ISKRA folder experience

I have been looking around for threads about the ISKRA folder from

Russia but never found the answer I am looking for. Has anyone realy

used this folder? What is your experience with overlaping frames? is

the lack of sharpness below f8 an issue? How is the overall handling?

How is the focus mechanism? I am looking forward to getting some

first hand reviews about this camera.

Sebastian

Sebastian, I collect folders and use them from time to time. I have a Iskra I, it's a modified copy of the Agfa Super Isolette. If you have one in good working order, this folder is very usable with a good lens (I think it's a Tessar type). But it is also a heavy folder and sturdy build. I had mine (though very good condition) overhauled and never had problems with overlapping frames. The lens has the trait of a Tessar, a little soft wide open, but sharp at f8 to f16. I don't like the EV coupled setting of aperture and shutter, and I don't like the weight, so I don't use it often. There a better (and sometimes cheaper also) folder on the market. If you see one, buy a cheap roll of film and test it first, and don't forget to check rangefinder, shutter, lens, bellows and film guide!

Sebastian,

 

I bought an Iskra on ebay then returned it. It was supposed to have been checked-out and serviced...which it may have been...but when I got it, the shutter mechanism didn't move far enough to actually trip the shutter. On top of that, you have to make sure you reset the focus to infinity before closing that camera. I thought maybe I could get the camera working, but then the shutter release jammed entirely. Also, the counter mechanism on mine left little holes in the film (the counter mechanism on the Iskra (at least mine) has a little gear that digs into the film, unlike others such as the Perkeo II which use a smooth roller.

 

I have no doubt that there are some really good ones out there..I have used a Moskva-5 which works great and takes fantastic pictures. I bought it from the Ukraine as well (different seller on ebay) for about $70. I had paid a little of $100 for the "serviced" Iskra. From my experience I would either get a Moskva-4 or 5 (they both weigh about the same (ie HEAVY) and the Moskva can shoot 6x9 as well) or just get a different folder. When it comes to folder shooting, the coupled rangefinder and counter don't seem really make a huge difference. I have an ultralight folder that has neither a counter nor a rangefinder and it works like a champ. I used it at a wedding where I was a groomsman..it fit in my tux pocket and didn't pull my pants down (the Iskra wouldn't fit probably...but you would need suspenders to keep your pants on!). Scale-focusing isn't all that bad... since most folder lenses seem to get fuzzy corners wider than f8, I've had fewer out of focus pix with my folders than with my autofocus (shutter-priority) Point and Shoot Yashica T4 (also a Tessar-"type" lens!).

 

Best of luck!

Chuck