Growing up in a South Indian family, the chances that I’d be allowed to own a camera were slim, let alone own one like the Vintage Yashica Camera! Unlike digital cameras, where moments can be deleted and recreated, vintage lenses mean permanence. All you get is one chance to expose the film, and what you capture is permanent. Even the blurry snaps taken through the shaky little fingers of our little ones are meant for forever, waiting to be cherished when they’re all older. And maybe that is what makes a Vintage Camera so special. You’re only allowed one chance to capture it all!
Why choose a Vintage Camera?
From breathtaking stills to unique nuances captured in every frame, vintage cameras are so full of character. While most digital cameras allow us to change the shot’s final look, vintage cameras will merely enable us to develop what we have already captured. Of course, these stills can be digitised and altered over time to preserve them, but the original and final print will never lose its charm.
Nowadays, numerous companies are trying to recreate the vintage effect and have released polaroids and instant photo printers to achieve the aesthetic. However, they have resorted to releasing digital models of the same over time. Vintage films such as rolls and slides from polaroids are rather expensive now, and the demand for the aesthetic has undoubtedly helped drive up the prices! Yet, there is nothing that comes close to the real thing. Authentic and well-preserved vintage cameras effortlessly enrapture the photographer as they look through the lens!
Numerous photographers are known to appreciate the retro film for its unique light leaks and beautiful grain. The modern scene frozen with a retro lens does give off an ethereal aura to the moment, leaving the viewer truly mesmerised.
Yashica Vintage Camera- The beginning
Yashica was started in 1949 in Nagano, Japan, with only eight employees who originally manufactured electric clock components.
Soon, they began making components for cameras, and by 1953, the Yashimaflex, a twin-lens reflex camera, was born.
In 1957, Yashima founded Yashica, Inc., a subsidiary, and in the same year, the Yashica Mat line was introduced.
Ceramics giant, Kyocera, acquired Yashica Company Ltd. in October 1983 and marketed all Yashica brand cameras.
The Yashica Mat With Copal MXV Shutter Vintage Camera
First released in the 1950s, Yashica cameras have gone through numerous variations over the years. The word “mat” is said to be a brief of automatic, a range that Yashica released and improved as a full range. The creators actually intended for the camera to display “Yashicamat” over the front instead of “Yashica-Mat”; however, the same has been retained in the models, with “Yashicamat” appearing in a few instruction manuals.
The first versions of the Yashica Mat arrived with a Copal MX shutter; however, the company soon started featuring the Copal MXV shutter over their automated cameras.
Yashica Copal MXV Front View
Yashica Mat Copal MXV angled view of right side
Yashica Mat Copal MXV camera Left view
Yashica Mat Copal MXV right side view
This vintage camera model, in particular, features the classic rectangular form with the Copal MXV shutter in the front. The shutter speed, flash setting, and aperture can be tweaked using the control dials between the two lenses. The left side of the vintage camera bears the film spool knobs, the battery, and the focusing knob with a depth of field scale as well.
The right side of the vintage camera features the film advance crank and a dedicated shutter lock on the front that prevents accidental exposure during transport.
The YASHICA brand Reborn Campaign
The Yashica Brand Reborn Campaign started in 2017 with the world’s first Digifilm system. The company created the campaign on Kickstarter with a total amount of USD 1.3M pledged by 7000 backers worldwide.
As of today, Yashica continues to make bespoke cameras adjusted to modern times, albeit with a flair for the vintage.
The stellar retro Yashica Lens is now a wide-angle clip-on that smartphones can fit.
The brand stands behind the “Silence Of Story”, continuing its legacy in the world of snaps and captures, as it bewitches those with a flair for frozen moments and an eye for unique beauty.
Yashica- The Silence Of Story
The Silence of Story from the Yashica website
You like taking photos and wishing the time still.
But what I want is to capture the moment, and to remember the long-lasting feel.
I keep all photos well,
Reviving every moment, from time to time.
And I, was led to different stories, deeper and deeper, every time.
These photos might be rough, and incomplete, and faulty in your eyes.
But what I see, is something touching, something spiritual, something meaningful.
From the time YASHICA first captured the world in 1949, I knew,
Though it has no outstanding synopsis, the story will last long.
And you may have noticed, there is never a narrator, nor is it necessary…
The Silence of Story
It tells.
Where can you buy the Yashica Mat?
The camera is no longer in production, and all that exists are pieces that are painstakingly restored or not entirely functional, yet, bespoke collectables that are reminiscent of its glory.
You can find the Yashica-Mat Copal MXV model available for Purchase at the Ancient Madurai store!
Write to us at [email protected] or reach out to us over DM on Instagram for more details on the available model.
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