Kapa
Established
Hi there, I'm a newbie both to Rangefinderforum
and Rangefinderdom in general..... so I'll ask a
typical newbie question....
How do you rate the Yashica GSN versus the GTN....?
I'm looking to aquire one or the other , the GTN is
holding sway at the moment due to including
aux lenses and is the black model (or were they all black?)
Any opinions/advice appreciated.
Cheers!
and Rangefinderdom in general..... so I'll ask a
typical newbie question....
How do you rate the Yashica GSN versus the GTN....?
I'm looking to aquire one or the other , the GTN is
holding sway at the moment due to including
aux lenses and is the black model (or were they all black?)
Any opinions/advice appreciated.
Cheers!
Fedzilla_Bob
man with cat
I might be wrong but- Gsn bright chrome, GTN black. Few differences if any, other than the color. Both were sold with the auxliary lens kits.
bmattock
Veteran
Bob is correct - the GTN was the same as the GSN as far as I know - just in black.
The G had the GT (black)
The GS had the GT (black)
The GSN had the GTN (black)
The GT actually changed a bit over the years. Some had higher ASA settings, some had bottom-pull back releases (as opposed to pulling up on the rewind knob), but both were labeled "GT" and were black. The GTN is relatively rare, but performs just like the GSN. People will usually pay more for 'black' cameras if there is a 'silver' standard model.
Best Regards,
Bill Mattocks
The G had the GT (black)
The GS had the GT (black)
The GSN had the GTN (black)
The GT actually changed a bit over the years. Some had higher ASA settings, some had bottom-pull back releases (as opposed to pulling up on the rewind knob), but both were labeled "GT" and were black. The GTN is relatively rare, but performs just like the GSN. People will usually pay more for 'black' cameras if there is a 'silver' standard model.
Best Regards,
Bill Mattocks
Fedzilla_Bob
man with cat
bmattock
Veteran
Fedzilla_Bob said:
The Professional came before the G. Note also the slightly different pattern of the leatherette, and if I am not mistaken, the lens does not say "Color DX" but rather just DX.
I'm sure you know this, but for others, a great resource is www.yashica-guy.com for this sort of thing.
Best Regards,
Bill Mattocks
amateriat
We're all light!
Professional...!Fedzilla_Bob said:
Mine, from way back (1973-75) had "GTN" in raised silver italics to the lower-right of the lens. Also came with the fitted case with those wretched auxiliary lenses which I actially used. Then, in early '75, I got a new Canon F-1 and said Goodbye To All That (i.e. rangefinders). Until 2002...
- Barrett (What comes around goes around...and around...)
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bmattock
Veteran
amateriat said:
Rocky Horror Moment. "Say goodbye to all of ... this (audience yells, "Goodbye, all of this.") and ''Hello'' to oblivion (Hello, oblivion)."
A badly misspent youth. What can I say? I know every cue.
Best Regards,
Bill Mattocks
Fedzilla_Bob
man with cat
Definitely know that link, and he is a great person to correspond with.bmattock said:
According to this link it may be from the late sixties-
http://www.feuerbacher.net/photo/frame.html?Cameras/Electro35/Electro35.html~Main
The one you see in my attachment was won on eb*y back in March. It's a decent shooter. And, I don't miss the improved color coating for the lens.
Fedzilla_Bob
man with cat
Sorry I keep going on and on...
I also have a GT in the garage "dead.. wrapped in plastic..."
It had been brought home from Viet Nam by veteran. It smelled like Thai sticks, really strong ones. Don't ask and I won't tell.
Its a minor wreck. I haven't pulled together the courage to overhaul it.
I also have a GT in the garage "dead.. wrapped in plastic..."
It had been brought home from Viet Nam by veteran. It smelled like Thai sticks, really strong ones. Don't ask and I won't tell.
Its a minor wreck. I haven't pulled together the courage to overhaul it.
Kapa
Established
Cheers guys.... seems like there's not much difference between the two.
Just though I'd read that the GTN was the "flagship" of Yashica rangefinders....?
Think I came across that on Yashica guys website.
How do you guys rate the MG-1 then....?
Just though I'd read that the GTN was the "flagship" of Yashica rangefinders....?
