Russian Moment camera : Polaroid competitor

For their September 1957 issue Modern Photography magazine took a look at this Russian camera.

 

 

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Patricia Caulfield examines Polaroid's latest camera, the Model 150.

 

 

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Here is the latest GE light meter.

 

 

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Lloyd Varden looks at a new British color process.

 

 

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Popular Photography wonders if the latest Zeiss Ikoflex is an improved model.

 

 

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US Camera shows off the new 35mm interchangeable lens systems.

 

 

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Here is an interview with Dr. Ernst Leitz.

 

 

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Here is a report on the equipment and techniques needed to do close-ups with 35mm.

 

 

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Here are 4 Japanese 35's featuring the Exposure Value System.

 

 

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Here are this month's camera equipment ads.

 

 

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Here are this month's dealer ads.

 

 

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The Leitz interview is interesting. He pooh-pah'd automatic exposure, saying it was too complicated to ever implement. On the other hand he foresaw digital photography, although the proposed recording medium was magnetic tape. This included digital printing, for greater dye stability.

Great series, Marc. Never knew about the "Moment". I'm wondering if the market, at least at home, would have been limited since the average citizen didn't have a very high income. But I have to give the Russians credit for attempting such a model as importing the genuine article from Polaroid would have no doubt been even further out of reach for the average person.

Well, to be a "competitor" one has to actually be "competitive", and I'm not so sure about that for the Moment.

 

As always, keep up the good work - it IS appreciated.

Marc, these looks into the past are some of the best things to happen in the forum. Please keep them coming!

 

Reviews of Soviet equipment at the time were not too generous! There are now a few Moments in the auction site, at high prices. I wonder if they could use Polaroid film.

 

Very good review of interchangeable lens cameras with leaf shutter, with famous types included. Also, a good article on close-ups.

 

Dr. Leitz was not too keen on innovations coming soon, as 35mm cameras were in a peak of development. Maybe he had a point there - after all, many of the cameras we like were made in these times. However, he was thinking of electronics at the same time; impressive. Leitz was selling 60,000 cameras a year.

 

Thanks again!

To think I 'd never heard of "Icicolor"; I wonder if the product ever reached the shelves. The Leitz interview was fascinating, too. Once again, thanks, Marc.