The little known Yashica JP

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<p>I don't know much about this camera and there's very little info about it on the www. Here's what little i do know:<br>

1. Released in 1964, the <strong>Yashica J-P</strong> was a "budget" revision of the earlier Penta J. It added a self-timer but instead of a built-in meter, a clip-on CdS meter was sold which coupled to the shutter speed.<br>

2. Its m42 mount predates Yashica's collaboration with Contax and the development of their proprietary mount.</p>

<p>If any one has anything else factual to add, it would be much appreciated. Here are my impressions:</p>

<p> </p><div></div>

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<p>As you can see, this is a handsome camera. The fit and finish is solid and, with the exception of a front-mounted shutter button, the control layout is fairly standard. </p><div></div>

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<p>This top view shows the front shoe which is used to clip on the optional CdS meter. As you will note, the shutter speeds ranged from 1/2s to 1/500s. The silver-bodied Yashinon lens is very capable but it's not as sturdy as a comparable Takumar lens. </p><div></div>

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<p>Here's a view of the camera with the accessory meter. Looks great but it's about as useful as the clip on meter for the original Olympus Pen F.</p><div></div>

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<p>Tiny little switches and the meter rests a little wobbly on top of the camera. Frankly, out in the real world I'd rather use a separate hand meter than this fragile device. </p><div></div>

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<p>So out in the real world I took my number one photography assistant to a some train tracks near where we live. Here are some of those images.</p><div></div>

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<p>Oddly, my assistant seemed less interested in helping me test the camera and lens and seemed to prefer collecting pieces of wood. I'm going to have to speak to him about focusing on tasks... </p><div></div>

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<p>I was very pleased with the Fujinon lens. Crisp and sharp is how I would describe it. Even back in the early 60s, Yashica was apparently on track with its its impressive lens technology.</p><div></div>

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<p>Here's another shot of the tracks.</p><div></div>

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<p>And finally, a shot taken at a different location of my assistant chasing the photographer. </p>

[JDMvW]

<p>Very nice pictures.</p>

<p>It's a handsome camera isn't it? What fisheye did you use?</p>

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<p>Thanks, JDM. I forget the brand of the m42 fisheye (I'll have to look it up when I get home but it's something I've never seen before). Very old and very simple. It has only 3 settings: f8, f16 and f22. </p>

[rashed_s]

<p>The camera is beautiful and so the images are so nice, I have one old 35MM camera it is a Nikromat, need to test it.</p>

[LenMarriott]

<p>Capital Q, I had a model which predates that camera by about 3 or 4 years, the Yashica Pentamatic. Lost now to antiquity but it gave me many satisfactory results. The shutter release was on the front as with yours but it was angled about 45 degrees upward so that you still pressed it down rather than 'in' like on your model. If you search 'Gallery'>'Search by photo tags'> pentamatic, you'll see a couple of shots I took with it. Congratulations on finding this old gem and happy shooting! Best, LM.</p>

[Kent Shafer]

<p>Very nice and nostalgic for me. My first 35mm camera was a Penta J with the 50mm f/2 "semiautomatic" Yashinon. Yours appears to be fully automatic.</p>

<p>I sold the camera in 1968 or so to get money for a 4x5, which I still have. Wish I still had the Penta J too.</p>

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<p>Thanks, Rashed. Yes, you should take your Nikormat out for a spin soon...</p>

<p>Thanks. Len & Kent - Apparently, there are quite a few fans of the Yashica "penta" models. One of the things I really enjoy about this camera is its sheer mechanical simplicity. And the great thing is that they can take on the great assortment of m42 lenses. </p><div></div>

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<p>And finally, this is an interior shot of my assistant making a new friend at the library... </p><div></div>

[rick_drawbridge]

<p>Nice find, <strong>Capital</strong>, especially with the meter, though I share your sentiments about it's usefulness. As I recall, this was Yashica's third SLR, the first being the Pentamatic with a unique bayonet lens mount, and then the Penta J, the first in a long line of "J" series SLR's with the M42 mount. I have a Penta J with the same lens as yours, and I'd agree that it's a nice performer, as is most Yashinon glass. Fine series of photographs; "Making Friends" is a charming pic, and "Overpass" and "Father and Son" both appeal.</p>

[Lou_Meluso]

<p>Yeah, I have a "J" too, with the same lens, but I haven't put a roll though it yet. After seeing your pics I'm inspired to give it a go. Thanks for the fine post.</p>

[leicaglow]

<p>Q, what a beauty! Reminds me a bit of an older Pentax. These are the cameras I dreamed of owning as a kid.</p>

[subbarayan_prasanna]

<p>Looks very neat, the camera as well as the pictures. Yashica produced so many innovative models. Some how the common reputation was that they were not sturdy or long lasting. Wonder why. I had a very good 124G that produced excellent pictures. Thanks for the post <strong>CQ</strong>. sp.</p>

[ralf_j.]

<p>Very nice pictures Capital, nice perspective on those tracks. The camera looks neat. I have a Penta J sopewhere as well and the results were super with an old chrome, preset takumar 13.5cm.</p>

[marc_bergman1]

<p>Great writeup and pictures. I was surprised to see little information on these cameras. I have several books that omit any mention.</p>

<p>I did find a few Yashica ads. This one from 1965 shows the Yashica offerings.</p><div></div>