- Produced Sverdlovsk (?)
- Meter type reflective (spot)
- Readout LED
- Cell type CdS photocell
- GOST range 1-2000 (DIN 3-36)
- f-stop range f 0.7 – 64
- Shutter speed range 60s – 1/4000
- Weight 3.5oz without batteries
- Battery 3.5-4.0v (originally 3.7v)
- battery check light
- Close Cousins: Sverdlovsk, 3, 4, 5, 6
Overview
The predecessor to the more versatile (and complex) Sverdlovsk-4, the Sverdlovsk-2 is a handy little meter in its own right. Minimal controls and simple, easy to read dials are pretty much all I ask in a meter, and that’s what we have here. Plus, instead of metering a general scene, you hold the meter’s viewfinder up to your eye to frame and meter your subject. The upshot of this is that it’s basically a poor man’s spot meter. Rather than taking in a wide swath of land and sky it meters more or less only what you frame in the finder.
Usage
Set the film speed with the inner wheel, frame your scene in the viewfinder, then press the button on the side to take your reading. Turn the thumbwheel till the LED lights up or turns off. Basic instructions (in Russian) are printed on the back as well.
Tips & Tricks
Originally took a now-obsolete 3.7v russian battery, now your best option is to tape a little stack of 1.5v SR44 silver cells together, then put a little spacer in there like a washer or something.
Related Links
- Alfred’s Camera Page has more info than you may want to know about the similar Sverdlovsk-4
- commiecameras.com has some info on these and other soviet meters