In the last few years YASHICA (brand owner) had made a lot of noise in the photography community. With a lot of expectations from digiFilm Y35 that proved to become a real disappointment for their supporters.
But YASHICA does not give up, they have launched a new Kiskstarter campaign. Though, worth mentioning, this time they are opting to a film, a proper film cameras. The company plans to fund three cameras in a single campaign (with different launching dates for the three models). All future cameras will be designed for a 35mm film.
The new Kickstarter campaign received the name – YASHICA absolute – and will feature three camera models (“three episodes” as YASHICA called it): Premiere, Novella and Prestige. In fact, this time their “new” cameras are modern iterations of old classic YASHICA cameras: MF-1, MF-2 and YASHICA-44.
[Premiere]
Premiere “episode” is featuring MF-1 model – a simple point-and-shoot 35mm film camera, suitable for “novice photographers transitioning from the world of digital to that of film photography”.
Despite its name, the “modern iteration” has a totally different design.
New MF-1 will be manufactured in two colours: orange and brown.
[Novella]
Novella will feature a rebuilt version of YASHICA MF-2 camera (manufactured in 1980s). The launch of this episode is planned for August, 2019.
[Prestige]
Prestige “episode” should bring a legendary YASHICA 44 from 1950s. YASHICA 44 TLR episode is planned for December, 2019.
This model will be designed to be compatible with 35mm film.
New YASHICA branded film
In addition to a new bunch of cameras, YASHICA is launching their own 35mm film. At the moment they’ve announced about two series: YASHICA 400 and YASHICA Golden 80s.
Overall campaign
Despite the great fail with Y35, this campaign already has received a pretty good level of support: USD 9,217 out of USD 12,746 (as of April 30, 2019) for Premiere campaign, with 31 days to go (till the end of May).
That is the dedication to the brand! Let’s hope that this time YASHICA will not fail and disappoint its fans.
At the moment, YASHICA has published prices for different packages (pledges), both for camera and film bundles:
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