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{{Short description|Japanese camera manufacturer}}
{{Infobox company
|name = Yashica
| native_name = 株式会社ヤシカ
| native_name_lang = ja
| romanized_name = Kabushiki-gaisha Yashika
|type = [[Kabushiki gaisha]]
|foundation = December 1949<br>[[Nagano Prefecture|Nagano]], [[Japan]]
|location = Nagano, Japan
| area_served = Worldwide
|industry = [[Photography]], [[Rangefinder camera]], [[SLR camera]]s, [[Digital Imaging]]
|products = [[Camera]]s, [[photographic lens]]es, and other optical equipment
|homepage = {{URL|http://www.yashica.com}}
}}
[[File:Yashica Electro 35 GSN.jpg|thumb|Yashica Electro 35 GSN]]
{{Nihongo|'''Yashica Co., Ltd.'''|株式会社ヤシカ|[[Kabushiki Gaisha|Kabushiki-gaisha]] Yashica}} was a Japanese manufacturer of cameras, lenses, and film editing equipment active from 1949<ref name="heiberg"/> until 2005<ref name="ap_2008"/> when its then-owner, [[Kyocera]], ceased production. It acquired the lens manufacturer Tomioka (Tomioka Optical Co., Ltd).
In 2008, the Yashica name reappeared on cameras produced by the [[Hong Kong]]–based [[MF Jebsen Group]].<ref name="ap_2008"/> In 2015, trademark rights were transferred to Yashica International Company Limited and appointed 100 Enterprises International Group Co. Limited as Yashica Global Sole Agent.{{citation needed|date=October 2018}}
==History==
The company began in December 1949 in [[Nagano Prefecture|Nagano]], Japan, when the Yashima Seiki Company was founded with an initial investment of $566.<ref name="heiberg">Heiberg, Milton, ''The Yashica Guide, A Modern Camera Guide Series Book'', New York: Amphoto Press, {{ISBN|0-8174-2151-3}}, p. 10</ref> Its eight employees originally manufactured components for electric clocks.<ref name="Heiberg, p. 10">Heiberg, p. 10</ref>  Later, they began making camera components, and by June 1953 had introduced their first complete camera, the [[Yashimaflex]], a [[Twin lens reflex|twin-lens reflex]] (TLR) medium-format camera designed for 6x6 cm [[medium format film]]. While the Yashimaflex used lenses labeled ''Tri-Lausar'', successive models used ''Yashikor'' and ''Yashinon'' lenses.  All of these lenses were manufactured for Yashica by the [[Tomioka Optical Works]], beginning a relationship that lasted for many years.<ref>Condax, Phillip, ''The Evolution Of The Japanese Camera'', Rochester, NY: International Museum of Photography (1984), {{ISBN|978-0-935398-11-3}}</ref> Late in 1953, Yashima Seiki Company became Yashima Optical Industry Company, Ltd.<ref name="Heiberg, p. 10"/>
In 1957, Yashima founded Yashica, Inc., a subsidiary arm in [[New York City]] to manage marketing efforts in the United States.<ref name="Heiberg, p. 10"/><ref>''Modern Photography'' (December 1957), p. 133</ref>  1957 also marked the introduction of a popular new TLR camera series, the Yashica Mat line.,<ref name="Heiberg, p. 10"/> as well as an 8mm cine movie camera. Yashima continued to grow, with 1,982 employees by 1958<ref name="Heiberg, p. 10"/>  when it changed its name to Yashica Company, Ltd, on acquiring the Nicca Camera Company, Ltd.<ref name="Heiberg, p. 10"/>  The Nicca acquisition was fortunate, as the designs acquired assisted Yashica in expanding its product line into advanced 35&nbsp;mm rangefinder cameras.
The [[Yashica Pentamatic]], an advanced, modern 35&nbsp;mm [[Single Lens Reflex]] (SLR) camera with a proprietary bayonet-mount, automatic diaphragm (offered only with the ''Auto Yashinon'' 50mm/1.8 lens), and interchangeable lenses, was introduced in 1959.  As before, Yashica continued to source its lenses from the Tomioka Optical factory.
