Just bought a Yashica A

George Mann

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Just bought a Yashica A (early '57) in good shape from Roberts. Are there any tips on successfully using or improving this camera?
 

Dali

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Yes. Don't forget to advance the film before releasing the shutter. Better to waste a frame than to get double exposure (unless it is done on purpose).
 
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George Mann

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Dali said:
Yes. Don't forget to advance the film before releasing the shutter. Better to waste a frame than to get double exposure (unless it is done on purpose).
Click to expand...

I will be advancing the film after every shot!
 

Mogens

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I'll help to underscore what Dali said... The biggest issue with the A and similar cameras is remembering whether you advanced the film already. Come up with a system and stick to it. I've had both accidental double exposures and blank frames. Personally I try to advance the film after I take the shot.
 
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George Mann

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One more thing. I bought some vintage metal takeup spools that have thicker shafts than most of the plastic ones I have seen.

Am I likely to have any problems using them in this camera?
 

Cholentpot

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See if you can find a hood for it. Otherwise it's a reliable camera that is very capable of making excellent photos.
 

tokam

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I think that you will need a shutter cable release like the Nikon AR series or the releases used on ltm Leicas which screws over the thread which surrounds the shutter button. There are also adapters available on *Bay which convert a regular conical shutter release cable to fit your Yashica A. Years ago I bought a Nikon AR release whilst waiting for my Yashicamat 124G to arrive. Turns out I didn't need it - the regular conical cable release does the job.

Just looked at a picture online and it appears that Yashica weren't using the Bay-1 fittings for lens hoods and filters at the stage. Looks like a push fit. The current prices on *Bay are also scary, nothing under $AUD300. They're also asking $AUD700 plus for 124G's, crazy.
 

darkroommike

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Dali said:
Yes. Don't forget to advance the film before releasing the shutter. Better to waste a frame than to get double exposure (unless it is done on purpose).
Click to expand...
I always shoot then wind, the shutter on the "A" does not cock on advancing, it is a separate action, so the shutter spring is not tensioned until I am ready to shoot.
 

darkroommike

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One last thought, as precious and downright pretty as the camera is, especially the ones with colored leatherette, the original lenscap is probably worth more than the camera! I leave mine at home. I plan to get a 3D printer to make clone lenscaps for my collectibles, not original but nothing to cry about if I lose it.
 

Dali

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darkroommike said:
I always shoot then wind, the shutter on the "A" does not cock on advancing, it is a separate action, so the shutter spring is not tensioned until I am ready to shoot.
Click to expand...

I wind just before shooting to avoid film curling. Not sure it greatly improves the negs quality, let's say it is more a habit than anything else...
 
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George Mann

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I'm going to need a Leica nipple, and I don't like the prices I see on Ebay. Is there any way to remotely trigger the camera without using one of these overpriced fittings?
 

Dan Daniel

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George Mann said:
I'm going to need a Leica nipple, and I don't like the prices I see on Ebay. Is there any way to remotely trigger the camera without using one of these overpriced fittings?
Click to expand...

Original Nikon F shutter cable release | eBay

Original Nikon F shutter release cable... in original box with manual... excellent condition...
www.ebay.com

Who knows how high it will go.

Leica Leitz Wetzlar OZWTO-M Double Cable Release for Leica M and Visoflex I | eBay

Cable is in good working condition.
www.ebay.com

Just cut off the second one I bet having the word 'Leica' in the description adds $30 to any price!

Cable Release Adapter for LEICA, NIKON, YASHICA, CANON NEW OLD STOCK | eBay

WORKS ON - - • LEICA LTM • NIKON F/F2 WIDELUX • YASHICA A TLR • CANON IVSB 2 RANGEFINDER • Canon iis2.
www.ebay.com

Simple but not as cheap as I remember.
 
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