Yashica's mid-range TLR — the Yashica-C, 6x6 on 120, waist-level finder, leaf shutter, 1959.
The Yashica-C was a twin-lens reflex in Yashica's 6x6 TLR range, positioned between the simpler and more fully featured models of the line. It offered the TLR format at a moderate price, following the layout of earlier Rollei-style twin-lens cameras. It is a mid-century Japanese TLR now used as a way into medium format.
This is a twin-lens reflex (TLR) exposing 6x6 frames on 120 roll film, with separate viewing and taking lenses on one front standard and a waist-level finder over ground glass. A leaf shutter sits in the front standard behind the taking lens. It sits within Yashica's TLR series between the basic and top models. Confirm the taking-lens make and shutter markings on the specific example.
The Yashica-C suits portrait and general square-format work and appeals to students and beginners looking for an affordable TLR with a step up from the most basic models. Its mechanical design keeps operation straightforward with the familiar waist-level handling.
When buying used, compare taking and viewing lenses for haze, fungus and separation, remembering only the taking lens affects the negative. Check focus-knob smoothness, verify the leaf shutter and aperture work across speeds on the front standard, test the film-wind and counter, and inspect ground-glass brightness.