New to MF Starting with a Yashica-A

[jeff_bateman]

I don't have any clue about this camera or medium format .I was hoping i could get some info about it.From what i've been reading it seems to be a decent camera for a beginner.It has yashikor lenses.Where can i find an owners manual, also how old is this thing? Thanks, Jeff Bateman

[morthcam]

www.craigcamera.com is a source for manuals. Can't help with anything else --

[gene_crumpler6]

Jeff:

 

As I recall, the "A" model was sold in the early to mid 50's. It is a very basic TLR with a 3-element taking lens. The lens should give decent sharpness if stopped down to f-11/f16. It would be a good beginner camera to try out MF. I would not pay more than $60-80 for it depending on its condition. If you decide that it is not your cup of tea, you can resell it for what you paid for it. I don't know if the collectors want this camera yet and as a consequence started to run up the prices.

[nolan woodbury]

One of my favorite camera's. A few years ago, I bought my first one, despite other photog's telling me the camera wasn't a "serious" shooter, or much good for anything. I glad I didn't listen! Your Yashica A takes 120 film and produces a 2-1/4" square image on the negitive. I've shot B&W, chromes, and color print film with this camera, all with good success. Although Gene said the vintage was early-to-mid-50's, I've heard the camera was released in 1959, and once sold for only $19.95. Owners books aren't really nessessary after you've used the camera a bit (really easy) but if you must, I'd try Pacific Rim (call and speak to them in person) or eBay. Best used with a hand held meter, set your f-stop, and shutter speeds, cock the shutter with the little lever next to the taking lens, and fire away. Low light and a wide open iris can give this little camera trouble, but there is a "X" flash connector to help. Also, the ground glass is a bit dim on mine, but for outdoor and causal shooting, it's great. Good luck and enjoy your Yashica A!

[jeff_bateman]

Just wanted to say thanks to everyone..have on more thing though.The x flash connector Nolan spoke of..Is this battery operated i noticed i have a cold shoe mount ,basically what kind of flash am i looking for?....thanks again everyone. Jeff Bateman

[nolan woodbury]

Jeff, there are (thank God) no batteries in your Yashica A. Of all the camera's I have (over 30 now) only one of them (a Pentax K1000) has a battery. I hate em'! Your right in saying the flash shoe is cold, and the "X" is for the pc connector cable. I use a Sunpac 555 with a "L" bracket, and fasten the camera to that. It works great. I also found that (with all my TLR's using this flash and bracket) if I don't mount my lens hood, the print tends to look a bit "washed out" on the flash side. I couldn't find one used for my A (no bay mounts) so I made one out of aluminum on my lathe. Works great!

[ian_fallis1]

I have a Yashicamat (just plain Yashicamat), but I found the manual for the Yashicamat 124G helpful. John Harper has it (and other Yashica TLR info) online at:

 

<a href=http://home.att.net/~j..harper/>http://home.att.net/~j..harper/</a>

[dale_willett]

I too am new again to the Yashica-A. I owned one and the Mat 124 in the late 60s and early 70s. Remember some about it, but have one major question. Where/how do set the film speed? I have a handheld light meter. Can't remember what speed is best for it. Have looked at the Butkus site with the manual, but need a little guidance on some of the settings to start. Can adjust from there after getting the first roll or two back.

 

d