Cabinet entry · 35mmcirca 1993

KyoceraSlim T (T Proof)

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The story

The Kyocera Slim T (T Proof) is a product of the moment 'titanium' started appearing on spec sheets and ad copy alike — a premium compact paired with a Carl Zeiss Tessar T* 35mm f/3.5. Some backstory: sold as Yashica T Proof in some markets.

Specifications

Format
35mm
Year
1993
Lens
Carl Zeiss Tessar T* 35mm f/3.5
Min. focus
0.4 m
Flash
Built-in
Battery
1× CR123A

Notable features

  • Weather-sealed titanium body
  • Zeiss T* coated lens
  • Vertical drop-down design

Shooting it today

The Carl Zeiss Tessar T* 35mm f/3.5 doesn't chase exotic specifications; it just renders cleanly, focuses predictably, and gets out of the photograph's way. On the film-availability spectrum, plain 35mm is as easy as it gets in 2026. A single CR123A lithium cell powers everything including the motor; still cheap and stocked at most camera shops. The built-in flash will fire whenever the meter decides it should, so learn the override before your first night out. Minimum focus is 0.4 m — unusually close for a compact of this era and a genuine advantage over rivals that stop at 0.7 m or 1 m. You can fill the frame with a coffee cup, a flower, or a face without stepping back. Something that catches new owners off guard: a cult Zeiss-glass compact, beloved by street shooters. Pair it with HP5 or Portra and you have a general-purpose travel camera that handles 80% of what you'll point it at.

Who it's for · Verdict

The Kyocera Slim T (T Proof) has its fans for a reason, but it's no longer a secret — set a strict budget, hold out for a clean copy, and don't overpay for a famous name.

Fun facts

  • §1Sold as Yashica T Proof in some markets.
  • §2A cult Zeiss-glass compact, beloved by street shooters.

Find one

Most copies turn up second-hand on eBay. We've linked a saved search so you can see current listings.

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