Think I came across that on Yashica guys website.
How do you guys rate the MG-1 then....?
R
RichardS
Guest
I wouldn't make a decision on which camera to buy based on the auxiliary lens. If you're like me, you used the lenses once and put them away.
Dick
Dick
ErnestoJL
Well-known
AFAIK, the original model was the YE 35, released about 1967/8 wihth a max ISO rating of 400 and some other (later models) up to 500.
A couple of years later came the G versions which included gold plated sliding switches which obviously overcome a major defect the earlier models would show in high humidity environments: erratic contact then erratic camera performance, if not working at all.
The first black models were called "Professional" and included a set of two aux lenses in the kit as well as a small table tripod.
At this time the aux. lenses were also sold as option for the other camera models.
In other words, if you wanted the black, then you get the Professional in kit form, but if you wanted it in chrome, then you can order the aux. lens kit.
After cease of production of the Professional version, then came the GT and the GS, respectively black and silver models, and ISO went up to 1000.
Some years later, came the GTN and the GSN which were produced initially in Japan and later, production was moved to Hong Kong. Another change was the lettering in the upper casing which was in italics and changed to block capitals, allways saying Electro 35. The model identifier was placed in the lower right of the lens.
The last models of both cameras were identical in performance to their early japanese counterparts, but it was mentioned that general parts quality was lower in chinese cameras.
Japanese cameras had some identification either "Japan" or made in Japan. HK made cameras just added an H before serial number but didn´t mention any country. Also serial nr. stamping is weak in comparison with older units.
Lenses were allways made in Japan, but I can´t tell where they were assembled.
The only significant difference I found between both is that the chinese YE35 lacked one black metal baffling inside the VF. The replacement of it gave a dramatic improvement in VF quality. This piece was never fitted to my camera, as there were no signs of removal. It was simply made without the part.
I have a japanese made GT which today acts as donor camera, and a GSN. The only difference I found was that mentined before, otherwise, both cameras are exactly identical.
The MG1 was a cheaper evolution of the YE35, assembled in HK, and sported a Yashinon DX 2.8 45 mm. It´s as bulkier as the YE35 and a bit lighter. Shutter speeds go from 2 sec up to 1 /500th, with a top mounted selector for Flash (1/100th) or Auto. No B. VF doesn´t have parallax correction (only bright lines). The meter cell is (fortunately) located inside the 55 mm filter thread so exposure correction is automatic.
I had one and it´s a nice camera, however a bit limited for it´s slow lens. Lens is tack sharp and color rendition is excellent. Should be cheaper than a GSN or GTN. IMO It would be a nice second choice to stay in your car´s glove box.
Hope it helps.
Ernesto
A couple of years later came the G versions which included gold plated sliding switches which obviously overcome a major defect the earlier models would show in high humidity environments: erratic contact then erratic camera performance, if not working at all.
The first black models were called "Professional" and included a set of two aux lenses in the kit as well as a small table tripod.
At this time the aux. lenses were also sold as option for the other camera models.
In other words, if you wanted the black, then you get the Professional in kit form, but if you wanted it in chrome, then you can order the aux. lens kit.
After cease of production of the Professional version, then came the GT and the GS, respectively black and silver models, and ISO went up to 1000.
Some years later, came the GTN and the GSN which were produced initially in Japan and later, production was moved to Hong Kong. Another change was the lettering in the upper casing which was in italics and changed to block capitals, allways saying Electro 35. The model identifier was placed in the lower right of the lens.
The last models of both cameras were identical in performance to their early japanese counterparts, but it was mentioned that general parts quality was lower in chinese cameras.
Japanese cameras had some identification either "Japan" or made in Japan. HK made cameras just added an H before serial number but didn´t mention any country. Also serial nr. stamping is weak in comparison with older units.
Lenses were allways made in Japan, but I can´t tell where they were assembled.
The only significant difference I found between both is that the chinese YE35 lacked one black metal baffling inside the VF. The replacement of it gave a dramatic improvement in VF quality. This piece was never fitted to my camera, as there were no signs of removal. It was simply made without the part.
