Throwback Edit Version: I edited this in April 2024, checked links and converted it to the new WordPress format.

Here is another camera range I am a little obsessed with. Each time I see one in a junk bin I seem compelled to buy it. I think it is all because the one I did find that was working, was seized and contained by a friend – you know who you are – never to be returned. Plus it is Spiderman’s camera of choice. This foray into the Yashica zone seemed to be successful, until…well, you will see.

There is a ton of information about this range of cameras online. This website is particularly detailed and a fantastic resource for information on many cameras. And of course, there is always The Yashica Guy.

So what about my $5 buy? It seemed to work well, the viewfinder was a little hazy and there seemed to be a little something inside the lens. I didn’t think it would affect the photos though. So once I added the batteries as per this video, I was away.

I went with a friend to Amabiki Kannon which was a lovely temple in Tsukuba. It was a smashing day with early blooming cherry blossom trees and a bright red main shrine. I was glad I put in some colour film.

And then I decided to develop the film myself….and ruined it. I didn’t mind so much as I live within an hour of the place, so I could go back, plus I took a few digitals as well. But still, I was a little disappointed. I don’t think I will try that again for a while. I ended up ruining 4 films that day practising. It was a case of bad temperature control, lack of patience, combine that with poor tank loading skills and voila: crap film.

This was the best film of the bunch and just about showed that this camera worked. But I think I will try this Yashica out again at some point. I did have to change it to black and white to salvage it to some extent.

Oooooh imagine those pinks and reds. Well, they do have a vintage feel to them now. So, ooooh imagine this being 1930 and not having a Leica. Perfect.

As I said the camera did seem to work well, and there was a “thunk” when taking a photo. So at the moment, the POD seems fine. Great, as I didn’t think this camera would be worth a refurbishment due to the lens issue.

So keep or sell? I might sell it later, but it is a bit of a brick and the postage anywhere might be a bit high. Another one to ponder on for a little while. So far I have about 5 cameras to ponder on, I have to be a bit more ruthless about all of this.