The Yashica 44LM and the Japanese Camera Inspection Institute

[John Seaman]

I acquired this Yashica 44LM at a local auction a few months ago. It came with its original box, ever ready case, instruction manual, lens cap and strap, even with a Yashica silica gel sac The LM was the last of the Yashica 127 TLR's, with a somewhat futuristic styling. However the operation is anything but futuristic, the Selenium meter gives a reading up to 10, which then needs to be transferred manually on to a calculator on the winding knob, then the settings are applied via the Rollei style setting knobs on the front. Laborious! In the absence of 127 film I don't think I will be shooting with it.

Also it came with its numbered Japan Camera Inspection Institute badge.

From Camera Wiki: The Japan Camera & Optical Instruments Inspection & Testing Institute was founded in 1954. It is based in Tokyo. Its task is to establish and to control quality standards of Japanese cameras and other optical goods that are made for export. In 1969 the Institute started the preservation of historically important camera items. Nowadays the name of the Institute is Japan Camera Industry Institute (JCII). For the public the Institute offers a camera museum, a photo salon, and a library.

That's it, thanks for looking.

[gary green]

What a lovely camera, John.  It seems a shame not to shoot with it.  Regarding 127 film, I recently shot my first ever roll of ReraPan 400 and was happy with the results.  The price however, ouch!  Once I use up my remaining three rolls, I'm going to try cutting down 120 film.

[Bettendorf]

Nice looking bundle John.  The numbered badge is a nice touch compared with their later yellow sticker.

[bruce_z._li2]

I owned the Yashica 44LM for a short period, which was my first "proper" 127 camera. Really liked its performance. Plus it could be non-destructively modified to accept 135 film as well.

[rick_drawbridge]

A great acquisition! Finding such a complete outfit always delights me, but such events are becoming increasingly few and far between. While I have several high-end 127 cameras I'd like to use, the cost of 127 film makes this unlikely. Thanks for posting!

[bruce_z._li2]

Rerapan 100 is no longer available since mid-2023, which is a pity since I liked that film. Rerapan 400 is reasonably priced and still available. But other than, I guess you have to slice it yourself. This works with some 127 cameras that do not rely on red window for every frame.

[maris_rusis]

Just checked out Shanghai GP3 film to find it is available in 127 format. The listing I saw offered a brick of 10 rolls for $140. I've shot this film in 220 format and it is not bad when exposed at EI = 25 according to my tests.

[John Seaman]

Thanks to all for the responses and comments. To be honest, for various reasond  it's around three years since I shot any film, 127 or otherwise. Here's the numbered side of the JCII medallion, and the camera identification page in the manual, showing that it was purchased in 1963 from Lewis's, a former large department store in Leicester.

I forgot to mention that the leather strap has special clasps which engage with the propriety strap lugs  seen on the side of the camera. Similar in some ways to the Rollei scissor strap.

Thanks again.

Edited December 1, 2023 by John Seaman

[chuck_foreman1]

Wow.. what a great "complete" findThanks for sharing that John. Quasi a time capsule.  I will look here in Europe. As I think I've seen 127 film advertised... but since I don't have a camera... I haven't looked closely... 

[bonsignore_ezio]

@Chuch Foreman: in Europe, and more specifically in Germany where we are both located, 127 film is available from Photoimpex, altough not on a regular basis. At the moment they don't seem to stock slide fil, which I used to produce "superslides" with ny 44LM, Rollei Baby and Topcon Primo Jr.

[c_watson1]

Shelf queen unless you're willing to plump for some pricey film:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1598311-REG/kodak_127portra160_portra_160_color_negative.html

[John Seaman]

4 hours ago, c_watson1 said:

Shelf queen unless you're willing to plump for some pricey film:

I'm afraid all my film cameras are shelf queens these days.

[bruce_z._li2]

So I have been gradually getting rid of most "odd" format cameras that uses 127, 126, 110, 620 film etc

[dave_thomas8]

That certainly is a nice package. Feeling a little envy I even cruised ePrey the other night to see what's out there. But alas, at my age I should be reducing the collection, not adding, and the film supply situation also dampens things a bit. So (at least this week) I tell myself 4x4 isn't enough gain over 35mm image-wise to justify it. I have its big brother, a 124G which I quite like and had CLA'd a few years back. I use it quite a bit so Yashica is indeed represented in the "stuff" here!

Heh, the baby Rolleiflexes appear to be a bit more reasonably priced than the big ones -- maybe I should [Slap! Slap! Wake up!!!!] 😨