I ordered a Yashica FX 70... why did I do that..?

[Viggi]

Been working a lot, not actually doing much photography. Spent a few moments each week pondering old/used film equipment, sort of low-burning GAS. Went from Leica R, to Contax, to deciding to invest in more lenses for Nikon (I have a couple of film cameras, plus Fuji S3 digital). Whilst on a long weekend break in north of Scotland, I stopped by ffordes. And walked out of there with Bronica ETRSi. Thought that was the end of that.

But yesterday I placed an order for a Yashica FX 70. Comes with the 50mm f2 lens. Some convoluted, nonsensical plan of mine - since Yashica takes c/y mount lenses, I can later pick up a Contax 167MT, and those cameras share lenses. Of course, I should have just ordered a Contax and a Zeiss lens, but this way I've managed to stretch out the camera hoarding impulse.

I haven't found much info on this camera - anyone actively shooting Yashica SLRs?

I somehow doubt there is much to say about the camera except I can use Zeiss glass on it. I'm scanning forums now for Zeiss lens recommendation. The wife is just telling me to let it all go, spend a bundle on a used Leica M6 and couple of lenses, and just end it. But that would mean end of hoarding...

 

[Richard S. (rich815)]

Don't feel bad. I just bought an RTS II when I already have an RX and RTS. I'm much sicker than you. (also bought an F3 not long ago when I already have an FM2, I love the 60's Nikkor glass for b&w). Sometimes when you see a great deal you jump.

 

[Les Sarile]

Not only are they are great M42 and Contax/Yashica lens holders, but they're actually very good light tight boxes too! I understand that the FR was a C/Y joint development.

 

[brucemuir]

If you wanna go crazy the C/Y Zeiss 85 1.4
I only have the 50 1.4 so far for my 159mm

 

[Viggi]

"I'm much sicker than you" - Well, having 3 Contax cameras seems more commendable than sick.

That FR looks like the business. I received The FX 70 today; it's new old stock. A light camera, feels good in the hand, the controls a bit lightweight (the shutter control with the little plastic lock is fiddly), but the viewfinder is bright and clear.

ffordes has a few contax mm lenses for sale, but none of the faster ones. A 35mm f2.8 - a focal length I like but since I already use some fixed-lens rangefinders, a longer focal length may be the ticket. I enjoyed shooting Konica AR 135 3.2 - lovely rendition, but usually too long for most work. I'll have to find out more about the 35mm, 50mm, and portrait choice of Contax lenses. I'm not hung up on very fast lenses for the SLRs.

 

[Viggi]

Of course, I meant ISO control, not shutter control - it is an AE camera. And dang, it does seem a bit flimsy. The leatherette has already rubbed off in a couple of places. I'll put it to good use soon though, and give general impressions etc. - not a lot on Yashica's out there.

 

[naaldvoerder]

In that case you might try to get a 85mm 2.8 sonnar. very compact and very sharp...

jaapjan

 

[Jeff Kubach]

Looks like a great camera!

Jeff

 

[elcabezagrande]

The FX-70 is the same camera as the FX-D Quartz, if I recall, and is a cousin of the Contax 139. And don't sell the ML 50/2 lens short, it is a fine performer for an every-day lens. The flaky leatherette is common to most Contax and Yashica cameras, but it is very easy to replace the covering with a kit from http://www.cameraleather.com

 

[michaelbsc]

Now what everyone needs is an FX-3 for after the nuclear holocaust. Fully mechanical discounting the meter battery. And the whole great array of fantastic lenses fit it.

 

[Richard S. (rich815)]

"I'm much sicker than you" - Well, having 3 Contax cameras seems more commendable than sick.

Wait, it's get worse, or more commendable? I forget to mention I got this baby too. Could not resist with the re-skin, and it was cheap. Meter and everything still work great.

 

[BrianL]

I have a pair of FX-3s and will not sell them short. FOr my money they are as good as any 35mm body but, then again I am a minimalist. But as I also own a Bronica ETRs system, I use the 35mm back mostly when I want to shoot 35mm. Yes, quite a bit heavier the the FX-3 but, not unweildy. I can not see spending gobs of cash on 2 separate systems so when I buy for a camera, it is to expand the Bronica. One day I might concentrate more on the Yashica as I do like the ML lens though not as much as my Leica.

