Yasuhara T981 Rangefinder

The Yasuhara T981 is a Leica-thread mount camera from Yasuhara Co. Ltd. About four thousand T981 were made. The T981 has a TTL light-meter with electronic readout and has a compact shape, with a hinged rear door for fast film loading, non removable take-up spool and a large viewfinder window that is easy for spectacle wearers to use. For the shutter mechanism, which is the heart of the camera, the established and reliable Copal vertical metal shutter is used, commonly fitted to SLR cameras.

The cameras began shipping in the Spring, of 1999. The name “Isshiki” was given to the camera, which in Japanese means “Complete” or “All you need” and is embossed into the top plate in Japanese Kanji characters. For some unknown reason, the camera is also named as “T-981”, which is a mystery that only it’s designer knows the answer to.

This particular example is in a beautiful condition. It has been film tested, the light meter works, the focus patch is clearly visible. Ready to shoot!