Yashica T4 Review: A Camera So Hot, You’ll Want to Take it on a Date

Ready to up your photography game with a compact film camera that’s as stylish as it is capable? Look no further than the Yashica T4. Since its release in 1991, this little camera has been causing a stir among photographers with its sleek design and top-notch lens. In this review, we’ll be taking a closer look at the Yashica T4 to see if it’s worth all the hype. Whether you’re a seasoned film shooter or new to the medium, the Yashica T4 is a camera that is sure to make you smile. So, grab your favorite roll of film and let’s see what this camera can do!

Design and build quality

First things first, let’s talk about the Yashica T4’s looks. This camera is a total babe. With its all-black body and sleek lines, it’s the kind of camera that makes people stop and stare (and maybe even ask to take a selfie with it). But don’t be fooled by its good looks – the Yashica T4 is also built to last. Despite being made mostly of plastic, this camera feels solid and well-constructed. It’s the kind of camera that you can toss in your bag and not worry about it getting banged up. So go ahead, take it on all your adventures – the Yashica T4 can handle it.

Handling and ergonomics

The Yashica T4 is a pleasure to shoot with. It fits snugly in your hand and the controls are easy to use. The viewfinder is bright and easy to see through, making it a breeze to compose your shots. And the best part? No fiddly menus to navigate – just point and shoot. Whether you’re an experienced photographer or a total beginner, the Yashica T4 is a camera that anyone can pick up and start using right away.

“a camera that has a lot of soul.” Alex Webb

Image quality

The Yashica T4 really shines when it comes to image quality. Whether you’re shooting in bright sunlight or dimly lit interiors, this camera produces images that are nothing short of stunning. The dynamic range is impressive, and the camera is capable of shooting with a variety of film stocks, including color negative, slide, and black and white. So go ahead, get creative and experiment with different looks and styles. The Yashica T4 is ready for anything.

Features and functionality

Packed with a variety of features that make the Yashica T4 a pleasure to use. The camera offers a range of shooting modes, including automatic exposure, as well as a self-timer function. There’s also a flash synchro socket for those times when you need a little extra light. And with its multiple exposure feature, the Yashica T4 lets you get creative and produce some truly unique images. The camera also has a built-in flash that can be handy in a pinch, although it’s not the most powerful flash you’ll ever use. But hey, sometimes a little bit of light is better than no light at all, right?

Specifications

• Film format: 35mm
• Lens: Carl Zeiss Tessar T* 35mm f/3.5
• Focusing: Fixed focus
• Shutter speed: 1/30 – 1/500 sec
• Aperture: f/3.5 – f/16
• Flash: Built-in flash with synchro socket
• Power source: 2x AAA batteries

Common issues

Like any mechanical device, the Yashica T4 is not without its flaws. One common issue that users have reported is the tendency for the camera to jam when the film is being advanced. This can be frustrating, but it’s usually an easy fix – just rewind the film and try again. Another issue that some users have experienced is the camera’s flash not firing consistently. This can be caused by a variety of factors, such as low battery power or a faulty synchro socket. In most cases, these issues can be easily resolved by replacing the batteries or having the camera serviced. But let’s be real – these are minor quirks in an otherwise fantastic camera.

The Yashica T4 Through the Eyes of Famous Photographers

• Alex Webb: Known for his vivid and colorful street photographs, Alex Webb has been shooting with the Yashica T4 for many years. In an interview with Juxtapoz Magazine, Webb said that the Yashica T4 is “a camera that has a lot of soul.”

• Bruce Gilden: Known for his raw and candid street photographs, Bruce Gilden has also been a fan of the Yashica T4. In an interview with Time LightBox, Gilden spoke about the camera’s simplicity and its ability to produce high-quality images.

• William Eggleston: Widely regarded as one of the pioneers of color photography, William Eggleston has also been known to use the Yashica T4. In an interview with The New York Times, Eggleston spoke about the camera’s “brilliant” lens and its ability to produce images with great detail and clarity.

• Trent Parke: Australian photographer Trent Parke is known for his candid and intimate street photographs. In an interview with Lomography, Parke spoke about his love for the Yashica T4, saying “I love the lens on it, it’s just beautiful.”

• Antoine D’Agata: French photographer Antoine D’Agata is known for his raw and intimate photographs of marginalized communities. D’Agata has spoken about using the Yashica T4 to create images that are “dark and raw, as if the film was stained by the subject.”

• Mark Cohen: American photographer Mark Cohen is known for his candid and raw street photographs. Cohen has spoken about using the Yashica T4 to create images that are “unforgiving and raw, with a distinct and powerful vision.”

• Terry Richardson: American fashion and portrait photographer Terry Richardson has also been known to use the Yashica T4. In an interview with Vogue, Richardson spoke about the camera’s “amazing” lens and its ability to produce “incredible” images.

Budget Alternatives to the Yashica T5

• Olympus XA: This tiny camera packs a punch with its sharp 35mm f/2.8 lens and range of manual controls. Its compact size and sleek design make it a great option for photographers who want a discreet camera that they can take anywhere. Plus, with its autofocus and rangefinder hybrid system, you can be sure that your shots will be sharp and in focus.

• Canon Sure Shot Owl: With its chunky, retro-inspired design, the Canon Sure Shot Owl is a camera that is sure to turn heads. It offers a 35mm f/2.8 lens and a range of manual controls, as well as a built-in flash for those low-light situations. Its simple, easy-to-use design makes it a great option for photographers of all levels.

• Konica Big Mini BM-201: Don’t let the name fool you – the Konica Big Mini BM-201 is a tiny camera that is packed with features. It offers a 35mm f/2.8 lens and a range of manual controls, as well as a built-in flash for those low-light situations. Its simple, easy-to-use design makes it a great option for photographers who want a no-frills camera that they can take anywhere. Check out our Konica Big Mini BM-201 review here.

• Minolta Hi-Matic AF2: The Minolta Hi-Matic AF2 is a compact camera that offers a range of manual controls and a built-in flash for those low-light situations. It has a sleek, modern design and a sharp 35mm f/2.8 lens, making it a great option for photographers who want a camera that is both stylish and capable.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Yashica T4 is a compact film camera that is sure to delight photographers of all levels. Its sleek design, excellent handling, and top-notch image quality make it a joy to use, and the wealth of features on offer make it a camera that is capable of handling just about any shooting situation. While it may have a few minor quirks, the Yashica T4 is a reliable and capable camera that is well worth considering. Whether you’re a seasoned film shooter or just starting out, the Yashica T4 is a camera that is sure to bring a smile to your face.

It’s worth noting that the Yashica T4 is just one camera in a long line of Yashica T cameras. Other notable models include the Yashica T5 and the Yashica T3. While these cameras have their own unique features and characteristics, they all share the same high-quality lens and excellent image quality that have made the Yashica T series so popular among photographers. So whether you choose the Yashica T4 or one of its siblings, you can be sure that you’re getting a camera that is capable of producing stunning images.

Vincent

Hi, I’m Vincent Moschetti! I love shooting film and talking about it 📸