Half-Frame Cameras?

[Ian Grant]

You are a Subscriber, so maybe place a Wanted advert here for a Half frame camera, preferably from Canada. Personally I'd go for an Olympus, I have a Pen D which a friend bought to replace my Canon Demi which he borrowed and dropped

Ian

 

[Twiggy]

I did post an add.

However, I just found another Chaika in great working and cosmetic condition with no engraving.

Was only $103 Canadian with the shipping, so thats done now.

At the end of the day, my special interest for Soviet era items won over, and it looked nice to me. Plus it's something unique, which I wouldn't have known existed if I just bought an Ektar or Agfa photo immediately.

Already got a perfect first photo in mind, my soviet flag on on frame, and my SKS (soviet rifle) on another.

 

[xkaes]

I am considering buying this one though, because 1) I like how it looks, it's clean and in good condition including the lense, and 3) I like soviet era stuff.

The Chaika II is very nice, but maybe you should look for a Chiaka 2M

http://www.subclub.org/shop/mmz.htm

 

[xkaes]

As for the meters, with cameras of this age, many wont work, or won't work properly, so I'd rather have no meter, than one that doesn't work, as a personal preference.

Avoid cameras with a selenium meter that do not come with a camera case. If it has a camera case, there is a much better chance that the meter works and is accurate. I have/had many selenium cameras and meters that are over 75 years old and work fine -- they were all kept in their case when not in use. The main problem is that they don't work in low light -- but they work fine well below freezing.

 

[Twiggy]

Yeah I saw the 2M. it has some features, like a mount (hot shoe) and the meter, that the Chaika II doesn't have, but it looks ugly to me.

I know that's kind of a dumb reason, but if I am gonna be spending $100 or so, then I want something that looks appealing.

At least it does have a PC flash port, so I can use a separate flash, if needed.

 

[xkaes]

At the end of the day, my special interest for Soviet era items won over, and it looked nice to me.

Looks like you should find a MMZ AGAT 18 or AGAT 18K

http://www.subclub.org/shop/mmz.htm

And you might also be interested in these -- from a different Soviet factory:

http://www.subclub.org/shop/kiev.htm

 

[xkaes]

At least it does have a PC flash port, so I can use a separate flash, if needed.

And a "B" setting for long exposures.

 

[xkaes]

Yeah I saw the 2M. it has some features, like a mount (hot shoe) and the meter, that the Chaika II doesn't have, but it looks ugly to me.

 

[xkaes]

If you want to "go Ruskie", check out the Fed's (yet another Soviet camera manufacturer) Micron:

http://www.subclub.org/shop/fed.htm

It's really just a copy of the stylish Konica Eye:

http://www.subclub.org/shop/konica.htm

 

[Lee Rust]

Both of those Pens you're considering look very nice. The Chaika looks really good too, but as Don_ih says, they're not anywhere as fine a camera as an Olympus. The Cyrillic writing on top appears to be a personal gift inscription dated April 11, 1969, so that's a unique feature.

I've purchased a few things from Ukraine with no problems, but shipping might take several weeks since there does happen to be a war going on over there.

​

 

[GregY]

Oh yes, I've had experience with that type of thing.

I am considering buying this one though, because 1) I like how it looks, it's clean and in good condition including the lense, and 3) I like soviet era stuff.

Does anyone know what the quote engraved on the top says though? I can't read that type of writing, I can't even tell if it's english or russian.

It's in Russian and on someone's day of birth....
I'd choose an Olympus any day.....

 

[Twiggy]

I'd certainly have gotten more than one, but, unfortunately I am not made of money.

I did in fact see the Agat 18 and 18k, and there was one for $12, which I was considering, because the total price would've been under $50 still, but then I found the Chaika.

I do have a few to look at now, for when I do have some more pocket money to burn.

 

[Lee Rust]

The Chaika II is a good camera, and the mechanics are uncomplicated. Enjoy!

 

[xkaes]

On most of the Chaikas, the lens can be removed and used as an enlarging lens -- since it has a 39mm thread.

 

[Twiggy]

Thanks yeah.

I think solid soviet construction and simple mechanics are good, for what will be my "main film camera".

Lastly, I take it bulb mode is best for darker spaces, and night when you may want to let in light for longer?

 

[Les Sarile]

Using Google lens, it translates to, "For the present. to a person and dear friend on his birthday 11.7.69 Baby."

 

[Lee Rust]

To make a time exposure in dim light, bulb mode keeps the shutter open for as long as you hold the button down. Use a tripod or tabletop camera support. The Chaika will be a good teacher, and with half-frames you can do lots of experimenting at low cost.

 

[Twiggy]

Awesome.

Also thanks Les Sarile for the translation.

 

[4season]

Regarding "Which camera to buy?", be aware that Pentax will be releasing a new half-frame film camera, check out Ricoh Imaging YT channel for preliminary info. Exact price, features, and release date are still unknown, but it's supposed to be "affordable".

When I purchase cameras via eBay, I usually expect them to need servicing. Some can be dealt as a leisurely afternoon project, while others make me work for my discount!

 

[Lee Rust]

Speaking of translation, "Chaika" is Russian for "Seagull"

 

[Twiggy]

Speaking of translation, "Chaika" is Russian for "Seagull"

Yup, and apparently it's named after a famous female soviet astronaut.

Apparently the one I got is the actual native russian/soviet version, as it's labeled in Cyrillic russian, and is not the import model that says Chaika in english, or has "made in ussr" on the back.

 

[mshchem]

So is this a Zenit???

 

[Twiggy]

So is this a Zenit???

I'm pretty sure it's Manufactured by Belomo, same that makes the Agat 18 and 18k.

 

[mshchem]

I'm looking forward to seeing the new Pentax. Half frame is the latest thing!

 

[Twiggy]

Sounds like the new pentax camera is going to have a mix of both auto and manual features. Sounds good.

I just hope it has a vintage look.

I will have to wait for a product reveal or demonstration though, to decide if I will want to buy one or not whenever that happens.

I hope it's an SLR, getting to see exactly what is being pictured would be a major plus.