I came about my Electro 35 purely by chance. I must admit that I knew about these cameras but never had much interest in them in the past, but ever since seeing The Amazing Spiderman (Andrew Garfield is the perfect Peter Parker; change my mind!) I wanted one. But thanks to that incredible movie, the prices tripled online compared to what they used to be. So I stopped looking.
In October 2018, I saw a listing for one on Facebook Marketplace, for $40 with the full retail kit! A quick eBay search for the same kit returned ads of $300+. Now in my town, you don’t see many cameras sold on Facebook or in thrift stores. I’m unsure why but it’s just not a thing where I live so I jumped on this listing as soon as I saw it. I told the lady if she could bring it to my work in a half hour I’d buy it, so she did.
That meant I got my Electro 35 GS, the wide angle and tele converter, the external viewfinder, original manuals and receipts, lens filters and a tiny monopod all in the big leather Yashica box. And the most important part, NO PAD OF DEATH!
When my wife told me that there was a fundraiser walk for premature babies coming up (our daughter was born at 30 weeks) I thought it was a good opportunity to take my new Yashica out. But one problem, in Townsville the sun rises at 6am and it rises quick. That means by 8am when the walk started the sun is already overhead. Also, I wanted to pull my Kodak Ultramax to 100 and I didn’t have a battery for the camera yet, so it only shot at 1/500 shutter speed. A welcome challenge!
All in all, the subject matter could be better but I am a huge fan of the colours and sharpness of the legendary lens on these cameras. I have shot many many rolls with it since that are either getting developed if they were colour, or waiting for me to develop them if they were black and white that I know will be keepers.
If you made it this far, I appreciate you giving me some of your time to read my experience shooting with this set up. Remember, stay broke and shoot film!
Instagram: @gavinbain
https://www.gavinwbain.darkroom.tech
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Tom Sheppard on 5 frames with a Yashica Electro 35 GS – By Gavin Bain
Comment posted: 26/01/2019
I always enjoy the Strand when I visit your city - such a delight these days.
The camera, lens and film combination has worked well for you.
Thanks for these
Bernhard on 5 frames with a Yashica Electro 35 GS – By Gavin Bain
Comment posted: 26/01/2019
Bernhard
Mark on 5 frames with a Yashica Electro 35 GS – By Gavin Bain
Comment posted: 26/01/2019
al on 5 frames with a Yashica Electro 35 GS – By Gavin Bain
Comment posted: 26/01/2019
theo vervloet on 5 frames with a Yashica Electro 35 GS – By Gavin Bain
Comment posted: 26/01/2019
I myself got a GSN from my brother-i think he never used it- . I have to get a battery and try to take some pictures that can compete with yours.
Martin Cutrone on 5 frames with a Yashica Electro 35 GS – By Gavin Bain
Comment posted: 26/01/2019
TBM3FAN on 5 frames with a Yashica Electro 35 GS – By Gavin Bain
Comment posted: 27/01/2019
Latemister_Ed on 5 frames with a Yashica Electro 35 GS – By Gavin Bain
Comment posted: 27/01/2019
It chewed a roll a couple of years back and I’ve only just brought it out again to give it another chance. Will see what the results are.
Adam on 5 frames with a Yashica Electro 35 GS – By Gavin Bain
Comment posted: 28/01/2019
Recommended Reading 2/1/19 - mike eckman dot com on 5 frames with a Yashica Electro 35 GS – By Gavin Bain
Comment posted: 01/02/2019
Wayne S. on 5 frames with a Yashica Electro 35 GS – By Gavin Bain
Comment posted: 03/02/2019
Nicely written and beautiful pictures from a truly remarkable camera! Yashica really hit the target with these gems! There nicely made-except for that pesky"Pad of Death"-
the lenses were sharp and contrasty (put the Yashica lens shade on- they look cool and serve a purpose) and the exposure meter is really spot on even in
tricky liting.They feel great to use and the viewfinder is big and brite and parralax corrected too! The Yashica Electro 35 is agreat,fun vintage rangefinder the produces
Excellent images!
A Journey To Find “My” Camera - The Canon Model 7 - By Gavin Bain - 35mmc on 5 frames with a Yashica Electro 35 GS – By Gavin Bain
Comment posted: 05/11/2019