Around 1959–1960, Yashica acquired the assets of the bankrupt Zunow Optical Industry Co. Ltd.<ref>''[http://www.pacificrimcamera.com/pp/zunow/zunow.htm Photographica Pages: Zunow]'', Pacific Rim Camera</ref><ref>''[http://www.pacificrimcamera.com/pp/zunow/cine.htm Post-Bankruptcy Zunow-Yashinon Labeled Cine Lens]'', Zunow Cine Equipment, Pacific Rim Camera</ref>  Though a small company, Zunow had become known for limited production of a very advanced 35&nbsp;mm SLR camera, along with several high-quality, fast 35&nbsp;mm camera and 8mm cine (movie) lens designs and a proprietary bayonet-mount lens system similar to that of Yashica Pentamatic.  With the assistance of Tomioka Optical Works, Yashica adapted Zunow lens designs into its own 8mm turret cine (movie) cameras.<ref>''Zunow Cine Equipment: Zunow-Yashinon V'', Pacific Rim Camera</ref>
[[File:Yashica frII.jpg|thumb|Top of FRII]]Like Zunow, Yashica found it difficult to gain market acceptance with its proprietary SLR lens mount, and redesigned its SLR camera line in 1962 to accept the [[Contax]]/Praktica [[M42 lens mount]].<ref name=REY>Reynolds, Clyde, ''The Contax RTS and Yashica SLR Bayonet and Screw Mount Book'', New York: Focal Press (1978), {{ISBN|0-8038-1242-6}}, pp. 10, 24</ref>  The new SLR camera was introduced as the Penta J.
In December 1965, Yashica introduced the world's first commercially successful electronically controlled 35&nbsp;mm camera, the [[Yashica Electro 35]], a popular [[rangefinder camera]] that in various model subvariants eventually sold 8 million units.<ref>Rockwell, Ken, ''[http://www.kenrockwell.com/yashica/electro-35.htm Yashica Electro 35]''</ref> The company continued to expand its international markets, and in August 1968, Yashica acquired its lens manufacturer, the Tomioka Optical and Machine Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (later renamed the Tomioka Optical Co. Ltd.).<ref name="Heiberg, p. 10"/>  By this time, Tomioka was one of the largest and most reputable lens manufacturers in Japan. Sales of 35&nbsp;mm SLRs continued to grow steadily, and Yashica was quickly acquiring a reputation for both electronic camera expertise and high-quality optics. 1968 also marked the year of Yashica's last major TLR camera design, the Yashica Mat-124, a popular model which combined some of the best features of Yashica's earlier TLR cameras.
In 1968, Yashica introduced the TL Electro-X 35&nbsp;mm [[Single-lens reflex cameras|single lens reflex]] (SLR) camera and produced it until 1974. It had a [[screw thread]] [[lens mount]], the [[M42 lens mount]], for its interchangeable lenses. It also had an all-electronic [[Through-the-lens metering|through-the-lens]] [[Light meter|exposure meter]] in the viewfinder using lighted arrows (not true LEDs, which were first introduced with the Fujica ST801). The [[Nidec Copal Corporation|Copal]] Square SE shutter, a vertically-travelling metal blade focal plane shutter made by Copal Corporation, used in the camera, was electronically controlled.<ref>[http://www.thecamerasite.net/01_SLR_Cameras/Pages/yashicatl.htm "Yashica TL-Electro X"], ''thecamerasite.net''</ref><ref>Yashica TL Electro-X manual</ref>
In 1970, Yashica introduced their final TLR camera, the Yashica Mat-124G, perhaps the most evolved of the TLR variants.<ref name=BRK>''[http://www.brooklynfilmcamera.com/cameras/yashica-mat-124g Brooklyn Film Camera: Yashicamat 124G]'', retrieved 14 May 2022</ref>  Like several of the earlier versions it featured a built in light meter.<ref name=BRK/>  Settings to the shutter speed and aperture had to be made manually but it allowed the camera to be used without an additional handheld meter.<ref name=BRK/>  The 124G allowed conversion from 120 roll film to 220 roll film. Another improvement was the film advance lever, which now controlled both shutter and film advance.<ref name=BRK/>
