Difference between revisions of "Start (SLR)"

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The '''Start''' is a 35mm [[SLR]] film camera that manufactured by Mechanical Factory of Krasnogorsk (Krasnogorsky Mekhanichesky Zavod) ([[KMZ]]), near Moscov, former USSR, between 1958-64.
 +
Start ''Старт'' (=Старт logo stamped as Italics) means Start.
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The Start camera has a unique [[Lens mounts|lens mount]], the Start breech-lock bayonet, and a cloth [[focal plane shutter]] with a wide range of speeds from 1 to 1/1000 second. The aperture release lever on the lens is pressed together with the [[shutter release]], in a way similar to that of some old [[Exakta lenses]] on [[Exa]] and [[Exakta]] cameras. The viewfinder screen has a [[split-image device|dual prism rangefinder]] in the central area. The camera's [[pentaprism]] finder is detachable, it slides off to the rear.
 +
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The Start is a very well made and interesting system SLR camera, and entirely mechanical. It was aimed at the professional market. At its era there is no other system camera in the Soviet Union.
 +
 +
It was often referred to as the "Russian Exakta". At that time Start was the only competition to the Exakta available within the Soviet Union and the Soviet-dominated part of Europe.
 +
It was at least in principle, the only other system camera, providing not only interchangeable lenses, but also finders and viewing screens.
 +
Helios-44 58 mm f/2 is similar to the Carl Zeiss Jena Biotar; but unfortunately this is the only lens manufactured for the Start system. There is an adapter for M39 screw mount Zenith lenses, but this was not an attractive option, as such lenses do not have automatic aperture system. This adapter was supplied with the camera.
 +
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Start was produced with 5 types and 5 sub-types <ref>According to Alexander Komarov [https://web.archive.org/web/20160306025727/http://fotoua.com/1camera.php?rd=4&seek1=0&seek2=0&st=7&usl=4&usl1=start Fotoua] (archived). You can also find serial numbers for dating of the cameras in this site</ref> <ref>There is another classification by Aidas Pikiotas in [http://www.sovietcams.com/indexedad.html?tmpl_into=middle&tmpl_id=307&_m_e_id=22&_menu_i_id=301 SovietCams]</ref> <ref> Pages from the the book of former USSR cameras by [https://web.archive.org/web/20150325131017/http://img.inkfrog.com/click_enlarge1.php?image=IMG_3609.JPG&username=calicurg&aid=972050785 Suglob, Shaternik, Kochergin] (archived page)</ref> <ref>Discussion about classifications in the books of Princelle and Suglob, Shaternik, Kochergin in [http://www.ussrphoto.com/Forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=1500 USSR Photo Forum]</ref>
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The type 3 and type 5 were export types and named in Latin ''Start''.
 
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| image_text=Start type 3 (1962 Export version)
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|image_text=Start type 4c (1963)
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|image_by= Süleyman Demir
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|image_rights= with permission
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| image_text=Start type 5b (1963 Export version)
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|image_by= Siim Vahur
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|image_rights= with permission
 
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The '''Start''' is a [[SLR]] camera body made by [[KMZ]].
 
