The Yashica Electro 35 GSN - A Quite Capable Japanese Rangefinder

[@Zoe-hx6ly]

Old co-worker at my job gave me his old GSN when it looked like we were going to go on strike at my old job - he was too old to be active on the line. Told me he used it for every picket he’d ever been on and told me to use it. Unfortunately, the company ended up shutting down, but I plan to carry on his legacy. It’s a learning curve from my phone, but I’m excited to use it!

[@vintagecameradigest]

What an awesome story. Knowing the legacy/provenance makes the camera even more valuable. Even with its limitations (no manual control) it’s a fine camera! Happy shooting!

[@mhc2b]

This was my first camera ever, which I purchased from an Army PX in 1970 for $65. I told the salesman at the PX to give me the "best" camera they had. He pulled out a Ricoh 35mm SLR and the Yashica Electro 35. The Yashica just looked classier, so with no photographic experience whatsoever, I went with it. Never had a 35mm camera that produced any better negatives/prints. Same thing happened to me with medium format. After learning about the benefits of larger films, I bought a Yashica Mat 124G in late 1971, and after my first roll of Verichrome Pan film, I was hooked on 120 film and medium format cameras from then on.

[@vintagecameradigest]

I agree that the Electro 35 has a definite “classy” look to it. Maybe it’s the slightly pearl-finish metal body. I also think the first medium format camera I ever used (borrowed) was a 124G. I eventually got one for a VERY good price (free) and I’ll have an episode on it coming up soon. Thanks for tuning in!

[@mhc2b]

​Well, I just now bought a nice 124G from KEH. Set to be delivered on Sat, 10/28. KEH says the meter works, though not sure how they're verifying that since finding a proper battery seems to be more of a challenge than I expected. In any event, I will most likely just use one of my hand meters, but would like to at least try out the built-in meter if I can ever resolve the battery mystery. I plan to shoot only b&w with it, and have found a couple of local labs nearby in Nashville that will process the film and provide digital scans. With the cost of film & processing, I plan to use this camera only on "special" occasions, as a "luxury treat" strictly for the fun & experience of shooting a roll of film now & then. I've also got two Nikon F2 Photomics with a handful of vintage Ai/Ais lenses, so I also plan to resurrect them again to shoot some 35mm film. Neither one has a working meter, so I'll just use a hand meter with them also.

[@vintagecameradigest]

I’m a huge fan of KEH, so I’m betting you’re gonna get a nice camera. The meter on mine did work once, but the last time a put a battery in it did not. I don’t recall what battery type I used, but I’ll look it up. Maybe that’s why the meter didn’t work. When that episode comes up, I’m planning on reviewing the wide and tele aux lenses for it, as well. Yashica, again, adding additional value to a good system. Film prices are outrageous, no doubt. That’s one reason I don’t do much color work. It’s pricier to buy, shoot, process and scan. I have a local lab in a neighboring town, that still does film work, and they’re cheap. $5.00 per roll. Any size roll. Then they’ll scan the entire roll for another $5.00. That’s about half the price i got when I was shipping color film to a place in California. They also just got in a new processor to do B&W on the premises. Not sure if it’s up and running yet, but definitely will be. They do accept orders by mail, so might be something for you to look into. Place is called The Photo Spot. The Nikon F2 is one of the best cameras ever. The photomic prism on mine responds to light but isn’t accurate, so like you, handheld meter is the way to go. Resurrect that baby!

[@mhc2b]

As usual from KEH, the camera was in better condition than listed. It listed as "Exc," but in reality it looks brand new!! Absolutely beautiful, all functions working properly, while the lenses & viewfinder are immaculate. That said, there "is" one problem...the shutter speed dial is extremely stiff - really, really stiff. So much so that often I cannot turn it with my thumb alone. So, at the moment I'm between a rock and a hard place as to whether or not to keep it or return it. They don't have another 124G in good shape listed, so that rules out merely exchanging it. On one hand I could not spend even an afternoon shooting with it, as my right thumb could not physically take the pain & effort to change shutter speeds, but on the other hand it is so beautiful and pristine.... For the record, I am quite surprised that the issue of the shutter dial did not get noticed by an employee. Surely there must have been employees handling the camera at one point or another, checking out all the various aspects before grading it. It would have been impossible to overlook the stiffness of the shutter dial.

[@vintagecameradigest]

I’m also surprised it wasn’t noticed. I’d return it. A shutter knob that hard to turn is a symptom of some underlying issue, for sure. There will be others that pop up. Luckily they aren’t rare. Stinks, though, to have such a cosmetically nice camera to have an operational issue.

[@Cerebraldoom]

Just found this camera for extremely cheap at a thrift store, and your video is a big help on how to use this cam👍🏼

[@vintagecameradigest]

Great to hear! Goes to prove that you can still get lucky at a thrift store sometimes. Hardly ever happens to me :-)). Have fun with that camera!

