Yashica's cult classic compact — Carl Zeiss T* 35mm f/3.5 in a weatherproof body, a collector favourite.
The Yashica T4 was released in 1993 as a weatherproof 35mm film compact featuring a Carl Zeiss T* 35mm f/3.5 Tessar lens. Four-element Tessar formula. Zeiss T* anti-reflective coating. 0.35m MFD. At approximately 170g. Weatherproof sealed body.
Zeiss T* 35mm f/3.5 Tessar (4 elements). 0.35m minimum focus distance. At approximately 170g. Weatherproof sealed construction. Autofocus. Fixed focal length — no zoom. 35mm film format.
The T4's primary differentiator is the Carl Zeiss T* Tessar: the Tessar 4-element design provides sharp, contrasty rendering at f/3.5 in a compact body. The weatherproof sealing was uncommon in compact cameras at its price point. The T4 Super variant added a date back. The 35mm focal length on 35mm film provides a natural wide-normal perspective.
On the used market the Yashica T4 is sought after as a compact 35mm film camera with Zeiss T* optics. Prices have risen significantly with film photography demand. Condition checks: lens element clarity, weatherproof seals, shutter response, battery compartment. Fixed 35mm Tessar lens; no interchangeable mount.