In 1972, Yashica introduced the TL Electro 35&nbsp;mm SLR camera which was similar to the [[Pentax Spotmatic]] camera made by the [[Pentax|Asahi Optical Company]] ([[Pentax]]). The TL Electro also used a lighted exposure meter display similar to that in the TL Electro-X, as well as the M42 screw threaded [[lens mount]] for its interchangeable lenses.<ref>Nakamura, Karen, [http://www.photoethnography.com/ClassicCameras/YashicaTLElectro.html "Yashica TL Electro"], ''photoethnography.com'', January 7, 2011</ref>
===Collaboration with Carl Zeiss and Contax===
In 1973, Yashica the company began ''Top Secret Project 130'', a collaboration with Carl [[Carl Zeiss AG|Zeiss]] that produced the [[Contax RTS|RTS]] (for "real time system"), a new, professional 35&nbsp;mm SLR with an electronically controlled shutter bearing the [[Contax]] brand.<ref>Contax Cameras UK, [http://www.contaxcameras.co.uk/history.asp "The History Of Contax"], retrieved 22 April 2010</ref>  A new prestige line of Yashica/Contax lenses designed by Carl Zeiss was introduced for the camera, with a common C/Y bayonet mount allowing lens interchange between all 35&nbsp;mm Contax and Yashica SLR camera models.<ref>Reynolds, p. 10</ref> The F.&nbsp;Alexander Porsche Group was hired to complete an ergonomic and styling study of the new camera. The new Contax RTS appeared at [[photokina 1974|photokina]] in 1974, and became a commercial success. Yashica soon introduced several new [[35&nbsp;mm format|35&nbsp;mm]] [[single lens reflex|SLR]] cameras beginning with the FX-1 (1975) and FX-2 (1976).  Also in that year, in response to the success of the Contax RTS, Yashica developed the upscale Yashica FR using some of the features of the RTS, including its electromagnetic shutter release.<ref name="Heiberg, p. 10"/>  The FR was capable of using the entire range of Carl Zeiss T* lenses. In contemporaneous tests, the FR was described as being tougher in some ways than the more expensive Contax RTS, including better sealing against dust and contaminants.<ref>Goldberg, Norman, Frank, Michele, and Rothschild, Norman, ''Lab Report: Yashica FR'', Popular Photography, September 1977, p. 10</ref>  This practice of "pairing" similar Contax models with more affordable, less full-featured, but still high-quality Yashica models would continue for the next ten years. The FR was quickly followed in April 1977 by the FR-I and FR-II.<ref name="Heiberg, p. 10"/>  The FR-I was a 35&nbsp;mm SLR offering even more features of the RTS, including an electronic shutter with both manual and aperture priority modes, and marked the high point for the Yashica brand in competing with Nikon, Canon, and Minolta for the semi-professional SLR camera market.<ref name=REY/>
[[File:FX3S2000.jpg|thumb|A black Yashica FX-3 Super 2000]]
In 1979, Yashica introduced a new inexpensive 35&nbsp;mm consumer SLR, the FX-3, intended for entry-level buyers.<ref name=MP>''Yashica's FX-3: Basic, Black, And Beautiful'', Modern Photography, January 1980, pp. 116-120</ref>  Designed and manufactured to Yashica specifications by [[Cosina]], the affordable FX-3 still incorporated the C/Y lens mount that would also accept Carl Zeiss T* lenses.<ref name=MP/><ref name=MCK>McKeown, James M., ''McKeown's Price Guide To Antique & Classic Cameras 2005-2006'', Grantsburg, WI: Centennial Photo Service (2004), {{ISBN|978-0931838415}}</ref> This simple, lightweight manual-exposure SLR camera sold well, and with minor revisions, stayed in production until 2002.<ref name=MCK/>
===Kyocera era===
In October 1983, Yashica Company Ltd. was acquired by ceramics giant [[Kyocera]]. Initially, the merger resulted in few outward changes. The manual-focus (MF) FX-103 Program, introduced in 1985, continued the "pairing" tradition of high-end Yashica SLR models with Contax (Contax 159&nbsp;mm), and was the first Yashica SLR with TTL flash and full programmed exposure capabilities.
