Anyone use an Iskra?

[Pfreddee]

I'd like to do Medium Format more, but I'm just not crazy about my Yashica MAT 124G. (I'm not interested in selling it; the camera belongs to our daughter.😀). I like the looks and specs of the Iskra, and I think I could order one from Fedka (I've ordered several cameras from Yuri; kudos to him). Has anyone used one fairly extensively, or could you recommend another FSU folder for medium format?

Thanks to all who reply.

With best regards,

Pfreddee(Stephen)

 

[Keith]

I had a perfectly functioning Iskra that I was foolish enough to lend to someone then never saw it again or the person that borowed it.

If you can get a good one go for it ... they're a fantastic camera. The lens is absolutely stellar and the rangefinder is one of the best I've used in an older camera and the only negative is the film advance mechanism is known to be a major weak point.

 

[Ko.Fe.]

Moskva-4. Does both, 6x6 and 6x9.

 

[Moto-Uno]

I started a thread a while ago "Iskra Praise" , I also have a couple of Mockba-5's which I enjoy for their film acreage, but without a doubt the Iskra is a better built instrument and the viewfinder,rangefinder is definitely better. And as Keith said, the camera can produces superb pics (one fine lens). You'll spend a lota cash to try and improve upon it!!! Peter

 

[Michael I.]

I actually have two, and want to sell one of them if you are interested (PM me if you are).

The rf\Vf and the lens are great, i trully love them.

 

[hanskerensky]

The Iskra 1 (a clone of the Agfa Super Isolette) and the Iskra 2 (with lightmeter) are just one of the best Soviet folders. Their viewfinders are big and easy in use. The lens is super.

Problem is to get a working one. Most of them are mechanically exhausted so be sure that especially the film transport mechanism is working Ok as repairs of that are next to impossible.

 

[Ernst Dinkla]

I have been lucky with the Iskra I that I bought a decade ago. Film transport works though the distance between frames varies (without overlapping). Cleaned it, fixed a light leak and gave it a second skin. Put a small lens in the eye piece so my glasses are no longer scratched. Love its square format next to the usual 4/3 2/3 frames of my digital cameras. But I will sell the Iskra in time, not used it for more than a year.

http://www.pigment-print.com/Fotografica/Agfa Record II/index.html
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=73622&page=34
http://www.pigment-print.com/Fotografica/Iskra/Iskra-and-Monitor2.jpg
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/rffgallery/usersummary.php?uid=16828


--
Met vriendelijke groet, Ernst

http://www.pigment-print.com/spectralplots/spectrumviz_1.htm
January 2014, 600+ inkjet media white spectral plots.