My new Yashica Lynx 1000

5stringdeath · Mar 6, 2010

Craigslist score about 5 mins from my house. One owner Yashica Lynx 1000 with the Yashinon 1.8 lens. Original manual, original leather case, barely a scratch on the body itself, lens is very clear. Frame lines are still bright, and even the rangefinder is pretty bright, especially outside. I was surprised given the cameras age. Man is she pretty.

I was doing an audible on the slowest shutter speeds and have a feeling they may be a bit off, but I'm going out to put a roll through it today. Meter still seems accurate, or as accurate as these meters can be anyhow. Not really an issue for me.

Lady said her dad (who is 87) just can't shoot film anymore, so I told her to tell him its going to a user, not some parts pile Not exactly a steal at $40 but I have a hard time haggling with nice people, hehe.

andrewc · Mar 6, 2010

One of my favorite Yashicas. I like it much more than the Electro 35 GSN.

BobD · Mar 6, 2010

The Lynx 1000/5000 models are great cameras that often sell for little money
simply because they haven't been arbitrarily chosen as "cult cameras." A fine
lens and a leaf shutter to 1/1000 makes them very nice indeed yet few people
know about them.

There are other similar cameras from the same time period such as the
Minolta AL which I use. It also has a 1/1000 shutter and a fine lens.

b1bmsgt · Mar 7, 2010

Congratulations on a great score! I think you'll love it!!

Russ

andrewc · Mar 8, 2010

BobD said:
The Lynx 1000/5000 models are great cameras that often sell for little money
simply because they haven't been arbitrarily chosen as "cult cameras." A fine
lens and a leaf shutter to 1/1000 makes them very nice indeed yet few people
know about them.

There are other similar cameras from the same time period such as the
Minolta AL which I use. It also has a 1/1000 shutter and a fine lens.

The AL is a great camera! A couple of other greats from Minolta are the A5 and the elegant little Minoltina AL-S.

Ralph Javins · Mar 11, 2010

Good morning;

Congratulations on the Yashica Lynx 1000. That was the first 35mm camera that I purchased. I wanted the Lynx 1.4; I could afford the Lynx 1000. Many nice memories of a lot of people, things, and activities that were photographed with that camera. Eventually it was replaced with a Minolta SR-1b.

And, another camera that is right in there with the Lynx was the Minolta Hi-Matic 9, the first camera with a fully automatic mode, very much like what we now call a "Program" mode when both the lens aperture and shutter adjusting rings were set to their "A" (Automatic) position. All of these cameras were ones that you noticed when you picked them up, and they did not feel delicate in your hand. They were substantial instruments!

5stringdeath · Mar 11, 2010

I ran my first two rolls of b&w film through and I must say, I'm quite impressed especially given this cameras age. Meter seems accurate, all the negs were fine looking, and I must say pretty darn sharp ... I guess the guy really took care of this thing. I love it!

Focus No. 9 · Apr 11, 2010

I'm glad it worked out for you. I think after yesterday's experience with my Electro GSN that rangefinders are not my cup of tea. I had much more fun with a kodak motormatic (non-rangefinder). I will be very surprised if I have any images that are in focus. As my wallet gets thinner and my illusions of an easy /fun hobby diminish I'm slowly realizing that the only way to judge a camera is to use one before buying one. I'm so disgusted that the Argus C3 Matchmatic that I purchased in the same deal will definately remain in it's case on a shelf unloved. The good thing is (I hope) that the experience will put a dent in my CBA!

stevebrot · Apr 20, 2010

5stringdeath said:
I ran my first two rolls of b&w film through and I must say, I'm quite impressed especially given this cameras age. Meter seems accurate, all the negs were fine looking, and I must say pretty darn sharp ... I guess the guy really took care of this thing. I love it!

Lucky you! The Lynx 1000 was my first camera purchased used in the late 1960s. I recently found another one at auction and have been enjoying it quite a bit. A few cautions, though. The exposure counter dial is made of plastic that becomes brittle with age. Use care when doing the reset to avoid stripping the bumps off the top or the steps internally. You also want to take care with the filter ring. The front of the lens (filter ring and shutter speed ring) is made of very mild metal and bends easily if bumped. A skylight/UV filter or hood can provide a degree of protection here.

I also have a Lynx 5000. Here is a photo of the two side-by-side:

I prefer the Lynx 1000

Steve

Galah · Jul 14, 2010

andrewc said:
The AL is a great camera! A couple of other greats from Minolta are the A5 and the elegant little Minoltina AL-S.

I have the AL, which I had CLA'd recently.

It is in near mint condition and everything works as it should.

paulfish4570 · Jul 14, 2010

Good on you and your purchase. I have a Lynx 14E with the Yashinon-DX 45/1.4 that I am enjoying immensely. It has fresh seals and a CLA, and should keep clicking for another 35 years ...
The Lynx's heft, size and leaf shutter do much to offset hand tremors. I also have a Minolta A5 with Rokkor 45/2.8. It is no slouch, either.

Jeff Kubach · Jul 14, 2010

Great purchase! I wish I had one!

Jeff

Yamaotoko · Jul 14, 2010

My Lynx 5000 is still my favourite street shooter, and good for low light night shooting too. If the 1000 is anything like it, I'm sure you'll have many, many happy years with it.

My new Yashica Lynx 1000

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