Yashica Electro 35 GTN
Another full size rangefinder, as big as the Minolta Hi-Matic 7s but feels smaller in the hand. Looks are Buck Rogers/ Flash Gordon, mid-century modern. Retro in a futuristic way. The Yashica Electro 35 was introduced in 1966 and went through various iterations. In 1973 the Electro 35 line culminated in the GTN (black) and GSN (chrome).
The Electro 35 feels nice in the hand and smaller than the actual size would suggest. I did not find it too big in use. Apeture priority with simple to read "over/slow" lights on the top make the Electro 35 quick to use. The exposer lights only work if the film is advanced but there is a lock if you change you mind and want to store it advanced.
My Take:
There is a reason the Yashica Electro 35 has remained popular. It is not the most stealth rangefinder but the styling seems appropriate for a film camera experience. Mine is the GTN model but the others in the line all seem like they would be equally fun to use. I think the Electro 35 is a solid option if you can find a good working one. The battery dependence and 50 year old electrical circuits leave room for issues but I think worth the effort to find a nice one.
Lens: Fixed Color-Yashinon DX 45mm f1.7
Film: Kodak KodaColor 200
