Yashica Lynx-5000 High-Speed Yashinon 45mm f/1.8 Prime Lens

Yashica Lynx-5000 - Good Condition | 35mm Rangefinder Camera | High-Speed Yashinon 45mm f/1.8 Prime Lens

The Yashica Lynx-5000 (S/N: 4032336) is a classic 35mm fixed-lens rangefinder, renowned for its mechanical precision and exceptionally fast optics. It is equipped with the legendary Yashinon 45mm f/1.8 prime lens (S/N: 6133622), a six-element masterpiece that delivers edge-to-edge sharpness and a creamy background blur (bokeh) that rivals much more expensive European counterparts. The Lynx-5000 was a pioneer in its era, featuring a built-in Cadmium Sulfide (CdS) light meter with an "over/under" display visible directly in the bright-line viewfinder. With a Copal-SV leaf shutter capable of speeds up to 1/1000th of a second—a remarkable feat for a rangefinder—this camera is a powerhouse for street photography and available-light portraiture.

Key Features

• Fast Yashinon 45mm f/1.8 prime lens for superb low-light performance and shallow depth-of-field

• High-speed Copal-SV leaf shutter with a top speed of 1/1000s (rare for this class)

• Integrated CdS light meter with top-plate and viewfinder exposure indicators

• Coupled rangefinder for precise manual focusing even in challenging lighting

• All-mechanical operation (shutter works without batteries)

• Leaf shutter design allows for flash synchronization at all shutter speeds

• Robust all-metal construction providing a professional, substantial feel in the hand

Introductory Paragraph The Yashica Lynx-5000 represents the pinnacle of Yashica’s fixed-lens rangefinder engineering before the transition to fully electronic systems. This specific unit (S/N: 4032336) is built around the 45mm f/1.8 Yashinon—a lens often compared to the famous Leica Summicron for its natural rendering and high resolving power. Because it utilizes a leaf shutter, the camera is nearly silent when firing, making it the perfect tool for candid street photography where discretion is key. Whether you are a collector of vintage Japanese optics or an analog enthusiast looking for a fast, reliable 35mm daily carry, the Lynx-5000 offers a level of tactile control and optical excellence that is truly timeless.

Condition Report Good condition. The camera body (S/N: 4032336) shows normal signs of light use and minor cosmetic surface wear consistent with its vintage age. The Yashinon 45mm f/1.8 lens (S/N: 6133622) is optically clear, free from fungus, haze, or significant scratches. The rangefinder is bright and the focusing patch is aligned. The Copal-SV shutter has been tested and fires accurately across the speed range. The aperture blades are clean and snappy. The film advance mechanism is smooth, and the battery compartment for the meter is clean (meter functionality is untested but the camera remains fully operational manually).

Specialist Note "The Lynx-5000 is a sleeper hit in the rangefinder world. What I love about this S/N: 4032336 is that 1/1000s shutter speed; most rangefinders of this era stop at 1/500s, but that extra stop lets you shoot the f/1.8 lens wide open even in brighter light. The Yashinon glass is the star here—it has a very sophisticated look with high micro-contrast that makes black and white film really sing. It’s a heavy, well-balanced machine that feels like a precision instrument. For the purist who wants full manual control and a lens that punches way above its weight class, the Lynx-5000 is hard to beat."

What's Included

• Yashica Lynx-5000 35mm Rangefinder Camera (S/N: 4032336)

• Integrated Yashinon 45mm f/1.8 Prime Lens (S/N: 6133622)

• Original Yashica Leather Ever-Ready Case (if available)

• Front Lens Cap

Technical Specifications

• Camera Type: 35mm Rangefinder Camera

• Film Format: 35mm (135)

• Lens: 45mm f/1.8 (Prime Lens)

• Shutter: Copal-SV Leaf Shutter (1s - 1/1000s + B)

• Focus Type: Manual Coupled Rangefinder

• Category: 1. Cameras ▸ 35mm Rangefinder Camera

• Battery Type: 1.35v Mercury (for meter only; modern 1.4v zinc-air compatible)