After 1983, all Yashica brand cameras were marketed by Kyocera (Kyoto Ceramics), which also made newer Contax cameras. By 1985, the company was facing intense market competition from other manufacturers, especially [[Minolta]], which had introduced a competitively priced and advanced autofocus 35&nbsp;mm SLR camera. Yashica eventually introduced its own autofocus 35&nbsp;mm SLR camera line that was overpriced and poorly marketed in comparison to its competition. In response, Kyocera gradually repositioned the brand as a budget-priced [[point-and-shoot camera]] line, moving production from Japan to Hong Kong, and discontinued high-end SLR camera production.
In 2005, Kyocera halted production on all Contax, Yashica, and other Kyocera-branded film and digital cameras.<ref name="pr_2005">{{cite press release|publisher=Kyocera Yashica|date=12 April 2005|url=http://www.contaxcameras.co.uk/index.asp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100327125735/http://www.contaxcameras.co.uk/index.asp|archive-date=27 March 2010|title=Information From Kyocera-Yashica UK Ltd.|access-date=22 April 2010}}</ref><ref name="ap_2008"/><ref>Goldheart, Sam, ''[https://www.ifixit.com/Device/Yashica_Camera Yashica Camera Repair: Background and Identification]'', retrieved 2022-5-12</ref><ref name=DJD>Djudjic, Dunja, ''[https://www.diyphotography.net/yashica-teases-a-new-product-four-years-after-y35-digifilm-fiasco/ Yashica Teases A New Product Four Years After Y35 Digifilm Fiasco]'', 3 January 2022, retrieved 14 May 2022</ref>
===The New Yashica Corporation===
In 2008, Kyocera sold the trademark rights of Yashica Inc. to Hong Kong-based MF Jebsen Group, and is under its [[subsidiary]] JNC Datum Tech International, Limited.  In late 2017, Yashica announced a digital camera, the Y35 DigiFilm camera, which raised $1.28 million on Kickstarter.<ref name=DJD/>  The Y35, styled to resemble the old Yashica Electro 35 film camera, incorporated 'digifilm' – interchangeable faux 35 film canisters that set a precise combination of ISO and size aspect ratios.<ref name=DJD/>  However, many owners reported multiple issues with design and functionality.<ref name=DJD/>
Yashica's products from JNC Datum Tech International have included digital cameras, digital camcoders, [[digital photo frame]]s, [[portable DVD player]]s, digital audio players, digital voice recorders, [[binoculars]], mobile phones, [[SD card]]s, and 35mm films.<ref name=DJD/>
==Camera models 1949–2005==
===TLRs===
[[File:Yashica-D front.jpg|thumb|Yashica-D with later f/2.8 viewing lens]]
[[File:Yashica Mat 124G 7683.jpg|thumb|Yashica Mat 124G]]
{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
*Pigeonflex (1953)
*Yashimaflex (1953)
*YashicaFlex (1953)
*MolfoReflex (1953)
*Yashicaflex A, AS I & II (1954)
*Yashica C (1955)
*Yashicaflex Rookie (1956)
*Yashica B (1957)
*Yashica LM (1957)
*Yashica-Mat (1957)
*Yashica A (1958),  D (1958)
*Yashica 44 (1958)
*Yashica-D (1958)
*Yashica 635 (1958)
*Yashica Auto (1959)
