Yashica Minister

The Yashica Minister is a fixed-lens 35mm rangefinder camera featuring a 45mm f/2.8 Yashinon lens. It utilises a unique 'LVS' (Light Value System) scale for exposure, where a selenium meter provides a single number that the user matches on the lens rings to set the correct aperture and shutter speed combination. It is a robust, all-metal mechanical camera capable of fully manual operation without batteries. When purchasing a used Minister, the primary concern is the selenium meter, which often loses sensitivity over time. SDS checks the rangefinder patch for clarity and alignment, as these can become dim or misaligned. The shutter mechanisms are tested for accuracy, particularly at slower speeds, and the lens is inspected for fungal growth or haze common in optics of this age.