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

Yashica Electro 35 GSN - A Cool Rangefinder

I tried out my Yashica Electro 35 GSN the other day with some Ilford Delta 400 35mm film. This camera has classic rangefinder lines. It's super solid & built like a brick. The camera has a 45mm f/1.7 lens. Perfect for street photography.

The camera is semi-manual. The variable is the aperture. Speed is automatic. You simply partially push the shutter button and there is a red or orange arrow in the viewfinder. You turn the aperture the direction of the arrow until the light turns off. If you are shooting on a tripod or from the hip there is a yellow and red light on top that does the same thing. The only option on speed is bulb, Auto & flash. 

The camera has a hot shoe if you desire a flash. Focus is like butter. There is a nice rest for your finger to aid in focus. ASA can be set from 25 to 1000. Also, there is a predominate battery check button on the back. Push it with a hot battery and the film counter window lights up!

The biggest issue with this camera is that you really need a battery. It fires without one but it goes to it's default settings. The battery is not standard. The Electro used a 5.6V mercury battery that has a unusual shape. A 6V 4LR44 works in a pinch. I was unable to find this battery at any store, so I bought a few off brand online. Seems to work fine.

 I really like this camera. The shutter is SUPER quiet which makes it excellent for street photography. The film advance is smooth and it loads easily. I'm a fan. Here are some photos from this past weekend.

Note, my Electro 35 GSN has a light leak that showed up at the end of the second roll. I gave it a good look and it appears some of the light seals have dried up and flaked off. No problems ... I'll seal the back with gaffers tape in the future.