Probably the nicest looking camera in my collection is this Yashica D Twin Lens Reflex. Made from 1959-1974 it had a relatively long production run, especially when compared to today's digital world in which many cameras don't last much longer than a year or two. Originally made with an 80mm Yashikor taking lens, later models such as this example came with the superior Yashinon lens, the same lens that comes on the better known, and three times more expensive yashica 124G.
Unlike some of my other TLR's, this camera has automatic frame spacing rather than using the little red window on cheaper cameras, which makes for more consistently spaced frames. As you can see there isn't a mark on this camera, either it was rarely used or very well taken care of. It takes easily available 120 roll film.
These shots were taken one late afternoon at the University of Oklahoma Duck pond, I've always enjoyed using this camera.
NormanTLRYashica Dfilmkodaktwin lens reflexuniversity of oklahoma
Shot on a roll of Kodak Porta 160 VC I recieved as a free example from Kodak several years ago which has sat in my film drawer ever since, it expired in 2006. This is my first attempt at scanning color film.
NormanTLRYashica Dfilmkodaktwin lens reflexuniversity of oklahoma
The geese never seem to pay much attention to me. On the other hand I did have two people come up to make comments on my "funny antique camera".
NormanTLRYashica Dfilmkodaktwin lens reflexuniversity of oklahoma
The Yashica is an easy shooter, simple to use yet well designed with no real compromises. It is certainly not cheaply made and and as long as you can live without a built in light meter or auto-exposure it's a great shooting camera.
NormanTLRYashica Dfilmkodaktwin lens reflexuniversity of oklahoma
