Which would you prefer? Minolta vs Yashica RF...

Klainmeister · Mar 27, 2011

So, my buddy has a box of old 35mm stuff and I'm repairing a MF camera for him so he offered me a choice of rangefinders: the Minolta Hi-Matic 7s or the Yashica Electro GSN. I currently have a Minolta SLR setup (which I might try to sell on here) since I tend to light rangefinders more.

On those thoughts: which would you choose? Both seem to have decent lenses--1.7 or 1.8--and seem to be in great condition.

Eh eh? Life is tough sometimes (he also offered to ship me both!)

LyleB · Mar 27, 2011

I have a Yashica Electro GSN. It's a bit large, but takes fantastic photos. The lens is sharp and contrasty, easy to use.

No experience with the Minolta.

Pumalite · Mar 27, 2011

I have both. Both are great. The GSN is prettier

Klainmeister · Mar 27, 2011

Prettier? I've seen both and they both seem well made and easy to use. I was considering the Minolta simply based on size, but am more concerned with speed of use and lens qualities.

Gerald C Koch · Mar 27, 2011

The Yashica has the better lens with a f1.7 aperture. It was called the poor man's Leica and is very well made. Yashica stated that the autoexposure mode was good up to 8 seconds but many users found this to very conservative and claimed twice this time. This and the wide aperture lens made the camera excellent for night photography. I have several and really like them.

You will need a battery adaptor, go to www.yashicaguy.com for more info and copy of manual (if you need one).

Klainmeister · Mar 27, 2011

Thanks Gerald,

Sounds like the Yashica has more going for it after I read plenty of complaints regarding the 7s sticky shutter issues. I believe the camera has the adapter installed already, seeing as though he has shot rolls thru it.

Chers

Diapositivo · Mar 28, 2011

Check if the Yashica has manual exposure. Some of those Yashica, IIRC, are automatic-only.

I would choose based on weight, filter thread, and focusing direction.

Fabrizio

Pumalite · Mar 28, 2011

If you want a Yashica with Manual Exposure; go for the 14e Lynx with an f/1.4 lens
http://www.cameraquest.com/yashlynx.htm

narsuitus · Apr 3, 2011

If the Minolta Hi-Matic 7s is like my Minolta Hi-Matic 9, I would choose it because I prefer cameras that can take photos with or without batteries.

Klainmeister · Apr 3, 2011

narsuitus said:
If the Minolta Hi-Matic 7s is like my Minolta Hi-Matic 9, I would choose it because I prefer cameras that can take photos with or without batteries.

Now that is an interesting thought. I'll have to look into that.

Pumalite · Apr 3, 2011

So can the Yashica Lynx 14e IC; provided you know what you are doing.

Klainmeister · Apr 3, 2011

Right, but the two cameras are being offered, I'm not necessarily shopping. Frankly I don't need it, but you can never have enough toys!

mgb74 · Apr 3, 2011

IIRC, the 7s is quite a bit smaller than the GSN. So, if size matters, that might be the deciding factor as both will take great photos if in good condition.

Klainmeister · Apr 3, 2011

Thanks, I think the Minolta is actually the winner because:

A) Doesn't need a battery to function
B) All manual mode still available
C) Slightly smaller and lens quality about the same

Thanks guys

Clay2 · Apr 4, 2011

The 7S has a 45mm f/1.8 Rokkor lens that Zeiss helped design. I have two of them.
Great little cameras.
Best regards,
/Clay

Which would you prefer? Minolta vs Yashica RF...

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