For some time, I have wanted to get another M-42 screw mount body, but one that takes modern batteries, has a working meter, and a metal shutter. I have been through way too many aged Pentax Spotmatics, Prrakticas, etc. I had a manual for a Yashica TL Electro X in my collection of printed materials, so I decided to look for one on Ebay. After some failed bidding attempts, I found a nice all-black model -- the latter version of the TL Electro with the atomic symbol on the front and the "ITS" designation. It was $29.99 (buy it now) with free shipping so I purchased it. The camera was even better-looking in front of me than it was on-line (which is not often the case). It was advertised as "100% working" and it does, but it might be a while until I have fully trusted the meter reading. However, the TL Electro X features:- Stop-down metering
- Uses a currently available 6v battery
- Mirror-lockup
- ISO hot shoe + PC sync terminals
- Vertical traveling metal focal-plane shutter
- B - 1/1000 sec shutter speeds
- DOF preview
- battery-check button
Now, those are fairly standard features, but not always the case for M42-mount cameras. I shot a roll of Kodak Gold 100 the day I got the camera -- and it was an overcast afternoon by then. However, I ventured out to Chelsea, MI to do some shooting to try out the camera. One thing that took some getting used to is the exposure system. Exposure adjustment is indicated by --> <-- arrows at the bottom of the viewfinder. When you have correct exposure, both arrows disappear. The metering is activated by holding down the lever on the front right of the camera, next to the lens. It also works as a depth of field preview button.
A few shots from the day...
A bunch of creepy doll parts -- probably f/2 at 1/15 or 1/30 sec.
An REO Speedwagon with "rustic" art bolted or welded on. Not sure what to make of it, but the truck did run, and was quite a spectacle. Thankfully, it had a "chase car" as I am sure it wasn't going too fast.
Milling about. There are not many small towns anymore that have an industry still in town, next to other businesses and residential areas. The Chelsea Milling Co., home of Jiffy Mix is right in downtown Chelsea, making for a scene that is nostalgic and yet contemporary.
I thought the lens I used -- from an earlier Yashica purchase, the Yashica J-P -- is rather soft and not contrasty, so the next roll was shot with a Cosina 55mm f/1.7 lens, and I'll see how that performed after I develop the b&w film. Overall, this camera is a beauty, and works well. The price was a steal, and I look forward to using it with other M-42 lenses.
