Smena-8

The Smena-8 is a viewfinder camera. It was manufactured from 1963 to 1971. The Bakelite camera was built by GOMZ, LOOMP and LOMO. It is the predecessor of the Smena-9. The camera was also sold under the name “Cosmic 35” and “Global 35”.

The lens of the Smena-8 cannot be exchanged. It is called “T-43 (Triplet)” and has a maximum aperture of f/4. The model has no autofocus system. Therefore, you have to focus by hand. Unfortunately, there is no measuring device for the distance. For this reason, you have to estimate the distance.

The Smena-8 does not have a built-in exposure meter. The aperture and exposure time can be set freely by the photographer. The camera comes with a Bulb mode. In this, the shutter is open for a variable time. The 35mm camera has a self-timer. There is also a thread for a tripod on the bottom. The Smena does not need batteries. It can take pictures completely without electricity. Further, the film in the camera is wound manually.

Films for the Smena-8

The camera is designed for 35mm film. Films of this format are still readily available today and are still being developed. Possible films for the Smena-8 are the Kodak Ultramax 400* for color photos and the Ilford Delta 100* for B&W images. For photographic films are well suited for shooting with the Russian camera.

The development of the color film is the C-41 process. The C-41 process is performed by almost all photo laboratories.

The development of the black and white film must be done in the appropriate photochemistry. There are a variety of possible products from different manufacturers. The right combination of film and developer is slightly different for each film and, of course, the desired end result also plays an important role in the selection.

Some photo labs offer film development of black and white films, you have more control if you get the right chemistry and develop it yourself. When developing at home, you also have a great cost advantage, seen over time.