I bought a mint GSN from Goodwill for $12 two years ago. Last month, I picked up a first generation Electro 35 for $15. For both, I bought battery adapters from The Yashica Guy... And, yeah, paid more for the batteries than the cameras! Love these cameras. So easy to use and they take great photos.
I have one of the Yashica Guy adapters, but actually shelved it in favor of a "criscam HM-4N" voltage-adjusting adapter. Testing vs. a Sekonic shows the voltage diode criscam adapter makes about 1/3 of a stop difference vs. the 6V basic "Yashica Guy" version. That was on a Yashica GL, but I expect similar under-exposure levels regardless of model. You can make up for it by setting the ISO lower when using the 6V, but I kept forgetting and then being annoyed when my shots were slightly under-exposed. I also recommend the silver-oxide px28 batteries, as they have a *much* flatter discharge curve.
GSN is one of my favorite rangefinders of all time, easily has one of the brightest finders I think I have ever seen. I've calibrated tons of their rangefinders and also the guts of this camera are wonderful. My only complaint is the meters fail in these pretty often.
I've owned various Yashica GSx, GTx, GX, CCx, cameras. They're fantastic and worthy of trying at least once as once of the best every made. In the end, I kept the "GL" version. Why? Modern silicon diode light sensor, 40mm vs. 45mm lens preference, no PoD, the sensor is in the lens ring so filters are accounted for, medium physical size (smaller than GS, bigger than GX/CCN), and ISO 1600 setting on the dial. I use it with a C.R.I.S. HM-4N adapter that takes a silver-oxide px28, providing a steady 5.6V until it dies (2+years on the current bat). I alternate between the GL and the Fujica Compact Deluxe, depending on whether I want manual, shutter priority, or aperture. Great coverage of an all-time classic camera :D
Great Video as always! I've been introduced to the extended range of the Electro Series as well as the Aires series! I am currently looking out for good prices on an Aires iiic, as well as a Yashica CCN! I really am curious to try that 35mm lens!
I got myself a Electron GT last year and I can't go without it anymore. The pictures this lens produces are in my opinion unmatched by cameras with a comparable price
I bought one for Next to nothing - great camera. Traded it for a Pentax SLR which I sold on for ten times want I paid for the Yashica. While I had the Yashica, I got some decent images
For a "fixed-lens" 35mm rangefinder camera, the GSN and GTN are rather large. Here in the USA, one of the compact 35mm SLR cameras from the 1980 era - like the Nikon FG - are about the same size, same price and offer a one stop faster shutter speed - plus the option for interchangeable lenses.
True but for those seeking out a rangefinder specifically may opt out of your suggested Nikon FG: otherwise, I couldn’t agree more with you about the value offered by an interchangeable camera system.
The size is part of the reason I love my GTN. I have rather large hands and with the GTN I don’t have to tuck two of my fingers under the body to hold the thing 😊
Lovely camera, she's on my list, there was one Yashica a bit smaller I can't remember the name... Thanks for another great video the Cicadas only add some to it.
Bought one of these off the back of one of your other videos. Great camera. My only criticism is the layout feels backwards. What I mean by that is the right hand side where you grip the body and fire the shutter feels far too short when compared to the space on the other side of the lens. The lens needs to sit further left in my opinion. The layout in this regard is slightly uncomfortable for me. Other than that, it's a great great camera.
Thanks for a informative video. I bought a GS in amazing condion locally after being inspired buy the new pentax 17. But I have a hard time focusing it. Are rangefinders always hard to focus? I have trouble seeing where the images line up. Having my reading glasses on helps but if the scence is complex I can't see the image lock into place.
If you glue down yarn for light seal repair, don't do like I did and accidentally get glue on the frame counter reset. I have tried a Q Tip with alcohol on it, but so far no luck getting the frame counter to work again. I hate not knowing what my shutter speed is so use a cold shoe light meter with my GSN. My shutter button sticks down until I wind to the next frame, but the exposure seems fine.
