Customer Reviews

The Authentic Guide to Russian & Soviet Cameras

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You don't have to be a collector to value this book. It gives a brief history of the former Soviet Union and an in-depth look at the cameras and lenses built within the countries that made up that nation. It's interesting to note the former SU produced massive numbers of cameras over a period of many years. While not noted for making the highest quality equipment, the manufacturers in the SU did produce perfectly serviceable and practical photographic goods, mainly for domestic use and seldom appreciated outside the Eastern bloc. They followed established patterns of design by Zeiss, Leitz and Hasselblad as well as making some interesting innovative products of their own. I own several cameras, lenses and optical accessories made within the former Soviet Union. While I admit their equipment will never displace my Leicas, Canons and Nikons, I think their photographic goods have been under valued by most Westerners. Here in the USA, we tend to value technology, newness and something with bells and whistles and flashing lights--things the Soviet equipment lack. Yet, successful photography is not highly technology dependent. This book provides a lot of information and history many camera enthusiasts will enjoy.

What can you say about Princelle's The Authentic Guide to Russian & Soviet Cameras....

It is a must have for every Russian/Soviet Camera Collector, sure it has its quirkyness in translation but it is the only book that brings all the lines together, KMZ, Arsenal, Fed, Lomo, or would you rather hear, Zorki, Zenit, Fed, Kiev and Lomo. Princelle also adds a history to all the cameras. Everyone serious about collecting Russian Cameras should have a copy. I have.