ARFO-3

ARFO-3 is an improved version of ARFO-2a and has a double bellows extension and vertical and horizontal front standard shift.

ARFO-3 is a 9×12 format camera. The camera was equipped with an anastigmat ARFO 4.5/135 lens. The shutter had the same shutter speeds as previous versions, i.e. 1/25, 1/50, 1/100, B, and T (for focusing on a ground glass).

ARFO-3 Specifications

• Type: 9×12 folding camera
• Manufacturer: Foto-Trud
• Production period: from 1936 to 1938
• Format: 9×12
• Lens mount: fixed lens
• Lens: ARFO anastigmat f4.5/135
• Shutter: leaf shutter with speeds of 1/25, 1/50 and 1/100 sec. plus B and T
• Viewfinder: ground glass
• Lighmeter: none
• Flash synchronisation: none
• Selftimer: none
• Weight: 1140 grams

ARFO-3 Overview

As we said earlier, according to design decisions ARFO-3 is an improved model of ARFO-2. The name of the model is stamped on a leather handle, as on all EFTE and ARFO cameras.

This camera, while simple, includes nearly all the essential features needed for beginner photographers who want to experiment with large-format photography. Its functionality is simple, making it accessible for those unfamiliar with more complex photographic equipment.

Like all large-format cameras produced in the Soviet Union, finding an ARFO-3 in good condition today is a significant challenge. If a working example is found, it will likely require careful disassembly, cleaning, lubrication, and adjustments to restore its functionality.

ARFO-3 Lens

The ARFO-3 camera is equipped with an Anastigmat ARFO lens with an aperture of f4.5 and a focal length of 135mm. This lens is an improvement over earlier models, offering enhanced optical clarity and a diaphragm range from f4.5 to f25. The wider aperture allows for better performance in low-light conditions, while the ability to stop down provides more precise control over depth of field.

The lens is fixed to the camera body, a standard feature for the ARFO series. While interchangeable lenses are absent, this design ensures consistent alignment and reliability, especially when we talk about Soviet cameras and Soviet quality control. The ARFO Anastigmat lens, though relatively basic by modern standards, was capable of producing sharp and detailed images when paired with the correct photographic plates.

ARFO-3 Shutter

The ARFO-3 is fitted with a central leaf shutter, offering a range of speeds including 1/25, 1/50, and 1/100 seconds, as well as B (bulb) and T (time) modes. This range is consistent with previous ARFO models, providing basic exposure control for various lighting conditions. The shutter mechanism is very simple, requiring manual operation of the release lever.

While this design simplifies maintenance and durability, it can lead to minor vibrations during use, necessitating the use of a tripod for best results. For long exposures, the B and T modes allow photographers to keep the shutter open for extended periods, ideal for static subjects and low-light environments. The shutter design reflects the technology of the late 1930s and was suitable for the slower, deliberate style of photography typical of large-format cameras of the time.

ARFO-3 Body

The ARFO-3 features several advancements in its body design compared to earlier models. The camera includes a double-extension bellows, allowing for greater flexibility in focusing and lens positioning, particularly for close-up shots. Additionally, the lens panel is equipped with horizontal and vertical shift mechanisms, providing greater control over perspective correction and framing, a feature absent in the ARFO-2A.

The folding viewfinder has been redesigned with changes to both the front and rear frames, improving usability and framing accuracy. The overall construction is metal, covered in leather, maintaining the look typical of the ARFO series. Despite these improvements, the build quality still reflects the artisanal production methods of the time, with some variability in the precision of individual units. The compact folding design makes the camera relatively portable for its size and era, though its weight and setup process require careful handling.

Ease of Use

The ARFO-3 introduces features that make it more versatile and functional compared to its predecessors but retains the methodical workflow common to large-format cameras. The double-extension bellows and lens shift mechanisms offer greater creative control, but they also add complexity to the setup process.

Focusing is achieved using a new mechanism that provides more precise adjustments, improving accuracy when composing shots. The redesigned folding viewfinder enhances usability, although it still requires manual alignment and calibration. As with earlier models, the ARFO-3 relies on photographic plates, which are loaded into removable cassettes, and the process of preparing the camera for shooting remains labor-intensive.

While these steps may seem cumbersome to modern users, they were standard for cameras of this type and period. The ARFO-3 is best suited for tripod-based photography, where its enhanced features can be fully utilized. Despite its limitations, the camera provides an improved shooting experience compared to earlier ARFO models, making it a significant advancement in Soviet large-format photography.

Conclusion

By purchasing this camera, you will get a wonderful experience with old photographic equipment. These Soviet cameras were rather rude clones of German cameras (mainly Zeiss Ikon camera models). Of course, the quality of Soviet cameras does not match the level of their German counterparts, but they still serve as excellent examples of historical technology.

This camera, in spite of its simplicity, has front standards movements, which can be very interesting for those who want to familiarize themselves with the capabilities of large format cameras.

Among other things, this camera may be of interest to collectors of old photographic equipment and those who are interested in how the production of photographic equipment began in the Soviet Union.

By the way, which Soviet cameras do you like the most? Do you have Soviet cameras, if not, do you want to purchase one of them? Let us know about it in the comments below.