Sovet-Union: START: 1958-1964:

A Russian Pro -

KMZ factory in Kryznogorsk outside Moscow mostly produced Zenit cameras. But in 1958 they started production of what was meant to be a soviet professional system camera. It featured interchangeable finder and a high quality lens. But only this lens was ever produced until the production was stopped in 1964.

PAD semi-automatic diaphragm, a highly rated Helios lens, interchangeable finder and a breach lock mount were among the features of the Start. Size: 145x97x50 mm. Weight: 701 grams. Sn. 7103433.
The very good Helios 44 58/2 lens. Sn. 0040078.
Inherited from the Exacta of 1954, followed up by Alpa, Miranda and Topcon, Start featured the PAD (Pressure Activated Diaphragm) semi automatic shutter/aperture system. The shutter is activated from a prolonged button on the lens, thus stopping down the aperture as the shutter is released. There was no IRM here, but the aperture went back to full opening after winding, which was a step ahead compared to Exakta and Topcon, for instance. And other details:
Time setting dial, winder arm and counter.
Rewinder knob and film cutter handle.
Film cutter: unscrew and lift.
Edge of film cutter

Nyeste kommentarer

02.11 | 16:32

Thank you! I should have said around 500000. Also remember that sometimes a top plate was broken and had to replace it with a spare one numbered differently.

01.11 | 20:18

I think your SN indications for the S1 may be a little off. I just picked up a chrome one with SN 527384.

09.08 | 09:58

Hi,
I do not know that model code. Please check for model name.
Regards

08.08 | 20:58

Hi I have a Konica Minolta code 3739740 please advise if there are film strips available for this camera? I'd appreciate the help. Thank you