Review: The Yashica Electro 35 Rangefinder 35mm Film Camera

TL;DR

The Yashica Electro 35 is a rangefinder camera that was produced from 1966 to 1972. It was known for its sharp lens and compact design and was a popular choice among amateur and professional photographers. The camera had a built-in exposure meter and a leaf shutter, but its slow film advance and rewind were common complaints. Overall, the Yashica Electro 35 was a highly regarded camera that is still sought after by collectors today.

In the 2012 film The Amazing Spider-Man, Peter Parker is shown using a Yashica Electro 35 in the first half of the film.

Wikipedia

The Yashica Electro 35 is a rangefinder camera that was produced by the Japanese company Yashica from 1966 to 1972. It was known for its innovative design and high-quality optics and was a popular choice among amateur and professional photographers alike.

One of the standout features of the Yashica Electro 35 is its lens. The camera was equipped with a 45mm f/1.7 Yashinon lens, which was renowned for its sharpness and contrast. The lens was constructed from eight elements in six groups and was coated to reduce flare and improve image quality.

The Yashica Electro 35 also had a number of other features that made it a popular choice among photographers. It had a built-in exposure meter, which used a CdS cell to measure the amount of light in a scene and adjust the aperture and shutter speed accordingly. The camera also had a leaf shutter, which allowed for fast shutter speeds and flash synchronization at all aperture settings.

Another notable aspect of the Yashica Electro 35 was its sleek and compact design. The camera was small and lightweight, making it easy to carry and use. It also had a sleek, minimalist aesthetic, with a black leatherette body and chrome trim.

Despite its many strengths, the Yashica Electro 35 was not without its flaws. One common complaint was the camera’s slow film advance and rewind, which could be frustrating for some photographers. The exposure meter was also not as accurate as some other cameras of the time, which could lead to overexposed or underexposed photos.

Overall, the Yashica Electro 35 was a highly regarded camera that was well-loved by many photographers. Its sharp lens and compact design made it a popular choice for both amateur and professional photographers, and it remains a sought-after camera among collectors today.

Pros and Cons

Another pro of the Yashica Electro 35 was its compact design. The camera was small and lightweight, making it easy to carry and use. This made it a popular choice for photographers who wanted a camera that they could take with them on the go, without having to lug around a heavy and bulky SLR.

One of the cons of the Yashica Electro 35 was its slow film advance and rewind. The camera used a single-stroke film advance lever, which could be slow and cumbersome to use. This could be frustrating for photographers who were used to the faster film advance of other cameras.

Another con of the Yashica Electro 35 was its exposure meter. While the camera did have a built-in exposure meter, it was not as accurate as some other cameras of the time. This could lead to overexposed or underexposed photos, which could be frustrating for photographers who were trying to get the perfect shot.

Despite these drawbacks, the Yashica Electro 35 was a highly regarded camera that was well-loved by many photographers. Its sharp lens, compact design, and innovative features made it a popular choice for both amateur and professional photographers.

Samples Images

  • Steven Trotter is a graphic designer (UX/UI, web & branding), photographer, and maker living and working on the Oregon Coast.