*Yashica Mat LM (1959)
*Yashica 44LM (1959)
*Yashica 44A (1960)
*Yashica Mat EM (1964)
*Yashica E (1964)
*Yashica 24 (1965)
*Yashica 12 (1967)
*Yashica-Mat 124 (1968)
*Yashica-Mat 124 G (1970)
*Yashica-Mat 124 B (1975) (Brazil-only export variant of 124G, no exposure meter)
<ref name=MCK/>
{{div col end}}
===35&nbsp;mm rangefinder===
{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
*[[Yashica Electro 35|Electro 35]]
*Electro 35 FC
*Electro 35 CC
*Electro 35 MC
*Electro 35 CCN
*Electro 35 GL
*Electro 35 GS
*Electro 35 GSN
*Electro 35 GT
*Electro 35 GTN
*Electro 35 GX
*Yashica 35
*Yashica 35-f
*Yashica Minister II
*Yashica Minister III
*Yashica 35J
*Yashica EE
*[[Yashica Lynx]]
*Yashica MG-1
*Yashica Minimatic C
*Yashica Minimatic S
*Yashica Minimatic EL
*Yashica Minister 700
*Yashica Minister D
*Yashica Campus
<ref name=MCK/>
{{div col end}}
===35&nbsp;mm SLR cameras===
[[File:Yashica FR-I.jpg|thumb|Yashica FR-I SLR with a ML 50 mm {{f/}}1.7 lens]]
[[File:Yashica FX-7.jpg|thumb|Yashica FX-7 (1979–1984)]]
[[File:YASHICA_FX-7_SUPER.jpg|thumb|YASHICA_FX-7_SUPER]]
{{div col|colwidth=28em}}
*Electro-AX
*Electro-X
*FFT
*FR
*FR-I
*FR-II
*FX-1
*FX-2
*FX-3
*FX-3 Super
*FX-3 Super 2000
*FX-7
*FX-7 Super [https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Yashica%20FX-7%20Super Yashica FX-7 Super]
*FX-8 <small>(Only China)</small>
*FX-70
*FX-80 <small>(Only China)</small>
*FX-103
*FX-800 Super <small>(Only China)</small>
*FX-A <small>(less than 1400 pieces Only US & Europe)</small>
[[File:Yashica FX-A Winder 1.7 Planar.jpg|thumb|Rarest of Yashica 35mm SLRs]]
*FX-D
*FX-D SE
*Penta J (and successors J-3, J-5, J-7 and J-P)
*Pentamatic
*Pentamatic II
*TL-E
*TL Electro
*TL-Electro-X
*TL Super
*107MP/TR-7000/Revue AC-7/DAEWOO 107MP
*108MP/Revue AC-8/YODOBASHI CAMERA <small>(Japan Only)</small>
*109MP
*200AF
*210AF <small>(Kyocera Brand Only)</small>
*230AF
*270AF/230 Super
*300AF
*Dental Eye I
*Dental Eye II
*Dental Eye III/Medical Eye <small>(Only Japan)</small>
<ref name="Heiberg, p. 10"/>
<ref name=REY/>
<ref name=MCK/>
{{div col end}}
===Compact 35&nbsp;mm===
[[File:Yashica MF-2 super.jpg|thumb|300px|Yashica MF-2 super]]
{{div col|colwidth=28em}}
*Yashica AF-J
*Yashica AF-J 2
*Yashica AF-J 3
*Yashica auto focus
*Yashica auto focus motor
*Yashica auto focus motor D
*Yashica Auto Focus Motor II
*Yashica LAF
*Yashica Lynx
*Yashica MF-2
*Yashica MF-2 super
*Yashica MF-3
*Yashica MF-3 super
*Yashica 35-ME
*Yashica 35-MF
*Yashica 35-MC
*Yashica MG-2 AutoFlash
*Yashica Motor J
*Yashica Partner
*Yashica Partner AF
*Yashica T
*Yashica T-Zoom / T4 Zoom / Kyocera T-Zoom
*Yashica T2 / Kyocera T
*Yashica T3 / Kyocera T Scope
*Yashica T3 Super / Kyocera T Scope2
*Yashica T4 / T4 (Safari Edition)
*Yashica T4D / Kyocera Slim T / Slim T (Safari Edition)
*Yashica T4 Super / T5
*Yashica T4 Super D / T5D / Kyocera T
*Yashica Kyocera EZ Junior
<ref name=MCK/>
{{div col end}}
===Compact Digital===
*Kyocera DA-1 (1996)
*Yashica KC-350(1997)
*Yashica KC-600(1997)
