Yashica D

tlr120 · Nov 13, 2008

I just received a Yahica D I got from Ebay. I have about $50.00 bucks in it
with shipping. Just cleaned the mirror(gently) and ground glass. It seems to
function OK. Shutter speeds seems close. I am not too experienced with leaf
type shutters.
I was wondering if anyone out there has any experience with these cameras.
I have always primarily used manual Nikons. I am use to using a light meter.
So that will not be a great inconvenience for using it with this camera. I have never owned a Medium format and I thought this would be a good economical start. Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.
Lee

Fotoguy20d · Nov 13, 2008

My first TLR is a Yashica D I bought on ebay around a year ago for around $65. I like the square format but I find the mirror inversion on the TLR to be annoying/confusing - I just couldn't get comfortable with it so I started using a Century Graphic. I found the yashica D to be easy to use - make sure the light seals are okay and then just load it up with film and go out there and have fun.

Do you have the manual? Here's a link to a PDF:

http://www.cameramanuals.org/yashica_pdf/yashica_d.pdf

Dan

Michel Hardy-Vallée · Nov 13, 2008

I had one for about three years, and sold it to partly finance my move to a Mamiya C330. It's a great little camera, and the triplet lens will give you results worth printing. It's very light for a TLR, and once you decide on your film advance/shutter cocking sequence, you can work very fast.

The one thing you have to remember is to depress the center portion of the film advance button to unlock it. Otherwise you will wonder why you can't advance the film after the first frame...

Every control has only one function, so you have a wheel for aperture, another for shutter speed, a lever to select between M (flashbulbs) and X (electronic) flash synchronization, a lever for cocking the shutter, a knob for focussing, another knob to advance the film, and the shutter release.

Loading the camera is a straightforward procedure: place the takeup spool, place the film roll, break the seal, thread into the takeup, slowly advance until the arrow matches the red dot, close the back, lock it, and wind the film to the first exposure. Meter, select aperture/shutter, cock the shutter, aim, focus, click. Wash, rinse, repeat.

The only thing you should remember is that you should set the shutter speed BEFORE cocking the shutter. It will keep your shutter healthy for longer.

Paul Howell · Nov 13, 2008

I have both a D and a 124. Ds came with either a 3 element or a 4 element lens, I think the Yasihar is the 3 element and the Yashcion is the 4 element. While the crank of the 124 and earlier Mat is quicker, you can easly do a double expsoure with the D. The 124 also allows for 220 as well as 120 film and has a built in light meter, not TTL but it is coupled to the shutter. All in all I use my D more often than the 124. I glued a S VI filter holder to the taking lens rather than look for the B V filters that fit the lens. With a S VI holder you can use a filter and lens hood at the same time.

tlr120 · Nov 13, 2008

I'll try to get some film in it this weekend. I agree with Dan. It seems
awkward to see evrything reversed. It's like getting used to a telescope.
I'm looking forward to having some fun. It looks like I may end up trying
to learn how to develope as well. Nearest place available from me is
Atlanta, Ga.
Lee

pcyco · Nov 13, 2008

hallo

i also got a yashica d.
paul is right with the lenses.
and yes you have to choose the shutterspeed first.
my suggestion is to get a sunshade.
i älso got closuplenses, they work very well.

good luck with this camera

greets

thomas

JMC1969 · Nov 13, 2008

I absolutely love my Yashicas. I have shot mainly with my LM (meter works but not to be trusted, I hand hold) but I am fixing up a 124 (not the "G"), I purchased a parts (broken screw in crank box) from Mark Hama (http://www.markhama.com/) that should be here today or tomorrow and it will be set to go. I also have 2 Yashica A models that I am cleaning up at the moment. I had a little oil on the shutter blades and aperture blades that I cleaned up with a Q-tip w/ denatured alcohol and all work smooth now. I find the reserve image to be helpful because it makes you slow down a little and compose the picture you really want. My biggest compliant is camera shake. The 124 takes a standard cable release, but the LM needs an extra attachment that slips over the shutter release button and I have not purchased it yet. I'm not sure what the "D" is like, but I would suggest getting something. The button on the LM is smooth, but takes some pressure to push and I end up moving the camera if I am not on my game.

