alecto
Member
I've been shooting film for around 6-7 years and although I do own a digital SLR I much prefer the whole process of shooting film, and I processing my own B&W. I have been using a Mamiya 645, Pentax K1000 and a couple of old TLRs mostly but I recently started to look at some of the more compact medium format cameras - mainly the Fuji GS645s and Bronica's RF645.
I heard mostly good things, but being totally new to the rangefinder system I wasn't sure I wanted to invest a load of money in something I wouldn't be comfortable using. That's when I started looking at some of the Russian folders, the Iskra immediately stood out, coupled rangefinder, the winding mechanism, and the Tessar design lens.
I found a decent example online and bought it, I was a little dissapointed at first due to the infamous winding mechanism not working, but it turned out that the back was not pushed on properly. I really like the focussing system and I must admit that depending on the circumstances I prefer it to focussing with the Mamiya 645.
I think it's an absolutely beautiful camera and it's pocketable too if you have large-ish pockets. Having shot a few rolls of film and gotten used to the slight eccentricites of the camera I think it's really quite easy to use and will probably become my "day-trip travel camera". Finally I'd like to thank this forum for helping my decision, as I have trawled through the archives looking for every post made about the Iskra before I made the buy!
a few pictures from the first (and only so far) B&W roll i've shot (click to enlarge). Shot on HP5.
I heard mostly good things, but being totally new to the rangefinder system I wasn't sure I wanted to invest a load of money in something I wouldn't be comfortable using. That's when I started looking at some of the Russian folders, the Iskra immediately stood out, coupled rangefinder, the winding mechanism, and the Tessar design lens.
I found a decent example online and bought it, I was a little dissapointed at first due to the infamous winding mechanism not working, but it turned out that the back was not pushed on properly. I really like the focussing system and I must admit that depending on the circumstances I prefer it to focussing with the Mamiya 645.
I think it's an absolutely beautiful camera and it's pocketable too if you have large-ish pockets. Having shot a few rolls of film and gotten used to the slight eccentricites of the camera I think it's really quite easy to use and will probably become my "day-trip travel camera". Finally I'd like to thank this forum for helping my decision, as I have trawled through the archives looking for every post made about the Iskra before I made the buy!
a few pictures from the first (and only so far) B&W roll i've shot (click to enlarge). Shot on HP5.
Solinar
Analog Preferred
Welcome to the RF forum. The Iskra really does stand out. If you buy a second folder just to test the waters, you'll really be able to appreciate the Iskra. Well, maybe if you sold the Mini Cooper, a Plaubel Makina may be in the cards. You did well on your first folder purchase.
W
wlewisiii
Guest
Welcome and congratulations! An Iskra is an excellent way to begin in folders. It has, far and away, the finest Tessar type lens that the FSU produced - and arguably the best such lens in any folder.
One tip - if you like color print film, Fuji Reala CS 100 and the Iskra's lens get along very well. Plus it's really quite inexpensive
Enjoy!
William
One tip - if you like color print film, Fuji Reala CS 100 and the Iskra's lens get along very well. Plus it's really quite inexpensive
Enjoy!
William
lushd
Donald
Hi and welcome. Aren't cats just rampant ego maniacs? You can't get a camera out without every cat in the neighbourhood wanting to pose. Congratulations on a great purchase - is the mini yours too?
I did have a busted Iskra that I sold to a good home and now I am a bit sorry. Medium format in your pocket is a good thing. If you get bitten by this FSU thing, I am quite fond of my Moskva 5 and have enjoyed its productions. If you can get one with the format reducer mask, they are loads of fun.
I did have a busted Iskra that I sold to a good home and now I am a bit sorry. Medium format in your pocket is a good thing. If you get bitten by this FSU thing, I am quite fond of my Moskva 5 and have enjoyed its productions. If you can get one with the format reducer mask, they are loads of fun.
Pherdinand
the snow must go on
Congrats. As a beginner with rangefinder focusing (if i understood it correctly), you got the walking cat perfectly. You have a long quest in front of you, spiced with GAS, many RFF postings and many many great photographs, i say.
alecto
Member
Thanks for the comments guys!
The mini is actually shared but I do drive it when I get the chance. I was quite pleased with the cat image. I am usually left extremely annoyed when I try to photograph her as she insists on walking towards me when I kneel to get a low angle, but the RF system just seems better for keeping focus of something moving.
The mini is actually shared but I do drive it when I get the chance. I was quite pleased with the cat image. I am usually left extremely annoyed when I try to photograph her as she insists on walking towards me when I kneel to get a low angle, but the RF system just seems better for keeping focus of something moving.
ZorkiFan
Member
Argh.. I have nine (I feed 9, 2 live here), some never to be photographed from the front. I had one that it took 2yrs to get a pic with it's eyes open (w/flash).
An Iskra is on my short list of cameras to buy. My dad shot Speed Graphics for years, and later, Polaroid land 95 and 100 folders. By the time I got one of the poloroids, they discontinued the film. Kind of a nostalgia thing for me.
Thanks for the pictures. Nice camera!