History behind Komsomolets

Definitely worth the read, great article! http://photoroobit.wordpress.com/2011/09/01/camera-test-an-early-komsomolec-komsomolets

An extraordinary article picturing the exact trueness and moment of Soviet Union at that era. Indoubtly a landmark in the evolution of Soviet photographic industry. It was although ommited that the name Komsomolets was also employed ina a previous prewar camera also made by GOMZ.
Every collector must know this true and precise history, and also all historian people, in order to keep alive the knowledge of horror of mankind against localized World's population. Throughout the mankind history the histoy repeats himself at different places at different times.
LP

Well said Luiz! Here's another one about Smena 8M, also really good! http://photoroobit.wordpress.com/2011/07/31/camera-test-smena-8m/

I do not agree when Photoroobit says that Smena cameras worth nothing, neither the pejorative comments about.
As first, it was a camera aimed to the mass market. Since the begining, Smena incorporates some basic ideas departuring from Leica and Contax cameras or, Zorkis and Kievs, how do you want. They were sales Champion all over the world selling some almost 40 million cameras through its lif, a level unattained even by Kodak in a basic model. Although they have a poor finish and prone to some simple mechanical faults,easely repairable, their optics are of first rate compairing their selling prices,with results indistinguishable af better known cameras. At the -Zenit Camera Group-, our member Joao Lopes Freitas which is a highly active member there, eventualy post really ASTONISHING pictures taken with Smena and Foma film. I believe nothing else need to be said.
Regards
LP

Hi Luiz, to be honest I somewhat agree with you about Eugene's (Photoroobit) harsh editorializing at times, but on the other hand to the former Soviet citizen, who like everyone else who grew up in the USSR, the Smenas were always available, always cheap and always considered lowest of the low when it came to photo cameras and often made fun of, it was always the camera given to children or students so many people never took them seriously. As much as I appreciate them now as a collector, I can see why the average ex-Soviet person would view them as being worth nothing after the fall of USSR.. [:)].

Cheers,
Vlad.

Returning to the subject of the Komsomolets twin lens 'box' camera, the article was indeed extremely interesting and well researched. My immediate thoughts though were concerning the author's description of the quality of results that one might obtain from this camera. I couldn't believe that the Russians would have produced a camera that was only able to produce unsharp and badly vignetted images. I immediately loaded my earliest Komsomolets (T-21 lens) with Ilford FP4 Plus film in order to see what it might produce. Well, here are three of the images it produced.

http://www.ussrphoto.com/UserContent/2652013_img300.jpg

http://www.ussrphoto.com/UserContent/2652013_img300.jpg

http://www.ussrphoto.com/UserContent/2652013_img301.jpg

http://www.ussrphoto.com/UserContent/2652013_img301.jpg

http://www.ussrphoto.com/UserContent/2652013_img303.jpg

http://www.ussrphoto.com/UserContent/2652013_img303.jpg
These images are of the whole negative and have had no digital enhancement. They are relatively sharp and show only slight vignetting at wider apertures. So, I hope that the reputation of the Komsomolets is restored!


David.

The history linked to Russian cameras is such fascinating stuff, and often leads to other discoveries. For instance, I had no idea Russian women played such a large role in combat until recently(and look at the fuss in the USA over women in combat). the other day I learned of something else: The Nachthexen, or Night Witches, who were female military aviators in WWII.
In regard to the Smena, I see similarities to computers. The mass of people want a computer to send email, visit a website, or other simple tasks. The mass of people just want to take a photo of their cat or a birthday party with little fuss.
Then we have people who play 3D games or do other graphic intensive work. We have people who want to use a camera to perform well under many different situations andd render accurate exposures. Such people expect more of their computers or cameras. They might be forgiven if they have a low opinion of products meant for the masses(who are usually aware they get what they pay for).
However, when people write of such products, which they will never use, they do not need to be unduly harsh or condescending;it is enough to be honest, and maybe even humorous about their experience of a product.
I suspect a Smena is not meant to be used as an alternative to say, a Nikon FE [:)]
David, I think you have restored the reputation of the Komsomolets-I like the photos. I would like to get one of those cameras someday.

JimmyB

Hi to you all,

It is all very interesting and disturbing at the same time. Of course the sufferings of the Soviet People shouldn`t be forgotten. We in Western Europe owe them a lot. But it is no use to dig into the matter of history. There are in my opinion more than enough fora to discuss WWII history in more detail than is possible here. Also I really do pity the fate of the Communist Kommissar who owned this Fed. That is very sad. Let us stick to the cameras please.

Sorry no offence, but let us stick to the history of the cameras.

Henk