The Horizont is a lineage of swing-lens panoramic cameras similar in design to the Panon Widelux or the later KW Noblex and a departure from its predecessor, the KMZ FT-2. It was produced from 1967-1973 (Horizont, chrome) and again from 1991 onwards (Horizon-202 etc., black plastic).
Horizont (1967-1973)
The Horizont, marked in cyrillic Горизонт for the home market, is a sturdy and well built Russian panoramic camera, Some 49,849 were made by Krasnogorski Mekhanicheskii Zavod (KMZ) from 1967-1973[1]. The panning ОФ-28П (OF-28P) 28mm f2.8 lens makes 24×58mm frames on 35mm film, giving a 120° view.[2]
By adjusting the slit width exposure times of 1/30s, 1/60s and 1/125s can be set on the dial at the top plate. An un-calibrated and unmarked 1/250s is also available. In the center of the dial is a film speed reminder dial. A spirit level is located on the left corner of the top plate, which is covered when the detacheable viewfinder is fitted into a vertical shoe on the front. A mirror system allows the user to see the spirit level when looking through the viewfinder.[3]
As with most Soviet cameras of that era, the two first digits in the serial number at the back indicates year of manufacture.
A complete set also includes a sloping bakelite hand grip to be fitted to the left side if the camera base, and a black leather outfit case. Later variants were supplied with a cyclindrical hand grip and a brown leather case.
Variations
A number of variants of the Horizont are known, which differ mainly in the badging
- Горизонт for the domestic and Eastern Bloc export market. Name plate silver and black
- Early version with 1/250th shutter speed market. Name plate silver and black. [4]
- Some export models have a 'Made in USSR' engraving on the back.[5]
- Some export models have a 'Made in USSR' engraving on the bottom.[6]
- Some export models have a 'Made in USSR' and 'Author Certificate' engraving on the bottom.[6]
- Standard version lacking the 1/250th speed indicator[7]with semi-circular recess for the rewind release button.[6]
- Standard version as above, but with circular recess for the rewind release button.[6]
- Late version (1972-73), with silver and red name plate.[6][8]
- Horizont for the Western export market. (-1972)[9]
- Horizont Revue, distributed by the German department store Foto-Quelle) in 1969[10][11]
- Variant, just REVUE on the name plate[6]
- Kalimar Wide-X, distributed by the the U.S. importer Kalimar[6]
- Global-H, distributed for the Australian Market[12][6]
Horizon 202 / Horizon Kompakt
The Horizont / Horizon 202 (Горизонт-202)(1991-2005) is an updated version with an plastic outer body shell designed by V. Shablevitch[13]. The plastic used is an early version of ABS[14] which proved to be less scratch-resistant than expected. The camera has a built-in viewfinder, which is centred on the top-plate. A spirit level is mounted centrally on the view finder and can be seen externally, as well as in the viewfinder itself.
A total of 23329 units were produced[1]
202 Variants
- Горизонт 202 Early versions fitted with the ОФ-28П f2.8/28mm, later versions with the coated MC Arsat f2.8/28mm[15][16]
- Horizont 202. Early versions fitted with the ОФ-28П f2.8/28mm, later versions with the coated MC Arsat f2.8/28mm. Export markings "[Zenit Logo] USSR" on the bottom plate [15]
- Horizon 202. Export markings "MADE IN RUSSIA" on the bottom plate [15]
- Units without serial number (early)
- Units with serial number on body (late)
- Horizont 202s Limited production version with additional 1/15 and 1/500 speed settings[13][17]
- Technopan-202 Rebadged versions of the Horizont 202[18].
- PAN-35SL Rebadged versions of the Horizont 202 sold in France by ¶¶ and in Italy by Silvestri[19].
Horizon Kompakt
The Horizon Kompakt (Горизонт-kompakt; Lomo model 950) (2005–?2009) is similar to the Horizon 202, but commonly finished in cream, with a knob advance, while the 202 has lever advance.
- Cream model with coloured face logos attached to the turret (known in green ¶¶).
- Black model with Russian text (in green) 'Industar MC 8/2.8" or with a green face on the turret.[20]
Horizon S3
The Horizon S3 was developed from the Horizon 202 (and initially called the Horizon 203), by reshaping the exterior, giving a more rounded appearance. The external shell was now made from ABS plastic which improved resistance to shock and minor damage.[14] The mechanics were overhauled with the aim of reducing the noise emitted by the gears and the turning turret.[21]
Horizon S3 Pro / (2003–)
The Horizon S3 Pro is still in production (as of June 2012) by Roxsen|Roxsen Digital Company, a Chinese manufacturer. Their website lists the camera as the Zenit Horizon 203 S3 Pro and lists their manufacturing capactity at up to 500 units per week.[22]
Horizon S3-500 (2005–)
A further development of the Horizon S3 with the addition of a 1/500th shutter speed.
Горизонт-S3-500
[23]
Horizon S3-Sport (2005–)
A further development of the Horizon S3-500 but with the removal of all shutter speeds below 1/60th.[24]
Horizon Perfekt (2005–)
The Horizon Perfekt (Lomo model 951) is similar to the Horizon S3.[25]. It is made from ABS plastic[14]. The name is sometimes spelled Horizon Perfect.
Coloured face logos are attached to the turret (known in yellow, red ¶¶
[26]
Reference
Links
Horizont (1967-1973)
Horizont 202
Horizont Kompact