Got a GSN as a gift from my brother in law, I'll be finishing my first roll soon, and see what comes out of it. Nice camera. Being a rangefinder, you might forget to remove the lens cap, so have to be careful with that. I think it happened to me already, but not sure, will have to wait for the roll to come out :)
Great review of a great camera. It is, in my view, one of the most beautiful ever made. I also happen to have a lovely GX model, about which I can find precious little information. Very much a mirror in design to to my GSN, but more diminutive. With fresh batteries it does not have power reliably and I can't seem to resolve this. I'd like to use it, but 1) is this repairable (by me?) or is it worth getting fixed - and if so by whom? Thanks for any information you can provide.
I bought one used in the early 2000’s, and yes, the lens was sharp. But I never took to the camera. Too big, and heavy, and it looked and felt weirdly cheap in person. Kinda like Soviet era Russia cameras. Still, if you want a 35mm camera with a tack sharp lens, try one. You will likely enjoy the results you get.
Electro 35 is not comfortable camera to hold. Especially if you come from SLR camera. There is not much space to hold on, as the lens is moved to the right side, plus at the beginning you are very likely to block cds cell window. But once you got used it, it a joy to use it. I was searching for Aperture priority rangefinder camera and this my first one. Somehow I find it easier to focus than on SLR camera. I shot one roll and not a single photo was out of focus, which I couldn`t say the same for my other SLR camera.
thanks so much for ur nice videos about amazing cameras. i got a small question regarding the Electro 35 GSN/GTN: are the both lights (over/under) supposed to light up at the same position when pressing the shutter button down? on my camera the red light turns on first, if i press down further it would go off, and only after that the yellow light would turn on ... is that normal or sth has to be adjusted ? Thanks very much
How long would you estimate the lifespan for these once fully CLA’d is? I sent my GSN out for a full body repair, including the pad of death, and im hoping i wont have any issues with it for the near future
Why nobody is talking about the loose lense ? Got 3 of them and they were all loose lense. They were moving laterally, just a bit, and everyone was like : "oh it's normal you don't have to worry about that" Can someone relate to that ? Or is it just bad luck ?
I guess it`s a bad luck. Last month I bought Electro 35 GSN on ebay, for around 17-18 dollars + shipping in untested state or as is. Camera works just fine, and it`s in almost mint state after cleaning. Even viewfinder which tends to gather up dust, is pretty much clean with some exception of few dust spots. Regarding the loose lense, just tried it and no movement at all.
Hi jeff, unfortunately it seems like this is the best way to contact you, i have to use youtube comments to reach you again. I have since received the parcel. Unfortunately, the camera is not as described. The camera being slightly difficult to operate like the aperture selection ring being difficult to turn due to being mechanical and its age is understandable. However, the entire range of fast speeds, 1/100s, 1/250s,1/500s is sticky beyond measure(the 1/100s took at least 15s and multiple clicks of the shutter to release), and there is even fungus on the aperture blades(pictures attached below), despite what is written on your website. I do sincerely like the camera, but is there anything we can do to remedy the situation? The pictures of the aforementioned problems are shown in the email send to you regarding order #11078
Awful things. I had the GTN (same except black) and it had all the problems mentioned here. My repairman said it would be more than the camera was worth to fix it, so I gave it to him for parts. Just buy a Zorki 4 (or 4K) for the same price (and perhaps an AstrHori light meter if you want to avoid Sunny 16).
My dream camera, im truning 18 in November and i will be buying it from your store as a birthday present!!!!
I bought a mint GSN from Goodwill for $12 two years ago. Last month, I picked up a first generation Electro 35 for $15. For both, I bought battery adapters from The Yashica Guy... And, yeah, paid more for the batteries than the cameras!
Love these cameras. So easy to use and they take great photos.
