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on Nov 10, 2021 16:02:55 GMT
Last Edit: Nov 11, 2021 20:05:07 GMT by biggles3
This diminutive camera is the rare Yashica Half 14, part of the family of Yashica half-frame models.  Yashica Half 14Its major claim to fame is its fast Yashinon-DX 32mm f1.4 lens, making it one of the fastest half-frame cameras ever manufactured. The lens is a stunner. Exposure is determined by a CdS meter which receives its light through the bezel of the lens, making sure that even when filters are employed, correct exposure is always possible. Once you've set the film speed and Auto has been selected, the Half 14's automatic system ensures correct exposures; Bulb can be set for exposures longer than 1/15s and the shutter speed for Flash is 1/30s. You can set the aperture manually when using flash via the control dial. Although weighing more (500g) than the larger Electro Half, this is a very compact camera and seems to be modelled on the original Half-17. I suspect the the weight reflects the extra glass to be found in the fast lens. |
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on Nov 11, 2021 14:36:08 GMT
Posted: Nov 11, 2021 14:36:08 GMT
That's a great find, for sure.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought the shutter speed was set by dialing in the film speed -- and then the camera set the aperture. Is that wrong? If not, is there a way to know what shutter speed is set? Is it displayed in the viewfinder?
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Status: Failed treatment for L.B.A. and G.A.S,
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on Nov 11, 2021 18:15:41 GMT
Last Edit: Nov 11, 2021 18:29:07 GMT by lumiworx
Seeing all these half-frames lately prompts some silly questions, since I've never used one. Does the viewfinder display vertically in portrait orientation, or in landscape like other 35mm's would? And...can any lab do half-frame prints, or does it require one that has a special negative carrie, or doing some custom runs with a different head setup?
The enlargers I used way back when had the ability to spin carriers up to 90 degrees, and would accept different film formats by swapping out different carriers, but I wonder what a high production commercial lab does to make the prints when based on the smaller format.
EDIT: After re-reading that portrait/landscape question it came out much different than intended. I assume the view will be the same for any camera regardless of the format, i.e., everything is seen vertically and perpendicular to the earth's horizon... but is the view in the finder masked or outlined, or is the whole rangefinder/mirror mechanism reworked as a vertical oriented frame in the same aspect ratio as the film frame?
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Group: Moderator
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Status: Long, long time Contax and Yashica user; glad to be here and hope to contribute.
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on Nov 11, 2021 20:07:21 GMT
Last Edit: Nov 11, 2021 20:12:30 GMT by biggles3
That's a great find, for sure. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought the shutter speed was set by dialing in the film speed -- and then the camera set the aperture. Is that wrong? If not, is there a way to know what shutter speed is set? Is it displayed in the viewfinder? Hi xkaes, My apologies; a classic case of more haste less speed.... You are quite right; the text has been amended. Did you ever manage to replace the damaged one you sold? As for lumiworx' question about the viewfinders, they are in portrait format. |
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on Nov 12, 2021 1:46:38 GMT
Posted: Nov 12, 2021 1:46:38 GMT
I never replaced my Yashica Half 17. It was usable at 1/30, and with the adjustable f-stop, OK for the kind of work I used it for -- I like SLOW film. I always wanted the Half 14, but they are so hard to find in working condition. Besides, I have plenty of other half-frames to use. The vast majority of half frame cameras have the film run horizontally, just like full frame 35mm cameras -- so the viewfinder is in "portrait"/vertical mode. BUT there are several that made the switch and had the film run vertically so the viewfinder is horizontal -- like in full frame 35mm cameras. Perhaps the first was the Agfa Memo from 1940 -- a fun, old-time camera. Perhaps the last were the Yashica Samurais -- which is probably my favorite, but I have to mention the MMZ Belomo Agat 18 and 18K, as well. www.subclub.org/shop/mmz.htmThey are pretty much a smaller version of the old Agfa Memo -- just 50 later! As to processing, a lot depends on the ability of the processing lab. One trick is to have them print TWO images as ONE -- if their automatic machine can only handle full frame negatives. |
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Status: My first SLR was an FX-2 in 1979. I’ve been shooting and collecting Yashica/Contax gear ever since.
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on Nov 16, 2021 1:32:08 GMT
Posted: Nov 16, 2021 1:32:08 GMT
This diminutive camera is the rare Yashica Half 14, part of the family of Yashica half-frame models. Yashica Half 14Its major claim to fame is its fast Yashinon-DX 32mm f1.4 lens, making it one of the fastest half-frame cameras ever manufactured. The lens is a stunner. Exposure is determined by a CdS meter which receives its light through the bezel of the lens, making sure that even when filters are employed, correct exposure is always possible. Once you've set the film speed and Auto has been selected, the Half 14's automatic system ensures correct exposures; Bulb can be set for exposures longer than 1/15s and the shutter speed for Flash is 1/30s. You can set the aperture manually when using flash via the control dial. Although weighing more (500g) than the larger Electro Half, this is a very compact camera and seems to be modelled on the original Half-17. I suspect the the weight reflects the extra glass to be found in the fast lens. What a beautiful camera. I’ve always wanted a half-frame. |
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on Nov 16, 2021 12:57:48 GMT
Last Edit: Nov 16, 2021 12:58:37 GMT by xkaes
The Yashica Half 17 is MUCH easier to find (the Half 17 RAPID, as well) and has the exact same body style with the nice rounded corners. The major drawback is that it has a selenium meter around the lens -- which is usually dead, unless you find one that was kept in its case.
www.subclub.org/shop/yashica.htm |
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