Moskva 5 - Super Ikonta copy

[hugivza]

Has anyone used a Moskva 5 (6x9 and 6x6) Super Ikonta copy.? I got to compare the copy with the original side by side today and was quite impressed. There are a few around on the baying auction house in varying conditions. I have an Ikonta with a 3.5/75 Opton Tessar which produces sharp results. I cannot justify, or more correctly probably get away with, purchasing a Super Ikonta, but the Moskva looks interesting as a compact MF camera.

[r-brian]

Having owned a Moskva 5, I'd wouldn't call it 'compact'. I just picked up a mint Franka Rolfix with a 105mm 4.5 Schneider Radionar that will actually fit in my back pocket. It is a 6x9 with 6x6 mask, but does not have a RF, just zone focus, but the shutter release is under your right finger.

The Moskva I had took great pictures, just couldn't get used to the left handed operation, the tiny viewfinder and RF.Brian

[Mike Kovacs]

I have some M-5 shots in my gallery. Its certainly as good as any coated Tessar picture taker but watch for wobbly front standards and bad bellows. Most any other issues can be fixed fairly easily.

Mine had a factory defect in the shutter which made B fire intermittently. It also had an improperly assembled rangefinder mechanism, probably by a bad repair job. I've even seen the latter in Super Ikontas like my 532/16.

The left-handed operation was rough on me too but the 6x9 Super Ikontas have the same issue. They are all difficult to handhold horizontally IMO. 6x6 Super Ikonta handholds much better, and I just don't see myself using a tripod with this type of camera.

[P C Headland]

Originally Posted by r-brian

Having owned a Moskva 5, I'd wouldn't call it 'compact'. I just picked up a mint Franka Rolfix with a 105mm 4.5 Schneider Radionar that will actually fit in my back pocket. It is a 6x9 with 6x6 mask, but does not have a RF, just zone focus, but the shutter release is under your right finger.

The Moskva I had took great pictures, just couldn't get used to the left handed operation, the tiny viewfinder and RF.Brian

They are fairly substantial! If you get a good one, it'll be very good. Mine doesn't look so good, and the double-exposure prevention mechanism has been removed, but the important bits work very well. The guy in the photo shop asked what sort of 6x9 I had, as he was impressed when he saw the roll of Velvia - very sharp. He was a little surprised when I said a $20 Russian folder

Hand-holding it is a bit of a challenge - not impossible, but requires a bit of practice due to it being a leftie. Vertical shots are easier as you can use one hand to support the door. Certainly not as easy to use as an Iskra. You may find it easier to rig up a cable release over to the right side.

I have the Franka Rolfix II with Radionar like Brian. It acquits itself quite well, and has shutter speeds to 1/500s. No RF though, but I do have an accessory RF. It is more conventional in operation and somewhat lighter than the M5. It also takes convenient 40.5mm screw-in filters.

The other one you could look at is the Ikonta 524/2. Uncoupled RF and with the Novar not too expensive. Pretty reasonable results too judging by mine, though perhaps not quite having the bite of the M5. A lot lighter, and while it is a leftie too, it seems more convenient to use. have some examples in my RFF gallery.

To see some Franka and Moskva (amongst others) examples, head over to my other gallery

In spite of the not-so good bits, if I had to keep just one 6x9, it'd probably be the Moskva.

Paul

[Solinar]

Even with the German shooters condition is everything, but if you do happen by a Zeiss-Ikon 524/2 or the older 521/2 in usable condition, go for it. I have an Agfa Record III that is really nice after more than a bit of work, but the build quality on the Zeiss Ikons are the best.

[fotosniper]

I have a 5 and a Moscow 2..the 2 seems better built to me than it's later successor...
and draws some weird looks when I take it out!..nice sharp lenses particularly when stopped down.
here's Moscow 5 page you may or may not know about..

http://www.johndesq.com/moskva5/

[doubs43]

Originally Posted by hugivza

Has anyone used a Moskva 5 (6x9 and 6x6) Super Ikonta copy.?

I have a Moskva-2 and a Moskva-4. The 4 is in nearly new condition while the 2 is only excellent. Before using the Moskva-4, I checked the accuracy of the rangefinder and it was off just enough to degrade the image. My guess is that the previous owner used the camera a couple of times and was disappointed. They put it away until it was sold to me. Using a groundglass and 10x loupe, I adjusted infinity focus and the camera now takes beautifully sharp pictures. I haven't done a lot with the Moskva-2 but it should also perform well.

The Moskva-5 has an injection-molded metal body, improved range/view finder housing, improved shutter and improved lens. One in decent condition should do very well.

