Moskva 5

[wlewisiii]

Just got a new to me Moskva 5 yesterday. Spent a little time getting to know the camera last night, then went out and shot a couple of test rolls to get ot know it better. I've shot and developed a roll of each of Tmax-100 and FP4 and have dropped off at my lab a roll of Reala 100.

It's a big heavy camera. When you're used to an Ikonta or even an Iskra, the wieght is surprising. It's in good condition - a little dirty and a little brassing but nothing out of line for any used camera, much less an FSU one. The leather is in very good condition. Everything opens smoothly and snaps solidly into place. The 6x6 mask was included as was the never to be used never-ready case. I'd say Fedka was fair in describing it as Ex.

Shutter sounds correct and the glass is clear and clean. The focus is smooth through out it's range and appears to be correct. The test1 shot below was at minimum distance.

In use, it's just like the Ikonta for the most part, so no surprises for me there.
The only real negative to using it today was the wind on knob. The knob turns fairly stiffly and the knurled edges would rip my thumb up if I use this camera as much as I think I'm going to. So I took out my 1939 Ikonta 521/2 and looked at it's winder. The internals are the same but it has a very nice knob with a flip up piece to hold while turning. Much more comfortable to use. And since they internal design is the same (thank you KMZ!) with only a bit of puttering, the knob from the Ikonta is on the Moskva and my thumb is much happier with me... :D

I've got anotehr roll or two of Reala to attempt fireworks with tonight.

I've attached a couple of the test shots, though my scanning still (explitive deleted).

William

[Todd.Hanz]

big scans! congrats on the Moskva!

[wlewisiii]

Yikes! They are! Weird, they don't seem that huge on this mac. Hmm. Gotta fix that.

William

[reagan]

No problem here. I like big scans. And I wish you guys would quit posting about Moskva 5s. I've gotta bad itch for one, but am trying depsperately to hold out until after the arrival of three FSUs I've got in transit and I've at least shot a few rolls through them. :( But man, your pics make me want to jump out there and seriously start shopping around.

I haven't lived in our part of the globe for very long, but Northern IL and Southern WI are an absolute Mecca for old tractors, old milk barns and great wide landscape shots. That's what got me to thinking about a Moskva to start with --- and then you've got to go and post a pic of --- what else? I've definately got to get one by leaf season, ey?

Looks like you've got a dandy there wlewisiii. Keep the postings coming of your progress (just don't make is sound like so much fun til I get caught up on my GAS!) And thanks for the tip on the winder. I'll note that for future ref.

[dominicLF]

hey, William. Congrats on the Moskva. I've been looking to buy a good one for a while and haven't found it for the right price. I'm wondering though, since you say you have an ikonta, why did you want a Moskva? Why not just take the Ikonta out and shoot with that?

[doubs43]

hey, William. Congrats on the Moskva. I've been looking to buy a good one for a while and haven't found it for the right price. I'm wondering though, since you say you have an ikonta, why did you want a Moskva? Why not just take the Ikonta out and shoot with that?

I think I can answer that. They're kind of like a certain potato chip....... you can't have just one! I have a couple of Ikontas and a couple Moskvas. But, I don't have a 5 so maybe I need to think about that. :)

Walker

[wlewisiii]

Rangefinder... :D

Seriously, I missed a couple of good shots because I miss estimated the distance. Combine that with the fact that my Ikonta has a Novar (good but not Tessar/Industar class) lens and only 1/150th unsyncronized shutter while the Moskva has an Industar Tessar clone and syncs at all speeds. Then add in the multi-format (6x6 and 6x9 which means that 6x6 shots get a bit of telephoto effect) and you get just enough to tip the scales. I had thought that the Ikonta would be sufficent to quell the bug, but it's limitations only fanned the flames, as it were... :bang:

In the end the lens is tthe biggest thing - I have a ... thing :D shall we say, for the look of Tessar lenses. The Novar just isn't the same.

William

[Evgeny]

Great camera!
I started work with medium format with this camera - http://www.pbase.com/xon/moskva5
But after 3 month of torment with RF, non parallel to film lens and other problems of Moskva-5 I purchased Mamiya 7

[wlewisiii]

Added a wrist strap to it this morning. After church, I think I'm going to set the f16 hyperfocal distance and go see what I can do as a street shooter with an old folder. Wonder if anyone will think it's a digital... :D

William

[Pherdinand]

I think I'm going to set the f16 hyperfocal distance and go see what I can do as a street shooter with an old folder. Wonder if anyone will think it's a digital... :D

William

You mean you've never did that with the Iskra??

By the way...how big a negative is big enough? :D

[wlewisiii]

Big enough? 8x10 if you're strong enough to carry it on the street :D Semi-seriously, I need to get a Speed Graphic up and running. 4x5 and a 135mm Tessar style lens would suit me nicely.

I've used the Iskra that way too.

William

[glenbarn]

I'm a new guy on the block here. I bought my Moscow 5 in 1999 and use TMX100 as well as Fuji Velvia. The tessar clone lens on 6x9 is impressive. A Kodak 41mm slip-on series VI adapter fits to use series VI filters & lens hood.

[JoeFriday]

hiya, new guy on the block, aka glenbarn

William, that's a purty camera.. you'll have to bring it along for a camera & coffee session when I head over to Madison

[glenbarn]

Hey Brett,

Thanks for your kind response. My name is William Glen Barnett, but my Mama just calls me Glen. I viewed your photos and find them good. I haven't mentioned it because it's off the rangefinder topic, but as you have a Rolleiflex, I'll mention to you that I use a Yashica D (late model with Yashinon/Tessar clone lens) to shoot Fuji Velvia and Provia and mount myself as 6x6 slides.

I think I'm going to enjoy rangefinderforum.

Regards, Glen

[Pherdinand]

Hi Glen.
Talking about TLR's is allowed here. It is off-topic but if one does not exaggerate with it, it's okay - most people here seem to have a TLR or two, anyway:)

I also had a Yashica D with the yashinon. It is a very capable machine.

[jdos2]

Congrats on the purchase!

I'm actually thinking of selling mine- I just don't use it and it sits there accusingly as I walk by it with the Universal and the 6x9 back.

It's a good camera. Decent lens, but mind that on 6x9, a 105mm lens even at f/16, doesn't have all that much DoF...

[glenbarn]

Thanks Pherdinand,

As I'm a newcomer, perhaps you could advise me as to what "GAS" is in reference to?

[Fedzilla_Bob]

The deadly Gear Acquisition Syndrome. The CDC doesn't even know about it yet.

[Pherdinand]

Fedzilla, he would have been happier if he never finds out what GAS is:)

[glenbarn]

OK, I get it. GAF. Thanks.
I will admit to having been an equipment fetishist on occasion, so I may have a dose of it already. Lovin' every minute of it too.

[reagan]

Welcome glen and thanks for the tip on the Series IV filters. Enjoy the forum!!