Yashicaflex

Yashicaflex - Good Condition | Twin-Lens Reflex (TLR) Camera | Sharp Yashikor 80mm f/3.5 Prime Lens

The Yashicaflex (S/N: 156040) is a hallmark of Japanese medium format precision from the 1950s, representing Yashica's successful entry into the professional Twin-Lens Reflex market. This fully mechanical camera is designed to produce large, high-resolution 6x6cm square negatives on 120 roll film. It features a dual-lens system: a bright viewing lens for top-down ground glass focusing and the sharp Yashikor 80mm f/3.5 taking lens. Known for its classic "Tessar-style" rendering, the Yashikor optics provide excellent center sharpness with a gentle, vintage fall-off that is highly sought after for portraiture and fine-art photography. Built with a rugged all-metal chassis and finished in premium leatherette, the Yashicaflex is a tactile and reliable instrument that offers a truly meditative analog shooting experience.

Key Features

• Sharp Yashikor 80mm f/3.5 prime taking lens for high-contrast medium format imagery

• Bright viewing lens (f/3.2 or f/3.5) for effortless waist-level focusing

• Reliable Copal leaf shutter with a versatile range of speeds plus Bulb

• Large 6x6cm square-format negatives on 120 film for superior detail and tonal depth

• Waist-level viewfinder with an integrated pop-up magnifier for critical focus

• Fully mechanical operation—no batteries ever required for shooting or exposure

• Robust Japanese construction with a timeless mid-century aesthetic

Introductory Paragraph The Yashicaflex is the definitive choice for photographers seeking the classic TLR experience without the premium price of a German equivalent. This specific unit (S/N: 156040) offers the "standard" 80mm focal length, providing a natural perspective that mirrors the human eye. Because it utilizes a nearly silent leaf shutter, the Yashicaflex is ideal for candid street photography and quiet environments where a modern SLR would be too disruptive. The top-down viewing experience on the ground glass screen forces the photographer to slow down and carefully consider every element of the composition, resulting in more intentional and artistic photographs.

Condition Report Good condition. The camera body (S/N: 156040) shows normal signs of light use and minor cosmetic surface wear consistent with its vintage age. The Yashikor 80mm f/3.5 taking lens and the viewing lens are both optically clear, free from fungus, haze, or significant scratches. The leaf shutter has been tested and fires accurately across the available speed range. The aperture blades are clean and move smoothly. The waist-level finder opens and closes correctly, and the ground glass is bright and clear. The film transport and manual focusing knobs are fully operational and move with appropriate resistance.

Specialist Note "The Yashicaflex is a mechanical gem that rewards the patient photographer. What I love about this S/N: 156040 is the Yashikor glass; it has a specific 'bite' and character that makes black and white film look absolutely stunning. When stopped down to f/8 or f/11, it is remarkably sharp, yet wide open it has a lovely, dreamy quality that is perfect for portraits. It’s a very meditative camera; looking down into the finder and seeing your world reversed is a creative exercise in itself. It’s a rugged, battery-free instrument that is built to last another seventy years. For anyone moving into medium format, this is a perfect, high-quality starting point."

What's Included

• Yashicaflex TLR Camera (S/N: 156040)

• Integrated Yashikor 80mm f/3.5 Taking Lens

• Integrated Viewing Lens

• Original Yashica Twin-Lens Cap

• [Optional: Original Leather Case if available]

Technical Specifications

• Camera Type: Twin-Lens Reflex (TLR) Camera

• Film Format: 120 Roll Film (6x6cm)

• Taking Lens: 80mm f/3.5 (Prime Lens)

• Viewing Lens: 80mm f/3.2 or f/3.5 (Prime Lens)

• Shutter: Copal Leaf Shutter

• Focus Type: Manual Waist-Level Ground Glass

• Category: 1. Cameras ▸ Twin-Lens Reflex (TLR) Camera

• Battery Type: None (Fully Mechanical)