Have fun. I sent you a PM, if you are closer to Jacksonville, Fl than Atlanta, GA check us out, we sell film and process in house Dip and Dunk. www.fototechnika.com

Windscale · Nov 13, 2008

The D can be fun. But a hood is mandatory. Have fun.

tlr120 · Nov 13, 2008

I'll have to ty to find a shade. I'm not but 40 miles from Atlanta.
Lee

Windscale · Nov 13, 2008

I am not sure about the D but my other Yashicas take Rollei B1 accessories. Proper shades may be expensive. But you can buy a B1 B/W colour filter, take out the glass and glue a step up ring on, then you will find a hood easily.

Jim Jones · Nov 13, 2008

The three element lens on Yashica D is a Yashikor. The better four element lens is the Yashinon. Others say the Yashkor should be stopped down for best performance. The several Yashinons I've used have been fine performers. The Yashica TLRs may not be as reliable as a Rollie, but for the difference in price they are practical. Some of them do last. Decades ago I saw a Yashica A in Japan with severe brassing and the knurling worn down on the edges. It seemed to be in good condition except for the slowest shutter speeds.

Paul Howell · Nov 13, 2008

Windscale said:
I am not sure about the D but my other Yashicas take Rollei B1 accessories. Proper shades may be expensive. But you can buy a B1 B/W colour filter, take out the glass and glue a step up ring on, then you will find a hood easily.

I just glued a S VI push on adaptor to my Ds taking lens with silicon, I can peel it off if I need to. S VI filters and lens hoods are easy to find and dont cost an arm and leg. The D used the same BI accessories as the 124.

ricksplace · Nov 14, 2008

I have a D with Yashinons and an A with Yashikors. Stopped down to f11, it's really hard to tell the difference between the two. The D is a great little camera.

Doug Webb · Nov 14, 2008

I have owned and used a Yashica D with a 4 element lens as well as a Rolleicord and a Rolleiflex. They all produced about the same quality image. They all needed a lens shade. I had better images if I used a tripod and cable release. If you paid 50.00 for the camera don't go out and pay 50.00 for a lens shade, you can get a Bayonet 1 to something (series or 49 or 52mm adapter) and use a step up ring or epoxy it to a step up ring that will allow you to use filters that you probably have now. Go out and have a great time with the camera. If it is in okay shape and you find some problems with frame spacing or something else, a CLA would be a reasonable option. I would still be using my D if someone hadn't stolen it. I am also near Atlanta.
Good Luck,
Doug Webb

tlr120 · Nov 15, 2008

Hey doug. I'm out shooting some shots today. I think I've double exposed a couple. I've got to remember to
advance the film. Pretty easy to double expose on these babies. Also trying to get used to the reversed
image. But it is a hoot to use. The only problem I've noticed so far is that the film advance will not lock when you do wind to the next frame. It also seems to want to wind without pressing the button on the winding knob. I still press the button each time(when i remember and not double it) and the film counter does move. I'll finish up this one roll and send it E-6 Lab in Atlanta and wait for the results. I am also in the process of getting an old Agfa Isolette ready to shoot. I've gotten the lens unstuck and adjusted the focus. I am now trying to repair some of the pin light holes in the bellows.
Lee

Anscojohn · Nov 15, 2008

tlr120 said:
I just received a Yahica D I got from Ebay. I have about $50.00 bucks in it
with shipping. Just cleaned the mirror(gently) and ground glass. It seems to
function OK. Shutter speeds seems close. I am not too experienced with leaf
type shutters.
I was wondering if anyone out there has any experience with these cameras.
I have always primarily used manual Nikons. I am use to using a light meter.
So that will not be a great inconvenience for using it with this camera. I have never owned a Medium format and I thought this would be a good economical start. Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.
Lee

*****
Congrats, Lee. My first modern TLR (after my Argoflex) was a Yash D. A family friend got me a pro discount at a local shop in Philly. The camera, a roll of Plus-X, and a Honeywell Tiltamite Flash Gun cost me $54.40. That was 1961. Years later, I did a college summer job stint shooting for a company doing children's home portraits. They issued us two Yash Ds--one as a back up. At the end of the year they trashed them, whether they needed it or not. They were bounced and battered for about fifty rolls a week and never once did mine falter. I eventually traded the Yash D. for a pre-war Contax III.
As advised, use a hood; stop down a coupla stops when possible. Have fun.
And remember, press (button in wind knob); wind; recock.

Yashica D

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