The Salyut was the first attempt by the Soviet camera industry to produce a sophisticated medium format camera. It was probably a near copy of the Hasselblad 1600. The Soviets claimed that both the Hasselblad and the Saliut were derived from a Nazi prototype, however none of these supposed forerunners have ever been seen so this origin is dubious. These cameras were very expensive at 400 Rubles, which represented 6 months salary to the average Soviet citizen. The Mir-3 cost 240 Rubles. This means that production was very limited and these cameras and lenses are rare. Production started in 1957 or 1958 and ended in 1973 with three variations. Variation one has a top speed of 1500 and a self-timer. Variation two has a top speed of 1500 and no self-timer. Variation three has a top speed of 1000. Variation three can also be found marked Zenit 80 and were produced for TO&E in England. The Zenit 80 has a slightly modified lens mount and will accept and function with the later lenses (source: http://www.commiecameras.com).




Produced: 1957-1972
Name: „Салют“
Producer: Arsenal (Kiev)
Frame size: 6x6.
Lens: Industar-29 2.8/80.
Shutter: 1/2s-1/1000s + B.


Quantity: ±50.000 units.