After a number of teasers over the past few weeks, Yashica has finally launched its 'unprecedented camera' on Kickstarter: meet the Y35 digiFilm camera. The description page does not offer an awful lot of technical detail, but it looks like the Y35 is relatively simple digital camera in a retro-style body that comes with a unique feature: interchangeable digital 'film' cartridges that Yashica calls digiFilm.
The camera doesn't actually save any images on the digiFilm (it has an SD-card slot for that) but instead ISO, color and digital filter settings are controlled by inserting a digiFilm cartridges. How's that for a gimmick?
To start with, Y35 users will be able to choose from an ISO1600 High Speed digiFilm for grainy images and shooting fast moving subjects, an ISO 400 Black & White digiFilm, an ISO 200 Ultra Fine digiFilm, and a ISO 200 "6 x 6" cartridge that makes the camera capture square images.
Given most settings are adjusted by inserting a digiFilm cartridge, the camera body itself doesn't offer a great deal of control. There's only a "winder" to set the camera up for the next capture, and a shutter speed dial. The rest of the specifications are in line with quite basic digital cameras: images are captured on a 1/3. 2-inch 14MP sensor and the lens comes with a 35mm equivalent focal length and F2. 8 aperture.
You can reserve an early bird Yashica Y35 digiFilm special for $124 on the Kickstarter page. This will get you the Yashica Y35 camera and the ISO 200 Ultra Fine digiFilm, plus a Yashica digiFilm post card. The package for $142 includes an additional digiFilm of your choice. Delivery is planned for April 2018, assuming the camera gets funded.
Yashica Y35 Specifications:
1/3. 2-inch 14MP CMOS sensor
Built-in viewfinder
F2. 8 aperture
35mm equivalent focal length
1m minimum focusing distance
5 selectable steps shutter speeds 1s, 1/30s, 1/60s, 1/250s, 1/500s
SD card storage (wifi card compatible)
Micro USB connectivity for data transfers
Tripod mount
Power supply via 2 x AA batteries
2017-10-10 17:35