I started collecting and using zorkiis, feds, and kievs when I spent the year 1994-95 in Kazaksatan. There was a commission store full of cameras, lens, filters, lightmeters. Probably about 4 meters of shelf space with 3 shelves. The photo of Oleg's store shows about 20% of what I had available. I became a steady customer and special cameras would be kept for me.
In the store I met a retired engineer-local Russian who has a collection that N Dayton (Commie Cameras) would be proud of. Vladimir would bring me items to look at once a week or two. He would repair cameras for me or would have others repair for me. Also he invited me to join with members of the local photo club at the Academy of Science which met once a month. Also there was always an exhibition. I once got to handle one of the very rare REPORTER medium format cameras-but he wouldn't part with it. Vladimir and I both made the rounds to the weekend flea markets. I was looking at everything soviet. Sounds like a great name for an e-store! Most of this is gone now, flea markets are regulated and the commission store is a mere shadow of the old days. Capitalism has increased all the rents and these little shops were driven out along with the used bookstores, where I bought many Russian technical photography books. All my Russian friends now are using digital cameras, have SUVs and cell phones.
If any of you are interested in looking at my photos I have a lot (168) posted on photo.net
under my name ptourtellotte. My young Russian friend who helped me out in the early days loves to look at the photos and say" yes the old Almaty, which is gone."
Collecting cameras in Greece is another story for another time. But, any flea market in the eastern parts of Europe are great places to look. I have often bought a camera with film still in it
