Yashica Electro 35

• Low light photography (f/1.7)
• Budget rangefinder entry
• Learning aperture-priority

• Aperture-priority auto exposure
• Yashinon 45mm f/1.7 lens
• Rangefinder focusing
• Slow/over exposure warnings
• Accessory shoe and PC flash socket

• Battery dependent for shutter (without battery it fires at 1/500 only)
• Original battery no longer made
• Heavy for a rangefinder
• No manual shutter speeds (B and X only)

• Pad of Death (decaying foam spacer in the shutter release mechanism stops the shutter working properly)
• Battery adapter needed
• Electronic shutter failure
• Rangefinder haze/separation
• Sticky aperture blades

The Electro 35 (1966) was the first camera combining an electronically controlled shutter with aperture-priority automation, with a stepless Copal ELEC shutter from 30s to 1/500. A decaying pad in the shutter release is a known fault; ask whether it has been serviced. It needs a battery adapter for modern cells. Test the shutter at various speeds.

Typical range

£50 - £150

Excellent condition

~£200

Indicative, no dated source.

Prices as of 2025-12. UK market, may vary.