Yashica 635
Is a dual format TLR introduced in 1958
It is an enhanced Yashica-D with the added ability to use 35mm film as an alternative to 120. To use 35mm requires an adaptor kit. The lens is Yashikor 80mm f/3.5 in Copal-MXV shutter with speeds 1-1/500. Rewind knob for 35mm is on upper left side of the camera. Among collectors, the 635 is more desirable than the Yashica-D.
This one was in a sorry state when I found it, Very dusty inside and out, leatherette peeling away, the viewing lens and taking lenses were not focus matched and showed obvious signs of being dismantled before.
The first job was a strip and clean, one of the issues was caused because the viewing mirror had been incorrectly installed, once realigned it seemed better but focus was still out, presumably an attempt to correct for the mirror problem. Focus tracking was an easy adjustment as screws are already in place to do this.
It did not come with the 35mm kit so I purchased this seperately, it actually cost more than the camera!
A 35mm test roll looked great but a 120 roll showed light leaks, so I replaced all of the light seals just to be sure.
One important point about TLR's is that the viewing screen shows the image horizontally reversed, i.e. if you move the camera left it looks like you are moving right in the viewfinder, takes a bit of getting used to.
Is a dual format TLR introduced in 1958
It is an enhanced Yashica-D with the added ability to use 35mm film as an alternative to 120. To use 35mm requires an adaptor kit. The lens is Yashikor 80mm f/3.5 in Copal-MXV shutter with speeds 1-1/500. Rewind knob for 35mm is on upper left side of the camera. Among collectors, the 635 is more desirable than the Yashica-D.
This one was in a sorry state when I found it, Very dusty inside and out, leatherette peeling away, the viewing lens and taking lenses were not focus matched and showed obvious signs of being dismantled before.
The first job was a strip and clean, one of the issues was caused because the viewing mirror had been incorrectly installed, once realigned it seemed better but focus was still out, presumably an attempt to correct for the mirror problem. Focus tracking was an easy adjustment as screws are already in place to do this.
It did not come with the 35mm kit so I purchased this seperately, it actually cost more than the camera!
A 35mm test roll looked great but a 120 roll showed light leaks, so I replaced all of the light seals just to be sure.
One important point about TLR's is that the viewing screen shows the image horizontally reversed, i.e. if you move the camera left it looks like you are moving right in the viewfinder, takes a bit of getting used to.
Shutter Speed results
Timing tests showed the shutter was really struggling
Once above 1/60th the error was over 1 stop. Having said that although most test shots were overexposed, most of the time it was recoverable.
I suspect this one is going to need the shutter mech. stripping (the only bit I didn't do!)
Timing tests showed the shutter was really struggling
Once above 1/60th the error was over 1 stop. Having said that although most test shots were overexposed, most of the time it was recoverable.
I suspect this one is going to need the shutter mech. stripping (the only bit I didn't do!)