Yashica T4, T4 Super, T4 Super D
The Yashica T4 series of compact cameras was made by Kyocera beginning in the 1990s and running until the early 2000s. There are three main cameras in this group, and they were produced under a couple of alternative names, depending on their original market.
Yashica T4 - As seen here.
Yashica T4D - Includes a data back for imprinting date and time on exposures. Also known as the Kyocera Slim T.
Yashica T4 Super - Included a waist level "Super Scope" for framing shots. Also known as the T5 or Kyocera T Proof.
Yashica T4 Super D - Had a data back for imprinting date and time on exposures.
Regardless of which version you get, all the cameras in this line featured an outstanding Zeiss-designed 35mm f/3.5 Tessar lens which has become legendary for its sharpness and contrast. The lens is the main reason to get this camera. Beyond the lens, the camera is a fully automatic, relatively generic point and shoot. It has limited controls: a shutter button, a self-timer button and a flash mode button. Exposure and focusing is done automatically, as is film advance and rewind. The camera uses a DX reader to gauge film speed and it has an upper limit of 3200, making this a great low-light camera. Note that the DX reader rounds down to the nearest 100, so loading Portra 160 will cause the camera to expose it at ISO 100. Not a big deal but worth knowing about.
Driven by social media hype, these cameras have gone from cult classic to a crazy, mad stampede to own one. This has caused prices to skyrocket way beyond what the camera is arguably worth, even with its great lens. Additionally, we have noticed more and more of them failing over recent years, particularly due to circuit failure. So be very aware of their questionable future lifespan before plunking down the big bucks.
Then again, once you have it, you will likely love it as a pocket, point and shoot camera.
za/js
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