On Jan 20, 2006, at 2:12 AM, Paul Ewins wrote:
Hi folks,
I've been spending a bit too much on LF stuff recently so need to
sell something.
As the title says, the Almaz 103 is a Soviet copy (made by LOMO) of
the
Nikon F2, but using a K-mount. They are uncommon and this one is in
outstanding condition, with no dings or brassing and only the
faintest of
scratches on the bottom plate.
I collect Russian/Ukrainian cameras and have learned quite a bit
about them over the years. I also own and moderate the Russian
Cameras User's Group. I invite you to come join us there and post
your for sale notice. you could not find a more targeted audience.
You will find us here:
http://www.beststuff.com/forum/index.php?f=3
I have three Almaz 103 cameras, and have bought and sold a number of
them. A friend of mine in St. Petersburg finds them for me. That's
where they were made, starting around 1980.
The camera is NOT a copy of the Nikon F2, or for that matter any
other camera. The prism shape was modeled after the Nikon F2, but
the body was actually modeled after the Minolta XK. It has a Russian
version of K mount that is not identical to the Pentax version. Some
other K mount lenses will fit, some won't. Almaz lenses typically
won't fit or work properly on other K mount bodies. The Almaz has a
unique metal blade shutter somewhat like a Copal Square, but not
identical in actuation. There is a motor drive coupling on the
camera, but the motor never made it past prototype.
There were several versions of Almaz (Diamond in Russian). All are
absolutely identical except for the prism. The 103 is common and has
no meter. The 102 is very rare and has two diodes to indicate
exposure. There were two other meter variations, but only three or
four of each were made. There were also three different focusing
screens made for the camera, as well as a hot shoe adapter that slips
over the rewind knob.
I think the Almaz is the best built of all the Russian/Ukrainian SLR
cameras. They were made for use by professional photographers.
The camera has one near-fatal flaw, though. If you set and trip the
self timer without first cocking the shutter the camera will lock up
tight. It can only be unjammed by disassembling it. This is why
most of the ones you find for sale have rumpled leatherette on the
self timer side of the camera. I have seen a few with a small screw
added to the front to block the self timer lever so it can't be used,
and a few with the self timer lever completely removed.
The prism (non-meter) is removable but I don't have any Nikon F2
prisms to
check whether a meter prism would fit. Likewise, the screens are
replaceable
and it comes with two spare screens in the original plastic cases.
The back
is removable and it has connections for a motor drive but I don't know
whether it is a close enough copy to use Nikon versions.
Nikon prisms, screens, motor drive, etc., do not fit the Almaz. I
believe that Minolta XK screens will fit.
I'm yet to put a film through, but would happily do that for
prospective
buyers if you want it for more than shelf ornament. I had thought
of putting
a Nikon prism on it and then mounting my 77 limited on it to
confuse Nikon
shooters, but an F2 metered prism seems to cost more than the
camera is
worth so I have given up on that.
You may find if you try that the 77 ltd won't fit properly. The
mount is not identical to Pentax K.
I'm asking US$170 plus postage. I live in Australia so postage will
be $20
(sea-mail) or $30 (air-mail) to most destinations.
That's a fair price for a good one. I've shot pictures with mine and
the normal lens is first rate.
Best of luck in finding a buyer.
Bob
