some of the black GT or GTNs only went to 500 ISO while the silver ones go to 1000 ISO.

 

[kully]

Hallo,

These rangefinders are pretty cool. Actually, my GTN got me into buying a Bessa R2a.

The G{S,T}N models were not all made in Hong Kong, I have a GTN which was made in Japan. Having said that the 'feel' in the hand of a Hong Kong GSN didn't seem any different.

I've also heard that the black GTNs had plastic tops - mine does not.

When you first feel the camera, it does feel fragile. However, they have lasted over two decades to get to this point. Mine has been dropped, had beer spilt on it and tumbled arund my bag - it's fine.

 

[RicardoD]

My GS seemed build like a tank. The lens does wobble a bit, I have heard comments that they all do, but it just functions very well. The viewfinder isn't the greatest but I did a lot of hyperfocal focusing with it. Love the aperture priority and the big lights on top.

 

[peot]

My GSN was bought by my father in Sweden in the 1970´s. As far as I can see this camera was made in Japan... but I´m no expert. Were they made in Hongkong although "Japan"is imprinted on the camera house as well as on the case? Anyway...it´s a great camera!

 

[flashover]

My GTN was made in Japan. The only plastic on the top cover is the Bezzels around the RF window and Meter window. My GSN has metal bezzels. The ISO setting goes to 1000 ASA. The GT I had (aka black GS) had ASA 500 as max.

 

[picturetaker]

Ahhh Ricardo. I, for one, am glad you sold your GS. And if luck would have it, I should have some of first roll uploaded tonight.

 

[Mister_Hat]

My GT was made in Japan, my GSN was made in Hong Kong. I can't see any difference in build quality. As John K said above, the only a couple of minor parts on the top cover are plastic, but on mine the ASA goes up to 1000.

 

[ErnestoJL]

I have a GS(T)N made in Hong Kong. This camera received parts from a japanese GT (top and bottom plates) and there is no significant difference between them.
Lens wobbles in both, but I have to admit that the japanese feels a bit different (more solid)in my hands, don´t know why.

OTOH, they are wonderfull cameras. Buy one, and you´ll never regret it!!

Ernesto

 

[kestas]

Thank you ALL for your opinions. It will help me. I think nearest time I'll buy one. Who knows maybe it will be Ricardo's one 😉
Actually I'm surprised. Very strange solution to make same model (GT) with different ISO settings. max 500 and 1000.
And thank you again. In place where I live, if we talking about old rangefinders, the FSU and German cameras are more common. And your information about Yashicas will be very useful for me