Yashica-A TLR
The Yashica-A was a budget minded twin lens reflex (TLR) introduced in 1956. Production ran until 1969. At a price of $29.95, the A was the low-cost option of the Yashica TLR line. The A lacked some of the features of the other cameras but not the build quality.
Based on the serial number and the lens variety this is an early production from 1956 or early 1957. This one is in decent shape and has aged better than I have over the last 60+ years. (Paul Sokk has an amazing site dedicated to Yashica TLR cameras for more information. http://www.yashicatlr.com/index.html )
Film load by releasing a knob on the base and opening the back upward. Make the loading process easy. Takes 120 film and shots a 6X6 cm image. Film advance is a knob on the right side of the camera and a widow on the back that shows a frame number, so you know when to stop winding and what shot you are on.
The view finder pops open the top and you view the image on a focusing glass. The image you see is from the top lens. Because you are looking and a direct reflection, you get a mirror effect. This can take some getting use as your brain has to adjust. Not a big deal but don’t be surprised when you move the camera the wrong way to adjust the frame. Focus the lower knob on the right side with a minimum focus of 3.3 feet.
The lower lens is the taking lens. On this lens are the speed adjustments, up to 1/300th, and the aperture, f3.5 to f22). The shutter is also on the lower lens and must be manually cocked for each shot. Because the shutter is separate from the film advance, multiple exposers are simple but sometime unintended.
My Take:
I have been intrigued by TLR camera for a longtime but never committed enough got get one. Part of my hesitation was that the TLR cameras I have seen most were the Rolleiflex that can be expensive. So, when I found this Yashica A it was a much less intimidating entry point.
Shooting a TLR was took some adjustments. Every new camera has a learning curve, but this was more than just a new camera, it is a new shooting style. The waist level view finder, the mirror effect of the image reflecting on the focus glass and the shape of the camera all make the feel very new. I very much enjoyed it and will be looking to add a few more TLR cameras to this project.
Specifically speaking to the Yashica A, I would recommend it. Great budget way to try a TLR camera. The lack of features may make it a better first TLR because it is so simple. And I don’t feel like Yashica compromised on the build quality. My copy still feels solid and functions correctly. Thanks, 1950s Yashica, we miss you.
Lens: Yashimar 80mm f3.5
Film: Konica Supera 100 expired