[@carbonejack]

Nice shots. And a nice run down on the camera. I have one, but haven't used it much. I should take it out more often. I bought it because it looked good and the reviews said it takes great images. Love your channel.

[@vintagecameradigest]

Thank you! It’s a great walk-around camera if you don’t use those other accessories. I appreciate the concepts - and they do work and solve problems - but they really slow down the creative process.

[@matthewstygar]

Nice! A new episode while I have my breakfast! Glad I found this channel, great series!

[@vintagecameradigest]

Thanks so much! And thanks for tuning in!

[@gavinstafford8173]

The yashica electro 35 gsn has been my main 35mm camera for a while now, and I have noticed that it has definitely given me better results with B&W film. But I do absolutely enjoy the camera. The quiet shutter does make street photography fun for someone who doesn’t want to be so obvious!

[@vintagecameradigest]

That quiet shutter is nice! And this is the first time I’ve run any color through the camera, myself. I shot the old store on Pro Image 100 and really liked the results.

[@GarrettWare]

I find myself here mesmerized by your channel yet again my friend! Picked up a MINT Electro 35 GS today and was delighted to find you had a video on it. Much love from Tennessee🙏🏼

[@vintagecameradigest]

Well thanks for visiting again! The Electro 35 series is really a great walk-around kind of camera. All these accessories are “interesting”, but I think I’d rather just leave all that at home, lol.

[@steveember8972]

Delighted to have discovered your channel with this thoughtful piece on the Electro GSN. Loved your approach to the shooting of that rustic general store - especially the detail shots of the door and padlock. While I'm mainly an SLR shooter (whether film or digital) I was attracted to the 35 GSN and purchased a quite nice copy, although there's something a bit "twitchy" in getting the red arrow to appear stable when an overexposure situation exists - guess I need to entrust it to a Yashica-familiar tech for some fine tuning of the shutter release linkage to that circuit! Your review points up a lurking virtue about shooting with such a camera: patience and deliberate approach. While I know you could have nailed your shots much more quickly with an SLR, you transmit the satisfaction I so often enjoy that comes from "thinking through" each exposure. It's not that the 35 GSN will necessarily produce a superior negative (or slide) but that, with a measure of deliberateness, its lens is entirely respectable and a greater satisfaction attaches to a photo that one has actually taken the time to "think through." Fine production also, with your relaxed, non-hyped, delivery (an increasing rarity in YT camera reviews!) and good choice of music beds, properly mixed so as to enhance but not distract. Thank you, from a new subscriber.

[@vintagecameradigest]

Many, many thanks! Yes the GSN - especially with those extra bits - doesn’t operate quickly. But like you, I enjoy the entire process of analog photography. And, yes, the deliberateness. Also, I think the glitchy arrows must be common on a lot of them. Mine has it. Hopefully it just needs some dusting off of the circuit or something. Again, many thanks! And thanks for the sub!

[@sebvz89]

thank you very much for your videos! They are very informative and enjoyable to watch. A hug from Chile

[@vintagecameradigest]

Glad you like them! And thanks for watching from Chile!

[@davemil716]

I love this channel!! I had several of these cameras over a period of years when they were "current"... Wow what a blast from the past!!!

[@vintagecameradigest]

Glad you found the channel! Yes, these are definitely a blast to use. Some of them I probably wouldn’t have been able to afford when they were current 😁

[@Hippygeek]

Wow…the camera produces great result. Great video. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@vintagecameradigest]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@IlluminsitD]

Wonderful video on the ins and outs of this camera. One came up on marketplace for fairly cheap and I bought it because of this video. Just finished my first roll on it. Also found the lens adapters so excited to use those too!

[@vintagecameradigest]

Cool! I hope you won’t be disappointed with it. But I really don’t think you will be. It’s a great camera to carry around. As for the extra accessories - they solve some problems, but man, they’re a bit tedious to use, lol.

[@orestes1984]

One of the best fixed lens rangefinders to ever be produced.

[@vintagecameradigest]

And still quite popular!

[@paperben]

Hi ! It's a fantastic and well made japanese camera, with durable and solid electronic system, a good acurate rangefinder and an amazing 1.7 lens. And well, not to forged the impressive stepless electronic controlled shutter speed system ! I spend weeks completely servicing my GT, so if you have some questions about the POD replacement or focus ring stuck, don't hesitate. Sincerely, Ben

[@vintagecameradigest]

Awesome! Thank you. There seems to be a lot of well-earned interest in these cameras lately.

[@paperben]

Yes, it is somehow unique to have an aperture priority rangefinder and of this quality for a decent price :)

[@SomeUnremarkableGuy]

I'm aperture priority shutter anyway, but it's a pity that Yashica didn't add shutter speed in the viewfinder.

[@vintagecameradigest]

True. I wonder how much something like that would’ve increased the price of this camera?

