Help with Yashica history and photos

FYI,

I have a copy of "The Evolution of the Japanese Camera" (from the George Eastman Museum) which has a lot of Yashica "firsts", such as the YashicaFlex S of 1954 which was the first Japanese TLR with a built-in meter.

I also have a copy of "The Collector's Guide to Japanese Cameras" which list nearly all of Yashica's early cameras -- with dates and main features.

I also have a copy of "Advanced Yashica Guide" by Tydings from 1959.

I also have lots of books on subminis covering all of Yashica's 16mm and Minox (9.25mm) cameras.

The "pictures" aren't the best, but I have lots of information and details.

One thought about "categories". You might want to think about if, how, and where to add viewfinder cameras, half-frame cameras, and subminiature cameras. One confounder is that many cameras can legitimately be placed in more than one category. The Yashica Samurai can be placed in SLR, half-frame, AND subminiature.

And, I assume you are only going to deal with Contax cameras that have a Yashica compatible lens mount -- otherwise you are in trouble!

I understand the issue. One of my websites tries to deal with all of Minolta's manual focus, still film cameras and lenses:

www.subclub.org/minman

I checked out your current list, and here are two things that might help.

1. The Contax 167 MT is listed as MINOX-size.

2. As to Minox gear, you have two of these listed. Here are a few more to add -- in your spare time -- from my other website that tries to list all of the subminiature cameras ever made (www.subclub.org):

Yashica Atoron -- Perhaps the best known Minox offshoot is the Yashica Atoron.  Yashica first developed its own submini 16mm camera -- the Y16 -- and clip-load cassette.  When that attempt failed to sell, they made a camera -- the 16EE -- that used the more popular Minolta cassette. That also failed to sell well.  They then attempted a submini with the Minox cassette -- the Atoron -- in 1965.  It had a fixed-focus 18mm Yashinon f/2.8 lens (closes down to f/16). Shutter speeds of 1/45-1/250 and B.  Built-in selenium meter.   The meter provides a match-needle, programmed-type of exposure system which sets the f-stop and shutter speed in tandem -- just like on the Minolta MG.  First, you dial in the film speed.  Then, you point the camera at the subject.  Lastly, you match the meter needle with a follower needle by turning a dial.  This makes the exposure settings -- from 1/45 at f2.8 to 1/250 at f16.  There are no manual settings for the aperture or the shutter speed, but the dial is marked in EV units. You can use a hand-held meter which reads out in EV (most older ones do), or simply remember that EV 12 is approximately the same as sunny-16. The meter face is marked with a "sunny day" symbol at EV12. Built-in sliding yellow filter.  Other slip-on filters (80A and ND4) were available that covered the lens and the meter.   Other accessories, such as a case and an AG flash unit were available.  Shutter lock ring around shutter release.  The Atoron came in two body styles;  one was smooth, the other had a waffled surface. Many people report that this camera is a quality shooter.  It did not have the push-pull film advance of the Minox, but used a film-advance tab -- a style later used on many 110 cameras.  While the Atoron lens had a variable aperture (which Minox models lacked ), the Atoron lacked a focusing lens (which the Minox had).  The Atoron depended on depth-of-field to get everything in focus.

Revue Ministar -- Same as Yashica Atoron with a different name

Photo-Porst Porst KX50 -- Same as Yashica Atoron with a different name

Yashica Atoron Electro

Yashica Atoron Electro T -- In 1973, Yashica added the model T. This was a standard Atoron Electro, but with a transparent top so that the user could view the mechanics of the camera.  The original price was $190.

Photo-Porst Porst EX55 Electronic -- Same as Yashica Atoron Electro with a different name



Yashica's 16mm cameras were:

Yashica Y-16 -- used special Yashica cartridge

Yashica 16 EE -- used Minolta cassette

Yashica 16 EE Deluxe -- used Minolta cassette

Just a quick look at "The Collector's Guide to Japanese Cameras" shows the Yashicaflex C appearing in TWO versions -- BOTH from 1955, not 1958. The only difference that I can discern from the limited info and pictures appears to be that the SECOND version has a flash synch connection (AKA terminal) added on the front.

I understand the problem. For example, the Minolta SR-1 appeared in five (or six) variations. Most websites list just one model -- others five (or six).

If a camera appears with the model name inscribed in black, while another model is inscribed in red or white, is that ONE or TWO or THREE models?

Believe it or not, some people think so. When it comes to Leica cameras, so example, we can be talking about THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS -- just for the color of the inscription!!!!!

The Yashica Samurai X3.0 came in three colors. Do you want pictures of them all??

I get it.

"The Evolution of the Japanese Camera" that I reference earlier is basically a LONG list of all the Japanese cameras that were "FIRSTS". Many of them were Yashica cameras, for sure. I have a copy, but it might be on-line somewhere.