 
{{br}}
 
{{br}}
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==Specifications==
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*Lens: KMZ Helios-44 (ГЕЛИОС) 58mm f/2, automatic diaphragm (aluminium barrelled standard lens)
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**Mount: Start breech-lock bayonet
 +
**Aperture: f/2-f/16
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**DOF preview is possible by rotating the shutter release plunger on the lens
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**Focus range: 0.7- 20m +inf.
 +
*Focusing: by Fresnel matte glass screen with split-image rangefinder
 +
*Shutter: focal-plane shutter, horizontally run double rubberized silk curtain
 +
**Speeds: 1 - 1/1000 +B <ref> As with other Soviet-era rangefinders, the shutter speed selector rotates when the shutter is released, and should not be changed until after the shutter has been cocked. If you change the shutter speed without cocking the shutter first, the setting pin can be broken when you advance the film and cock the shutter.</ref>
 +
*Shutter release: knob on the right front of the camera
 +
**Shutter can be released by a plunger on the standard lens also
 +
*Viewfinder: SLR pentaprism, matte glass with split-image rangefinder in the central focusing area, 100% frame coverage, finder and screen are interchangeable, there is a waist level finder
 +
**Viewfinder release: by a small knob on the back of the top plate
 +
*Mirror: note instant return
 +
*Flash PC sockets: two, for X and M, on the left front of the top plate, synch: 1/30s,
 +
*Back cover: detachable with the bottom plate, with a film pressure plate made of black glass,
 +
*Film loading: removable take-up spool
 +
**There are also ''Kiev'' receiving cartridges
 +
*Film-cutting knife: handle on the left of the top plate
 +
*Others: Memory dial; Self timer; Strap lugs; Tripod socket 3/8inch
 +
*Serial no. first two digits of the serial number indicate the production year
 +
 +
== Comparing the Start to its contemporaries ==
 +
The '''Start''' is an early 35mm [[SLR]] camera introduced by [[KMZ]] in 1958. Its design is remarkable and clever, being of such early Russian origin. The mechanical construction is quite ambitious. A few features may be traced back to [[Exakta Varex]], while some similarity exists to several 35mm SLR cameras introduced at that time, and therefore not likely to have been of influence.
 +
 +
Although quite different, there is a general but striking similarity to the 1957 [[Topcon|Topcon R]] and the 1958 [[Zunow]]. However, the 1952 [[Praktina]] and 1955 [[Miranda T]] could certainly have been studied closely at KMZ, as well as by the other camera designers in Japan. Seen are the slide-off finder prism and the front mounted shutter release. The breech-lock lens mount hails from the Praktina, but is narrower. The film cutting feature is surely from Exakta, while the back locks are of Zeiss design. The external [[Exakta lenses|Exakta lens]] aperture mechanism is identical.
  
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The Start cameras have their own type of [[lens mount]], the Start bayonet, and a fast [[focal plane shutter]] made of cloth. The shutter has a wide range of speeds from 1 to 1/1000 sec. , with [[flash sync]]hronized speed 1/30 sec. . The aperture release lever of the mounted lens is pressed together with the shutter release, a conception similar to that of some old [[Exakta lenses]] on [[Exa]] and [[Exakta]] cameras. The viewfinder screen has a [[split-image device|dual prism rangefinder]] in the central area. The finder's [[pentaprism]] is removable.
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The shutter and mirror design is presumably a continuation of the [[Zenit 1|Zenit's]], but the speed is extended to 1/1000 sec, [[flash sync]]hronized at 1/30 sec. The surprisingly bright viewfinder has a central [[split-image device|split-image rangefinder]].
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Typical standard lens was a Helios-44 58mm f/2.
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|colspan=3 align="center"| Start type 4c (1963)
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<small>Images by {{image author|Süleyman Demir}}  {{ with permission }}</small>
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|}
  
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The Start takes 24x36mm frames on 35mm film running between <u>two</u> ''Kiev'' cassettes, and is equipped with a knife to cut the film<ref>[http://www.zenit.istra.ru/mans/start/start.html Start User Guide]</ref>.
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==Notes==
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<references/>
  
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Some are lettered in roman italics, ''Start'', some in cyrillic, ''Старт''.
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== Bibliography ==
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In English
 +
* {{Princelle USSR}}
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In Russian
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* 1200 Cameras from USSR by Suglob, Shaternik, Kochergin, 2009 , [http://www.ussrphoto.com/Wiki/default.asp?WikiCatID=39&ParentID=4&ContentID=311&Item=1200+Cameras+from+USSR+by+Suglob%2C+Shaternik%2C+Kochergin more info about book]
  
