Index:

Related Links:
Medium Format Folder Camera Page
Moskva series folders (Kiev Report)

More information on the Moskva-4 and related folders can be obtained from links at the Medium Format Cameras List Page. The archives of the Russian Camera mailing list will also have lots of related postings on these cameras. You should also check there for details on vendors, esp. if buying from former USSR territory sources.

Since the original Zeiss Super Ikonta C and similar folders have escalated in price as they are snapped up by collectors, many saavy MFers have turned to these Soviet made copies for a less expensive alternative. The Moskva 5 folder pages have more information and links, and are also favored by a number of buyers as a later version of this series.

RE: Photo information supplied by George ([email protected]):

Moskva-4 (MOCKBA-4 in Russian) is an Soviet-made Zeiss Super-Ikonta "C" copy. Camera takes 120 type film for a dual format 6x9 (8 exp) and 6x6 (12 exp)image sizes. To accommodate for the 6x6 frame size the Moskva-4 has a flip-up frame in the viewfinder and two red windows in the back door. For 6x6 it requires a format reducer which is not included (this part is easy to make). The camera has a hinged back door and a double exposure prevention mechanism. The lens is a coated Industar-23, F=11 cm, 1:4.5 (aperture settings from 4.5 to 32). The shutter - Moment-23S (S is for Synch), the speeds are B, 1 to 1/250. Im told that only 62,632 copies were made by KMZ during its short production in 1956-1958.

From russian camera mailing list:
Date: Thu, 21 Mar 2002 
From: "mlee777rf" [email protected]
Subject: Moskva 4 vs Zeiss Super Ikonta C

My recent arrival, a Moskva 4, is a surprisingly close copy of the
Zeiss Super Ikonta Cs.  I have the 530/2 to compare....the Soviets
appeared to have worked from the "blueprints" rather than "take one
apart, and replicate".  Dimension for dimension they are so similar
in parts (the shape of the lens assembly struts, the size of the
focussing wheel, etc).  While I don't have a 531/2, the Moskva 4
certainly loooks very close to it.  I would say that this Moskva (not
the 5) vs the 531/2 is akin to comparing the Zorki 1 to the Leica IId.

Feels, works and sounds like a Zeiss (hey, I am a Zeiss fan too).
Very impressive considering the price.  My 48 yr old Moskva 4 looks
and feels "as fresh as" a 1984 Kiev 4M.....It is in nicer condition
than my two Super Ikonta Cs, with a clear Albada finder.  Some of
these cameras may have been stored in a very dry/cool environment.
I'd say some, because I've had other cameras (incidentally one of them
s our favourite Zorki 3) that had humidity related damage (fungus in
the Jupiter 8), smelly leather, etc.

Picture quality....still adjusting the focus register and the RF, so
won't have a verdict until then.  Am looking forward to a session
with Velvia and/or Ektachrome 100VS.

Mike
Melbourne, Australia


from russian camera mailing list:
Date: Fri, 22 Mar 2002 
From: "rjrohleder" [email protected]
Subject: Re: Moskva 4 vs Zeiss Super Ikonta C

--- In russiancamera@y..., "mlee777rf" mlee777@b... wrote:
> My recent arrival, a Moskva 4, is a surprisingly close copy of the
> Zeiss Super Ikonta Cs.  I have the 530/2 to compare....the Soviets

Isn�t the Moskva a result of the german reparation program to the soviets? =
Didn�t KMZ even use Zeiss parts in the beginning - like Zavod Arsenal with t=
he Kiev/Contax?

>
> Mike
> Melbourne, Australia

Gruss, Roman