I have a japanese made GT which today acts as donor camera, and a GSN. The only difference I found was that mentined before, otherwise, both cameras are exactly identical.
The MG1 was a cheaper evolution of the YE35, assembled in HK, and sported a Yashinon DX 2.8 45 mm. It´s as bulkier as the YE35 and a bit lighter. Shutter speeds go from 2 sec up to 1 /500th, with a top mounted selector for Flash (1/100th) or Auto. No B. VF doesn´t have parallax correction (only bright lines). The meter cell is (fortunately) located inside the 55 mm filter thread so exposure correction is automatic.
I had one and it´s a nice camera, however a bit limited for it´s slow lens. Lens is tack sharp and color rendition is excellent. Should be cheaper than a GSN or GTN. IMO It would be a nice second choice to stay in your car´s glove box.
Hope it helps.
Ernesto
Wayne R. Scott
Half fast Leica User
Perhaps someone has mentioned this in one of the answers above, but the major difference that I have found between the GS/GT and the GSN/GTN versions is that the GS/GT cameras have a "cold" shoe for the flash. It acts as flash holder only, in order to fire the flash a pc synch cord must be used. With the GSN/GTN bodies the flash shoe is "hot", meaning that a shoe mount flash will fire from the hot shoe.
The flash contact is clearly visible in the GSN/GTN camera hot shoe.
Wayne
The flash contact is clearly visible in the GSN/GTN camera hot shoe.
Wayne
ErnestoJL
Well-known
You´re right Wayne, I forgot to mention the hot shoe of the GSN/GTN.
I have never used it as I never use a flash, then I never noticed it was such.
Thank you.
Ernesto.
I have never used it as I never use a flash, then I never noticed it was such.
Thank you.
Ernesto.
Kapa
Established
Lost the GTN and ended up with a deal on just a "G".
Good condition including lens, though noted it has the
"H" (957369) number.
It's firing so shutter not jammed, but battery chamber looks
a bit rough. Could be a problem....
Has the coldshoe/holder and sync plug aswell.
Cheers for the feedback Ernesto et all....
Good condition including lens, though noted it has the
"H" (957369) number.
It's firing so shutter not jammed, but battery chamber looks
a bit rough. Could be a problem....
Has the coldshoe/holder and sync plug aswell.
Cheers for the feedback Ernesto et all....
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bmattock
Veteran
Kapa said:
A little vinegar on a cotton swab will do wonders for removing most of the corrosion in the battery well. It won't restore damaged connections, but it will eat up the corrosion itself in a most entertaining manner.
Best Regards,
Bill Mattocks
Kapa
Established
Thanks Bill. Shall give it a go, soundslike fun......
By the way (newbie question).... what battery is
available for it now... Read somewhere that the
Electros still fire at 500th (as this unit seems too)
without battery.
P.S didn't realize the "G" was aperture priority....
shows how little I know about Yashica in general-
being the only other Yashica thats come my way
being an old blue "Minimatic C".....
By the way (newbie question).... what battery is
available for it now... Read somewhere that the
Electros still fire at 500th (as this unit seems too)
without battery.
P.S didn't realize the "G" was aperture priority....
shows how little I know about Yashica in general-
being the only other Yashica thats come my way
being an old blue "Minimatic C".....
Kapa
Established
P.s Has anyone got a link on how to take off the top
plate of an "Electro".... the easy way.....
plate of an "Electro".... the easy way.....
bmattock
Veteran
Kapa said:
The battery is long gone, being the usual (long ago outlawed) mercury battery. There are a number of suitable replacements available, including from John Neal here on RFF (I think). Another source is Yashica-Guy on www.yashica-guy.com.
The "Lynx" series has a proper shutter speed selector and aperture ring, but the Electros are well-known for being great cameras, and were probably 'cult classics' well before the Lynx series was recognized as such. In fact, the Electro 35 GSN and the Canonet G-III QL-17 may well have been the first two 'cult' rangefinder cameras of latter days.
As you mentioned, the G series Electros have a 1/500 default shutter speed if no battery is present.
I don't know how to take the top off the Electro, but I'm going to guess it is not hard - the Lynx is dead easy.
Best Regards,
Bill Mattocks