Iskra: the greatest Russian RF?

I got mine for $165, but I bought it from http://www.fedka.com/catalog/ He costs more, but the camera was tested and guaranteed. That's worth the extra money to me.

On ebay, between 120 - 150 seems to be the going rate for the best ones. The first one listed (6x4.5) has alot of problems. Max of $30 and assume complete overhaul needed.

William
 
Probably hasn't been unused for quite that long. That is a plastic take-up spool in the camera. I think film manufacturers started using them in the 70's.

In the US, I agree that 80-100 dollars is an acceptable price. Remember that transaction costs, if you are buying it from Ukraine or Russia, will add another 15-20 dollars.

Altogether, that is much better than Agfa model it is based on, if you can even find one.

-Paul
 
satbunny said:
There is a modified 645 version on ebay right now.. http://tinyurl.com/buz96

How much do you think a working Iskra is worth?
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I'd stick to a proper one - 6x6.

As to value, while you can get lucky and get them cheaper, bank on $80-120 on ebay, or $100-250 from an online seller, the higher end prices should be CLA'ed.

BTW, a series V double sided retaining ring or series 5 stepup (to series 6) will screw in to the Iskra's filter threads, but the thread pitch is different so you have to be careful not to screw it in to tight and screw things up ;)

Best bet is the series 6 35mm push on adapter, as it fits properly and is quicker to put on and take off.

Paul
 
That's a nice one. The serial number indicates that is a little newer than mine. A fully functional, clean Iskra is well worth that much.

-Paul
 
Hello,
the Iskra is one of my favourite russian cameras. I have a nice Iskra-2 and compared the Industar with a Sekor 2,8/80 from a Mamiya C330 and a Tessar from a Weltax (German Folder).
At f/8 or higher there are almost no differences betwenn the Industar and the Sekor. At f/5,6 the Sekor is a bit sharper in the edges. The Tessar is behind both.

The biggest problem for most Iskras is the film advance (overlapping frames). There are often iskras with red windows at the back offered at ebay - they have usually a broken film advance.

Andreas
 
wlewisiii said:
Looks nice enough. If I were buying, I'd make sure to note the SN's in the photos and be certain what thier return policy is. While the ad does say a 3 month warranty, I've never used them, so I'd want some further assurances.

Otherwise, it looks like a good one. Certainly better than the ebay one posted up-thread.

William
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I thought everyone has lost interest in Russian cameras,but you are all gathering in here. :bang:
Here is a nice one from my collection. Sorry, it is not for sale. :)

Zhang
 
I am a fan of the square too. I use a holga and lubitel, for my square needs :) Iskra looks like a really good camera. and a real rangefinder! on sovietstore.com it goes for 200 bucks. kinda expensive. What about Moskva? how do they compare?
 
lubitel said:
I am a fan of the square too. I use a holga and lubitel, for my square needs :) Iskra looks like a really good camera. and a real rangefinder! on sovietstore.com it goes for 200 bucks. kinda expensive. What about Moskva? how do they compare?
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I have and use a Moskva 5 that I use in both 6x6 and 6x9. I did have to adjust the inf. focus when I got it but it takes nice sharp pictures and I can't tell much differance between it and my Iskra II. Dave
 
Does it have all the same features? I mean is the Viewfinder different? How is the rangefinder? Is handling different? Heavier, larger?
 
lubitel said:
Does it have all the same features? I mean is the Viewfinder different? How is the rangefinder? Is handling different? Heavier, larger?
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The Iskra has a much better view finder and is smaller opened up than the Moskva. The Moskva also requires a lot more things to do to be ready to use but I like the stares I get go into action with the thing. The Iskra biggest weak point is the frame counter which is prone to fail and difficult thing to adjust after you get the top off.. A lot of Iskra's have been butchered by Soviet T34 tank mechanics who install a red window in the back to count frames. The counter usually fails do to bent part caused by putting the back on in a hurry and as long as the gears are not stripped it can be repaired and adjusted. I haven't weighted them but the Iskra feels like it is heavier. Dave
 
You might say the Agfa Super Isolette holds that title!

Of course, the Iskra is a fairly faithful copy that does stand the test of time better due to different choice in lubricants and bellows material. One of these days, I am sure I will get a crack at repairing an Iskra or a Super Isolette.

Any negatives against the Moskva should be tempered against the fact that its a 6x9!
 
Mike Kovacs said:
You might say the Agfa Super Isolette holds that title!

Of course, the Iskra is a fairly faithful copy that does stand the test of time better due to different choice in lubricants and bellows material. One of these days, I am sure I will get a crack at repairing an Iskra or a Super Isolette.

Any negatives against the Moskva should be tempered against the fact that its a 6x9!
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Even used as a 6X6 with the mask installed I see little differance between the Iskra and the Moskva 5 with the Iskra maybe a little sharper since it is unit focused and the Moskva is front cell focused. However I seldom if ever shoot with F stops larger than F8 so I really can't provide hard data. The Moskva 5 is just plain fun to use even if it ergonomicaly a difficult camera. Dave
 
SQUARE lets you print the whole frame, if you print square. While 6x9 gives lots of wiggle room, which means cropability when printing an A3 or A4.

I have the Ansco Super Speedex labelled Super Isolette and it is superb. The modern film winder and coupled unit focusing makes it a folder user's dream come true. Plus, the 75/3.5 Solinar version of the Tessar is probably the best I've seen in a folder from this era.

The prices that folks are paying at eBuy for a Super Isolette really does make getting a working Iskra for under a hundred bucks an incredible bargain. Who cares if it is a clone.

KMZ probably reserved their best glass for the Iskra from the photos I've seen. The viewfinder is slightly larger and the RF base is tad longer than the Super Isolette. The other downside with Iskra is those hard to find 33 x .5 mm threaded filters, but according to P.C. Headland the thin A37 filters work.

Speaking of clones, I personally have occasional GAS for the early version of the Moskva 4. I was wondering if the earlier RF housing is less in the way of the shuttter release. Does anyone shoot with one?
 
lubitel said:
Does it have all the same features? I mean is the Viewfinder different? How is the rangefinder? Is handling different? Heavier, larger?
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I've got the Moskva 5 and Iskra I and II. All are very capable optically, but the Iskra is just a nicer camera to use. The nice bright combined VF/RF and shutter release on the normal side are plus points over the M5, as is the more stable folding/locking mechanism. Handling wise, it is a more modern camera. Of course, the M5 is 6x9 and 6x6.

Paul
 
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