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The Leningrad
is a true flagship of the Soviet classic cameras - an advanced high class
Leica Threadmount rangefinder.
It is famous
for its spring-loaded motorized film transport mechanism which allows
to shoot 10-15 frames from one spring winding. Normally you can "dry"
fire up to 20 frames (dry firing is not recommended), when the camera
is loaded with film this number is lower, but expect to get over 10 frames.
The rangefinder
of the Leningrad is unique, it is the most sophisticated system ever produced
in the USSR. The rangefinder patch is not superimposed on the viewfinder
image (conventional way when a half-silvered mirror is used), but is actually
"c
ut out" of it. A separate moving rangefinder lens places the RF patch
in a position corresponding to the distance. OK, I give up, you have to
see it for yourself . A comparison to the Leica M3 rangefinder comes to
mind. Well, it is different by design, but is certainly as complex.
Overall workmanship
is also impressive, it is well above average.
The viewfinder
can support 4 focal lengths: the outer viewfinder frame corresponds to
35 mm lens, it also includes 3 frames - for 50, 85 and 135 mm interchangeable
lenses. The frames are always present in the viewfinder.
Technical
Characteristics
Leningrad
Body
|
Shutter
Speeds
|
B, 1,
1/2, 1/5, 1/10, 1/25, 1/50, 1/100, 1/250, 1/500, 1/1000 s
|
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Rangefinder
Base
|
57
mm |
|
Shutter
Type
|
Focal
plane, cloth, horizontal
|
|
Viewfinder
features
|
Frames
for 50, 85 and 135 mm, full size - for 35 mm focal length |
|
Viewfinder
Magnification
|
0.68x
|
|
Flash
Synch
|
X-Type
|
|
Film
Type
|
35mm
film in standard cassettes |
|
Self-timer
|
Mechanical,
9-15 s time delay
|
|
Lens
Mount
|
M39x1
mm (LTM). The lens mounts and RF couples with any Leica or Leica copy
(FED, Zorki etc.) |
|
Diopter
Adjustment of VF
|
?2 |
|
Body
Finish
|
Black
Enamel, Chrome, Vulcanite |
Lens:
Jupiter-8, 50/2, Leica Thread Mount
| Focal
length |
50
mm |
| Aperture |
1:2,
settings from 2 to 22 |
| Angle
of Coverage |
45? |
| Focusing
|
1
m - Infinity |
| Filter
size |
M40.5x0.5
|
| Optical Design |
6
elements in 3 groups, click
to see drawing |
| Optical
registration (back focus) |
28.8?
0.02 mm |
| Mount |
M39x1
mm (LTM). The lens mounts and RF couples with any Leica or Leica copy
(FED, Zorki etc.) |
| Glass |
Coated |
| Finish |
Polished
chrome |
This camera was made in 1962 by GOMZ (later became LOMO). It is in EXC condition
cosmetically, there are practically no paint rubs, the leather is intact,
the chrome is bright and clean. The lens is clear and clean, the focusing
and aperture are smooth. The rangefinder is bright and clear and is fully
operational. In short - this Leningrad is a great sample of this magnificent
camera. The camera comes with a metal lenscap and a clean leather case.
The case is worth mentioning - it is made of high quality leather with
metal reinforcements. Comparable quality German case would probably cost
a fortune. The GOMZ factory produced only 70,700 Leningrad cameras from
1956 to 1968. Today this is an uncommon and desirable Russian collectible
camera.
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