Dead Lenningrad: repair? or best Russian VF to replace?

[SimonPJ]

I have a Lenningrad which I was hoping would start me off in exploring Soviet rangefinder lenses. But one of my young children found it; loved playing with the wind-up motor - and ended up over-winding the mechanism and breaking it, along with one of the shutter ribbons.

When I first received the Lenningrad I was incredibly impressed by its substantial build and high quality finish, and by its big bright viewfinder / rangefinder.

So... I'm thinking about whether to get the camera repaired, try my luck with getting hold of another one...

... or, is there a better Russian alternative? Which other Soviet cameras have viewfinders as good as, or better than, the Lenningrad?

Thanks,

Simon.

 

[Evgeny S]

One of the biggest advantages of Leningrad is that its viewfinder has frame lines. By all means Leningrad supposed to be the higher level camera than other FSU RFs.

 

[je2a3]

Maybe Oleg can fix it....there isn't much DIY information available on-line on this model.

Joseph

 

[kmack]

It means a different lens mount, but the Kiev's are nearly bullet proof. They have a wide rf base and the viewfinder is fairly large.

 

[cacs88]

I think it'd be hard to find a russian body with a better viewfinder than the Leningrad's. I also like its build and the looks a lot. But, I also find the Leningrad to be extremely delicate. I read that one shouldn't even dry-fire it. The Leningrad top deck's overhang also prevents some lenses (eg Industar 26m, with a wide lens base) to be mounted.

If you want it fixed, Oleg gets my highest recommendation. He fixed mine after I forgot to wind it before firing the shutter.

The Zorki 3M and 4 viewfinders are quite good and the camera bodies seem to be more robust.

henry

 

[SimonPJ]

Thanks for your replies. I guess I should just try a few cameras out until I find one that I like... and that works!

As I'm new to the Soviet/Russian side of Rangefinderforum I don't know who Oleg is. I imagine he is in the US?

I'm in the UK. Can any body recommend a good repair person and/or reliable source of properly calibrated Soviet/Russian cameras in the UK?

Thanks,

Simon.

 

[je2a3]

As I'm new to the Soviet/Russian side of Rangefinderforum I don't know who Oleg is. I imagine he is in the US?
Simon.

Click here, there is a link somewhere in the RFF homepage also. He is in one of the federated states in Russia and is well regarded for his repair of FSU gear and Leica LTM. I've sent some gear to him and recommend his work highly.

Joseph

 

[kmack]

I had Oleg CLA a Zorki, His prices are very reasonable and he is easy to deal with. The Zorki has become a joy to use after his attention.

 

[SimonPJ]

I believe this is the Oleg of which they speak. He is not in the U.S. but the Ukraine.

Oleg

Glad to have made your acquaintance, Oleg! (And found your web site.)

Simon.

 

[santino]

IMHO nothing compares to a Leningrad 🙂

 

[wyk_penguin]

It means a different lens mount, but the Kiev's are nearly bullet proof. They have a wide rf base and the viewfinder is fairly large.

Is this "Kiev Vs the whole FSU cameras" a perpentual battle or what. 😀
And since I, too, use a Kiev I should join forces with kmack and lure you to the light side. 😛