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==source==
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== Links ==
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<!-- 404: *[http://rafcamera.com/35mm/start.htm Description] at RafCamera -->
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Examples at various collectors' sites:
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* [http://www.rus-camera.com/camera.php?page=other&camera=start Start on rus-camera.com]
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* [http://www.sovietcams.com/indexedad.html?tmpl_into=middle&tmpl_id=307&_m_e_id=22&_menu_i_id=301 Start] at [http://www.sovietcams.com/index.html SovietCams] by Aidas Pikiotas
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* [http://www.sovietcams.com/index.php?588894306 Start on Sovietcams.com]
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* [http://www.wrotniak.net/photo/vintage/start.html at Wrotniaknet] by Andrzej Wrotniak
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* Andrzej Wrotniak's review [http://www.wrotniak.net/photo/vintage/start.html  A Vintage Russian Start SLR Camera]
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* [https://web.archive.org/web/20210425235044if_/http://www.commiecameras.com/sov/35mmsinglelensreflexcameras/cameras/others/index.htm 35mm SLR cameras - others] page, archived at the [https://archive.org Internet Archive] in 2021, formerly at ''Communist Cameras'' by Nathan Dayton
−
* [http://www.zenit.istra.ru/mans/start/start.html Start User Guide] on zenit.istra.ru (Russian)
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* [http://cameras.alfredklomp.com/start/ at Alfred's Cameras] by Alfred Klomp
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* [http://www.hemy.me.uk/Miscellany/Start.pdf Start User Guide] (PDF English translation of Russian)
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* [https://web.archive.org/web/20160306025727/http://fotoua.com/1camera.php?rd=4&seek1=0&seek2=0&st=7&usl=4&usl1=start at Fotoua] (archived) by Alexandr Komarov
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<references />
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* [https://web.archive.org/web/20090119143302/http://www.rus-camera.com/camera.php?page=other&camera=start Start] at rus-camera.com
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* [http://www.zenitcamera.com/mans/start/start.html Start User Guide] at the KMZ R&amp;D center site (Russian)
 +
* [http://www.cameramanuals.org/russian_pdf/start-english.pdf Start user manual] (English) at [https://www.butkus.org/chinon/ Butkus.org]
 +
* [http://www.collection-appareils.fr/x/html/page_standard.php?id_appareil=11361 Start] at [http://www.collection-appareils.fr/general/html/francais.php Collection Appareils] by Sylvain Halgand
  
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[[Category:Soviet cameras]]
 
[[Category:KMZ]]
 
[[Category:KMZ]]
 
[[Category:35mm SLR]]
 
[[Category:35mm SLR]]
 
[[Category: S]]
 
[[Category: S]]
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[[Category:1958]]
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__NOTOC__

Revision as of 21:51, 13 September 2023

42347314091_00ee7d9ffa.jpg
image by schyter (Image rights)

The Start is a 35mm SLR film camera that manufactured by Mechanical Factory of Krasnogorsk (Krasnogorsky Mekhanichesky Zavod) (KMZ), near Moscov, former USSR, between 1958-64. Start Старт (=Старт logo stamped as Italics) means Start.

The Start camera has a unique lens mount, the Start breech-lock bayonet, and a cloth focal plane shutter with a wide range of speeds from 1 to 1/1000 second. The aperture release lever on the lens is pressed together with the shutter release, in a way similar to that of some old Exakta lenses on Exa and Exakta cameras. The viewfinder screen has a dual prism rangefinder in the central area. The camera's pentaprism finder is detachable, it slides off to the rear.

The Start is a very well made and interesting system SLR camera, and entirely mechanical. It was aimed at the professional market. At its era there is no other system camera in the Soviet Union.

It was often referred to as the "Russian Exakta". At that time Start was the only competition to the Exakta available within the Soviet Union and the Soviet-dominated part of Europe. It was at least in principle, the only other system camera, providing not only interchangeable lenses, but also finders and viewing screens. Helios-44 58 mm f/2 is similar to the Carl Zeiss Jena Biotar; but unfortunately this is the only lens manufactured for the Start system. There is an adapter for M39 screw mount Zenith lenses, but this was not an attractive option, as such lenses do not have automatic aperture system. This adapter was supplied with the camera.

Start was produced with 5 types and 5 sub-types [1] [2] [3] [4]

The type 3 and type 5 were export types and named in Latin Start.