 

[Viggi]

The FX-3 seems to be the choice of Yashica SLRs. Looks good dressed up I have a Nikon FM2n and an old Konica, that will continue shooting without batteries. I knew nothing about Yashica glass before ordering the FX 70, and not much about Zeiss C/Y lenses, but I'm picking up things from the internet now. Yes, the 85mm 1.4 does get a good mention...

I saw a Yashica 24mm 2.8 for sale, but after reading a review/comparison, this lens does appear to be long in the tooth, soft in the corners, but very little aberration. I'm honing in on a Zeiss 35mm now.

Shot a bit with the FX-70 today; light and easy to use, works well. The shutter fires with a sharp metallic clang, loud but not heavy (not a 'tank slap' like the Konica). The film advance is a bit tight and crunchy, not as smooth as some other cameras. It does show its price level, but I really liked using. Light, pretty bright, AE, lens focuses easily. A decent lightbox to which I can affix good lenses.

 

[michaelbsc]

The shutter fires with a sharp metallic clang, loud but not heavy (not a 'tank slap' like the Konica). The film advance is a bit tight and crunchy, not as smooth as some other cameras. It does show its price level, but I really liked using. Light, pretty bright, AE, lens focuses easily. A decent lightbox to which I can affix good lenses.

If it's worth getting a CLA it will clean up a lot and be very smooth. Of course, in another 20 years it will be right back like it was.

 

[Viggi]

Rich - since we are talking cameras, how do you rate the RTS II? I'm definitely picking up a contax body at some point. 167 bodies are cheap and readily available, Arias are light, but rts's are solid pro gear. Obviously, I'll have to take my preferences for weight and features into account but I'm seriously interested in the rts ii or iii.

 

[Richard S. (rich815)]

My RTSII just arrived Monday and I'm putting first roll thru now. So far I like it a lot. It's all the RTS is and then some. III are very different. Check on the mir.my website for some good stuff about the II.

http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/contax/contaxrts2/index.htm

 

[bellana]

I have some Yashica's

Hi to all,
the FX-D is not the same as the FX-70. The FX-D is more "advanced". Here you have a shutter dial, which is not available at the FX-70.
The FX-D is similiar to the Contax 139 and was released 1980. The FX-70 is a kind of "light" version of the FX-D. It is easier to handle and in my opinion a good choice for startes in the SLR world.
The FX-3 is a bit older from 1979. The FX-3 doesn't need any batteries and works fine with without though an exposure check.
My oldest Baby is an FX-2 from 1976 - very heavy but it is still in a fine working condition.
I love my yashicas and I wouldn't sell them.
Here my "collection".
FX-2
FX-7 (actually a pimped FX-3)
FX-70 Quartz (belongs to my wife)
FX-109 (fancy thing)
200 AF (my favourite)
230 AF (has some AF Problems)
If anybody wants to know more,pls let me know.

 

[pityacka]

Just bought a Yashica FR1 off *bay for £10, Apparently it was the Yashica equivalent of the Contax RTS, and it is built like it, too. One fault, and the only fault is that the film speed dial is stuck, and cannot be turned. It is stuck at ASA/ISO-80, one below the 100 ASA/ISO mark. But I have learned, and been advised that I can use it with a handheld exposure meter. Set the aperture and speed as the meter advises, and ignore the reading of the FR1's viewfinder. Or use the exposure compensation dial to adjust. I will also compare the FR1's readings with other cameras I have, to see how much difference there is.
It is the first Yashica I have owned, but will go with my 2 x Contaxes and lenses.
If anyone has any suggestions for easing/releasing the ISO dial(without removing the top plate, etc.) I would be pleased to hear.

 

[Viggi]

Bellana - is the difference between fx7 and fx3 purely cosmetic? I heard the former was a chrome version of the latter. And why is the 200AF your favourite? Does it need an adapter to fit the c/y lenses?