I have one of the Yashica Guy adapters, but actually shelved it in favor of a "criscam HM-4N" voltage-adjusting adapter. Testing vs. a Sekonic shows the voltage diode criscam adapter makes about 1/3 of a stop difference vs. the 6V basic "Yashica Guy" version. That was on a Yashica GL, but I expect similar under-exposure levels regardless of model. You can make up for it by setting the ISO lower when using the 6V, but I kept forgetting and then being annoyed when my shots were slightly under-exposed. I also recommend the silver-oxide px28 batteries, as they have a *much* flatter discharge curve.
GSN is one of my favorite rangefinders of all time, easily has one of the brightest finders I think I have ever seen. I've calibrated tons of their rangefinders and also the guts of this camera are wonderful. My only complaint is the meters fail in these pretty often.
RE: the meters - GL and GX use silicon diode meters - in my experience more reliable than the older models.
I've owned various Yashica GSx, GTx, GX, CCx, cameras. They're fantastic and worthy of trying at least once as once of the best every made. In the end, I kept the "GL" version. Why? Modern silicon diode light sensor, 40mm vs. 45mm lens preference, no PoD, the sensor is in the lens ring so filters are accounted for, medium physical size (smaller than GS, bigger than GX/CCN), and ISO 1600 setting on the dial. I use it with a C.R.I.S. HM-4N adapter that takes a silver-oxide px28, providing a steady 5.6V until it dies (2+years on the current bat). I alternate between the GL and the Fujica Compact Deluxe, depending on whether I want manual, shutter priority, or aperture.
Great coverage of an all-time classic camera :D
Great Video as always! I've been introduced to the extended range of the Electro Series as well as the Aires series! I am currently looking out for good prices on an Aires iiic, as well as a Yashica CCN! I really am curious to try that 35mm lens!
I got myself a Electron GT last year and I can't go without it anymore. The pictures this lens produces are in my opinion unmatched by cameras with a comparable price
I bought one for Next to nothing - great camera.
Traded it for a Pentax SLR which I sold on for ten times want I paid for the Yashica.
While I had the Yashica, I got some decent images
I love the look of the camera we’re I first encountered it I’m sure it takes nice photos as well
For a "fixed-lens" 35mm rangefinder camera, the GSN and GTN are rather large. Here in the USA, one of the compact 35mm SLR cameras from the 1980 era - like the Nikon FG - are about the same size, same price and offer a one stop faster shutter speed - plus the option for interchangeable lenses.
True but for those seeking out a rangefinder specifically may opt out of your suggested Nikon FG: otherwise, I couldn’t agree more with you about the value offered by an interchangeable camera system.
The size is part of the reason I love my GTN. I have rather large hands and with the GTN I don’t have to tuck two of my fingers under the body to hold the thing 😊
Not really comparable - an SLR vs rangefinder
Found a similar YASHICA at a local thrift store. Bought it just for its phenomenal design!
Lovely camera, she's on my list, there was one Yashica a bit smaller I can't remember the name...
Thanks for another great video the Cicadas only add some to it.
Bought one of these off the back of one of your other videos. Great camera. My only criticism is the layout feels backwards. What I mean by that is the right hand side where you grip the body and fire the shutter feels far too short when compared to the space on the other side of the lens. The lens needs to sit further left in my opinion. The layout in this regard is slightly uncomfortable for me. Other than that, it's a great great camera.
Thanks for a informative video. I bought a GS in amazing condion locally after being inspired buy the new pentax 17. But I have a hard time focusing it. Are rangefinders always hard to focus? I have trouble seeing where the images line up. Having my reading glasses on helps but if the scence is complex I can't see the image lock into place.
If you glue down yarn for light seal repair, don't do like I did and accidentally get glue on the frame counter reset. I have tried a Q Tip with alcohol on it, but so far no luck getting the frame counter to work again. I hate not knowing what my shutter speed is so use a cold shoe light meter with my GSN. My shutter button sticks down until I wind to the next frame, but the exposure seems fine.
