For Sale FS: Yashica 12 TLR - Needs Service!

Hard to find Yashica 12 TLR. This camera needs shutter service as the shutter will not fire, you can see the oil on the blades in one of the pictures. This is one of my all-time favorite TLRs and IMO the best of the Yashica reflexes. They were only made in 1967. This was my main TLR for a while and it has made many nice images. The cds meter turns on by opening the hood and still seems reasonably accurate, I tested it with a CHRIS adapter and a 386 battery- not included- you will have to find your own 1.3 volt mercury battery solution, I think Jon Goodman (on this site) may sell an adapter. Focus is silky smooth, as is the wind lever action. The Yashinon glass looks clean and clear with no separation, there is dust on the mirror or behind the viewing lens, the cla should take care of that. The viewfinder is bright for a TLR of this vintage and has a grid screen. It comes with the case, which looks nice, but the front of it falls off in actual use. I guess you can use it as a half-case if you like. This 12 will be a really nice camera after it's brought back to life with a CLA, and the 12s are getting quite rare these days.

$50 (firm) plus Priority Mail shipping. Sorry, no returns on this one.

Thanks for looking!

Could you let me know how much shipping to The Netherlands would cost?
And could it be that this model was made in 1967, not 1969? One should never believe the internet, I know...
Thanks,
Bert from Holland

Thanks Bert from Holland! I believe you're correct... 1967. I don't know why I was thinking '69... They say the memory's the second thing to go! I edited the post to reflect the correct year. Btw, shipping to The Netherlands will be $46 (expensive, I know)
-Jim

Thanks Jim,
It would be a nice camera for me if it worked, since 1967 is the year I was born. Would be nice to use a camera as old as I am.
But spending almost $100 on a not working camera and not knowing where to get a proper CLA for it seems to be a bit too much for me, I'm afraid.

Yes Bert, it would definitely not be cost effective for you, considering the high price of shipping to Holland. It would be a great camera for someone here in the States. I'm not sure of the price of a shutter overhaul these days, but it's a very nice, clean 12 and would be worth the investment!

I just cleaned an oily shutter on mine, it was the easiest DIY fix that I have ever done. $50 is a great price for this camera, especially for one with a working meter.

The oil from the shutter mechanism or any grease that dissolved will not run onto the shutter if it is stored lenses down. Its too late for this one, but if someone cleans it they will see that.

Unless the camera you buy on ebay has already had a pro CLA done last year, the blades are bound to be stuck on these, or will stick very soon if it works when you buy one. $50 & only needs cleaned shutter blades is pretty good.

trythis said:

The oil from the shutter mechanism or any grease that dissolved will not run onto the shutter if it is stored lenses down. Its too late for this one, but if someone cleans it they will see that.

Click to expand...

I've heard many differing opinions on how to store TLRs. A well known camera technician once told me to store them lenses up... I think most people just set them on the shelf upright or on their backs. Any camera that's used frequently probably is not going to develop a stuck shutter, and any (almost 50 year old) camera that lies unused probably will.

Btw, I am not advocating a DYI repair on this camera, although that's of course up to the buyer. I think this camera is nice enough to warrant the investment in a good professional CLA. I have 2 other nicely working TLRs and I hate to see this one just sitting in the drawer.
-Jim

The Yashica is SOLD!