Rangefinder cameras are a great way to store your memories and make travel diaries portrayed in aesthetic ways. It’s their specialty that even after huge advancements in the camera industry, they are still popular.
Choosing any random camera doesn’t work most of the time. It will take proper research that asks for your energy and time to land perfectly at the best Russian rangefinder.
Already feeling exhausted, right? No worries! We have done that research part for you and have narrowed down options to help you choose the one conveniently.
Stay tuned till the end of this article to find the best camera for yourself.
Here is the list of the top best Russian rangefinders.
| Zorki 6 USSR Soviet Union Russian rangefinder camera | 1/500 s to 1/25 s and “B” | 35mm |
| KIEV-4 Russian USSR Contax Rangefinder | 1/2 s to 1/1000 s, B | 35mm |
| FED-3 USSR Soviet Union Russian RF | 1 to 1/500 s, B | 35mm |
| FED-5B USSR Soviet Union Russian 35 mm RF | 1/1 – 1/500, B | 35mm |
| ZORKI-4K Vintage USSR Film Camera | 1-1/30s to 1/1000s + B | 35mm |
1. Zorki 6 USSR Soviet Union Russian rangefinder camera
★★★★★
BRAND:
Zorki
Key specifications:
- Focus: 1m-infinity
- Weight: 1lb
- Film format type: 135(35mm)
- Staff lens: Industar-50, 3.5 / 50
- Shutter speed: 1/500 s to 1/25 s and “B”
Zorki 6 has always been termed as the best Russian rangefinder because of its unbelievable features.
Also, one more thing that makes people more interested in it is that it is the last unique production of Zorki rangefinders. It is an upgraded, refined and improved version of all the previous models and a sort of effort to compensate for all the reported limitations.
Let’s have a look at what they have to offer.
Great focus:
Zorki 6 is composed of the industar-50, 3.5/50 lens and also encourages the placement of Jupiter-8. These powerful lenses bring a large amount of light into the camera and make the picture more exposed, sharp, and brighter.
Also, its focal range is 1 meter to infinity which provides a premium level of focus and clear picture regardless of how far your object is present.
Unique specifications:
It is equipped with multiple features such as strap lugs, self-timer, hinged back, a wide base equal to 65mm, combined rangefinders, and a cool and compact design. Furthermore, you are allowed to switch shutter speeds before and after cocking. This feature is usually not present in Russian rangefinders.
Shutter speeds 1/500 s to 1/25 s plus B is the bulb mode. It keeps the shutter on hold before you press the shutter release button.
Synchronization modes:
Two synchronization sockets are present for electronic and chemical flash as ‘’X ‘’ and’ ”M ‘’ respectively in association with a cold shoe. It provides an amazing magnification power of 6x that zooms in images for you in a more detailed manner. Frame size is 24×36 and the whole out casing is made up of aluminum alloy to impart robustness and durability to the camera.
Final views:
Zorki 6 is the most favorite rangefinder of so many people who love street photography or taking aesthetic pictures. It has so many unique features that make it the most advanced and elite rangefinder of all time.
2.KIEV-4 Russian USSR Contax Rangefinder
★★★★★
BRAND:
KIEV
Key specifications:
- Film type: 35mm
- Lens mount: Contax rangefinder
- Focal range: 0.9 m-infinity
- Shutter speeds: 1/2-1/1000 s +B
- Weight: 769g with Jupiter lens
If you are looking for an affordable rangefinder camera then Kiev 4 might be a great option. Still, it has amazing features that made them stand out among the best.
Let’s see what those features are.
Advanced lenses:
Kiev-4 comes with Jupiter 50mm f/2 lens to bring brighter and clear-cut optics your way. There is a viewfinder window on the right side and a rangefinder window on the left. When the image of the rangefinder coincides with the viewfinder image, the lens gets focused precisely.
You can control focusing by rotating the focus or distance ring of the lens or there is another option of using a focusing wheel installed on the top of the camera.
