SPUTNIK

["Paul S. Boyer" <boyer@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Phil:
I have posted my opinions on the SPUTNIK earlier (and got some dissenting 
replys).  In short, it is a simple, crudely constructed device of 
bakelite-type plastic, with *uncoated* "Industar" and a back which is 
held closed by a flimsy aluminum slide.  The back is likely to flop open 
unexpectedly.  Viewing is through the middle lens onto a horizontal 
ground glass, and is not fast or convenient to use, but is tolerable for 
stationary subjects.  Even advancing the film is slow: one watches for 
exposure number through one of those little red windows on the back.  
There is not much else available in the 120-film format (which, mounted 
as stereo pairs, is called the 6 x 13 cm format).  You get six pairs on a 
roll of film.
I have one of these Sputniks, which is fun to have as a collectible, or 
for making prints in old-style stereogram form.  There are no stereo 
projectors readily available for diapositives in this format. I have 
thought of making one, but am too busy and unmotivated.
For a serious camera, I would look for a Realist or a Revere.  Or if you 
wish to wait a *long* time, wait for a Belplasca.  (I'm still waiting!)
There are many Sputniks avaiable now since the breakup of the Evil 
Empire.  Around here in New Jersey one can buy them straight from real 
Russians!  The Sputniks come in two varieties: the export version had 
SPUTNIK written in Roman characters.  The domestic version (now more 
common) has the name in Cyrillic, which I can't send by e-mail, but looks 
like C-pie-Y-T-H-backwards N-K.
The camera came originally with crude (did I use that term before?) metal 
lens-caps which are, more often than not, missing.  Collectors desire 
them because they have a trademark logo.  If the one you are buying does 
not have the lens caps or the crude, stiff, impractical, 
imitation-leather case, perhaps you can use this lack as a bargaining 
point in negotiating price.  There was also a viewer for prints and a 
book of instructions.
--Paul S. Boyer   <boyer@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>


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