Yashica Electro 35 GSN Battery Options

The Yashica Electro 35 GSN and the MG-1 are fine rangefinder cameras. If you've wanted a Leica M version rangefinder but don't want the high price then you can consider the Electro 35 or MG-1.   

The big problem with both cameras is the battery which is no longer available. The original battery was the mercury 5.6V Mallory TR164 or Eveready E164

Although both cameras work without a battery you really get the value of Auto mode, the light meter and shutter speeds with a battery. As such, you have 3 options. They are:

• A 6 volt similar sized PX32 styled alkaline battery
• Stack a CR123A / LR44 battery for 4.5V
• Use an adapter with 4 x LR44 batteries for 6V

I've tested all 3 versions, and all 3 work. The light meter compensates voltage from approximately 4.5 - 6.4V. Therefore, all 3 options work without negatively impacting exposure.  

Here is how you stack a CR123A / LR44

Both batteries are readily available and this is a simple solution. I shot a roll with this battery setup and it worked fine.

The test battery setup was using an inexpensive adapter that I purchased on Amazon with 4 x LR44 batteries for a total of 6V.

Amazon PX32 adapter

4 x LR44 batteries

4 x LR 44 batteries stacked in the adapter

+ end pointing out

Battery check light works

Here are some photos from both battery setups:

CR123A / LR44 combo with Ilford HP5+:

Battery adapter with 4 x LR44 batteries with Fujifilm 400:

Either option that you use provides good results for your Yashica Electro 35 GSN or Yashica MG-1

Canon Sure Shot M

I recently used my Canon Sure Shot M (also called the Autoboy F in Japan and Canon Prima Mini in Europe). It's a very pocketable, simple point & shoot 35mm camera. The Canon Sure Shot M is an attractive, smooth edged camera with minimal features. This makes it perfect for snapshots, street photography or as a basic everyday camera.

Here is an overview of the basic features:

• 32mm f/3.5 lens
• Built in flash with on / off button
• Recessed on/off button
• Slow sync exposure compensation button (EV3 f/3.5 at 2 sec to EV7 at f/3.5 at 1/10 sec) 
• Auto focus
• Full auto with speeds 1/60 to 1/250 second (no manual or aperture priority mode)
• Auto aperture from f/3.5 to f/22
• DX coded with ISO from 25 to 3200
• Contemporary CR123A battery
• Self timer
• Date mode feature on back

The only downside in my experience is that there is no lens cover as with many similar cameras. 

I shot a roll of Fujifilm 400 through the Sure Shot M in downtown Indianapolis on a sunny afternoon. Here are some photos:

Bottomline, in my opinion the Canon Sure Shot M is an excellent point and shoot 35mm camera for everyday use.