Yashica Half 17 EE Rapid | S/N: AME5090829

Yashica Half 17 EE Rapid | S/N: AME5090829

Yashica Half 17 EE Rapid 32mm f/1.7 - Good Condition | The High-Speed Half-Frame Professional

Introductory Paragraph The Yashica Half 17 EE Rapid is the definitive choice for the enthusiast who values professional-grade aperture speed combined with the ingenious efficiency of the half-frame format. As a premium evolution in the Yashica lineup, it is celebrated for its exceptionally bright Yashinon 32mm f/1.7 lens, which allows for stunning low-light performance and a shallow depth of field rarely seen in compact cameras. This unit (S/N: AME5090829) utilizes the Agfa Rapid cassette system, designed for rapid-fire, drop-in film loading without the need for manual rewinding. Because it features a sophisticated "Electric Eye" (EE) automatic exposure system, it serves as an incredibly capable tool for street photography, ensuring you never miss a fleeting moment while doubling your shot count on every roll. Whether you are a collector of mid-century Japanese optics or an analog shooter seeking a pocketable camera with high-speed glass, this Yashica provides the optical brilliance and mechanical innovation that defined the height of the 1960s half-frame era.

Key Features

• Ingenious half-frame format (18x24mm) allowing for twice the standard exposures on 35mm film

• Exceptionally fast Yashinon 32mm f/1.7 fixed lens for superior low-light performance and cinematic bokeh

• Advanced "Electric Eye" (EE) automatic exposure system for effortless point-and-shoot operation

• Designed for the Agfa Rapid cassette system, offering the fastest drop-in film loading of its era

• Fully mechanical Copal shutter with a high-performance top speed of 1/800s

• Bright optical viewfinder with a zone focusing scale for quick and discreet distance estimation

• Robust all-metal industrial chassis with a sophisticated matte and chrome vintage aesthetic

Condition Report Good condition. Body: The Yashica camera body (S/N: AME5090829) shows normal signs of light use and minor cosmetic surface wear consistent with its 1960s vintage. Sensor/Optics: The 32mm f/1.7 lens is optically clear; free from fungus, haze, or significant scratches. Mechanics/Electronics: The "Electric Eye" selenium meter is responsive, and the automatic exposure system functions as intended. The mechanical shutter fires accurately across the speed range, and the film advance mechanism operates smoothly.

Specialist Note "The Half 17 EE Rapid is arguably one of the most capable half-frame cameras ever made. What I love about this model is the 1/800s shutter speed—most compacts of this era stop at 1/500s. Combined with that massive f/1.7 aperture, you have a camera that can handle almost any lighting condition, from dark jazz clubs to bright beach scenes. While it uses the historic Agfa Rapid cassettes, modern shooters often reload them with standard 35mm film to keep these high-performance machines running. It’s a rugged, honest piece of Japanese engineering that offers a truly premium feel in a small package."

What's Included

• Yashica Half 17 EE Rapid Half-Frame Camera (S/N: AME5090829)

• Integrated Yashinon 32mm f/1.7 Lens

Technical Specifications

• Brand: Yashica

• Model: Half 17 EE Rapid

• Camera Type: Compact Film Camera (Half-Frame)

• Lens: Yashinon 32mm f/1.7

• Film Format: 35mm via Agfa Rapid Cassette (18x24mm)

• Exposure: Program Automatic (EE) via Selenium Meter

• Category: 1. Cameras ▸ Compact Film Camera

• Battery Type: None (Fully Mechanical / Solar Powered Meter)