[@livinglargetimbo]

Thanks a lot for the amazing video. My family's had a 35 GSN since before I was born and the camera is in now my posession. I look forward to dusting off the old thing and hoping it works!

[@vintagecameradigest]

A family classic is the best kind of camera to have. You know its history. I hope you’ll continue to enjoy it for many years!

[@rickyzagalo]

Hi. When I add a new old camera to my assortment, I always try to get the Instructions manual and some other reading material, such as brochures or period magazines, with reviews of that particular camera. On the Electro 35 brochure, they show the Electro 35 kit, which is a hard-leather carrying case, containing the telephoto and wide-angle auxiliary lens, with their dedicated viewfinder, a small grip-tripod, a yellow filter, a metalic lens shade, cable release and a soft-leather everyday case. A lovely piece for my collection that I had the chance to get on an Ebay's auction, just one or two weeks after. My camera always gets the right exposure, as did yours, on the out of your backyard session, so as strange as it could seem, the lesson of the day is to never underestimate the shadow power of a basketball cap. Although the Electro 35 is an automatic aperture priority camera, we can also decide the shutter speed by adjusting the aperture and counting. It's simple and, with practice, gets very easy, at least on normal conditions. We open the diaphragm till the red light gets on, which means the right exposure is above the camera's maximum 1/500 shutter speed. Next we start to close the diaphragm, click by click, till the red light turns off. And that means we are on the 1/500. Now, if we close the diaphragm one more step, the camera will change the shutter speed to 1/250, and so on, until we reach our desired shutter speed. It really works. Those light conditions, that will make it difficult for an automatic right exposure, can be rather controlled by changing the ASA on the film sensitivity dial. In my opinion, these challenges that an amateur camera allows us to overcome, to be able to control it in a more professional way, are very rewarding and, without a doubt, entertaining. But more importantly, the exposure and that Yashinon dx 1.7 lens give very good results. Thanks for one more great moment of enjoyment. Cheers

[@vintagecameradigest]

Thanks for tuning in again! I had actually filmed a section of the video talking about how to manipulate the camera like you mention to figure out just what shutter speeds are being used. But it ended up on the cutting room floor, since I knew my subject matter wasn’t going to be moving around much, and I wouldn’t be able to illustrate the use. BUT, that just means I can do a whole other episode on that later, lol. I also enjoy picking up the old sales brochures and magazines - that’s where I discovered the Auto-up attachment. Figured I see how it worked. That sounds like a very nice kit you acquired! I have the soft camera case, the hard leather case for the Aux lenses and the same for the Auto-up. The brochure I have listed several filters - I will assume one would need to adjust the film speed setting to correct for any filter factors. Heck, I could put that in another episode, as well. Maybe I’ll just do one on “advanced use of the Electro 35”. Not a bad idea. I need to write that down. Could also include some methods of achieving long exposures, too. And, no, it didn’t occur to me that the ball cap might interfere with the meter. I’m so used to meters being TTL. But that could definitely be a problem. Ah well, we live and learn! Cheers!

[@Driven2Develop]

I just came across one of these in all black for sale and thought my GOD that is a beautiful camera.

[@vintagecameradigest]

I hope you got it! Don’t see them in black too often.

[@Driven2Develop]

@@vintagecameradigest you bet I did! I can’t wait to check it out and see how I like it compared to my Canonet.

[@grillman7170]

I purchased the Electro CCN 35mm (a more compact version of the GTN) to be my low light photography rangefinder. It turned out to be the opposite. The camera was underexposing in low light. However it became my best bright light rangefinder. With an ND filter and a slow or medium speed film I was able to shoot in bright light at wide aperture achieving some nice depth of field rendering effects. Those cameras are worth the small investment. There is a learning curve and they are no point and shoot. They are also not the replacement for a Leica or a poor man's Leica. They are what they are and you need to learn how to love it.

[@vintagecameradigest]

Yes, definitely not a replacement for a Leica - or maybe any RF with manual control. Seems there were hundreds of similar cameras: well-appointed but no manual control. I suppose the camera was aimed at casual shooters who wanted something better than a 126 Instamatic. The Electro CCN looks intriguing with that 35 1.8. I may have to try it one day. Thanks for watching!

[@grillman7170]

@vintagecameradigest Thanks for putting out good content. There are plenty of CCN in Asia but not much in other countries. The lens is what got my attention at first as well. Some blogs claim that it is not part of the Electro 35 family but I can't understand why. It has electro 35 written on it and has the same functions as the GTN and GSN except for the hot shoe. Last but not least the battery for the CCN is still in production. It's a big plus.

