My ama yesterday went well so I'm happy to talk about more stuff that I know about. While I can talk a decent amount about digital photography most of my experience is with film stuff. I have grown up in the digital era so I may not be as experienced as some of you older folks. I own a few soviet cameras, a chinese one and a couple old cannons. I've used a bit more than that so I should be able to answer a decent amount of your questions.

  • furryanarchy [comrade/them,they/them]
    ·
    4 years ago

    Most photography forums are filled with people who are like "just spend $200 to have it sent off" and act like doing any work yourself is insane. Is it actually difficult to work on Soviet cameras and keep them running? I am considering getting a Soviet rangefinder of some sort, or maybe one of those slrs that are adapted from rangefinders.

    Also want a tlr, idk if there are good Soviet ones.

    • VivaZapata [he/him]B
      ·
      4 years ago

      I actually just bought a lubitel 2. That and the 166 seem like fine tools. Both were made by lomo which is a company with a great reputation.

      So yeah even into the 80s or so the soviets didn't have aperture priority like americans would. It means that you have to know what you're doing a little more in terms of exposure but it's not that hard to use. We all have smartphones just get a light meter app and you're all set. I've had to do literally no work on my Zorki 4k which is my secondary camera (I use a digital one for a primary). Just don't drop them or anything. Also, don't change the shudder speed without cocking the camera. That's something that applies to most soviet cameras.

      • furryanarchy [comrade/them,they/them]
        ·
        4 years ago

        I may get a Zorki 4k as a secondary camera to have in my car. I hate leaving my Canon F-1 (my main camera) in there as wild temperature swings hurt the lubricant and it's a huge pain to change. Having a weird soviet camera noone has ever heard of with me all the time is hilarious to me, I wanna be that guy who does that.

        • VivaZapata [he/him]B
          ·
          4 years ago

          Oh no the lube in the Zorki would get fucked up too! Don't leave it in the car.

          • furryanarchy [comrade/them,they/them]
            ·
            4 years ago

            Well, is it any easier to relube? Canon slrs involve a million microscopic screws and springs and stuff and you risk damaging things every time.