I recently had the chance to use a Yashica T5 in Istanbul. This wasn’t just any old Yashica T5. This was The Traveling Yashica, which has been making week-long sojourns around the world as part of an initiative started by Hamish Gill of 35MCC.

This was my first time using a Yashica camera. You can see my comments about the camera here on my blog, as well as a more extensive review on 35MCC with photos included.

I shot two rolls of film with this camera, the first being Fuji Superia 200. I love the rich, sharp images from the Yashica T5 as it beautifully captures the dazzling colours in Istanbul, its vibrant streets and water ways, and impressive history and architecture.

Here are some photos taken with The Traveling Yashica, some of which had been cropped for a better composition. I would love to hear your comments about these pictures, underneath which I have also included some brief travel notes 🙂

Happy weekend and happy viewing!

Taksim Square: These ubiquitous red stands selling simit, a traditional Turkish bread ring covered in sesame seeds, can be found all over Istanbul especially in public squares and near major transportation hubs (ferry or bus terminal, metro or train station)
Taksim Square: These ubiquitous red stands selling simit, a traditional Turkish bread ring covered in sesame seeds, can be found all over Istanbul especially in public squares and near major transportation hubs (ferry or bus terminal, metro or train station)
Taksim Square: In addition to simit stands, there are many vendors who sell roasted chestnuts and corn on the cob from these movable stands
Taksim Square: In addition to simit stands, there are many vendors who sell roasted chestnuts and corn on the cob from these movable stands
Historic tram passing through Taksim Square and İstiklal Avenue. It was common to see young boys jump onto the tram and hang on to the bars outside the tram for a free ride.
Historic tram passing through Taksim Square and İstiklal Avenue. It was common to see young boys jump onto the tram and hang on to the bars outside the tram for a free ride.
View from Galata Bridge: Istanbul is home to more than 3,000 mosques, including a small handful of imperial mosques which were commissioned by members of the Ottoman royal family. Only the imperial mosques are allowed to have more than one minaret.
View from Galata Bridge: Istanbul is home to more than 3,000 mosques, including a small handful of imperial mosques which were commissioned by members of the Ottoman royal family. Only the imperial mosques are allowed to have more than one minaret.
Karaköy waterfront as seen from Galata Bridge
Karaköy waterfront as seen from Galata Bridge
In the day, the Karaköy waterfront under the Galata Bridge is abuzz with numerous stands grilling seafood for hungry customers. Even if you are not famished, it is worth trying a grilled fish sandwich (balık ekmekçi), especially if it is prepared by the portly Emin Usta!
In the day, the Karaköy waterfront under the Galata Bridge is abuzz with numerous stands grilling seafood for hungry customers. Even if you are not famished, it is worth trying a grilled fish sandwich (balık ekmekçi), especially if it is prepared by the portly Emin Usta!
Street side stall
Street side stall
View of the city from the metro as it travels over the Golden Horn
View of the city from the metro as it travels over the Golden Horn
Buildings all over the city are dotted with satellite dishes
Everywhere we looked (up), there were satellite dishes poking out from the buildings, all trying to catch the latest news or happenings on Turkish soap operas
The impressive Hagia Sophia museum was originally built as a Byzantine church before it was transformed into an imperial mosque by the Ottomans. The building is currently undergoing restoration, a big part of which is to recover the original mosaic artwork.
The impressive Hagia Sophia museum was originally built as a Byzantine church before it was transformed into an imperial mosque by the Ottomans. The building is currently undergoing restoration, a big part of which is to recover the original mosaic artwork.
Cats roam freely in the streets of Istanbul. Some people say that Istanbul did not suffer too badly from the Black Plague because of the city's many cats which helped control the rat population.
Cats roam freely in the streets of Istanbul. Some people say that Istanbul did not suffer too badly from the Black Plague because of the city’s many cats which helped control the rat population.
Delicious pickles in a cup at Asri Pickle shop @ Agahamam caddesi no. 9/A in Cihangir
Delicious pickles served in a flourescent pink liquid at Asri Pickle shop @ Agahamam caddesi no. 9/A in Cihangir
Always full of people, İstiklal Avenue is one of the most popular shopping and entertainment streets in Istanbul
Always full of people, İstiklal Avenue is one of the most popular shopping and entertainment streets in Istanbul
Sunset as seen from the Galata Bridge
Sunset as seen from the Galata Bridge

4 replies on “The Traveling Yashica in Istanbul: Fuji Superia 200”

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