Rubin

Hello,
a former KGB member told me that "Rubin" is the commercial version of "Alycha". KGB cameras don't wear their names on them.
Detlev

Hello,

Another former member of lithuanian KGB have told me, that "RUBIN" camera was used by KGB agents for sure. But I'm not discounting a possibility that initially Rubin was intended for something else ...

Best Regards,
Aidas

Hello Aidas,
here is a list of KGB rollover cameras:
Alycha 1950-60
Alycha-2 1955-1965
Alycha-M 1960
Nichrom-63 1963
F-67 1967 (GRU)
F-68 1968 (GRU)
Zalom 1970
Granitnick 1970
Zadatock 1985
Koritca 1965
Zima 1975
Zagar 1985

They are document copying cameras for KGB or GRU spies. Of course the KGB might have used Rubin.
Detlev

As I know, the "scan cameras" were long known principles, but were developed by the Russians after the WWII in order to copy large amounts of conquered maps, drawings plans etc. from German factories in order to give to various people for further analysis and redevelopment. Soon it found new uses.
LP

I would suspect that "RUBIN" was made for the KGB initially, and probably unmarked (except for serial numbers) units were used by them, but marked units were also sold to other agencies for non secretive use ... for example industrial purposes of copying documents.

Regards, Bill

Hello Bill!
I was not specifically saying about the Rubin but about its basis and system that were further miniaturized and made in the an several versions described by Detlev.
Regards
LP

Hi Luiz,
I know what you are saying and I agree with you. Actually I was commenting on Aidas' comment:

"But I'm not discounting a possibility that initially Rubin was intended for something else ..."

and then saying that I think it was made for KGB first, and then used for other servics ... but I don't really know anything ... just guessing!

Regards, Bill

by the way....which one can explain how the rubin device work???
why (in mine) the film run when I roll on documents ????

alain

Here you can see how it works: http://videos.howstuffworks.com/discovery/29549-spytek-rollover-camera-video.htm
H. Keith Melton explains the function. In his new book "Spycraft" he shows a picture of a CIA rollover-camera.

Now we have in our forum a full explanation of the "rollover" camera.
http://www.ussrphoto.com/Wiki/default.asp?ContentID=1230&ParentID=49&WikiCatID=51
LP