Yashica C1956

History

Yashica entered the TLR market in the early 1950s, competing with Minolta, Ricoh, and the established German designs. The Yashica-C arrived in 1956 as a simplified, budget-oriented model designed to sell alongside the more capable Yashica-D and Yashica-LM variants. It replaced earlier Yashicaflex-branded models in the entry-level segment.

The Yashica TLR lineup evolved rapidly in the late 1950s. The Yashica-A (1958) followed as another budget option, and the metered Mat LM (1957) offered the same format with a built-in selenium cell. The Yashica-C was discontinued by approximately 1960 as the lineup consolidated around more capable models with meters and faster shutters.

For Yashica, the TLR line was a significant commercial success. The lessons learned in the C and D series fed into the Mat 124G (1970), one of the best-selling medium-format cameras ever produced.

Why It Matters

The Yashica-C is one of the most affordable entry points to 6×6 medium-format photography. Good working examples commonly sell for $40–$110 — making it accessible to photographers who want to try medium format without the investment of a Rolleiflex or even a Yashica-Mat 124G.

The Yashimar 80/3.5 taking lens, while not as refined as the later Yashinon, delivers good centre sharpness at f/5.6 and f/8 with pleasing rendering for portraits and landscapes. The all-mechanical design means no battery worries and robust longevity.

Lenses & Accessories

The Yashica-C accepts Bay 1 accessories shared across the Yashica TLR line:

• Bay 1 filters — yellow, orange, red, UV for B&W contrast work
• Close-up lens sets — diopter supplementary lenses for portrait distances
• Lens hood — Bay 1 slip-on metal shade
• Eye-level prism finder — clip-on accessory for eye-level shooting

Sample Photographers / Notable Use

• Used by Japanese amateur photographers of the late 1950s as an affordable entry to medium-format work.
• Sought today by new film photographers exploring the TLR format without spending heavily on a Yashica-Mat or Rolleiflex.
• Occasional use by portrait photographers who appreciate the 6×6 aspect ratio and waist-level finder for candid work.

References

• Camera-Wiki: Yashica C