>>4016609However, soviet cameras can be good. They all need cla at this point because soviets sucked massive balls at making lubricants, but
If you want a rangefinder-get a Zorki 4 or any Kiev rf without light meter. I don't really like RFs, but I'd prefer Zorki. I have a mir, which is "Zorki-lite", without slow speeds. However, from the technical point of view Kiev RFs are better
If you want a Zenit (sick bastard)- get a Kiev 19 or 19m. Same price, but reliable, doesn't scratch your film, more shutter speeds bigger and brighter VF, accurate metering, Nikon F mount
Arsenal lenses are really good, and not like "yeah, it's quirky, but I like it", no. They can compete with nikkors. Arsat versions are better than soviet-era, but are slightly more rare. Bonus points if you manage to find APO Arsat 300mm 2.8 :)
I have a Kiev-19 with Helios-81N, Granit-11 and Kaleinar-5N. Granit is a bit soft, but it's a 1980s zoom, so that's expected. Helios and Kaleinar are both amazing. I wish K19 had 1/1000, but lack of it becomes a problem only in summer at noon with film faster than iso 100. Other than that-it's a great camera
If you want a "pro" camera-soviets royally fucked up here. Theoretically, the Almaz line should be that, but... Well, imagine the camera you think is unreliable, multiply that by 100 and you'll still have a decent camera compared to Almaz. LOMO factory straight up refused to continue manufacturing them because of the amount of reclamations, repair shops refused to service them because it's a Nikon copy made with soviet tech. Realistically, you have more chances finding an ultra-rare Kiev 18(pic related) than buying an Almaz and shooting at least two rolls without it breaking down
