I stumbled upon this blue blocky Yashica compact on eBay and decided to shell out more than my normal 20 buck limit since it had a f/3.2 lens. As usual, the seller was very kind and personable, and I left the transaction a little poorer but with a smile and my first non-cheapo compact… I promptly dropped it on the pavement.
After a few choice phrases, I retrieved the carcass of my newly beloved point-and-shoot and assessed the damage. The plastic body did a decent job of absorbing the drop but some of the pieces had popped out of place. I went home to loosen some screws and snap things back in, but, as was my luck that day, I stripped a screw in the process and now the battery compartment door doesn´t close without a piece of matching blue electricians tape.
Still grumbling at my clumsiness, I loaded the camera with my favorite filmstock (Fujicolor C200) and headed out. The camera itself is very simple to use and only has three points of interaction: a little slide on the front of the camera to open the lens hood and activate the camera, a Grinch-green shutter button, and its only “bell and whistle” — a flash override. When the camera has decided flash is needed, a little button pops out of the top of the camera and you have to press and hold it for it not to fire when you take the shot. It makes for an uncomfortable shooting experience, but it’s better than not having it at all! When taking a picture, the sound the camera makes is akin to throwing a bean bag in a blender.
Other than the noise and odd flash override, the camera is what I’d hoped for. The focus is quick and accurate, it meters well, and the lens is very sharp.
I’m glad I spent a little extra money this time. If anything, it proves that I’m too clumsy to own nice things, but not too clumsy to enjoy a nice photo walk with a classic point-and-shoot.
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Nice shots! C200 is a very underrated film stock. Camera looks like it has a nice sharp lens on it too.
Thanks Phil, I agree! And it holds up to scanning very well, or at least as far as I can figure.
Very fine article. Like the fountain picture.
Thanks Alex, cheers!
Andrew: Nice review! I have the same camera, except that mine is called the “Ninja*Star. Yashica sold this camera in a number of variations with different colors and names (and in a few cases slight changes in the features).
I like to take mine when I’m out for a bike ride. I keep it in a handlebar bag where it’s easy to get to, and the simple on/off function and lack of features/decisions is actually a plus (no need to push anything but the shutter button!).
P.S. You didn’t mention one of the camera’s nicer features, which is the use of AA batteries. I never have to worry about carrying a spare battery on a trip, because AAs are available at pretty much every 7-Eleven and gas station in the world.
Eric, you’re totally right! It’s a relief to not have to buy some fussy battery that nearly no one carries. Points for Yashica!
This looks virtually identical to my J2 which I think only comes in black and no flash override. Like you, I am also pleased with the sharpness and contrast of the 38mm lens. I feel Yashica/Contax/Kyocera have always made good optics. As your photos show, a good all round performer for point n shoot photography. And cheap enough to replace if you drop it! Imagine if it had been one of it’s T* cousins…
Definitely a well rounded performer — probably even more well rounded when it hasn’t eaten pavement!
Nice pics! I love Fuji C200, my go to film.
Cheapest AF-J on ebay is $150…
Oof, that’s a lot!! I lucked out and got mine for about 45 euros if I recollect, and even that was a bit too rich for my blood! or rather, my clumsy hands.
The lenses on these seem great. I have the fixed focus version. Well zone focus acually, it has two zones, portrait and some hyperfocal-ish disctance I guess. But I havn’t used it yet. Luckely it has manual flash control. No override is something don’t think I can live with.
There seems to be a myriad of Yahsica cameras using this 32mm lens. In this and other form factors.
The lens is great, and my dinky film scanner doesn’t do it justice! I didn’t realize they make a zone focus version too — cool!