The Yashica Electro 35 GSN is a 35mm camera. It is a rangefinder camera. The Yashica company built it from 1973 to 1977. It is the successor of the Yashica Electro 35 GS.
The lens of the Yashica Electro 35 GSN cannot be replaced. The lens has a maximum aperture of f/1.7 and the focal length is 45 mm. It therefore bears the designation “Yashinon”. The Yashica Electro 35 GSN does not have autofocus. The lens is focused manually. The rangefinder helps with focusing. The minimum distance to the subject must be 0.8 meters.
The 35 mm camera has an exposure meter. It was designed for films with a sensitivity of ISO 25 to ISO 1000. Unlike the aperture, the exposure time cannot be freely selected.
The camera has an aperture priority mode, in which the aperture is set by the photographer and the camera selects the appropriate exposure time between 1/500 sec and 30 sec.
A bulb mode is available for long exposures. In this mode, the film is exposed as long as the shutter button is pressed. A flash can be used via the hot shoe or PC flash port.
Films for the Yashica Electro 35 GSN
The Yashica Electro 35 GSN is loaded with 35mm film. Films of this format are still readily available today and are still being developed. Possible films for the 35mm camera are Kodak Gold 200* for color photos and Kodak TRI-X for B&W images. The color film is processed in the C-41 process. The C-41 process is performed by almost all photo labs.
The area of the negatives of the Yashica Electro 35 GSN have a size of 24 mm × 36 mm. The film in the camera must be rewound manually by the photographer.
A thread for a tripod is built into the rangefinder camera. In addition, there is a connection for a cable release and a self-timer.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Rangefinder camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Focal length | 45 mm |
| Widest aperture | f/1.7 |
| Minimum focus distance | 80 cm / 2.624 ft |
| Focus | Manual |
| Rangefinder | Yes |
| Exposure times | 1/500 second to 30 seconds, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 25 to 1000 |
| Exposure modes | Aperture priority |
| Manual exposure settings | No |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | No |
| Date imprinting | No |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | PC-Flash, Hot Shoe |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Country of production | Japan |
| End of production | 1977 |
| Production duration | 4 years |
| Estimated value / Used price | 108,28 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 98 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of May 18, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 126,69 Euro (136.38 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 114,25 Euro (123.39 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 110,00 Euro (119.06 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Yashica Electro 35 GSN
Is this camera a rangefinder camera?
Yes, the Yashica Electro 35 GSN is a rangefinder camera. This means you use the viewfinder to focus manually. It's a classic type of camera.
What kind of lens does the camera have?
It has a fixed Yashinon lens with a 45mm focal length and a maximum aperture of f/1.7. You cannot change the lens on this particular model.
How do I set the exposure on the camera?
The Yashica Electro 35 GSN uses aperture-priority mode. You choose the aperture, and the camera automatically selects the shutter speed. There is also a bulb mode for long exposures.
Can I use flash with this camera?
Yes, it has a hot shoe and a PC flash connection, allowing you to use external flash units. This gives you more flexibility in different lighting conditions.
What film format does this little device use?
This camera uses standard 35mm film. These films are readily available and easy to develop. The negatives are 24mm x 36mm.