Yashica-A

Name: Yashica-A
Brand: Yashica

Yashica's entry-level TLR — affordable medium format for everyone.

1956–1969 6x6 on 120 film Made in Nagano, Japan

Photo: Aleksandr Savushkin · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

Specifications

Taking Lens	Yashimar/Yashikor 80mm f/3.5
Viewing Lens	Yashimar/Yashikor 80mm f/3.5
Lens Elements	3
Shutter	Copal
Shutter Speeds	1/25s - 1/300s + B
Light Meter	None
Filter Mount	Bay I
Focusing	Knob advance

Budget model
Export-focused (feet scale)
13 year production run
Simple, reliable design

History

The Yashica-A was designed as an accessible entry point to medium format photography. With a simple three-element Yashimar lens and basic controls, it proved that Japanese manufacturers could deliver quality at remarkable prices. Introduced in 1956, it helped establish Yashica as a serious camera maker.

Innovations

Budget-friendly pricing
Simplified controls

Collector Notes

Entry-level Yashica TLR. Simple but capable. Great for beginners.

Buying Tips

The Yashica-A is a bare-bones TLR with very little to go wrong. Here is what to check.

Shutter speeds: The A only has four speeds (1/25, 1/50, 1/100, 1/300 + B). Fire the shutter at each speed and listen for distinct timing differences — if they all sound the same, the shutter needs servicing.
No self-timer: Unlike the C and D models, the Yashica-A has no self-timer mechanism. If a listing mentions a self-timer, it may be misidentified.
No meter: There is no light meter to worry about, which eliminates a common failure point. Use a phone app or handheld meter instead.
Viewfinder clarity: Open the waist-level finder and check the focusing screen for brightness and evenness. A dim or uneven screen makes focusing difficult, especially in low light.
Price awareness: The Yashica-A is one of the cheapest TLRs on the market. Do not pay more than you would for a Yashica-D — the D has more shutter speeds and better build quality for a similar price.

See our complete TLR buying guide for a full inspection checklist.

Current Market Prices (USD)

Condition	Price Range
Poor	$25 – $50
Average	$50 – $80
Good	$80 – $120
Excellent	$120 – $160
Mint	$160 – $220

Source: eBay 2024

Shop for Yashica-A on eBay

Manuals & Documentation

Butkus.org

Photo Galleries

Shoot with your Yashica-A

TLR Companion is a free light meter app and film roll tracker built for TLR and medium format photographers. Meter light, load film, track every frame.

Planning a long exposure? TLR Companion handles ND filter compensation and reciprocity correction for 19 film stocks.