[@vintagecameradigest]

Having a modern battery is DEFINITELY a plus. And my guess as to why it might not be considered by some to be part of the Electro 35 family is that it seems to be a brand new, smaller design. The original Electro 35 went through multiple “upgrades” but always kept the exact same body and form-factor with a few changes to controls along the way. The CCN looks to be a completely “new” design due to the size - as well as choice of battery (which is a good thing). So I imagine that to “Electro 35 purists” - which I am not - the CCN was too different a camera to be grouped together with the older ones. I’m just making my best guess here, but it is plausible.

[@hawaiifiles]

I have the original Yashica Electro 35 which is quite like the GSN. It takes good pictures as is without the add on lenses.

[@vintagecameradigest]

I think stripped down to the basics is the best way to enjoy this camera. While I applaud Yashica for providing solutions to some common rangefinder-centric issues, they do make it more cumbersome. For me, I would enjoy just picking up the camera and a roll of film - without any of these add-ones. Thanks for watching!

[@lucascooley912]

Great video! My theory is that your underexposed images (and overexposed reading) were a result of shooting something that reflects a lot of light (white skeleton and white flowers) back to the camera. Sort of like shooting a backlit subject. The Yashica 35 light sensor would see a lot of light and try to even out all the bright and dark areas. Overall, it would read a lot of light coming. I imagine once you get a feel for it when it might be under/over exposing, you could trick the sensor by adjusting the film speed dial to then give you a different reading, and thus a different shutter speed. Congrats on a great video walkthrough of this camera. Really loved seeing the photos as you took them, and hearing the sounds of the shutter.

[@vintagecameradigest]

Yes, I definitely think the overly bright background in the neighbor’s yard was, at least, part of the problem. When using this camera, I have to remember that the meter “eye” isn’t in the lens, but on front of the body. So, yeah, I have to keep that in mind. Thanks for the feedback. I do appreciate it!

[@C.I...]

@@vintagecameradigest I thought it would be telling you to expose more, since your hat was partially shading the front of the camera body.

[@GlenfinnanForge]

I own two of these. One all black, one that’s black and silver. Both have the unfortunate “pad of death” syndrome. Soon, I’ll send them off for repair. Can’t wait to get these back in action. Inspiring video, sir. Thank you.

[@vintagecameradigest]

Thanks for watching! I do enjoy using this one.

[@HackRipsPacks]

Can you explain this death pad please? I just got one

[@gseybold]

You put a lot of effort into this video. Thank you. We found the GSN while packing up the parents house in San Jose. I'm in the middle of cleaning it up and doing a refurb. It looks like I'll have to put some time into getting some good shots.

[@vintagecameradigest]

Thanks for tuning in! It’s really a pretty good little camera. Good luck with the refurb! Cheers!

[@redsphoto6708]

Awesome video and lovely photos as always! Didn't realize the Electro came with those accessories! I don't have a GSN because I opted to go for the slightly less common, but arguably more practical Yashica Electro 35 CC(or CCW) which doesn't look as cool but has a more common battery and is natively a wider 35mm lens. (It is also lighter but looks less metal and cool.) Very useful and good little camera though I have also had the occasional underexposure and now that you mention it, the sky could definitely have contributed to that. Will need to keep that in mind in the future.

[@vintagecameradigest]

Many thanks! Glad it was helpful. I’ll need to check out the Yashica you mention. ‘Cause it would be nice to use a native-voltage battery.

[@nelsonm.5044]

I knew about this camera but did not know about these attachments, when you introduce those at the beginning of your video, I thought "not sure about the results" but they give some good results. They must be rare because although I have seen this Yashica rangefinder for sale, I have never seen those attachments for this Yashica

[@vintagecameradigest]

I didn’t know about the Auto-UP until very recently when I picked up an old sales brochure for this camera. I have seen many auctions on eBay over the years for the aux lenses. BUT most sellers don’t really know what they are. And most don’t include the aux viewer - since it’s small and is easily lost. But the lenses will have “Yashikor” engraved, and a search for that name specifically helps in finding them. You can also find 3rd party sets, too. I saw one recently with the Suntar brand. They did give some good results. I was surprised, myself. Optically, at least. The biggest issue with the auto-up is the framing. If you’re in super close - like you could reasonable expect to be - you do have to manually correct for parallax by guessing a bit. The instructions with the aux lenses recommend shooting in the middle range of f/stops for best results. Not perfect solutions but good, nonetheless.

[@sputumtube]

I bought a Yashica Electro 35 GTN (same deal, just the black version) and I was disappointed. Firstly because the viewfinder 'diamond' is very small and my old eyes struggled even with spectacles. Secondly, the infamous 'pad of death' issue was present with the one I bought (even though it was advertised as 'fully working'). Optimistically taking it to a respectable camera repairer, I was told that the work needed would cost more than the camera was worth. In my (limited) experience, they're more trouble than they're worth.

[@vintagecameradigest]

Thanks for sharing that experience. I guess any camera from this era that relies on an auto-exposure mode has the potential to be problematic. I’ve been lucky for the most part but won’t deny that issues do creep up. Thanks for tuning in!