Walker

[Kin Lau]

I also have the 2 and the 5. Both are nice, the 5 is more versatile due to the 6x6 mask available. My 2 has the better VF of the two, but the shutter sticks a bit if not used for a while.

BTW, has anyone ever tried using these on a tripod? The way the tripod bushing sticks out makes it hard to do so.

[P C Headland]

Originally Posted by Kin Lau

BTW, has anyone ever tried using these on a tripod? The way the tripod bushing sticks out makes it hard to do so.

Yes, I've put mine on the tripod a few times, using both horizontal and vertical holes. I've not had any problems using the internal bushes/adapters.

Paul

[hugivza]

I broke down and have invested $US100 inc shipping on what appears to be a mint Moskva 5 (it could be a piece of junk, but the photos look pretty good). It will arrive hopefully before the Christmas parcel rush in mid to late November. I appreciated everyone's comments, and was impressed with the photos (and the cameras) in your gallery Paul. I will be very busy until mid November anyway so will not have much time to play with new toys! Thanks for your input.

[Kin Lau]

Originally Posted by P C Headland

Yes, I've put mine on the tripod a few times, using both horizontal and vertical holes. I've not had any problems using the internal bushes/adapters.

Paul

Hmmm... what kind of head do you use? On 2 different quick release heads, the bushing sticks out, and I have a hard time preventing the Moskva 2 from "spinning".

[doubs43]

Originally Posted by hugivza

Has anyone used a Moskva 5 (6x9 and 6x6) Super Ikonta copy.?

This link will take you to a picture in my gallery that was taken - hand held - with my Moskva-4. I think you'll find that it's pretty sharp.

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/phot...at=3660&page=1


Walker

[hugivza]

Thanks! It is sharp indeed! I will await my self indulgence with interest, and appreciate the input of RFF and the opportunity to enjoy some excellent images. Thanks guys

[varjag]

I've used my Moskva 2 on a tripod (tabletop FED tripod with ballhead), but more often than not it gets fired handheld. One scan is in my gallery.

There is an opinion that the lens on earlier models (I-23) is generally sharper than I-24 on Moskva 5. Can't claim that for certain as I never used the latter myself, but the Industar on mine is pretty sharp.

[P C Headland]

Originally Posted by Kin Lau

Hmmm... what kind of head do you use? On 2 different quick release heads, the bushing sticks out, and I have a hard time preventing the Moskva 2 from "spinning".

Ah you see you are trying to be too complicated and up market for you Moskva. The proletariat does not mix with the bourgeoisie

Mine goes straight on my little Slik U2000 tripod. It has a rubberised plate with little bumps all over which seems to provide just enough grip. One way may be to make a little "plate" using use some high density foam or neoprene.

Paul

[Mike Kovacs]

Originally Posted by Kin Lau

Hmmm... what kind of head do you use? On 2 different quick release heads, the bushing sticks out, and I have a hard time preventing the Moskva 2 from "spinning".

I took a popsicle stick, broke it in half, and installed it as a spacer on each side of the tripod socket. My Ikonta and Super Ikonta have the same issue but I really don't consider them tripod cameras. May as well use the Rollei or even the view camera if I'm setting up legs

[jdos2]

I've a Moskva-5 I took traveling with me to Portugal.

One of the pictures is in my gallery. It takes nice pictures.

I lost my "Folder Lust" after having to deal with the Recommended People, but Oleg has yet to do me wrong. I don't use it too often, anymore, preferring the Mamiya Universal.

[Kin Lau]

Originally Posted by Mike Kovacs

I took a popsicle stick, broke it in half, and installed it as a spacer on each side of the tripod socket. My Ikonta and Super Ikonta have the same issue but I really don't consider them tripod cameras. May as well use the Rollei or even the view camera if I'm setting up legs

Thanks Mike & Paul.

I'm 99% for hand holding my cam's, but I was trying to take this low light timed exposure shot with the Moskva 2, and the spinning camera drove me nuts.

I might try using the vertical socket next time, and then flip the tripod head.

[ZeissFan]

You could get a cheapie mousepad -- the real cheap ones that are just thick rubber and cut yoruself two square pieces. Then glue them together with contact cement and punch a hole in the middle. That should provide the right amount of grip.

I have this one thing that I got in a box of junk -- it's converts from 3/8 to 1/4 and also acts as a spacer.

[Steve C]

I'd just like to say that the Moskva 5 strikes a great blow for liberation of one of the last oppressed minorities - those of us who are left handed. I got one in July this year and have found it so easy to use compared with the other folders I possess

[hugivza]

Steve, it sounds very sinister to me! My wife is left handed but I don't think that she will assist somehow. Thanks for the input, I am awaiting the mail with baited breath, hopefully before Christmas, but being the FSU one never knows.