Yashica Twin Lens Reflex Guide - Focal Press January 1964
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HANDLING THE YASHICA REFLEX
In order to simplify the description and handling of the Yashica Reflex camera without being confused by different
features of individual models, this guide has been divided into a general section which applies to all models, while the
requirements and consequently different handling of each model are found on the "green pages".
For convenience, a symbolic reference system is also used in the general section. Wherever the sign # appears, further
details will be found in the camera pages of the green section for each camera type. The appropriate pages are marked
accordingly in the bottom left or right hand corner.
Holding
Hold the camera as steady as possible; the slightest shake, even if its effect is not visible in the negative, becomes apparent
in the enlargement. Always stand with your legs apart for extra steadiness.
When working with the reflex finder at chest-level, place cameras which have the focusing knob on the left side in the
palm of the right hand, with right index finger on the release on the front while thumb and index finger of the left hand rest
on the focusing knob. On cameras with the focusing knob on the right side hold camera in the left hand with left index
finger on the release, while thumb and index finger of the right hand move the focusing knob.
When using the eye-level finder hold up the camera so that the eye is level with the back sight in the focusing hood. Grip
the body with both hands, placing the index finger of the right hand on the release. Press the camera body against nose and
forehead to give it additional support.
To release the shutter, press the button with the right-hand index finger. Use finger pressure only, keeping the grip steady.
The pressure must be slow and smooth. The slower the exposure time, the smoother must be the release, as the risk of
camera shake and consequent blurring of the image is greater.
For slow speed exposures in the hand at chest-level, hold your breath and operate the release smoothly to avoid shake.
When using long exposures while holding the camera at eye-level rest the camera against some support, or at least lean
against something stable. In this way 1/8 sec., or more, can be risked without incurring camera shake.
A tripod is advisable when taking exposures of 1/15 sec. or longer or with the delayed-action release.
Left:
With these models which have
the focusing knob on the left-
hand side, support and steady
the camera with your right
hand thumb on the release
button, and operate the
focusing knob with the left
hand.
Right:
Where the focusing knob is on
the right-hand side, hold the
camera in the left hand with
the left index finger on the
release and operate the
focusing knob with the right
hand.