Got a GSN as a gift from my brother in law, I'll be finishing my first roll soon, and see what comes out of it. Nice camera. Being a rangefinder, you might forget to remove the lens cap, so have to be careful with that. I think it happened to me already, but not sure, will have to wait for the roll to come out :)
Great review of a great camera. It is, in my view, one of the most beautiful ever made. I also happen to have a lovely GX model, about which I can find precious little information. Very much a mirror in design to to my GSN, but more diminutive. With fresh batteries it does not have power reliably and I can't seem to resolve this. I'd like to use it, but 1) is this repairable (by me?) or is it worth getting fixed - and if so by whom? Thanks for any information you can provide.
I bought one used in the early 2000’s, and yes, the lens was sharp. But I never took to the camera. Too big, and heavy, and it looked and felt weirdly cheap in person. Kinda like Soviet era Russia cameras. Still, if you want a 35mm camera with a tack sharp lens, try one. You will likely enjoy the results you get.
Electro 35 is not comfortable camera to hold. Especially if you come from SLR camera. There is not much space to hold on, as the lens is moved to the right side, plus at the beginning you are very likely to block cds cell window. But once you got used it, it a joy to use it. I was searching for Aperture priority rangefinder camera and this my first one. Somehow I find it easier to focus than on SLR camera. I shot one roll and not a single photo was out of focus, which I couldn`t say the same for my other SLR camera.
I wish in Ireland like elsewhere it was cheaper to buy a spare camera than get bulbs for this camera, but it is not the case
thanks so much for ur nice videos about amazing cameras.
i got a small question regarding the Electro 35 GSN/GTN: are the both lights (over/under) supposed to light up at the same position when pressing the shutter button down? on my camera the red light turns on first, if i press down further it would go off, and only after that the yellow light would turn on ... is that normal or sth has to be adjusted ?
Thanks very much
No - I have one and operation is either Off - adequate light, Orange - under exposed, or Red - over exposed.
How long would you estimate the lifespan for these once fully CLA’d is? I sent my GSN out for a full body repair, including the pad of death, and im hoping i wont have any issues with it for the near future
I like the Yashica Lynx 14E better
And on the right hand Apple watch ultra 🤫
Why nobody is talking about the loose lense ? Got 3 of them and they were all loose lense. They were moving laterally, just a bit, and everyone was like : "oh it's normal you don't have to worry about that"
Can someone relate to that ? Or is it just bad luck ?
I guess it`s a bad luck. Last month I bought Electro 35 GSN on ebay, for around 17-18 dollars + shipping in untested state or as is. Camera works just fine, and it`s in almost mint state after cleaning. Even viewfinder which tends to gather up dust, is pretty much clean with some exception of few dust spots. Regarding the loose lense, just tried it and no movement at all.
Hi jeff, unfortunately it seems like this is the best way to contact you, i have to use youtube comments to reach you again. I have since received the parcel. Unfortunately, the camera is not as described. The camera being slightly difficult to operate like the aperture selection ring being difficult to turn due to being mechanical and its age is understandable. However, the entire range of fast speeds, 1/100s, 1/250s,1/500s is sticky beyond measure(the 1/100s took at least 15s and multiple clicks of the shutter to release), and there is even fungus on the aperture blades(pictures attached below), despite what is written on your website. I do sincerely like the camera, but is there anything we can do to remedy the situation? The pictures of the aforementioned problems are shown in the email send to you regarding order #11078
Awful things. I had the GTN (same except black) and it had all the problems mentioned here. My repairman said it would be more than the camera was worth to fix it, so I gave it to him for parts. Just buy a Zorki 4 (or 4K) for the same price (and perhaps an AstrHori light meter if you want to avoid Sunny 16).
Love my GX except I used it in hot weather the other day and most of the photos were both blurry and overexposed 🫠 Was reliable up until then…