@longexposure Hello James - I have a hand held meter. I have just worked out that I am underexposing with the camera. I do have to "recover" some images in post. My other one posted today has lots of recovery due to the poor exposure in the first place.
Thank you for your continued interest. Have you thought more about film?
@longexposure I am by no means an expert on these cameras. However from my research I found that the Yeshica D is pretty much the same as the Yeshica Mat without the meter (which often do not work). To be honest I am hand processing and drying in my garage so sharpness of lens is not the most important factor for me as the negs are covered in water marks and dust (I am not a pixel-peeper).
I got mine from a chap on e-bay. It was covered with a 3 month guarantee and was CLA'd. He has others available http://www.ebay.com/itm/YASHICA-D-TLR-CAMERA-FULL-CLA-NEW-SEALS-SR-6040253-SUPERB/281658873825?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D29266%26meid%3Dd43e3acfe65f4132b4544ef7b9dff54c%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D131462114258&rt=nc
as well as other brands. He was good to deal with. Very fast delivery.
I really love my camera. It is a joy to work with. It makes me slow down and be much more selective over what I am shooting. However there are serious limitations. These are;
It is heavy and bulky.
Focus distance is limited (I like this restriction) so no close ups.
It requires organisation and thought to use.
It takes much more time so be prepared to slow down.
Film and chemicals cost so there is an ongoing outlay (again I find this worth while. The pleasure of making a photo is part of the enjoyment).
I did not go for the older A,B or C models as they were not as well spoken about as the D online.
I have found film addictive and am looking to venture into 6x4 format as well.
I hope this helps. Sorry for the ramble.
Thank you for your continued interest. Have you thought more about film?
http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/mandurah/antiques/1950-camera-and-light-meter/1073524204
http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/aubin-grove/non-digital-cameras/yashica-mat-em/1073522147
I got mine from a chap on e-bay. It was covered with a 3 month guarantee and was CLA'd. He has others available http://www.ebay.com/itm/YASHICA-D-TLR-CAMERA-FULL-CLA-NEW-SEALS-SR-6040253-SUPERB/281658873825?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D29266%26meid%3Dd43e3acfe65f4132b4544ef7b9dff54c%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D131462114258&rt=nc
as well as other brands. He was good to deal with. Very fast delivery.
I really love my camera. It is a joy to work with. It makes me slow down and be much more selective over what I am shooting. However there are serious limitations. These are;
It is heavy and bulky.
Focus distance is limited (I like this restriction) so no close ups.
It requires organisation and thought to use.
It takes much more time so be prepared to slow down.
Film and chemicals cost so there is an ongoing outlay (again I find this worth while. The pleasure of making a photo is part of the enjoyment).
I did not go for the older A,B or C models as they were not as well spoken about as the D online.
I have found film addictive and am looking to venture into 6x4 format as well.
I hope this helps. Sorry for the ramble.