ARFO-4
The large-format ARFO-4 is a 6.5×9 folding plate camera, a continuation of the ARFO-3, featuring a smaller format with design and functionality improvements.
In fact, ARFO-4 is similar in design to ARFO-3, but of a smaller format. In fact, this is almost a medium format camera, as the most common frame size for medium format cameras of that period was 6.5×9. ARFO-4 was produced from 1935 to 1938.
ARFO-4 Specifications
- Type: 6.5×9 folding camera
- Manufacturer: Foto-Trud
- Production Period: 1935–1938
- Format: 6.5×9
- Lens Mount: Fixed lens
- Lens: ARFO anastigmat f/4.5 135mm
- Shutter: Leaf shutter with speeds of 1/25, 1/50, 1/100 seconds, plus B and T
- Viewfinder: Ground glass
- Light Meter: None
- Flash Synchronization: None
- Self-Timer: None
- Weight: 1,000 grams
ARFO-4 Overview
The camera has a double bellows extension. Also, there is a mechanism for vertical and horizontal movement of the lens panel. In addition, a diamond-type viewfinder has been added, which simplifies framing.
ARFO-4 has a central inter-lens ARFO shutter with shutter speeds of 1/25, 1/50, 1/100, B, T, and Anastigmat ARFO lens (4.5/12) of the Tessar type.
It should be mentioned, that it’s easier to find an ARFO-4 in a good condition than cameras of earlier versions. The lens is good enough and the camera gives quite classic-looking photos.
ARFO-4 Lens
The ARFO-4 is equipped with an Anastigmat ARFO lens with an aperture of f4.5 and a focal length of 120mm, though some sources indicate a 105mm lens may have also been used. The lens follows a triplet optical design, with the diaphragm placed after the second lens element.
The aperture range extends from f4.5 to f25, providing sufficient flexibility for various lighting conditions and depth of field control. As is typical for lenses of this period, it is uncoated, which can result in lower contrast and susceptibility to flares in strong lighting. Nevertheless, the lens offers solid performance for a 6.5×9 format folding camera and is well-suited for its intended applications.
ARFO-4 Shutter
The ARFO-4 features a central leaf shutter with speeds of 1/25, 1/50, and 1/100 seconds, as well as B (bulb) and T (time) modes. The shutter is entirely manual, requiring the user to set the desired speed using a mechanical selector. While the shutter is functional, later production models included slight changes to the design of the shutter speed selector for improved usability.
Reports from surviving examples of the camera suggest that age and wear can lead to issues with the shutter mechanism, such as an inability to hold selected speeds. However, when in working condition, the shutter pairs effectively with the lens to produce high-quality images.
ARFO-4 Body
The ARFO-4 is a folding plate camera with a 6.5×9 format, offering a more refined build quality compared to earlier models in the ARFO series. It features a double-extension bellows, allowing for a greater focusing range and suitability for close-up photography. The lens panel is equipped with vertical and horizontal movement mechanisms, enabling perspective correction and more precise framing.
The camera includes both a ground glass focusing screen for accurate composition and a folding, frame-type viewfinder for quicker shooting. While the body is constructed of metal and leather, issues such as damaged bellows or unreliable mechanisms are common in surviving examples due to the camera’s age. Later models also featured minor changes to the front panel around the shutter “head.”
Ease of Use
The ARFO-4 provides two focusing options: ground glass for precise adjustments or a distance scale for faster operation. Both methods require manual setting of the aperture and shutter speed. The double-extension bellows and the ability to move the lens panel horizontally and vertically add flexibility but make the camera slightly more complex to operate.
The uncoated lens and fully manual settings require careful handling and knowledge to achieve optimal results. Despite the uncommon 6.5×9 format, which makes finding compatible film difficult today, the ARFO-4 delivers a distinctive shooting experience. This rare plate camera is valued for its historical significance and remains a compelling choice for collectors and enthusiasts of Soviet photographic equipment.
Conclusion
So what about personal feelings? Like all other cameras of this type, the ARFO-4 provides a unique experience with old classic photo equipment.
But the format is quite unusual, and now it’s hard to find a 6.5 x 9 film. So if you want a camera of a similar format, you can buy a Moskva 6×9 rangefinder camera. This format is something between the medium and large format.
And like most of the cameras created in the Soviet Union, this large format camera is a kind of clone of German cameras of the early 20th century. Therefore, using similar conscience cameras you are more likely to gain experience working with German cameras.
What is your favorite Soviet camera? Do you have Soviet cameras? If so, which ones? If not, do you want to buy a Soviet camera? Write to us about this in the comments on this article.
