Yashica-D
The Yashica-D is a classic twin-lens reflex (TLR) camera produced by the Japanese company Yashica from the late 1950s. Known for its solid build and affordability, the Yashica-D gained popularity among amateur and semi-professional photographers. It uses 120 film, producing square 6x6 cm images, and features a four-element Yashinon 80mm f/3.5 lens for taking photos, with a separate Yashikor viewing lens positioned above it.
Key Features:
Twin-Lens Reflex Design: Offers waist-level viewfinder focusing, allowing for a unique, quiet shooting experience, especially for candid or street photography.
Fully Manual Operation: The Yashica-D has a manually operated shutter and aperture controls, requiring the photographer to set exposure settings manually.
Copal MXV Shutter: Provides shutter speeds from 1 second to 1/500s and a bulb mode, covering a wide range of exposures.
Film Advance Knob: The Yashica-D uses a knob advance and an automatic counter.
Film: Rollei IR 400 - Developper: Ilford Ilfosol 3
The Yashica-D is appreciated for its image quality, straightforward mechanics, and vintage aesthetic. Though it lacks the modern conveniences of light meters or automation, it is valued by collectors and film enthusiasts for the control and image quality it offers, often rivaling more expensive TLRs like the Rolleiflex. The Yashica-D remains a popular, accessible entry into medium-format photography for both new and seasoned film photographers.
Film: Rollei IR 400 - Developper: Ilford Ilfosol 3
Yashica-D's shutter mechanism, relies on precise, smooth movement. Over time, the lubrication in these mechanisms can dry out or attract dirt, causing parts to stick together. These cameras are known for there jammed shutters so be cautious with using the timer and M/X flash sync settings. Never use the timer mode in combination with the M setting! This will likely jam your shutter! I use a rubber band to avoid accidentaly put it on M mode.
If your Yashica-D shutter jams, a CLA (clean, lubricate, adjust) service by a technician can often restore it to full working order. Regular maintenance on vintage cameras like the Yashica-D helps prevent jams and prolongs their usability.
Film: Rollei IR 400 - Developper: Ilford Ilfosol 3
