Review of cameras "Chaika"

The Seagull series camera - a worthy choice for discerning consumers. The peculiarities of the models "Chaika-2", "Chaika-3" and "Chaika-2M" are in the high quality and reliability of products guaranteed by the manufacturer. What else are remarkable about these devices, we will find out in the article.

The Seagull camera got its name in honor of the great woman-cosmonaut V. Tereshkova and was invented in 1962. The first model had a half-format camera, namely 72 frames in 18x24 mm format. The body of the camera was made of metal and was equipped with a hinged cover. The rigidly built-in lens "Industar-69" had focusing with a field of view of the lens of 56 degrees.

The device automatically read the number of photo frames taken, and also provided an opportunity for the user to reset and reset the numbering in progress. It should be noted that there is not only focusing on a certain scale, but also an optical viewfinder. The first batch of Chaika cameras was 171400 pieces. The model was produced until 1967, when the manufacturer presented to the customers an already updated version of the camera with the same name "Chaika-2".

"Chaika-2" became a representative of an improved version of "Chaika", which the Minsk Mechanical Plant named after SI Vavilov produced in much larger quantities. The model was produced from 1967 to 1972 and had a batch of 1,250,000 pieces. The enterprise "Belarusian Optical and Mechanical Association" not only changed the design of the body, but also optimized the internal technical capabilities of the camera. The detachable lens had a threaded mount with a flange distance of 27.5 mm instead of the previously designed 28.8 mm. Considering the years of shortage of any equipment on store shelves, this equipment had tremendous success and demand.

At that time, the magazines "Soviet Photo" and "Modelist-Constructor" were published, where tables were published that helped to use the "Chaika" cameras. To obtain a reduced-size copy of a photograph, 72 pages were placed on the film of a camera with extension rings when shooting a book spread, reading was carried out using a children's filmoscope, which had a relatively low price. Reduction by microfilming ranged from 1: 3 to 1: 50. The technical characteristics of the model made it possible to focus on the distance scale. The optical viewfinder allowed a telescopic magnification of 0.45. In order for the frame counter to reset, it was necessary to pull back the film rewind head, which instantly unlocked the transport gear roller.

"Chaika-3" became the third variation of the camera of the same name, which was put into production in 1971. This is the first model in the "Seagull" line with a non-coupled selenium exposure meter. It should be noted that the appearance has changed along with certain improved technical characteristics of the device. Despite the relatively small batch of released models, which did not exceed the number of 600,000 pieces, this camera was able to combine modern design and increased ease of use. Now, to insert and rewind the film, you need to turn the knob located on the bottom panel.

Later, a fourth model appeared. "Chaika-2M", which did not have a photoexposure meter - a device that allows you to determine exposure parameters, including exposure time and aperture numbers. The device now has a clip for attaching a photo flash, which is necessary for photographing in low light conditions. 351,000 copies of such cameras were produced.

Before use, be sure to read the detailed instruction manual enclosed in the box with photographic equipment. After the purchase, without leaving the seller, you should check the completeness of the goods, and also enter the store data and the date of sale in the passport and warranty card. The camera will become an indispensable assistant on vacation, travel, as well as hiking trips.

To prepare the "Seagull" for work, you need to load the cassette in complete darkness. The film is placed in the slot of the spool and the end is cut off. Winding is effortless. Before installing the cassette, the drive drum is checked.

As soon as all 72 frames have been taken, the camera must be discharged. The shutter is lowered, the coil is rewound, after which it can be removed.

Avoid any dismissive attitude towards technology, as well as protect from mechanical damage, dampness and any temperature fluctuations. If you follow all the rules of operation, according to the attached instructions for the device, you guarantee a long service life and high quality of the photographs produced.

Review of the Soviet camera "Chaika 2M" in the video below.