The Yashica GTN is a 35mm film camera that made its debut in 1973. Designed for both photography enthusiasts and hobbyists, it features an aperture priority mode, which makes it easy to use for photographers of all skill levels. This user-friendly approach helped the GTN become a favourite among families and everyday users looking for a reliable camera to capture life's precious moments.
With its portable design and sturdy design, the GTN is also an excellent companion for travellers wanting to document their adventures. Today, both the Yashica GTN and its chrome counterpart, the GSN, are celebrated as classics among film photography lovers. Their timeless design and ease of use continue to appeal to a new generation of photographers.
In this classic camera review, we’ll explore what makes the Yashica Electro 35 GTN great, along with some important things to know before you try one out for yourself.
A Brief History
Founded in 1949, Yashica Co, Ltd. started with eight employees producing components for electric clocks. In June 1953, Yashica launched its first complete product, the Yashimaflex, a twin-lens reflex (TLR) medium-format camera.
In the 1960s, Yashica faced challenges in gaining market acceptance for its 35mm cameras. To address this issue, they redesigned their SLR line in 1962 to accept the Contax/Praktica M42 lens mount. A significant breakthrough came in December 1965 with the introduction of the Yashica Electro 35, recognised as the world’s first commercially successful electronically controlled 35mm camera. This popular rangefinder ultimately sold 8 million units.
Throughout the late 1960s and 1970s, Yashica released several variants of the Electro 35, including the G, GT, and GSN, each featuring improvements in optical quality and metering systems. However, the rise of compact cameras and point-and-shoots led to the discontinuation of the Electro 35 line by the 1980s.
Facing fierce competition, particularly from Minolta’s advanced autofocus SLRs, Yashica shifted its focus toward budget-friendly point-and-shoot cameras, halting film camera production entirely by 2005. In 2008, there was a brief revival of the brand with the Y35 DigiFilm camera, but it faced numerous challenges and received largely negative feedback.
Aesthetics and Build Quality
For many consumers, the appealing aesthetics of the Electro series take precedence over its photo-taking abilities. While the chrome version, the GSN, gained notoriety after appearing in The Amazing Spider-Man, the GTN’s sleek black body and subtle gold lettering remain visually striking yet less flashy.
The ‘electron’ emblem on the front symbolizes the Electro 35's electronically powered exposure system, adding a "space age" vibe. Unique red and yellow exposure indicators on the top plate also contribute to its retro look, distinguishing it from competing rangefinders of its class.
Primarily constructed of metal, the body of the GTN provides a robust feel, giving confidence that it can withstand regular use. The well-regarded Yashica 45mm f/1.7 lens produces sharp images, and on a well-maintained GTN, the aperture ring moves smoothly with distinct clicks at each f-stop.
Priced for serious enthusiasts rather than professionals, the GTN strikes a balance between usability and quality. Although the GTN may not be a high-end camera, its electronic exposure control was innovative for its time and wasn't commonly found in other brands from that era.
Layout and Controls
Starting at the top plate, you'll find the shutter button with a lock switch to avoid any unwanted exposures. Next to it is an ISO dial ranging from 25 to 1000, along with an exposure indicator that shows yellow for slow shutter speeds and red for overexposure.
The only other items on the top plate are the film rewind spool, hot shoe, film advance lever, and frame counter.
On the back of the camera, there's a battery check button. When pressed, a green light in the frame counter is illuminated.
The battery chamber is located at the bottom of the camera. The GTN originally used two 1.3-volt mercury batteries, specifically the PX625 type, for its light meter. However, due to the phasing out of mercury batteries, users now have to opt for alternatives such as 1.5-volt silver oxide batteries (like the SR44) or lithium batteries (such as the LR44) with a battery adapter to ensure proper fit and function. Also on the bottom of the camera is the rewind release and tripod mount.
The GTN is an aperture priority camera, this means the only controls you will use while shooting are the aperture and focus rings, which are both located on the lens.
On the front of the lens, you’ll find controls for Bulb mode (which is used for long exposure shots), Auto mode (which is the primary shooting setting), and the flash selector. Additionally, there is a timer on the lens, but it's important to be cautious with this feature, as it's often the part that breaks most frequently. Repairing it requires completely dismantling the lens, so it's probably best to leave it alone if possible.
Focusing and Shooting
When looking through the rangefinder, users will see parallax-corrected frame lines, providing an accurate representation of the captured scene. Focus is achieved by using a rangefinder patch; users rotate the focus ring to align the two overlapping images.
At the top of the frame are indicators showing if the shutter speed is too slow or if the image will be overexposed. Adjusting the aperture ring in the direction of the illuminated arrow corrects exposure issues. Users with glasses may struggle to see the arrows, as your eye needs to be very close to the viewfinder.
Features and specifications
Metering: The GTN employs a through-the-lens (TTL) centre-weighted metering system, averaging light readings while emphasising the centre of the frame. I found the accuracy of the light meter impressive for a camera over 50 years old.
Shutter Speeds: Ranges from 30 seconds to 1/500 seconds, including bulb mode.
Size: 152 x 92 x 76mm
Weight: 728.4 g
Timer: 8 seconds
Hot Shoe: X contact, non-removable hot shoe.
Production Run: 1973 - 1977
Handling
Shooting with the GTN is enjoyable, thanks to its smooth advance lever and dials. However, at first, I found the focus ring felt slightly cramped due to its proximity to the camera body. Focusing is still quick and easy, though less precise than shooting with an SLR.
While often labelled as a travel camera, the GTN is still relatively large by today’s standards and won't easily fit into pockets. Those needing something smaller might consider Yashica's CC model.
Reliability
The Yashica GTN and GSN are generally considered reliable cameras. However, like any mechanical device, they can experience issues due to age.
One common problem, known as the "Pad of Death," occurs when a piece of foam degrades, preventing the secondary post from locking properly. When the film is advanced, the camera should make its characteristic "thunk" sound. There are many helpful YouTube tutorials on this, but buying refurbished models can offer more peace of mind.
Mechanical issues due to aging are particularly common in cameras that have been sitting unused for long periods. Fortunately, it’s easier to find parts and repair services for the GTN due to its popularity.
Most cameras from Yashica's era could benefit from a CLA (Clean, Lubricate, Adjust), but with a little care and regular use, they can remain reliable for many years.
Price
Prices for the Yashica GTN typically range from £60 to £180 on auction sites, while used camera shops usually charge around £200. Given its popularity, you shouldn't have trouble finding one, and with patience, you can score good deals online.
When shopping, ensure you only purchase from highly rated sellers or opt for reputable used camera shops that offer warranties. Before making a purchase, consider other rangefinder cameras in a similar price range, such as the Canon Canonet, Minolta Hi-Matic, and Olympus 35.
For a more budget-friendly compact alternative, the Ricoh 500G offers similar features at a lower price point, though its plastic build may not provide the same refined user experience.
Lens and Image Quality
The Electro 35 is fitted with a fixed 6-elements, 4-groups Color-Yashinon 40mm f/1.7 lens, a reputedly sharp lens that is identical to their one with a mount for SLR cameras.
For sample photos, click here.
Conclusion
Overall, the Yashica Electro 35 series, including the GTN, offers a premium feel and comfortably sits in the mid-range of the 35mm rangefinder market. Despite recent price increases due to its appearances in popular media and coverage from YouTube creators, this camera is an excellent recommendation for both film novices and seasoned enthusiasts.
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