Ukrainian Cameras

[ocala]

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]

If they were that radioactive, they'd fog film, wouldn't they?

 

[JMP]

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]

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]

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.

 

[DaveP]

More on radation at Chernobyl (serpents wall is very good too) www.kiddofspeed.com ............Take the tour

 

[ruben]

I would term my Kiev and Iskra gear as electrifying rather than radioactive.

 

[dmr]

More on radation at Chernobyl (serpents wall is very good too) www.kiddofspeed.com ............Take the tour

Thanks for that link! 🙂 I'm about 1/2 way thru it now.

Kinda like a book that you can't put down.

 

[Frank Granovski]

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]

Like others, you've probably seen this note about half-way down on some ads on the Bay...

GAMMA RADIATION CONTROL SUCCESSFULLY PASSED!

Every item was tested with high-quality Soviet ANRI-01-02 radiometer, gamma-radiation was in limits from 4 up to 16 micro-Roentgen per hour, as usual at My room...

No any Chernobyl's souvenir will received with this item!

I began this tests because exists the opinion, that part of lenses, issued in USSR, was radioactive... I don't believe to this legend, but still in measuring ALL My items for Your pleasure.​

😕 😕 😕 😕 😉​

 

[RJBender]

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]

It looks like a fear tactic ...

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."

 

[x-ray]

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

 

[Frank Granovski]

Which are better: Ukrainian rangefinders or East German rangefinders? 😎