Yashica E1959

History

Yashica's TLR lineup in the late 1950s spanned from the entry-level Yashicaflex series through the Yashica-A (1958) and Yashica-D to the metered Mat and Mat LM. The Yashica-E was positioned between the A and D models, offering a step up from the most basic Yashicaflex designs while remaining more affordable than the D.

The E was sold primarily in export markets — North America and Western Europe — where budget TLRs competed with Japanese rivals including the Minolta Autocord and various Mamiya TLRs. Its production run ended around 1963 as the Yashica TLR line consolidated around the more successful D, Mat, and Mat LM models.

Why It Matters

The Yashica-E is primarily of interest today as an accessible and inexpensive entry point into 6×6 TLR photography. Functioning examples sell for well under $100 in many markets — considerably less than equivalent Yashica-D or Mat examples. The Yashimar 80/3.5 lens, while not as resolving as the Yashinon found on the Mat line, produces pleasantly sharp images stopped down to f/8, suitable for portraits, street, and casual documentary work.

The simplified shutter (no slow speeds) is the main limitation: long exposures require B mode on a tripod. For photographers who shoot primarily in daylight or with artificial light, this restriction is minor.

Lenses & Accessories

The Yashica-E accepts the same Bay 1 accessories used across the Yashica TLR line:

• Bay 1 filters — slip-on filters for B&W contrast control
• Close-up lens sets — supplementary diopter lenses for portrait distances
• Lens hood — Bay 1 shade

Sample Photographers / Notable Use

• Used by students and casual photographers in the late 1950s and early 1960s as an affordable medium-format option.
• Appeared in export markets as a lower-cost alternative to the Rolleicord and Minolta Autocord.
• Today purchased by photographers learning TLR technique on a budget before moving to a Mat or D.

References

• Camera-Wiki: Yashica E