Lens mount:
Contax rangefinder mount is the type of mount with which Kiev-4 shows high feasibility. This mount is further composed of two mounts, one is being used for 50mm lenses and the other one is external. The outer one is Bayonet that is used for lenses involved in having a long focal distance.
Shutter:
The speeds of shutter range from 1/2, 1/5, 1/10, 1/25, 1/50 1/125, 1/250, 1/500, 1/1000 seconds including B. All the speeds including the slowest ones are designed to function smoothly without any hesitation or lag. Iris blades are not soaked in oil.
Other latest specifications:
There is a diaphragm control ring that carries or works as a scale for f-numbers that we call stop numbers. This diaphragm turns accurately and effortlessly. The film format is 35mm and the frame size is 24×36.
Final view:
A highly functional Russian rangefinder equipped with amazing features. It has a nice personality, provides an ergonomic grip, a wide rangefinder base assists in better focusing, and much more at a very reasonable price.
3. FED-3 USSR Soviet Union Russian Rangefinder
★★★★★
BRAND:
FED
Key specifications:
- Lens: Industar-61
- Focal length: 52mm
- Tripod mount: ¼ inches
- Shutter speeds: 1 to 1/500ths, B
- Aperture: 2.8-22
FED rangefinders are one of the best Russian Leica copy cameras produced in a while with a large number of spectacular features.
FED 3 has many similar features to FED 2 and didn’t have film advance lever till 1964.
Let’s study a few of its features in detail to have a better understanding of it.
Flexible speed ranges:
Shutter speeds play an essential role in retaining the quality of the picture. It has a speed range starting from 1 to 1/500 seconds including “B” which is a bulb mode.
FED-3 encourages flash synchronization at 1/30th of a second and other slow speeds. This slow synchronization phenomenon is known as a night mode that allows you to shoot pictures even in low light conditions.
Top class aperture:
The aperture of FED 3 is equipped with 6 blades that provide the precisely circular shape of lenses that allow more light to pass through it. It provides improved Bokeh mode than its previous models, more bright, sharp, and refined.
Moving on to the lens, it has a very sharp, well-coated lens that is “industar-61”. It is the most high-grade lens coated with Lanthanum. It is compatible with the entire range of Leica thread mount M39 lenses.
Sharp focus:
The rangefinder on this camera is incorporated with a viewfinder and provides a brighter and clearer image of the object. There is a special ring around the eyepiece that you can use to adjust the brightness of the viewfinder.
Moreover, a self-timer is also present, the focal length is around 52mm and the aperture is from 2.8-22 makes it a wonderful tool for traveling, landscapes, wildlife, sports, and street photography.
Final views:
FED-3 is an adorable yet highly functional camera that not only makes photography a fun thing to do but also acts as a great assistance to learn the basics of photography very well.
4. FED-5B USSR Soviet Union Russian 35 mm Rangefinder
★★★★★
BRAND:
FED
Key specifications:
- Exposure control type: Manual
- Diaphragm scale: 2.8-16
- Shutter speeds: 1/1 – 1/500, B
- Lens: INDUSTAR-61L/D
FED-5B is a 35mm rangefinder camera with a classy design and a lot of revamped features to enhance user experience and bring versatility to the rangefinder world.
It was made in the factory in the USSR under the name of “Felix Edmundovich Dzerzhinsky”-the founder of the (KGB) Soviet secret police.
You might be wondering what the unique features that I am talking about are, here you go!
Photo Exposure meter:
FED-5B has a built-in photo exposure meter that is responsible for analyzing and measuring the intensity of light. It also tends to indicate a very best estimated exposure setting based on the calculations as after examining light it estimates the brightness of the scene that you intend to capture.
Shutter:
This device is equipped with a cloth focal-plane shutter with shutter speeds of up to 1/1 – 1/500 of a second and B. Then comes the shutter speed of flash that is 1/30th of a second.
The average frame size is 24x36mm and has a focusing range of 1-20 and infinite.
