Yashica M

sabredog

Member
Joined
Aug 19, 2016
Messages
88
Location
Perth, Western Australia
Format
35mm
I have just started to shift my camera display cabinet to a new location and found a Yashica M (1960) at the back. Apart from being forgotten about, it is in very good shape externally, though not so sure if the internals are all OK.

I am quite tempted to have a CLA done on it (after I get two three other cameras done) and see what it does to a roll of film.

Does anyone know the ins and outs of this venerable Yashica? Is it worth it or should it remain an honoured display piece?
 

elcabezagrande

Member
Joined
Jul 20, 2010
Messages
884
Location
Iowa
Format
Multi Format
The Yashica M is the third fixed-lens rangefinder camera made by Yashica, and the first to feature a built-in (uncoupled) selenium light meter. It is a good, solid camera, with some unusual features, like the rewind crank on the camera bottom. The Yashinon lens is very good.

The camera has a linked aperture and shutter speed ring, meant to be used with the EV scale, and it works quite well when used this way.

The main issue with these seems to be a faded rangefinder patch (desilvering of the mirror) that might be too dim to be useful, I set mine to hyperfocal distance and shot this set:

https://flickr.com/photos/52538386@N08/sets/72157651435489415
 
Last edited:

Meyer Trioplan

Member
Joined
Nov 28, 2014
Messages
248
Location
Frederick MD
Format
Medium Format
I have the successor version in the M-II and it is one of my absolute favorite cameras. The LV system works better in this camera than any other model I have seen, and the images I get back from it are always quite pleasing.

If you need to, the RF patch can be horizontally adjusted by removing the cap screw on the back of the RF and inserting/rotating a precision screwdriver to adjust.

The M is the upgraded version of the Minister camera, itself a fine camera. The M's upgrade is the f/1.9 lens. When the successors were rolled out, the M-II's improvement was a 1000 top shutter speed over the 500 on the Minister.

All in all, an excellent camera with lots of potential, and a very overlooked model.
 
OP
OP

sabredog

Member
Joined
Aug 19, 2016
Messages
88
Location
Perth, Western Australia
Format
35mm
elcabezagrande said:
I posted a set from mine in the post directly above yours.
Click to expand...

Very nice images!


I think this Yashica M will most certainly be added to my growing CLA list.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Menu
Log in
Register
Cookies are required to use this site. You must accept them to continue using the site. Learn more…