Yashica's late-1980s autofocus SLR — the 300AF, electronic shutter, Yashica AF mount, auto exposure.
The Yashica 300AF is a 35mm film SLR from the late 1980s in Yashica's autofocus line, using the dedicated Yashica AF mount rather than the manual-focus Contax/Yashica bayonet. It followed the 200AF and 230AF in the range and took autofocus lenses made for the Yashica AF system, aimed at general and beginner users wanting an automatic 35mm SLR near the end of the decade.
The 300AF is an autofocus SLR for 35mm film using the Yashica AF mount. It has an electronically controlled focal-plane shutter with through-the-lens metering and automatic exposure modes typical of late-1980s autofocus bodies, and it depends fully on a battery to power autofocus, metering and the shutter. The exact shutter range and precise mode set are omitted where they cannot be verified, following the accuracy-first approach for this catalogue.
The 300AF suits a general user, beginner or portrait shooter who wanted autofocus and automatic exposure in a 35mm SLR at the end of the 1980s. It is easy to use for everyday, travel and portrait photography. The practical considerations today are the less common Yashica AF lens mount, which has a smaller lens pool than the manual-focus C/Y system, and full reliance on working electronics.
On the used market the 300AF is an autofocus body where electronics are the key concern. Replace any perished foam light seals. Confirm the camera powers up and that autofocus, metering and the electronically timed shutter all function with a fresh battery, as electronic or autofocus faults are the main risk. Check film advance and rewind, look for LCD or display faults, and confirm a Yashica AF lens mounts and focuses correctly.