ocala
Newbie
I was just reading about Chernobyl recently, and I got to thinking about the source of a lot of these cameras we collect and use (particularly Kievs).... has anyone else idly considered the possibility of them being radioactive above normal levels? Some might have spent time in the 30km exclusion zone around Chernobyl. Is mail coming from the fsu checked for high activity?
jlw
Rangefinder camera pedant
If they were that radioactive, they'd fog film, wouldn't they?
JMP
Established
I have observed sellers from the FSU list levels of radiation they obtained from readings (can't recall unit of measure/device) off the camera they are selling because of these rumors. However, we are exposed to small amounts of radiation daily and I don't think this is something to be concerned about. As jlw pointed out, if the radiation levels were high enough, it would fog the film, just as an X-ray machine at airport security could to films over 400 ASA.
darkkavenger
Massimiliano Mortillaro
I don't think these cameras emit radiations above the background level of radiations (earth normal level of radiation emission). Same goes for the I61 L/D, who is radioactive, but nothing above normal levels of background radiation. Beware of M42 old Super-Takumar lenses though! ;P
andy_v
Established
I do not consider this to be a problem. Induced radioactivity is absolutely impossible. The chance of suface isotop cotamination also seems to be very rare now, especially almost twenty years after the accident. I think if you have doubts - simply test it. Theoretically camera could be dangerous if it was stolen from the nearest 30 km zone from epicenter.
My country suffered not less than Ukraine and the most severe problem was in isotops falled with dust, rain etc. We all were paranoid and almost every family had a radiometer.
My country suffered not less than Ukraine and the most severe problem was in isotops falled with dust, rain etc. We all were paranoid and almost every family had a radiometer.
DaveP
Well-known
More on radation at Chernobyl (serpents wall is very good too) www.kiddofspeed.com ............Take the tour
R
ruben
Guest
I would term my Kiev and Iskra gear as electrifying rather than radioactive.
dmr
Registered Abuser
DaveP said:
Thanks for that link!
I'm about 1/2 way thru it now.Kinda like a book that you can't put down.
F
Frank Granovski
Guest
A Ukrainian rangefinder would be one I never had, and I would like one with a putka so I can screw a lens to it.
reagan
hey, they're only Zorkis
Like others, you've probably seen this note about half-way down on some ads on the Bay...
RJBender
RFF Sponsoring Member
CVBLZ4 said:Like others, you've probably seen this note about half-way down on some ads on the Bay...
Yeah, I've seen that, too. It looks like a fear tactic to drive customers away from his competitors.
It also gives people a reason not to buy from anyone in the Ukraine.R.J.
reagan
hey, they're only Zorkis
Yep, RJ, pretty much my conclusions. I bought a camera from this guy, then sent the above note in an email to my brother to inform him of my purchase. I signed the email, "Your Glowing Bro."RJBender said:
x-ray
Veteran
Just for fun I took my survey meter to the three Russian RF cameras I have and no contamination at all. It is possible to have contaminated cameras. I worked at Oak Ridge national lab in the 70's and there were plenty of items burried because of contamination. It ranged from low lwvel to scorching hot in activity.
www.x-rayarts.com
www.x-rayarts.com
F
Frank Granovski
Guest
Which are better: Ukrainian rangefinders or East German rangefinders?