*Kyocera VP-110 CMOS Camera(1997)
*Yashica Samurai 1300DG (1998)
*Yashica Samurai 2100DG (1999)
<ref name=MCK/>
[[File:Yashica 8.jpg|thumb|Yashica 8]]
===Super 8mm movie camera===
* Yashica Super YXL-1,1
* Yashica Super YXL-100
* Yashica Super-40k
* Yashica Super-50
* Yashica U-Matic Super 8
* Yashica Nicca Super 30 Electronic
* Yashica Super 8 10
* Yashica Super-800 Electro
<ref name=MCK/>
<ref>''[http://www.yashicatlr.com/Yashica8.html YashicaTLR.com: Yashica 8, 8S, 8T & 8T-2 - the first of the 8 mm movie cameras]'', retrieved 14 May 2022</ref>
==Other products==
Yashica sold various electronic devices including 8 mm film editing equipment, radios, and tape recorders.
==Post-2005 camera models==
*MF-1
*MF-2
*Yashica Y35
==See also==
+ [[Contax#Yashica/Kyocera-licensed_models|Contax/Yashica]]
==References==
{{Reflist|refs=
<ref name="ap_2008">{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181028224806/https://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk/latest/photo-news/yashica-camera-brand-is-reborn-26493|archive-date=28 October 2018|url=https://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk/latest/photo-news/yashica-camera-brand-is-reborn-26493|date=13 February 2008|quote=The Yashica camera brand has made a comeback [..] Former brand owner, Kyocera, ended production of Yashica-branded compacts in 2005. [..] Morihiro Akasaki, a former managing director at Kyocera's European office is now the MD of Yashica [..] The Yashica cameras are being supplied by Hong Kong-based firm JNC Datum Tech International, the technology arm of MF Jebsen|title=Yashica camera brand is reborn|website=AmateurPhotographer.co.uk}}</ref>
}}
==Sources==
* {{cite book
|last=Reynolds
|first=Clyde
|title=The Contax RTS and Yashica SLR Bayonet and Screw Mount Book
|publisher=Focal Press
|year=1978
|location=London
|isbn=0-240-50978-1
}}
* {{cite book
|last=Heiberg
|first=Milton
|title=The Yashica Guide, A Modern Camera Guide Series Book
|publisher=Amphoto
|year=1979
|location=New York
|isbn=0-8174-2151-3
}}
==External links==
{{Commons category|Yashica}}
* {{Official website}}
* [https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Yashica%20FX-7%20Super Media in Category : Yashica FX-7 Super]
* [http://www.yashica-guy.com/ Yashica Electro 35 & Classic Rangefinder site]
* [http://www.yashicaddiction.com/ Yashica Rangefinder Camera Resource site]
* [http://collectiblend.com/Cameras/Yashica/ Yashica Cameras Price Guide] – completed auction prices.
* [http://www.yashicatlr.com/ Yashica TLR Site]
* [https://techlounger.com/2019/04/28/yashica-unveils-three-cameras-and-two-new-negative-rolls/ Yashica Unveils Three Cameras and Two New Negative Rolls]
{{Kyocera}}
{{Authority control}}
[[Category:Yashica| ]]
[[Category:Defunct manufacturing companies of Japan]]
[[Category:Defunct defense companies of Japan]]
[[Category:Photography companies of Japan]]
[[Category:Japanese brands]]
[[Category:1949 establishments in Japan]]
[[Category:1983 mergers and acquisitions]]