EFTE
EFTE camera is the first Soviet mass-produced large-format folding plate camera, which was later named EFTE-1.
In 1929, the Foto-Trud artel in Moscow commenced production of the EFTE-1 (ЭФТЭ-1), marking the Soviet Union’s entry into mass-produced large-format folding plate cameras. Designed for 9×12 cm plates, the EFTE-1 featured a single bellows extension, catering to both amateur and professional photographers of the era.
As you can see, the EFTE camera was very similar in appearance to many German cameras of those years, and at the end of the article, we will pay special attention to this topic.
EFTE Specifications
- Type: 9×12 folding camera
- Manufacturer: Foto-Trud
- Production period: from 1929 to 1938
- Format: 9×12
- Lens mount: fixed lens
- Lens: Periscope f12/150
- 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
EFTE-1 SHUTTER
The camera featured a leaf shutter with speeds of 1/25, 1/50, and 1/100 seconds, along with “B” (Bulb) and “T” (Time) settings, which were especially useful for long exposures. The initial batch of EFTE-1 cameras used German-made VARIO shutters, ensuring reliable performance and compatibility with the German Kenngott Anastigmat lens. These early shutters were mechanically simple yet versatile enough for various photographic conditions.
EFTE-1 Lens
The first EFTE-1 cameras were equipped with German Kenngott Anastigmat 1:6.3, 13.5 cm lenses. These high-quality lenses allowed for sharp and detailed images. However, later models of the EFTE-1 featured a Soviet-made Periscope f/12 150mm lens. Although simpler and less advanced than its German counterpart, the Periscope lens symbolized the transition towards domestic production of camera components, a key goal of the Soviet Union.
The transition to Periscope lenses, however, came with trade-offs. The slower aperture of f/12 limited the lens’s performance in low-light conditions, requiring longer exposure times or brighter lighting environments. Additionally, the lens was Soviet-made, meaning both the quality of materials and the build quality were noticeably inferior to its German predecessor.
Efte-1 Body
The EFTE-1 was constructed from stamped metal and covered with fabrikoid (artificial leather), which gave it a durable and functional design. The front standard lacked movements for vertical or horizontal adjustments, simplifying the design and reducing production costs. The cassette part of the body housed a sliding frame, which could hold either a ground glass for focusing or a standard plate cassette. This feature provided flexibility for photographers who worked with different methods of composition and image capture.
Focusing
Focusing was achieved via a distance scale situated to the right of the lens, operated by a drive knob. This mechanism allowed photographers to set focus distances accurately, enhancing image sharpness. The camera also included a folding frame viewfinder, providing an alternative to the ground glass for composing shots.
The camera was equipped with a folding frame viewfinder. Further, the EFTE 1 camera was equipped with the Soviet lens called Periscope.
Simplified Design for Accessibility
Unlike more advanced large-format cameras, the EFTE-1 did not offer front or rear standard movements, such as tilt or shift. By omitting these features, Soviet engineers simplified the camera’s design and manufacturing process, making it more accessible to a broader audience. This simplification aligned with the socialist objective of producing affordable and practical photographic equipment for the masses.
Evolution of the Foto-Trud Artel
By 1933, the Foto-Trud artel had expanded significantly, evolving into a comprehensive photographic enterprise producing a range of photographic products. To enhance organizational efficiency and support further growth, the artel was restructured, leading to the formation of the independent ARFO artel, which continued camera production. Subsequent devices were branded under the ARFO name, marking a new chapter in Soviet camera manufacturing.
The EFTE-1 as a Collectible
Today, it is quite difficult to find EFTE-1 cameras in good condition because they were produced in limited quantities and were not of very high quality.
Nevertheless, this camera holds some collectible value due to the fact that the EFTE-1 was the first Soviet camera produced in mass circulation.
EFTE and Soviet Industry
The principles behind the creation of Soviet cameras, and the functioning of the Soviet industry as a whole, are evident in the EFTE-1 camera. Following the events of 1917, much of the intelligentsia was destroyed, and scientific progress suffered due to the actions of the Soviet authorities. As a result, the creation of cameras from scratch was nearly impossible.
However, the Soviet Union was tasked with producing its own cameras, both for propaganda purposes and to present an image of an active photographic industry. Due to the decline in scientific expertise, Soviet engineers often resorted to copying developments from other countries. This approach led to the creation of not only the EFTE-1 camera but also most other Soviet cameras.
Conclusion
The EFTE-1 marked a significant step in the development of the Soviet photographic industry. By simplifying the design and adopting features from foreign models, Soviet engineers created an accessible and practical large-format camera for the masses. Although limited in production and build quality, the EFTE-1 holds historical and collectible value as the first Soviet camera produced in mass circulation. It exemplifies the early Soviet approach to industrial production, characterized by adaptation and replication, during a transformative period in the history.
