I recently acquired a second Moscow 4. I got the first one about ten years ago and it is a real nice performer, in spite of the fact that it looks like it has gone through two wars. Anyway, had a chance to get one in better cosmetic condition and did so. Did some rough resolution tests today and am very satisfied. Performance won't rival results from modern Fuji 6X9 cameras, but still pretty impressive, especially with the lens aperture at f/8 or greater.
For those who don't know this camera, it is a copy of the Zeiss Super Ikonta C. My information is that it was actually made from either the original plans for the Super Ikonta C, or if not that, from the actual dies that were used to stamp out the C. Whatever, it is a nicely made camera. The rangefinder is right on, after 50 years, and the 110mm Industar lens is a really nice Tessar design lens. I am not going to say that the Moscow is as well made as the Ikonta C, but in terms of performance I can't imagine that the Ikonta is much better as a user camera.
Why would one want to use a Moscow 4 or Super Ikonta C? Well, these old folders are very compact and the big 6X9 negative gives great quality if care is taken in the way you use the camera. By that I mean that you should use the camera either on a tripod or with a high shutter speed and medium lens aperture. Not good for close ups at wide apertures, however, as the 110mm Industar lens is a bit long for this kind of work with a rangefinder as you get very little depth of field.
BTW, both of my Moscow 4s were obtained from the Ukraine. Does anyone know if there were also made in the Ukraine? If not, where?
Sandy
For those who don't know this camera, it is a copy of the Zeiss Super Ikonta C. My information is that it was actually made from either the original plans for the Super Ikonta C, or if not that, from the actual dies that were used to stamp out the C. Whatever, it is a nicely made camera. The rangefinder is right on, after 50 years, and the 110mm Industar lens is a really nice Tessar design lens. I am not going to say that the Moscow is as well made as the Ikonta C, but in terms of performance I can't imagine that the Ikonta is much better as a user camera.
Why would one want to use a Moscow 4 or Super Ikonta C? Well, these old folders are very compact and the big 6X9 negative gives great quality if care is taken in the way you use the camera. By that I mean that you should use the camera either on a tripod or with a high shutter speed and medium lens aperture. Not good for close ups at wide apertures, however, as the 110mm Industar lens is a bit long for this kind of work with a rangefinder as you get very little depth of field.
BTW, both of my Moscow 4s were obtained from the Ukraine. Does anyone know if there were also made in the Ukraine? If not, where?
Sandy
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