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
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.
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| Amazon PX32 adapter |
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| 4 x LR44 batteries |
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| 4 x LR 44 batteries stacked in the adapter |
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| + end pointing out |
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| 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
There is also a size called 4LR44 which is basically a stack of LR44 batteries in a single unit. I have a cheap adapter I bought on Amazon and it works perfectly with either the 4LR44 or with 4 of the LR44 batteries (or any of the options at that size). The 4LR44 is easier to load than the 4 coin batteries. (Tip: stack the batteries on the table and slide the adapter down onto them.)
ReplyDeleteIMPORTANT: if you use the 4LR44 battery get rhe Duracell version and not the Energizer. Both list the same size in the specs, but the Energizer is a hair larger and gets stuck in my adapter while Duracell fits perfectly.