The Salyut-C (Salut-S / Салют-C) is a medium format camera. It is a reflex camera with a viewfinder. The design of the camera is “inspired” by the Hasselblad cameras (Hasselblad 1000F/ 1600F). The Arsenal company built it from 1972 to 1980 in the Soviet Union. Later the model was replaced by the Kiev 88, which got a hot shoe.
The lenses of the Salyut-C are interchangeable. Lenses with a Salyut B mount can be used. They are often found with an 80 mm lens. This corresponds to a normal focal length on a 35 mm camera. There is no autofocus with the medium format camera. You have to manually focus on the subject.
The camera cannot measure the correct exposure because it does not have a light meter. The aperture and exposure time can be freely adjusted by the photographer. The Salyut-C has a bulb mode. An external flash can be used via the PC flash socket.
Films for the Salyut-C
The film is exposed in 6×6 format. A 35mm film can hold around 36 photos. When taking pictures with the medium format camera, a film change is due after only 12 pictures. The film in the camera must be rewound manually because there is no automatic film transport. The backs of the Salyut are interchangeable. So you can also switch between different films in the middle of the roll.
The Salyut-C has a cable release and a tripod thread. Normally the camera comes with a viewfinder. This can also be exchanged.
The medium format camera can only be found used. The used price varies depending on condition and functionality.
Other versions
The Kiev 80 is an export version of the medium format camera.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Single lens reflex camera |
| Film format | 120 |
| Lens mount | Salyut B mount |
| Focus | Manual |
| Viewfinder | Waist-level finder |
| Exposure times | 1/1000 second to 1/2 second, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | PC-Flash |
| Flash sync speed | 1/30 s |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | No |
| Country of production | Soviet Union (USSR), Ukraine |
| End of production | 1980 |
| Production duration | 8 years |
| Estimated value / Used price | 335,33 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 3 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of May 11, 2026 |
FAQ about the Salyut-C
Is the Salyut-C a digital camera or does it use film?
The Salyut-C is a film camera. It uses 120 roll film in 6x6 format, meaning you get 12 exposures per roll. This is a medium format camera, providing larger negatives than 35mm cameras.
How do I focus the lens on this camera?
The Salyut-C has manual focus. There's no autofocus. You need to manually adjust the lens to achieve sharp focus on your subject. This adds to the creative control but requires more skill.
Does the camera have a built-in light meter?
No, the Salyut-C doesn't have a built-in light meter. You'll need to use an external light meter or rely on your experience to determine the correct exposure settings.
Can I use a flash with the Soviet camera?
Yes, you can use an external flash with the Salyut-C. It has a PC sync socket for connecting a flashgun. Remember that you'll need to set the exposure manually.
What kind of lenses does the camera take?
The Salyut-C uses interchangeable lenses with a Salyut B mount. They are often found with an 80mm lens, which is considered a 'normal' lens for this medium format camera.