Ok, i've since bought via Ebay a Salyut-S camera, so i'll report when it arrives.
Meanwhile,
more information that some times is ommited.
Models:
1. The original Salyut. This camera has in fact many variants, the first had the self timer, and then the release of the self-timer went through variations as well. The later ones came without self timer. The lenses use a semi-automatic diaphragm (needs to be cocked). First versions have 1500 top speed, later ones 1000 top speed.,
2. Salyut-S. This one allows use of lenses with automatic diaphragm. But, also, allos the older Salyut lenses to be fitted. The mechanism incorporates improvements similar to the ones that Hasseblad did when upgrading from the 1600F to the 1000F.
3. Kiev-88. This one is essentially similar to a Salyut-S, with some internal mechanical modifications and the mount will not support Salyut lenses anymore: it lacks the extra groove for the old aperture actuator. Includes hot shoe. On later models the X-F flash selecton has been omitted.
Mechanical modifications: "The Kiev 80/88 saw a further redesign of the winding mechanism, introducing a small pin which engaged with a sprung dog. This pin took the full load of winding the shutter curtains and was prone to wear/snapping, the symptoms being the shutter releasing as it is wound, or just the mirror being set as the shutter knob is wound on" (
source)
Lens mount
Lens went through two distinct phases:
a. Semi-automatic diaphragm lenses for the Salyut
b. Fully-automatic lenses for the Salyut-S and Kiev-88
The lens mount is similar to the one in the Hasselblad 1600F/1000F. The lenses can be modified to fit the hassys. Probably hasselblad 1600/1000F mount can be modified to mount on Kievs too.
The semi-automatic lenses (a) cannot be mounted in the Kiev-88 unless the diaphragm actuator at the rear of the lens is removed.
The lenses can be adapted to Pentacon Six mount by use of an adapter ring, but not the other way around.
Standard lenses
In short the list in chronological order:
1. Industar-29 80/2.8. Tessar design (4/3 optical schema), single coated, semi-automatic diaphragm.
2. Vega-12B 90/2.8. Xenotar/Biometar design (5/4). Single coated, auto-diaphragm.
3. Volna-3B 80/2.8. Deluxe Gauss design (6/5). Multicoated
4. Arsat 80/2.8. In theory, same as (3).
Also there's the Vega-28 120/2.8, multicoated, contemporary to (3)
Backs
Essentially two type of backs:
1. Original back - spacing depends on film thickness and thus should be recalibrated.
2. NT ("New Technology") back. Entirely different, has provision for multiple exposure, measures how far the film has actually traveled so doesn't rely on film thickness. Has film label compartment in the back.
It is reported that early Hasselblad 1600F backs will fit.
Backs came
with the same serial number as the camera, and the secondary back (part of the kit) had also the same number with an "A" at the end.
Also, it's guaranteed that backs of the type (1) will leak light if they haven't been serviced, this due to the light seal foam for the dark slide deteriorating. Service is easy, you can do it yourself.
Viewfinders
This is not an exhaustive list, but this is what i've found
1. Waist level finder
2. Prism finder without meter.
3. TTL meter
4. TTL meter, including spot meter.
There are variations on the TTL meter taking three (3) different kind of batteries.
Finders can fit the Hasselblad 1600/1000F and even the 500C series and viceversa.
Other accesories
1. Pistol grip
2. Lateral (L) grip.
In space
Just like their swedish ancestors, the Salyut cameras went to space several times, in 1964, 1966, 1967, maybe other years.
Pictured is the Salyut-1B