View source for Yashica Samurai Z / Z-L / Z2

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|image_text= Samurai Z<br/><small>(red star not original)</small>
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The Yashica '''Samurai Z''' and '''Z-L''' were introduced in 1989 by [[Kyocera]], continuing the series begun with the [[Yashica Samurai X3.0|Samurai X3.0]] and [[Yashica Samurai X4.0|X4.0]] but in a slightly smaller and lighter body. The '''Z-L''' version was notable as being functionally identical to the Samurai Z, but with its handgrip and controls reversed for use by left-handed photographers. 

Other new features in the Z/Z-L were faster sequence shooting (claimed to reach 4.5 frames per second); plus [[multiple exposure|double-exposure]] and intervalometer options. The zoom range was only 3x, as with the original Samurai; and the Z's  25–75 mm zoom was slower, at f/4.0–5.6 to help reduce body size. The electronic flash pops up, rather than having a fixed diffuser as on the earlier Samurais.

The Samurai Z2 and Z2-L were subsequent 1990 versions, omitting some of the advanced features. Evidently these were less popular, as information about them is scarce. Some sources report a [[Lens#Lens Speed|faster]] lens, but available photos of the Z2 do not appear to support this.

By 1990 there was also a short-lived [[Yashica Samurai V-70]], an electronic [[:Category:Still video|still-video camera]] with a similar body style.

==Links==
*[http://www.subclub.org/shop/yashsam.htm Yashica Samurai half-frame models] at [http://www.subclub.org/index.htm The Sub Club]
*[http://www.flickr.com/photos/geodesign/4362770731/ Yashica Z2] with side cover removed for backup battery replacement, by [http://www.flickr.com/photos/geodesign/ geo.grafistas] on Flickr.
*[https://www.butkus.org/chinon/yashica/yashica_samurai_z/yashica_samurai_z.htm Yashica Samurai Z User manual] at [https://www.butkus.org/chinon/ Butkus.org]

In Chinese:
*[http://blog.dcview.com/article.php?a=ATkDYFEyU2c%3D Yashica Samurai series] (with photographs illustrating relative sizes) from [http://www.dcview.com/ DCView.com]


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|image= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52852576457_5e65de7529_z.jpg
|image_align= left
|image_text= RIght- and left-handed versions<br>advertised in 1989
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[[Category:Nobility|Samurai]]
[[Category:Kyocera|Samurai Z]]
[[Category:Yashica|Samurai Z]]
[[Category: Japanese half-frame]]
[[Category: Half-frame SLR]]
[[Category:S|Samurai Z Yashica]]
[[Category: Y]]
[[Category:1989]]