Yasuhara T981 & T012 (lomography.com)

[mikule]

Just got an email from those style mongers at the Lomographic society, and they've just got a hold of a whole heap more 'dead stock' in the form on the Yashuhara T981 & T012

http://shop.lomography.com/yasuhara/

Each of these cameras is going for $600 USD, which is typical fashion of the Lomographic society is no doubt grosly over-priced.

Just wondering what experiance anyone may have had which these cameras. Aparently they accept Leica screw-mount lenses like their Russian counterparts. Some how though I think I'll be better off sticking with my Fed and saving the $600 USD to put towards a Bessa or a Leica in a couple of years.....

Michael

 

[mikule]

Just found this bit of info on the CameraQuest

http://www.cameraquest.com/yasu2.htm
http://www.cameraquest.com/yasuhp.htm

Only 4000 made, and one of the more obscure varieties of Rangefinder. Possibly why there weren't as popular. The company also appeared to have gone out of business February 2004.

 

[Stephanie Brim]

You can GET a fixed lens Leica for that. Hell, you can get an M3 for that if you look hard enough.

 

[mikule]

Will an M3 accept russian lenses? Namely my Industra 61, Jupiter 9 and 12 ? Would an M3 be a good 'step up' and introduction to Leica cameras?
Although I think I've spent enough on cameras and what not for the time being, should be out taking photos.

 

[Stephanie Brim]

Dunno. I've heard that certain Russian lenses have problems on Leicas.

 

[phototone]

Will an M3 accept russian lenses? Namely my Industra 61, Jupiter 9 and 12 ? Would an M3 be a good 'step up' and introduction to Leica cameras?
Although I think I've spent enough on cameras and what not for the time being, should be out taking photos.

Yes, the M3 will accept the Russian/Ukrainian LTM lenses with an "M" adaptor. You can get these from Cameraquest, and other sources. To trigger the correct bright frame in the viewfinder, you purchase the correct adaptor.

For that matter, ALL LTM (Leica Thread Mount) lenses from any and all makers will fit the M3 (and all M cameras) with the LTM to "M" adaptors made by Leica, Voigtlander and others.

Some people do complain about focusing errors (particularly at close range), but this could be due to poor quality control in the Russian/Ukrainian lens assembly, or amateur disassembly at some point in the lens history.

If you get good ones, they are really really good.

 

[mikule]

Perhaps?

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=30030&item=7524447217&rd=1&tc=photo

I'll have a look into it. Either way, the Russian ones are still heaps of fun. It's my first time using Rangefinder cameras, and I guess part of my continuous interest in Photography. Started with a digital P&S than discovered the Fed series via Lomography.

I think I may have found my neiche with Rangefinders though, especially after using a few SLR's and not really being as enthusiastic about them.

 

[Stephanie Brim]

Cool.

Also, if you're going to use the J-12, I'd suggest the M2 since it has the 35mm brightlines.

 

[mikule]

Well my J-12 came with a view finder. But I'll take your advice and look around for a M2. I was thinking about getting another russian RF, in addition to my Feds. But If I can get a Lecia for about $100 more, I'm sure the quality will be much greater. And it'll be easier to get it serviced here in Australia.

 

[Stephanie Brim]

An M2 would suit you more if you don't plan on shooting anything over a 90mm lens. The M3 is a nice one, though, and since you have a viewfinder for the J-12 it may actually be better if you ever want to shoot a 135mm lens. It's up to you. The M2 is what I'm personally getting because I don't use anything over 90mm EVER for my photography. 🙂

 

[taffer]

hmmm, reasonable resemblances ?

agree there's a somehwat limited creativity for a 35mm rangefinder, but this time I'd say there's a bit of 'inspiration' at least... 🙂