Yashica woes...

February 22, 2009 2:43 PM

Yashica T4/T4 Weatherproof: I've recently bought myself a Yashica T4 camera for my travels, but I'm now getting reverse cold feet, and think that maybe i should have splashed out a little more for the Weatherproof model/T5 with waist level scope. More inside!

I'm planning on taking it travelling to South America, and will be taking pictures in the rain and of waterfalls, in the heat/cold etc.

Do I have a massive problem on my hand? And is it easily worked around DIY style? Should I sell it, and buy a T4Super/T5? Is the weatherproof version significantly more weatherproof? Is the waist scope worth it? Is there any image difference between the camers?

I think maybe I'm being paranoid, surely a little water won't make my T4 disintegrate...

posted by ashaw to Technology (4 answers total)

Best answer: I had a T5. It's the only film camera I really regret getting rid of, and am amazed that digital cameras hadn't picked up on the WLF feature. It's not super-waterproof - I'd say it's something you can use in the rain with only mild concern for its safety. I wouldn't recommend submerging it.

Th T4 has essentially the same lens. The WLF, you maybe use 1 in 20 shots; it's handy, but not essential. I don't think you have a massive problem, as the T4 is still a nicely-made camera.
posted by scruss at 4:23 PM on February 22, 2009

Best answer: I have a T4 Weatherproof and I agree with scruss, it's a nicely made camera. I love it. But I've never really had a situation where I thought, "Darn, I am so glad this camera is weatherproof." It hasn't come up.

Actually it's my second T4. The first one was stolen. Between the two I've used them at 110 degrees and 20 degrees, 90% humidity and 30% humidity, and they've worked fine.

You probably shouldn't take pictures in pouring rain if you're not using an umbrella, and don't take pictures of the waterfall if you're standing IN the waterfall. Even so I can't imagine that the regular T4 is really much less weatherproof than the Weatherproof one.

How about getting one of these? 1, 2, 3
Or making this?

Come to think of it, I might get one for myself!

Enjoy your T4!
posted by halonine at 8:40 PM on February 22, 2009

Response by poster: Thanks! For the advice, is there any discernible difference in picture quality between the T4 and the T4 Super or T5?
posted by ashaw at 1:28 AM on February 23, 2009

Nope; same lens, maybe slightly updated AF in the T5. Both suffer from very bad shutter lag.
posted by scruss at 12:05 PM on February 27, 2009