Sputnik

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Background Information

The Sputnik is a medium format twin lens reflex stereo camera introduced around 1955. It was developed and manufactured by GOMZ in Leningrad (now St.Petersburg) (the company named LOMO in the 1960s). Using 120 film, the camera provides six 6x6 pairs (or twelve single images). Like its cousin, the Lubitel, the Sputnik is made from bakelite.

Three main versions of the camera exist with several variations based on shutter speeds, tripod sockets and lens markings. Distingusined can be the production runs by GOMZ (1955-1961), Loomp (1962-1964) and LOMO (1964-1974). In total, some 86,000 units were produced. For each of the three versions one an further distinguish between the units made for the domestic market, which are more common and which have the name of the camera in the Cyrillic letters (Спутник), and those for the export market with the name in Latin characters (SPUTNIK).[1]

The camera came as a stereo set, complete with a slide and print viewer for the stereo pairs and a printing frame, which could be used for making contact prints in a darkroom.

Common flaws include a highly reflective camera interior as well as a major light leaks in some cameras. However, this can be adjusted with simple modifications.

Specifications [2]

  • Type Twin lens reflex stereo camera
  • Size 154.1 mm x 101.2 mm x 93.4 mm (W x H x D)
  • Weight 809 grams
  • Lens Separation 63.58 mm (2½ inches)
  • Image Format 55.3 x 55.4 mm (W x H)
  • Image Window Separation 64.22 mm
  • Lenses Lomo T-22 matched anastigmats (3 elements, glass), 1:4.5/75 mm, no filter thread (outside lens diameter: 26.9 mm)
  • Diaphragms Iris diaphragms between the lenses, continuously adjustable f/4.5 to f/22
  • Focusing manual, 1.3 m - infinity
  • Shutter mechanical central type shutter with 3 blades, between the lenses. Cocked with separate lever.
  • Shutter Speeds 1/125, 1/60, 1/30, 1/15 sec. and "B" (New Model) 1/100, 1/50, 1/25, 1/10 sec. and "B" (Old Model)
  • Viewfinder Reflex viewfinder with viewfinder lens 1:2.8, viewfinder hood and lens; frame finder.
  • Film Loading manual
  • Film Transport manual, with knob
  • Frame Counter printed number on protective film backing (advance by 2 numbers)
  • Flash Contact PC-Contact
  • Tripod Socket 3/8“ / 16 TPI or ¼“ / 20 TPI, depending on model
  • Selftimer approx. 7 to 12 sec. delay
  • Special Features Double exposures and 2D photos possible
  • Accessories Operating instructions, everready case, viewer (slides & prints), copy frame


An export variant of a late model of the first (GOMZ) version of the Sputnik, Images by Dirk HR Spennemann (Image rights)

External Links

Notes