[@kand198]

Hey if you still have the camera, this is a very approachable repair to do as a beginner. You only need to take off the top cover, and glue a piece of rubber/foam/polyurethane. It’s a little bit finicky, but the fix is well documented and should take you less than 30 minutes!

[@mikestanavech7858]

You can send it to me. I’ll appreciate it as the great machine it is.

[@sputumtube]

@@mikestanavech7858 Sorry bud, I gave it to the repairer for parts as payment for the examination.

[@jarnsnagendran3214]

Just ordered this camera. I was born on 91 so this camera is older me.. if i get any doubt i will ask here. Thank you so much ❤in advance

[@vintagecameradigest]

I hope it will perform spectacularly for you. You’ll enjoy it!

[@Macjohn1419]

The Yashinon 45mm lens on this camera, focused correctly, is absolutely sharp.

[@vintagecameradigest]

It is, indeed, a fine lens. No question there.

[@ditto1958]

Hmmm… back in the early 2000’s I bought (and sold) quite a few 35mm film cameras on eBay. The Electro 35 was one I bought after reading a lot of hype about it on the internet. I didn’t hate it, but I definitely didn’t like it much, either. I was used to Olympus OM System slr cameras, and rangefinders like the Olympus 35RC. The Yashica was big and heavy and looked kinda cheap. Its reputation was for its fast, sharp lens, and I do recall that I had no complaint about the sharpness of the lens or the image quality. I just preferred smaller, “trimmer” cameras.

[@vintagecameradigest]

Yes, it’s certainly not a small camera. And if you came from an Olympus system, this would be a monster in comparison. My take on this camera is that it’s not a bad auto-exposure rangefinder. But if you prefer manual control - I mean, don’t we all at some point? - you might find it limiting. You’ll still get good results, but the experience might leave you wanting more. Not a perfect rangefinder, but not bad either.

[@monstersdoexist]

Please tell me that old store is in North Carolina. I used to stop and photograph one just like that back in the 70's on the way to the beach.

[@vintagecameradigest]

That store is in Carroll County, Georgia. But I wouldn’t be surprised if there were others very similar

[@microminstrel]

great video! my type of camera content. subscribed! :)

[@vintagecameradigest]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@ArthurSadowsky]

A little correction: you can still use this camera without the battery. But it will fire only at 1/500 of the second. I hope it helps. Great review, though!

[@vintagecameradigest]

I didn’t realize that. Many thanks for passing on that useful bit of info!

[@alexerreme]

Great video and so enjoyable. The first video I saw was the canon t90 which helped me a lot how to understand and use mine

[@vintagecameradigest]

Thanks so much! And glad you found the T90 episode useful. There’s a lot to unpack with that one, for sure!

[@jimmm18]

Your shots looked pretty good to me. I hope I can do as well. I just picked up a electro 35 GS and have got one roll through it. Had some batteries issues but resolved them but I think the top light bulbs need replacement. View finder ones are working. Once roll shot see how that works.

[@vintagecameradigest]

Hope it turns out great! It’s a pretty fun camera!

[@yosiw7843]

Great episode. I do like using rangefinder, don't have that one but the Olympus 35RC (manual). looking for another one so maybe....aperture priority is fun. Thanks.

[@vintagecameradigest]

I’d really love to get my hands on a late-ish model rangefinder with manual control and at a reasonable price. However, I don’t think a camera with those three conditions actually exists, lol. The Olympus 35RC looks like a nice little shooter - even if the shutter speeds are slightly limited. Some control is better than none, and I’d gladly take accept that small limitation. Thanks for watching!

[@microminstrel]

great shots, btw!

[@vintagecameradigest]

Thanks a lot!

[@rodantkapoor9721]

I'm really enjoying your videos and learning a lot about these wonderful vintage cameras. I'm just wondering what color film you used, I really like the look of the the colors. Thank you, I'm now subscribed!

[@vintagecameradigest]

Thanks so much for watching! The shots at the old store were all done with Kodak Pro Image 100. First time I’d shot that film, and I really liked it. The crappy shots in my yard were on some expired Fuji 400. Probably not the best way to go with that. But live and learn.

[@geraldillo]

Coincidentally I saw one of these auto-up's lenses on e-bay and was wondering what was it's purpose, so now I know, thanks! Often I also wear a cap against the sun when photographing, but when I want to shoot vertical frames I have to wear it backwards. 🙂

[@vintagecameradigest]

Yep. That’s me, too. Glad I’m able to help clarify what some of this stuff is. I had never heard of the auto-up until I picked up an old sales brochure for the Electro 35. Figured I give it whirl. Interesting concept.

[@thomaschamberlin2485]

I like my Electro 35 GSN, but will be using my newly acquired Zorki 4-K in the near future due to the fully manual control. I just bought a cold shoe mounted light meter made by TT Artisan (the Voigtlander is better, but $$) so it will be interesting to run a roll of film through the Yashica and see what those shutter speeds are. I really hated having to get out my phone for meter readings for my TLR.

