Soviet Iskra (''Spark'') Camera
Photo thanks to Yuri Boguslavsky
The Iskra series of cameras were produced at the KMZ or Krasnogorsk Mechanical Factory
in Krasnogorsk (USSR), in a Moscow suburb. The Iskra ("spark") cameras are 6x6cm folders
with a coupled rangefinder using 120 rollfilm. The lenses are usually Industar-58 lenses,
which are 75mm f/3.5 optics. Shutter speeds range from 1 second to 1/500th second plus T for
time exposures.
Thanks to Ebay, many such cameras are
now available thanks to online vendors in Russia and former USSR territories, often at
attractive prices ($100-150..). A good source for vendor reviews and related information
is the Russian camera mailing list (see medium format mailing lists pages).
Provided you get a good example, such cameras can be a low cost and compact entry point
to medium format fun. Our Folder FAQ has more related postings
and details on folder cameras. Buyers should also review the various Kiev-88 and Kiev-60
buying guides (see links on our Med Fmt Cameras pages) for
general cautions about buying and testing Russian cameras.
Photo of this early Soviet folder medium format camera is provided courtesy of Yuri Boguslavsky, along with other photos of the listed Soviet camera links above. Thanks, Yuri!!
From Russian Camera Mailing List:
Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2001
From: Mikhail Ziganshin [email protected]
Subject: Re: Iskra
Hello Parlin,
ISKRA is one of the few really great russians cameras. From 1960 till
1964 were made about 45000 Iskra and Iskra-2 (have exposure meter).
Iskra have TESSAR-like INDUSTAR-58 75/3.5. It's very reliable camera,
the only weak unit is the interlocking mechanism in film path. In 1961
it cost about 100 roubley, cheap. May be $100 USD in our days...
From rangefinder mailing list: Date: Fri, 22 Feb 2002 From: Peter Evans [email protected] Subject: RE: [RF List] Iskra folder We read that the Iskra is > practically worthless (bad craftsmanship, faulty materials, etc.) (and Polish). Perhaps we'd better inform Alfred Klomp http://home.planet.nl/~ucklomp/iskra2/ and Mikhail Ziganshin http://people.smu.edu/rmonagha/mf/iskra.html , who both suggest that it's distinctly worth using (and Soviet). I've never examined or used an Iskra myself, so I can't and don't judge. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Peter Evans [email protected]
From rangefinder mailing list: Date: Thu, 21 Feb 2002 From: lindsay melwin [email protected] Subject: RE: Iskra folder The Iskra seems to have a failure-prone frame counter/film advance. It's not uncommon to find these retrofitted with ruby windows where a previous owner had given up entirely on repairing the original mechanism. Check the Yahoo Russina camera list - there is discussion on this topic there from time to time.
From: [email protected] Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format Subject: Re: Dumb question about Iskra folder Date: Wed, 12 Feb 2003 [email protected] (Nigel Isherwood) wrote: > I've picked up a Russian Iskra folder, but I cannot the shutter to fire > using the shutter release on the body. I suspect that it is the > interlock > between the film counter (which does not move when I wind the film on) > and > the shutter (which works if I use the shutter release on the shuuter > itself), but I'm not sure whether or not there is some subtelty to > using it > (or loading the film) which I am missing. Two general points to note for use of the Iskra: Firstly - the winding will only work with film loaded. Without film - you will never clear the interlock. (however it sounds like you have film in already) Secondly - once you have loaded the film you need to wind on until the winding knob locks - which indicates the first frame is located. If the camera has not been wound onto the first frame then the shutter release probably won't work. Iskra film load/interlock mechanisms are fragile - so go easy - and be aware that it may just plain be faulty. Anyway - a little info on the Iskra and other similar cameras can be found at: http://www.rolandandcaroline.co.uk/ :-) Roland.
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