Iskra (''Spark'') Medium Format Camera

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From rangefinder mailing list: Date: Fri, 22 Feb 2002 From: Peter Evans peter@despammed.com 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://medfmt.8k.com/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 peter@despammed.com

From rangefinder mailing list: Date: Thu, 21 Feb 2002 From: lindsay melwin lindsaymelwin@hotmail.com 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: rgivan@cix.compulink.co.uk Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format Subject: Re: Dumb question about Iskra folder Date: Wed, 12 Feb 2003 nigel.isherwood@dsl.pipex.com (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.

From: stacey fotocord@yahoo.com Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format Subject: Re: Iskra's Industar's filter size - HELP! Date: Sun, 30 Nov 2003 stacey wrote: > Michal Wilk wrote: > >> Hi! >> >> I have recenlty bought marvellous russian folding camera and I would >> like to use some filters with it but I can't find anywhere, what size >> of filters should I use. Can anybody help me? > I recall one of the members on the delphi forums saying it uses a "series" > filter, sorry I can't recall what size, might ask there? And yes these are > neat cameras! found the answer FYI, the Iskra takes Series 5 filters, held in place with a standard Series 5 screw-in retaining ring. You can find these and the retaining rings used by the truckload, and they should go for no more than a few dollars a piece. This is a much better option than a stepping ring, plus you will have no problem closing the camera with the filter in place. They won't be multicoated, but are entirely serviceable. -- Stacey

From: Stacey fotocord@yahoo.com Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format Subject: Re: Moscva 5--decent student camera? Date: Wed, 21 Apr 2004 Trevor Longino wrote: > Hi all, > > I raised my price range a little > more (still under a hundred dollars, though) and after researching for a > week on the web, the Moscva-5 looks like a good compromise to me. Several things going against it. First is 6X9. On the face of it, sounds like a good idea but most 6X9 folders have problems with film flatness, to the point where prints made from a 6X4.5 folder look better. Even when both camera's have the same type lens. Also many have problems covering 6X9, even at small f stops. Second is getting prints made from 6X9 negatives, almost no one does them and they crop them 6X7 to print, them choosing the crop at least for proofs. I have a good 6X9 camera and don't use it that much because of that problem and what do you do with a 6X9 chrome, there are no projectors for them etc. That format was designed for contact printing, hence the larger negative. You get 8 exposures a roll as well. Second you are dealing with an FSU camera, trust me they are FLAKEY. I use kievs etc and while they can produce nice images, they can be frustrating and you'll spend a lot of time just getting it working corectly from my experience. Also the QC of the lenses used seems to be all over the place, some are really good, some are crap. A much better camera from the FSU is the Iskra. A 6X6 folder w/rangefinder and tessar clone lens that all of them seem to be good. The only problem these have is the frame counters can be flakey but since these seem to take great pictures, many were converted to "red window" counters. What I think makes these so good is the whole lens moves to focus rather than being a front cell focusing camera. Look for one already converted to red window counter (a picture of the back will show the red window) and you'll probably get a great little camera for about $75. Be careful as some have also been converted to 6X4.5 and will have the red window at the bottom of the back instead of the center. The first is a 6X4.5, the second is unconverted and I don't see one right now that shows the centered red window that a converted 6X6 would have. Then again you might like a 6X4.5 version since you get 16 on a roll instead of 12? http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=11717&item=3810463323&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=710&item=3811084132&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW Another really great camera is the early Ikonta -A- 520/521, a 6X4.5 folder that could be had with a tessar lens. These can be found for around $100, are very small, light and produce fantastic results. What's odd is the one pictured below doesn't have a body shutter release, my 520 and my 521 both do. The difference between the 520 and 521 is the 521 has double exposure prevention. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=11717&item=3810105421&rd=1 I think the Iskra is probably the best of this lot as far as being a good user for under $100, It has coupled rangefinder viewfinder combo like the $400 late ikontas have and is 6X6 as well. My iskra is better image wise than my late opton tessar ikonta III! Like I said the only issue they seem to have is the frame counter which can be bypassed if it becomes a problem. -- Stacey

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