This is actually my son’s camera. He always wanted one of
these twin lens beauties and I finally ran across one at auction and was able
to snag it for him for less than half of what they usually sell for these days.
The LM model was one of the first to have a built in light meter. I suppose
that is what the LM stands for, and surprise, surprise, the meter actually
still works along with everything else.
The Yashica yields clear and sharp images on a big 2 ¼” X 2
¼” (6 X 6 cm) negative that can easily produce beautiful prints up to poster
size if you so desire.
Using the Yashica is simple joy. The f3.5 lens is fast
enough for most situations and the big bright viewer makes it relatively easy
to compose and focus. Beyond that you simply read the EV number on the light
meter display on top of the camera next to the waist level view finder, use the
mechanical computer on the side of the camera to determine the best combination
of shutter speed and aperture for the preselected ISO setting and then set them
with the two knurled knobs on either side of the lens.
I checked the Yashica’s light meter readings with my Android
meter app and with the meter in another camera and they were right on. Not bad
for a camera that is nearly 60 years old.
The photo above of my son and his Fiancée was taken with the
first roll of Kodak Tri-X 400 we put in the camera. I cropped it a little to
center it better and added the sepia tone in Picasa to soften the Tri-X’s
contrasty look a bit. Here’s another…
…and the ergonomics of this camera makes it so very easy to
use. Even the big film advance crank on
the side also cocks the shutter for you on the back stroke. This whole experience
almost makes me want one too!
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