[@vintagecameradigest]

I’m with you on that. I really don’t want to use my phone for light metering. I will if I have to, but… Let me know what you think about the Zorki. I came so very close to buying one of those a few years ago, but didn’t go through with it. I still look at them occasionally. I would definitely prefer a camera with manual control as an option.

[@pedrova8058]

I think the issue of underexposure has to do with the white skeleton, being so close the camera measures more light than there is in the entire scene (it's common with all rangefinders of that style, the measurement angle is fixed. In more advanced cameras you can choose the percentage of the area to be measured ("center-weighted"). In a more open shot, it would surely have measured better. Nice video !!

[@vintagecameradigest]

Yes, you may be right about that. I was pretty close. And that would explain it. Thanks for the comment!

[@lucagiuri2961]

Dear Mr Broome, thanks a lot for your dedication and clarity. Could you please introduce us to the Canonet QL17 GIII someday ?

[@vintagecameradigest]

Soon, hopefully!

[@russellyoung2852]

would enjoy seeing you do a series on "Cameras they've have to pry from my cold, dead hands." Best 6x6 folder, Best fixed lens 6x6, best fixed lens 35mm (two categoriess: with and w/o batteries), Best compact 35mm (also 2 cats), etc., you get the drift....

[@vintagecameradigest]

Yeah, my wife would say that you’re enabling me, lol. BUT interestingly, I was just eyeballing a nice Super Fujica 6x6 folder today on eBay. I have a Mamiya-6 folder I could put it up against. I’ll continue to browse. And these ideas are all excellent, of course…

[@russellyoung2852]

The Mamiya Six folder is hard to beat; only serious competition in my experience is the Iskra. Sorry Zeiss Ikonta!@@vintagecameradigest

[@russellyoung2852]

and I would gladly loan you an Iskra and a Super B Ikonta to save your marriage .... @@vintagecameradigest

[@vintagecameradigest]

I appreciate your concern 😁. I actually have a Super Ikonta waiting on me to pick up. A friend found it in an estate sale. Which reminds me I need to call him about that… Regarding the Iskra - you like it? The only Russian camera I’ve had my hands on was a Kiev-6C. I don’t have it anymore. Which - as you might postulate - isn’t my general style. I can usually find something about a camera that convinces me to hold on to it. But that one just didn’t wow me. I’m sure I replaced it with something more interesting.

[@russellyoung2852]

I'd rank the Iskra above all else except the Mamiya Six. Above the Super Ikontas. Yep. @@vintagecameradigest

[@Der_Marc]

Really nice photos! I like the one at 18:33 a lot. Also in my opinion some of the shots in your backyard arent that much underexposed. U see the highlights at the head of the skelet and still some details in the darks.

[@vintagecameradigest]

Thanks! That old store makes for a good subject. Some of the shots in the yard were ok, but it was inconsistent at best. And I hadn’t experienced that with this camera in the past. So, like I said, it must be due to user error. Thanks for watching!

[@kingair414]

It is of course that the cap plays a big role in reading, use it like a young person and have fun like a young person lol nice video and nice camera

[@vintagecameradigest]

I’ll do whatever I can to play a young person 😁. But yeah, that’s what I thought at first, and there may be some truth to that. We’re SO used to having TTL metering these days that it didn’t even occur to me that would be an issue. I don’t think it totally explains the underexposure issue though. Because it seems to me that if the meter is shaded it would behave as if there were less light than there actually is - which would result in overexposure. But there was probably some combination of the cap and significant backlit areas. Thanks for tuning in!

[@Snegojui]

Battery voltage might be something to consider. If it is 1,5 instead of 1,35 as a mercury battery it can have an effect on exposure

[@vintagecameradigest]

Yes there is a slight variation in voltage. The original battery would be 5.6v, whereas the replacement is 6v. So, I imaging there is a bit of discrepancy. But, some of those first shots were under by 3 or more stops. I’m thinking more and more that this metering system is easily influenced by backlit situations - as was pretty much the case in that part of the shoot, with a few exceptions.

[@sergeyrozum]

Yashica Electro 35 was or is popular, probably, because of its f/1.7 lens. But there is Yashica Minister 700 which has exactly same lens and it manual.

[@vintagecameradigest]

Yes, that lens is nice. I’ll check out the Minister series, too. Might find something interesting there. Thanks for the recommendation!

[@MultiSigil]

Looking for a light weight 35mm walkabout camera to go alongside my Hasselblad 500 series. Want one with a light meter and been looking into the Yashica's, so this might be the one! Other contender is the Minox 35, that thing is tiny!

[@vintagecameradigest]

Yeah, it’s not a bad choice, but the only thing that keeps me from outright loving it is the lack of manual options. You might also want to take a look at the Canonet series of rangefinders. I’m looking at picking one of those up soon. Thanks for tuning in!

