Flash-O-Set's superb case
Nov 7, 2023 12:07:53 GMT
on Nov 7, 2023 12:07:53 GMT
Posted: Nov 7, 2023 12:07:53 GMT
In 1961, Yashica introduced its latest viewfinder camera, the Flash-O-Set and we've looked at it and its successor, the Flash-O-Set MkII from 1962 in an old thread.
Suffice to say that the original model is far more elegant than its later sibling and has an air of luxury about it; the large, gold-tinted viewfinder window and that Yashica heraldic shield next to the selenium cell's window exude quality. So, you won't be surprised to know that when a Mk1 appeared here in the UK, it was grabbed immediately. All my other s/h Flash-O-Set models arrived sans cases but this new one was cased.
And what a sophisticated case it is.
Flash-O-Set 1 case
It is the best thought-through case of the Yashica viewfinder cameras from its early days; a hard, formed, black leather outer case has chromed or stainless steel furniture which includes an easy release catch. The inside is covered in a luxurious red felt and there is a foam cushion base with a cut-out for the metal ring which attaches to the camera's tripod socket via a stout black leather strap. This allows you to open the case when you want to take photos and keeps the camera attached while ensuring that no part of the case hinders access to all of its controls. So simple, so effective. It's also an advantage that the neck-strap is attached to the camera and not the case; the cut-outs in the steel frames make this possible, again making handling so easy. I love the thought that's gone into the design and that no expense has been spared in its manufacture.
Of course, the camera is very straightforward to use. It has a fixed 1/60s shutter speed and uses a 15v battery (still easy to find) to power the AG-1 flash bulbs when required. You can ensure correct exposure (under most conditions) by switching from its Auto setting and varying the aperture from f4 to f22 - there is a window next to the eyepiece which indicates when the correct exposure has been achieved and a red warning indicator appears in the bottom right corner of the viewfinder to remind you that you are no longer in Auto mode. That viewfinder is wonderfully bright and clear.
Yashica also did something quite unusual for its viewfinder cameras - it provided an in-built UV filter for that excellent 40mm f4 lens.
Flash-O-Set 1
Although the MkII has the advantage of the 'Electric Eye' - the window for the selenium cell surrounding the lens - which makes the use of attached filters a lot easier, the original version remains my favourite.
Suffice to say that the original model is far more elegant than its later sibling and has an air of luxury about it; the large, gold-tinted viewfinder window and that Yashica heraldic shield next to the selenium cell's window exude quality. So, you won't be surprised to know that when a Mk1 appeared here in the UK, it was grabbed immediately. All my other s/h Flash-O-Set models arrived sans cases but this new one was cased.
And what a sophisticated case it is.
Flash-O-Set 1 case
It is the best thought-through case of the Yashica viewfinder cameras from its early days; a hard, formed, black leather outer case has chromed or stainless steel furniture which includes an easy release catch. The inside is covered in a luxurious red felt and there is a foam cushion base with a cut-out for the metal ring which attaches to the camera's tripod socket via a stout black leather strap. This allows you to open the case when you want to take photos and keeps the camera attached while ensuring that no part of the case hinders access to all of its controls. So simple, so effective. It's also an advantage that the neck-strap is attached to the camera and not the case; the cut-outs in the steel frames make this possible, again making handling so easy. I love the thought that's gone into the design and that no expense has been spared in its manufacture.
Of course, the camera is very straightforward to use. It has a fixed 1/60s shutter speed and uses a 15v battery (still easy to find) to power the AG-1 flash bulbs when required. You can ensure correct exposure (under most conditions) by switching from its Auto setting and varying the aperture from f4 to f22 - there is a window next to the eyepiece which indicates when the correct exposure has been achieved and a red warning indicator appears in the bottom right corner of the viewfinder to remind you that you are no longer in Auto mode. That viewfinder is wonderfully bright and clear.
Yashica also did something quite unusual for its viewfinder cameras - it provided an in-built UV filter for that excellent 40mm f4 lens.
Flash-O-Set 1
Although the MkII has the advantage of the 'Electric Eye' - the window for the selenium cell surrounding the lens - which makes the use of attached filters a lot easier, the original version remains my favourite.