From Budget SLRs to Brand Revival

Summary

Yashima Precision Works, later Yashica, began with TLR cameras in the 1950s before introducing its first 35mm SLR, the Pentamatic. The company later adopted the M42 mount and developed TTL metering with models like the TL Super. A significant collaboration with Carl Zeiss led to the Contax RTS and Yashica's C/Y mount cameras, such as the enduring FX-3, which served as a budget alternative to the Pentax K1000. After Kyocera acquired Yashica, the brand struggled with autofocus models and was eventually sold, leading to attempts at revival.

Key points

• Yashica's history spans from early TLRs to C/Y mount SLRs, often featuring Zeiss optics.
• The FX-3, built by Cosina, became a popular, all-mechanical, entry-level SLR.
• Kyocera's exit from the camera business in 2005 led to Yashica's trademark being sold.
• The brand has seen revival attempts, including modern compact cameras and vintage-styled models.