Smena-8

Smena-8 is a simple Soviet camera manufactured by the LOMO association from 1963 to 1971. This camera was the forerunner of the legendary Smena-8m.

“If you want to purchase an inexpensive modern small-format camera, then Smena-8 fully meets these requirements”

Smena-8 is one of many cameras called Smena, which has few differences from previous and subsequent models. In this article we will talk about all the differences, advantages and disadvantages of this simple Soviet camera.

Smena-8 Specifications

Type: 35mm scale focus camera
Manufacturer: LOMO plant
Production period: from 1963 to 1971
Format: 24x36cm on 135 film
Lens mount: fixed lens
Lens: Triplet T-43 4.0/40
Shutter: leaf shutter with speeds from 1/15 to 1/250 sec.
Viewfinder: optical vewfinder
Lighmeter: none
Selftimer: mechanical self-timer
Weight: 300 grams

This camera was an improved version of the earlier Smenas of the sixth and seventh models. One of the main advantages of the Smena-8 from previous models is the ability to rewind the film, which was a pretty useful feature.

Since the camera was supplied in large quantities outside the borders of the Soviet Union, you can now meet a variety of Globals or Cosmos, which essentially are the same Semanas.

Since the beginning of 1969, a simplified version of the Smena was produced and called Smena-9. The camera differed from the eighth version by the lack of a self-timer. In the early seventies, the legendary Smena-8m replaced Smena-8.

The Smena-8 camera was equipped with a T-43 4/40 triplet lens. Recall that this is a copy of the original Cooke triplet, which was patented in 1894 by Harold Taylor. Focusing is done using the distance scale. But focusing can be simplified with an optional rangefinder that can be mounted on a cold shoe.

Also, the camera was equipped with a central shutter with shutter speeds of 1/15, 1/30, 1/60, 1/125, 1/250 and B. In addition, the camera has a flash sync port. Shutter speeds, of course, are few, but considering the price, this is a pretty good set.

Conclusion

Smena-8 is a good camera, although it looks more like a toy. The camera is equipped with a beautiful lens that gives very interesting photos with a cool vintage effect.