5 Frames with a Yashica J in Taunton, Somerset, UK

I think I might be developing a ‘thing’ for early Yashica’s. I recently posted about my Yashica Mimy, but I also have a 35cc, a sub-miniature Atoron (using Minox 8×11 film and cassette) and the subject of this post, a Yashica J.

I honestly think I will be adding more Yashica’s to my collection. Why? Well three reasons, first they are usually attractively designed, second, early models, including rangefinders like this J, are attractive, and third they seem really well made. Oh, there is a fourth reason – they are a lot of fun, and a fifth, they seem to give nice results! Okay, I think I might becoming a ‘fan-boy.’

Released in 1961, the J was a budget-friendly alternative to the more premium Minister and Lynx camera lines. It had a good quality 45mm f2.8 Yashinon lens with apertures from f2.8 to f16 and speeds of 1/25 to 1/300 of a second, with Bulb and a self-timer. There is no light meter and no batteries, making this a camera for use with either Sunny 16 or an external light meter. I use the former rather than the latter. The J designation was also used on later SLRs, but this is a rangefinder.

I posted some pictures of the camera on a Facebook group and a member came back to tell me there were five different versions of the J, largely the same internally, but with cosmetic differences. Based on my serial number I was told that mine is an early version of the fifth variant.

I brought this one from the well known internet auction site for precisely £21.21 and it arrived fully working and in very nice original condition, and with the leather case. I gave it a clean, added new light seals and then a roll of Kentmere 200, which I shot around picturesque Blandford Forum in Dorset. When I came to develop it – disaster – the film had not been loaded correctly and was not advancing through the camera! A fault in loading on my part I believe.

Dissappointed but not put off, another film was loaded and this time I checked it was properly advancing through the camera! My car had a recall to the dealership in Taunton, Somerset, my nearest large town, so the camera came with me for some snapping.

I started with a walk through the town’s Vivary Park, and took the below image from inside the park looking towards Jellalabad Barracks. Built between 1879 and 1881, they were once the home to a number of Infantry Units. It ceased it’s military role in the early 1990s. Pictured is just the main gatehouse of the barracks, which is now a Grade II listed building, as the buildings to the rear of the property were demolished and replaced with modern housing.

The next two pictures are of folks relaxing in the park, on what was a lovely Spring Day.

Next stop was the Old Municipal Buildings in Taunton, now the towns’ registry office, with weddings taking place regularly. Also a listed building, dating back to about 1480, it is a beautiful historic building inside and out. In my career I attended a number of civic ceremonies there. The main Tudor Hall is a beautiful vaulted room, but sadly the building was closed when I was there.

And finally, as I have limited myself to the five frames theme, here is a shot taken just off the High Street of something a little more modern – I just liked the way this scene looked, even if it is of a different style.

So, a good use of my time in Taunton and a pleasure to use this lovely Yashica J – it will defiinitely be getting used again soon. The film was Kentmere 200, developed in Pyro 510, digitised with OM5 and 60mm Macro lens. Minor crops and tweaks in Adobe LightRoom.

If you spot one of these cameras – grab it!

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