Yashica ME-1 35mm viewfinder camera w/ CS-10 flash (serial 059277) | film🎞tested

The Yashica ME-1 is a stylish and compact 35mm zone focus* from the late 1970s. This camera was pretty clearly designed to compete with the classic Olympus Trip 35 and it is quite comparable in both optical and exposure performance. Unlike the Trip, the ME-1 uses a battery for its light meter (originally a mercury RM675 but our tests found a modern 357 silver oxide battery gives accurate exposures).  

*'Zone focus' cameras use pictograms on the lens (and marked distances) to help you focus. In our experience it's a very simple and effective system that often yields fewer blurry shots than an autofocus camera. For this camera there are 4 presets: 1m is a head and shoulders portrait framing; 1.5m for head and torso portrait framing; 3m for full body portraits, groups of people and snapshots; and infinity for scenery. 

The very compact Yashica CS-10 flash, which was designed for use with this camera, is included. See pages 28-32 of the manual linked below for tips on using the flash.

What's included

• Yashica ME-1 35mm zone focus camera
• Yashica YC-10 flash (with a case that can attach to the camera's wrist strap)
• Lens cap

Battery info

The camera requires a 357 silver oxide battery for its exposure meter (available as an option). The CS-10 flash requires a single AA battery (not included).

Condition notes

This ME-1 is in very good condition (see photos). We verified that both the autoexposure and the film plane focus accuracy are correct. We also film tested the camera and it delivered correctly exposed and focused photos. The CS-10 flash is also working correctly (due to its small size and the fact it only uses a single AA battery, please be advised it takes a bit longer than a modern flash to charge).

Manual

https://www.cameramanuals.org/yashica_pdf/yashica_me1.pdf

Specifications

• Type: 35mm EE camera with programmed shutter.
• Lens: Yashica Lens, 38mm F2.8; angular field 59 ; minimum focus 1 m.
• Shutter: Programmed behind-the-lens shutter (1/60 to 1/360 sec.). Built-in self-timer with approx. 8 sec. delay.
• Exposure control: Fully automatic exposure with “Top-Eye” CdS sensor; EV range EV9 (1/60 sec. at F2.8) to EV 17 (1/360 sec. at F19); ASA range 25 — 500; operates on one 1.35V mercury battery (Eveready EP-675R, UCAR EP-675R, Mallory RM-675R or equivalent).
• Viewfinder: Bright frame viewfinder with parallax correction frame; shows correct exposure, overexposure and underexposure; magnification 0.52X.
• Focusing: Rotating helicoid with distance scale and four focus symbols (Im, 1.5m, 3m and infinity); focus symbols visible in viewfinder.
• Film advance: Film advance dial; automatic resetting accumulative counter; crank film rewind.
• Safety device: Shutter release button locks when there is insufficient light for exposure.
• Other features: Aperture scale provided for flash photography; hot shoe for flash synch included; 46mm filter threads; hood diameter 48mm, slip-on type.
• Size: 118 X 72 x 54mm.
• Weight: 280 grams, without battery.