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Post by jennyandernie on Jul 29, 2006 13:52:12 GMT -5
Here is a photo of our Leningrad. For those of you who have not seen one of these unusual Russian cameras it is a coupled-range finder, spring-motor-driven, focal-plane, interchangeable lens camera made by the GOMZ factory between 1956 and 1968. In 1958, the camera won the Grand Prix prize at the Brussels World Fair. The motor takes the form of a winding knob and take-up spool, and is the only means of advancing the film. Upon pressing the shutter release button the shutter opens – exposing the film – and then the motor takes over to advance the film and retention the shutter ready for the next exposure. Standard lens is usually KMZ Jupiter-8 50mm f:2. Like most Russian cameras it is large and very heavy but well constructed. However it does take good photographs and is fun to use. Jenny
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Post by kiev4a on Jul 29, 2006 14:26:40 GMT -5
First phot I ever has seen from a 'grad and I had one!. Nice photo.
Had the curtains replaced on mine by the famous Oleg, then never shot it. Sold it to a guy in Hong Kong. I have been told the Achilles Heel is the viewfinder--which is very good--but has a tendency to turn to dust if it gets too many shocks (as in the virbration from the shutter and film advance. Your's has four screws showing in the lens mount. Mine had two. Can't remember which variation came first.
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PeterW
Lifetime Member
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Posts: 3,804
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Post by PeterW on Jul 29, 2006 15:02:30 GMT -5
Nice camera and a nice picture. I've fancied a Leningrad for a long time but so far haven't seen one in working order at my sort of price.
Peter W.
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Post by jennyandernie on Jul 29, 2006 15:17:01 GMT -5
I think we were lucky with ours; most collectors and restorers we have spoken to about the Leningrad say it is very unusual to find one in working condition. Ours is in very good nick and complete with lens cap and good original case.
And Wayne is right about the shocks, the camera almost leaps out of your hand when it winds on. We have another couple of the "clockwork cameras"; a Ricoh Autoshot and a Kodak Motormatic 35; neither of them jump in your hands like the Leningrad. Then again neither give as good a photograph; though the Ricoh Autoshot isn't bad.
Jenny
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Post by kamera on Jul 29, 2006 15:38:22 GMT -5
Not sure I've ever heard of the Leningrad. But I sure do love that picture; a rather startling composition!!
Ron Head Kalamazoo, MI
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Post by kiev4a on Jul 29, 2006 18:18:41 GMT -5
Every time you fire a frame with the Leningrad it sounds like you are chambering a round in a Colt Government 45 automatic pistol. It's not a camera you would use to sneak up on anybody. But it probably is the most solid Soviet camera ever built. The take-up spool is unlike anything you have ever seen--about the size of a film cassette--glass pressure plate like the early Leica Ms. Now you've got me wondering why I never go round to shooting with mine.
BTW NEVER set the self timer when the shutter isn't cocked. If you do, the self timer won't time any more.
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Post by GeneW on Jul 29, 2006 20:35:52 GMT -5
This scares me. And here I thought my Zorki 4's were loud Gene
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