2884722658_f49701ba6a_m.jpg
Start type 3 (1962 Export version)
image by Siim Vahur (Image rights)
4669101532_71ff17f789_m.jpg
Start type 4c (1963)
image by Süleyman Demir (Image rights)
2884722698_60e3e89028_m.jpg
Start type 5b (1963 Export version)
image by Siim Vahur (Image rights)


Specifications

  • Lens: KMZ Helios-44 (ГЕЛИОС) 58mm f/2, automatic diaphragm (aluminium barrelled standard lens)
    • Mount: Start breech-lock bayonet
    • Aperture: f/2-f/16
    • DOF preview is possible by rotating the shutter release plunger on the lens
    • Focus range: 0.7- 20m +inf.
  • Focusing: by Fresnel matte glass screen with split-image rangefinder
  • Shutter: focal-plane shutter, horizontally run double rubberized silk curtain
    • Speeds: 1 - 1/1000 +B [5]
  • Shutter release: knob on the right front of the camera
    • Shutter can be released by a plunger on the standard lens also
  • Viewfinder: SLR pentaprism, matte glass with split-image rangefinder in the central focusing area, 100% frame coverage, finder and screen are interchangeable, there is a waist level finder
    • Viewfinder release: by a small knob on the back of the top plate
  • Mirror: note instant return
  • Flash PC sockets: two, for X and M, on the left front of the top plate, synch: 1/30s,
  • Back cover: detachable with the bottom plate, with a film pressure plate made of black glass,
  • Film loading: removable take-up spool
    • There are also Kiev receiving cartridges
  • Film-cutting knife: handle on the left of the top plate
  • Others: Memory dial; Self timer; Strap lugs; Tripod socket 3/8inch
  • Serial no. first two digits of the serial number indicate the production year

Comparing the Start to its contemporaries

The Start is an early 35mm SLR camera introduced by KMZ in 1958. Its design is remarkable and clever, being of such early Russian origin. The mechanical construction is quite ambitious. A few features may be traced back to Exakta Varex, while some similarity exists to several 35mm SLR cameras introduced at that time, and therefore not likely to have been of influence.

Although quite different, there is a general but striking similarity to the 1957 Topcon R and the 1958 Zunow. However, the 1952 Praktina and 1955 Miranda T could certainly have been studied closely at KMZ, as well as by the other camera designers in Japan. Seen are the slide-off finder prism and the front mounted shutter release. The breech-lock lens mount hails from the Praktina, but is narrower. The film cutting feature is surely from Exakta, while the back locks are of Zeiss design. The external Exakta lens aperture mechanism is identical.

The shutter and mirror design is presumably a continuation of the Zenit's, but the speed is extended to 1/1000 sec, flash synchronized at 1/30 sec. The surprisingly bright viewfinder has a central split-image rangefinder.

4668477631_e4737c22c8_m.jpg
5128266387_edda6612c7_m.jpg
4669102472_cf367872a8_m.jpg
Start type 4c (1963)

Images by Süleyman Demir (Image rights)

Notes

  1. ↑ According to Alexander Komarov Fotoua (archived). You can also find serial numbers for dating of the cameras in this site
  2. ↑ There is another classification by Aidas Pikiotas in SovietCams
  3. ↑ Pages from the the book of former USSR cameras by Suglob, Shaternik, Kochergin (archived page)
  4. ↑ Discussion about classifications in the books of Princelle and Suglob, Shaternik, Kochergin in USSR Photo Forum
  5. ↑ As with other Soviet-era rangefinders, the shutter speed selector rotates when the shutter is released, and should not be changed until after the shutter has been cocked. If you change the shutter speed without cocking the shutter first, the setting pin can be broken when you advance the film and cock the shutter.

Bibliography

In English

  • Princelle, Jean Loup (2004), The Authentic Guide to Russian and Soviet Cameras ('Made in USSR'), Le Reve Edition. ISBN 2952252106; or the earlier edition: Hove Foto Books, 2nd edition, 1995. 200 pages. ISBN 1874031630. Paperback.

In Russian

Links

Examples at various collectors' sites:

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