[@kenblair2538]

Great video, (just subscribed). After watching this video, did a little more research, and found one on Ebay, with new light seals and a battery adapter, got it. I tend to photograph a lot , with 50mm . Should be a nice little camera , for outdoor work. Thanks. KB

[@vintagecameradigest]

Thanks for tuning in! It’s a nice little camera for sure. Just make sure you don’t shade the meter window with a ball cap, lol.

[@kenblair2538]

@@vintagecameradigest Well, that Yashica Electra 35 GSN arrived, checked the POD and it was completely missing. Found a great video (Japanvintagecamera) , with details on how to replace. After some further restoration, I just shot and processed the first roll of film. I'm impressed, 21 of 21 images were properly exposed. That lens, is very resolving, too. KB

[@cangooner]

That wide-angle viewfinder looked super yellow. Does it have thorium glass I wonder? Thanks for this - I need to get mine out to play with. 👍

[@vintagecameradigest]

The yellow on the viewer is even more yellow that thoriated glass would be, I think. I think it was purposely made that way - perhaps to make the frame lines stand out a bit more? But it could still be thoriated too. I have no idea.

[@thatfellarosto]

There actually is a full size lithium replacement battery for this camera!

[@vintagecameradigest]

Really? Oh, I’d be interested in that. Where would I be able to find it?

[@thatfellarosto]

@@vintagecameradigest A165/A32PX 7.5V battery, can be found on Amazon!

[@vintagecameradigest]

Amazon - of course. Thanks for the info. I’m going to pick one of these up. Cheers!

[@muzicgr8]

Great video, seems like all the extra gadgets, while innovative, seem to be useless. I'm 57 been shooting for years, I may get one of these just to have a piece of history and I will go out and use it because I love a challenge.

[@vintagecameradigest]

I think they were a good effort. Ultimately, they do sort of get in the way. It’s a pretty fun camera. It would be close to perfect if it allowed for manual exposure.

[@muzicgr8]

for sure, Im gonna get one cause they are cool and cheap @@vintagecameradigest

[@monkeybull445]

It seems with the amount of underexposed shots that you could have easily gotten away with setting the ISO to 200 instead of 400. The underexposure could also be due to the fact that the Electro was designed with a 5.6v battery in mind instead of a 6v

[@vintagecameradigest]

I think the voltage difference may play a small part. But some of these shots were under by 3 stops or more. My best guess is still the backlight issue. The area I was shooting in was open shade. But it was a relatively small area. Surrounding that were areas directly illuminated by the sun. I think the camera was picking up a bit more of that than I expected. The negs on the overcast shoot were good. And the lighting was the only real difference. Knowing this now, I’d absolutely adjust the film speed when photographing in backlit situations. All this makes one appreciate TTL metering all the more.

[@johndyer5113]

Hi , does the Yashica 35 GT Vingage Rangefinder camera, have a focus patch, just like a Leica rangfinder? I have always wanted to know if they did? Thank you.

[@vintagecameradigest]

It does but not as bright as the Leica for sure. Thanks for watching!

[@hansemannluchter643]

Those who prefer a camera with manual exposure should check out the Yashica Lynx 14e. It only requires a battery for the meter, everything else is mechanical. And it has the Yashinon 45mm F/1.4 lens, an absolute gem.. NOTE: The fumes from leaking mercury batteries can destroy the range-finder patch. Buyer beware!!

[@vintagecameradigest]

Thanks for the recommendation! I might look for one of those myself!

[@mattbrown8139]

Man, that thing takes some beautiful photos. I know your talent as a photographer helped of course, so I don’t know if I could get those gorgeous shots but I think I want to try! Currently using a Minolta X7-A and really want to try an old school rangefinder as my next investment. Thanks so much for all the detail and the time you put into this!

[@vintagecameradigest]

Many thanks! You really should try one of the rangefinders. These Yashica’s are pretty good and have a strong following. The Canonet series are also good choices and don’t rely completely on auto-exposure like this one. But, in the right conditions, this is one nice camera. I don’t know if all these accessories are worth the effort, but at least they were good solutions to the normal RF-related issues.

[@ChritsianBucic]

Nice review!

[@vintagecameradigest]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@samanchowdary]

Its my grandfathers camera. It is still in perfect condition but i am not able to find an adapter for it. Can you please tell me where i can get the adapter. It would be very helpful if you give me any link.

[@vintagecameradigest]

I got mine from eBay several years ago. I just checked, and there are several types available. And found on Amazon, as well: www.amazon.com/BAQI-Convert-Battery-Adapter-Antique/dp/B07VF4PXH1/ref=sr_1_4?crid=3C2CQYDY8V2BI&keywords=yashica+electro+35+battery+adapter&qid=1700846464&sprefix=Yashica+el%2Caps%2C209&sr=8-4 If the link doesn’t work, just search Yashica Electro G battery adapter on either platform. All seem to be about $10USD or less.

