Is the Yashica EZ F521 a digital Holga?

(Credit: Exemode)

Young photographers these days may not be familiar with the name Yashica, but those who started off in photography with film will know that this Japanese company has produced some very fine cameras. Unfortunately, the firm didn't make a smooth transition to digital cameras in the late 1990s and its blip disappeared off the radar.

However, Yashica's new EZ F521 may be able to attract some young shutterbugs with its retro styling. We think it looks a lot like the Holga with the optical viewfinder relegated to the right end of the shooter. The F521 seems to be a fuss-free shooter, with only a 5-megapixel sensor, 2.4-inch LCD, and automatic ISO setting. Focusing, though, appears to be manual as the symbol beside the 42.5mm optics indicates macro and landscape options, similar to what the Holga has.

The F521 is powered by three AA-size batteries and its video-recording capability maxes out at 640x480-pixel resolution. The digicam can also double as a Webcam. There is 32MB of internal memory, which can be expanded via the SD/SDHC card slot.

Now, if this Yashica camera can produce the weird, dreamy look Holga cameras are famous for, I'm going to snag myself one as it costs just around $89 on Exemode's Web site.

(Source: Crave Asia via Akihabara News)

[joeyjoeyjoey]

I clicked the link but there is no buy button. Can you find a site where it can be purchased and post?

Thanks!

[joeyjoeyjoey]

I should clarify: to buy in the US.

[tundraboy]

This is just sad. The Yashica viewfinder camera was the class in its day. It wasn't a Leica but it didn't cost like a Leica either. They should have just let the brand name die. Instead we have this plastic abomination with its previous generation sensor, budget lens and exposed cheapo screw heads.

[Gimel_Vav]

This camera has the potential to have a very high coolness factor.

The plastic body makes it light. 5MP is enough for the lo-res pictures I'm interested in doing. I already have a 10MP camera to use for my family pics. Smaller images take up less space and are easier to share and deal with on-line. It also makes for a smaller camera. I like the look a plastic lens gives pictures. I'm hoping they used a plastic meniscus lens. The cheaper, the better for the way I will be using it. The big non-retracting lens means that I might be able to use filters or converters with it. I love the look of the exposed screws. I like the fact that they put the strap loops on both sides of the camera so that I can hang it around my neck like an old-fashioned compact 35mm and use it quickly. It's great that it has an optical viewfinder. Even the best LCD screens get washed out in bright sunlight and I prefer taking shots with the camera up to my face rather than at arms length.

I can't wait to try this thing out.