The Traveling Yashica: Dominic Clarke, London, England

‘Review’

I wouldn’t argue with you if you said it was overpriced in the used market. This is due to certain people connecting the camera to a certain photographer (TR). I wanted to stay away from the Yashica and was happy using other small cameras.

‘Can’t knock it til you try it’

Part of photography is exploration… or curiosity. Tried it and long story short – I realized I had to buy my own.

Why?

Mainly because the lens is special – giving a unique look which I think only comes from a Yashica T. My other zeiss experience is from a contax G 45mm and some hasselblad lenses. I think it’s more warm and contrasty than other zeiss lenses. It gives me the look I want straight from the scan.

Using it.

After turning it on you have to think about the auto flash. Flash aside it’s always ready to shoot – the shutter button is very sensitive. It’s quieter than most plastic point and shoot cameras but I wouldn’t call it a stealth camera. I took three of those pictures on the tube and the subject didn’t notice/hear. Was also fun using the NA scope for that. Viewfinder is clear – used it outside last night and it wasn’t frustrating. I had one miss focused picture from 2 rolls.

This camera is now ‘take everywhere’ camera. If I was just shooting black and white film then it will be a tougher choice – I would wonder about a Hexar, Contax t2/3 or Minolta tc-1 for the ability to control exposure more.

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