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People often ask, how to use a Russian Rangefinder?
Let’s find out!
How to use Russian Rangefinder?
The Russian Rangefinder is a device that allows you to measure distances from one point to another. It uses laser beams to determine distance by measuring the time it takes for light to travel between two points. This is done using a series of mirrors that bounce the laser beam back and forth between two points.
Note: If you want to know a complete guide about rangefinder click HERE.
A Brief History
Russian cameras are made by several different companies, including Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Sony, and Olympus. These cameras are used by professional photographers around the world.
The vast majority of the Russian camera industry came into being after WW2. Germany was split into sections. A section was under the control of Russia.
Many German companies were forced to hand over their patents and designs. Companies in Russia started making copies or similar cameras and lens to the famous German models, some of them were great, others were bad.
Benefits of Exploring Russian Cameras and Lenses
Cameras are very cheap in Russia. You can buy a camera for less than $100. Lenses are also inexpensive. You can get a lens for less than $50.
This tutorial is about a rangefinder camera. Initially, I just wanted to get an inexpensive camera. But after browsing the internet, we found out there were many great cameras that we had never even heard of before. If you’re interested in a cheap camera, this is a good place to start.
Note: If you want to know How to Use SLR Magic Rangefinder click HERE.
After Effects Templates
There are many brands of Russian cameras and lenses, such as Nikon, Canon, Pentax, Olympus, Sony, Fujifilm, Panasonic, Leica, Minolta, Contax, Kodak, Zeiss, Tamron, Sigma, Voigtlander, Schneider-Kreuznach, Tokina, Rokinon, Samyang, etc.
Brands are different than companies. Some brands are made up of more than one company. A single company may produce several brands. But what’s important is that every type of camera was manufactured by a Russian company. You’ll find rangefinders, SLR, modular medium format SLR, folding cameras and TLR cameras here.
Zenit
Zenit is a 35mm film camera brand that most people know of. The Zenit is made by KMZ, which produces many other brands. The brand was then made by BelOMO. There is information available about the current status of the brand, but it seems to be difficult to purchase new cameras.
The Zenit-E was designed by Sergei Korolev. He was a Soviet engineer who worked on the first space rocket program. He also invented the R-7 Semyorka missile. This camera was made in Russia. It was very reliable because of its simplicity. It could take pictures even if it had been dropped into water. It was also affordable.
Note: If you want to know How to Use the Russian Rangefinder click HERE.
Zorki
Zorki was a very popular brand of cameras during the Soviet era. It was used by many famous photographers such as Andre Kertesz, Boris Yefimov, and others. It was a reliable camera and had an excellent reputation. Many people still use this type of camera today.
They’re rangefinder cameras. The Zenit SLR was a hacked version of the Zorki camera. Zorkis are no longer made, but you can still buy them online for under 30 dollars. They make a unique noise when fired off because of the rubber shutter. Most cameras from this era used cloth shutters.
FED
This is a rangefinder camera made by FED. It was founded in 1935 and was based in modern day Ukraine. In the 1930s, it even produced limited edition cameras for Stalin’s secret service.
The FED and Zorki use the same type of lens mounts. Early screw-on Leica cameras and the Feds and Zorks could use the same lenses. Quality control was sometimes so poor that things didn’t always work the same way.
Note: if you want to know How to Use Shepherd Scope Rangefinder With Different Bullets clicks HERE.
Moskva
The Moskva was a great camera, but it wasn’t made by any company anymore. It was made by a Russian company called “Moskva”. It was a medium format camera that used bellows instead of shutters. It had rangefinder lenses and could shoot 6x9cm negatives.
Cameras are sensitive tools that require care and maintenance. Check your camera before you start shooting. Don’t forget to turn off the camera when you’re done using it. Always store your camera in a cool place.
Horizon
The Horizon camera was invented by George Eastman in 1891. He called it the Kodak. The Kodak was used in the first motion picture ever made, The Great Train Robbery. The Kodak was also used in the first movie ever shown in New York City, A Trip to the Moon. The Kodak was the first camera to use roll film instead of paper negatives. The Kodak was discontinued in 2006.
There are over 120 versions of the KMZ camera, but KMZ continues to produce two models. In the US, they are available as the Kompakt and Perfekt. Old models were made of metal, and had the same manufacturing quality as other Russian cameras. Current models are plastic, but appear to be more reliable.
Lomo
Lomo is a brand name used for many different types of cameras. The original Lomo Company is still in business in St. Petersburg. Most of the products are made in China by the Lomo Society, which works closely together with Lomo.
The most popular vintage cameras are the LC-1 compact point-and-shoots and the Lubitel twin lens reflex cameras. Both are still being manufactured by the Lomographic Society.
We think that the Lubitel is a great camera, but we are worried about its plastic body.
Kiev
Kiev cameras were made by the Arsenal Factory in Ukraine until 2008. Sales are now being made from stockpiled inventory.
There are three important Kiev cameras: the Kiev 88 is a modular medium-format SLR modeled after the Hasselblad. Next, there’s the Kiev 60, which is a large-format SLR. Lastly, the Kiev 4 is an inexpensive 35mm rangefinder.
Kiev cameras are terrible. They are pre-assembled kits requiring a lot of work. They are often sold refurbished for cheap.
Lenses
There are more Russian lenses out than any one person could ever use. Almost every Russian lens company also produced its own lens brand. These lenses are used by film enthusiast, but they are also purchased and attached to digital SLR cameras using adapters.
The cheap price and sometimes fantastic quality of the lenses make them a great alternative to spend hundreds on expensive new lenses.
KMZ produced Jupiter lenses for rangefinder cameras, and the famous 50 mm f/2 Jupiter 8 lens. They also produced Helio lenses for Zenits, and the incredible Helio 40 85mm f/ 1.5 lens. FED produced Industars lenses. The Industar 20-50 is a collapsible zoom lens that holds its own against rivals of the period.
A cheap alternative to modern tilt-shifts.
How to Use Russian Rangefinder?
Conclusion
We hope you’ve heard something new today. But as someone who likes Russian cameras, we’d love to know if you’re interested in buying one.
Russian cameras were made by companies with a very unique set of priorities. When you find one, it’ll probably last forever.
You can buy a new lens for around $1,000 or less. But you can also repair a lens yourself for about $100. Do not try fixing your lens yourself, there is a chance that you might break it.
If you have any queries feel free to reach out in the comments section below.
If you want to know more information about rangefinder click HERE.