[@JodyCortes]

Can you use those auxiliary lenses on the Yashica mg1?

[@vintagecameradigest]

Good question! And I admit I don’t know the answer. Let me do some digging…

[@vintagecameradigest]

Apparently they’re not compatible, but there was an aux set made for the MG-1. Not common.

[@JodyCortes]

@@vintagecameradigest DRAT oh well ... maybe you can steer me in the right direction ... the MG-1 came out in 1975 , Does anyone know How much it was going for in the box kit.. The box kit was the camera ..strap ..flash and a roll of film. Been looking everywhere to get the right answers .. any help would be great .. thanks

[@vintagecameradigest]

Let me grab a couple of the old photo mags from that year and see what I can find…

[@vintagecameradigest]

After looking through several different years’ ads in the back pages of Popular Photography and Modern Photography I only saw one single mention of the MG-1 at all. In 1977 it was listed (just the camera) for $54.50 USD. I looked through additional years’ through 1979. Not another mention of it that I could find. BUT they were still advertising the Electro GSN, oddly enough. Weird.

[@aladinsarsipeus]

I have an electro 35 and shot with it once What a pain in the butt These things seem way more trouble than they’re worth All the slr’s I have are easier to setup point and shoot with

[@vintagecameradigest]

I found that using this without all the aux lenses and close-up adapters isn’t too bad. But those things absolutely complicate the use.

[@hs1koa]

I bought one in sep 2021.

[@vintagecameradigest]

Hope you’ve been enjoying it!

[@rlaclaos0619]

저렴한 가격에 괜찮은 결과물을 내 주는 카메라긴 하지만, 지금 쓰기엔 더 나은 1970년대 레인지파인더들이 많다고 느낍니다. 저도 잘못된 노출(overexposure)로 좀 고통을 겪었습니다. manual control이 iso 조절밖에 없어서 다루기 까다로워요.

[@vintagecameradigest]

Thanks for your comment. I’m always looking for a better rangefinder camera. Can you give me suggestions for some that would be better? I’d love to cover them on an episode. Many thanks!

[@rlaclaos0619]

@@vintagecameradigest 제가 사용해 본 모델 중에서는 Canon QL17 G-III, Konica C35FD(Which is Konica Auto S3), Olympus 35SP 정도가 가장 좋았습니다. 완벽한 카메라들은 아니지만, 뛰어난 사용자 경험을 제공합니다.

[@vintagecameradigest]

Yes! I’ve been looking for a good reason to buy a Canon QL 17. This might be it. I’ll also explore the other suggestions. Best wishes!

[@johnsomers8269]

I found the Canonet G17 to be better than the Yashica. Have you played with that one? Konica made a fine rangefinder as well but enough already! Just get a Leica M3 and call it a day!😁

[@vintagecameradigest]

I’ve heard that preference from others, too. I haven’t had the pleasure of using one yet, but my wish list is getting bigger by the day! As for the Leica, I’m afraid that if I owned one I’d feel guilty about not shooting it 100% of the time. But I probably would end up shooting it 100% of the time since I’d have to sell all my others to fund it, lol.

[@gamingdarkak6262]

I want this camera battery

[@vintagecameradigest]

Looking for a battery? Or the adapter insert?

[@sgit1]

On your backyard captures - in many of them your subject was white and taking up most of the screen. I think your camera wants to meter a scene as "middle grey" and unless you use some form of exposure compensation (ASA or f/stop for Yashica Electro) a frame dominated by a white subject will seem underexposed. This shows up frequently with snow scenes.

[@vintagecameradigest]

That’s certainly a possibility, but I don’t *think* there were enough white tones in the frame to skew the meter in such a way. My best guess is still the background being much brighter than the foreground. It was also an expired roll of film, so maybe that? The camera did perform wonderfully though at the old general store where the lighting was more even and I had fresh film.

[@johnjon1823]

Goofy metering and no ability to control it is not for me. It's a bit too Kodak Instamatic for my tastes. Perhaps there are some voltage issues that affect the meter given the defunct battery size or whatever. Nice work on your part, you definitely put effort into the video. Best wishes!

[@vintagecameradigest]

It seems there were a LOT of budget-ish rangefinders that did everything except give you manual control. Minolta had several, for sure. And this camera does OK for scenes where the lighting is fairly even. But as we saw, contrasty backlighting can cause problems. Still, it’s a fun camera - but I wouldn’t want it to be my ONLY camera. Thanks for the kind words, and thanks for tuning in!

[@mikestanavech7858]

There are no volatile issues, it’s internally regulated.

[@vintagecameradigest]

@@mikestanavech7858 I knew some cameras were designed to be internally regulated but wasn’t sure about this one. Thanks for this info!