Industar-61L/D lens:
This rangefinder is composed of Industar-61L/D lenses that are already Cracker Jack lenses. Additionally, the L sign indicates that the lenses are coated with Lanthanum that enhances the resist damaging of glass from any alkalis, and impart Infrared absorption to them.
D sign indicates their compatibility with M39 mount lenses.
Final views:
FED-5B USSR rangefinder is one of the finest Leica copy cameras. It is composed of several remarkable features that make it a delight to use.
5. ZORKI-4K Vintage USSR Film Camera
★★★★★
BRAND:
ZORKI
Key specifications:
- Shutter speeds: 1-1/30s-1/1000s + B
- Frame size: 24×36
- Film type: 35mm
- Lens: Jupiter-8 2/50
Zorki 4K is a renowned version of Zorki equipped with every feature that you might be looking for in Russian rangefinder cameras.
Let’s head straight towards its exceptional features.
Incredible shutter:
Shutters present in Zorki 4k provide a vast variety of all slow and fast shutter speeds. This ultimate assembly of speeds tends to enhance exposure and optimize brightness levels for you. A wide range of shutter speeds includes 1-1/30s, 1/60s, 1/125s, 1/250s, 1/500s, 1/1000s + B.
Film advance lever:
Zorki 4k is equipped with a film advance lever and that is the thing that increases its worth to a great extent because previous models are not adorned with this feature.
By using this feature, you can switch film from one frame to another incrementally.
The movement of the film is smooth and provides you with the best possible results.
Advanced lenses:
In addition to Industar 50mm/3.5 lens, Zorki 4K shows great compatibility with the Jupiter-8 2/50 lenses that work to uplift the picture’s quality providing you a classy creamy look. Furthermore, these lenses have surprising Bokeh mode with optimized brightness and focus.
Final views:
Zorki 4K gives you a wonderful experience of vintage photography. It outshines other models with the presence of unique features and acts as a great trainer to enhance your photography skills.
How to select Best Russian Rangefinder-Buyer’s Guide
Finding an ideal Russian rangefinder is not going to be easy if you dive into a pool full of options without having any proper direction. To make your investment worth it, it is mandatory to have at least a basic understanding of essential factors. Keeping in mind all the requirements, I have listed down some important elements that are needed to be considered before making any purchase.
Let’s have a look at what they are and how they are going to help you.
Quiet shutter:
There are a lot of rangefinders that have a noisy shutter that might be annoying for you. If it sounds relatable to you then don’t go for any random rangefinder. Look for rangefinders that have quiet functioning and then go for them.
Budget-friendly:
Consider your budget before making any choice. You will encounter several classy rangefinders on your way and don’t confuse only expensive ones to be the best.
On little research, you can find your ideal rangefinder without shaking up your budget.
Lenses:
Go through the lens angle and size in detail before making any deal. Check out their compatibility with several lenses before choosing any camera.
Portability:
Rangefinder cameras come in different sizes and weights. If you are going to use it for travel or street photography then go for a compact and light one as it would be easy to carry with you anywhere.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q. What is the best affordable Russian rangefinder in 2021?
A. KIEV-4 Russian USSR Contax Rangefinder is the most affordable option that you can avail yourself of. Also, it is composed of wonderful features to provide great value your way.
Q. How do rangefinder cameras surpass SLR cameras?
A. Rangefinder provides great results, has decent features, and is compact and lightweight with quiet functionality. Although they have a bunch of amazing features, it doesn’t mean that they are perfect, they have their own shortcomings as well just like every other device.
Conclusion:
I am going to wrap up this conversation hoping that you will find your best Russian rangefinder by the end of this article. In case if you are looking for more clarity then our top pick might be of some help for you.
Among all the mentioned Russian rangefinders, I found FED-3 USSR Soviet Union Russian Rangefinder outshining others with its spectacular personality and optimized features.
D. Scarlett is a 30-year-old Blogger and Digital Marketer from USA. He is a certified Computer Engineer and currently doing work on many Digital Marketing projects. He is running many Affiliate website as well.