The Salyut was the first attempt by the Soviet camera industry to produce a sophisticated medium format camera. It was probably a near copy of the Hasselblad 1600. The Soviets claimed that both the Hasselblad and the Saliut were derived from a Nazi prototype, however none of these supposed forerunners have ever been seen so this origin is dubious. These cameras were very expensive at 400 Rubles, which represented 6 months salary to the average Soviet citizen. The Mir-3 cost 240 Rubles. This means that production was very limited and these cameras and lenses are rare. Production started in 1957 or 1958 and ended in 1973 with three variations. Variation one has a top speed of 1500 and a self-timer. Variation two has a top speed of 1500 and no self-timer. Variation three has a top speed of 1000. Variation three can also be found marked Zenit 80 and were produced for TO&E in England. The Zenit 80 has a slightly modified lens mount and will accept and function with the later lenses.
The camera came in a brown leather case with the waist level finder, 2 backs, a neck strap and 3 filters. A press on lens cap was also provided in black plastic with Salyut in raised letters. The filters are a light yellow, a medium yellow and an orange in 40.5mm. The lens takes an adapter cone that allows the use of 40.5mm filters. Interestingly the film backs for my 1958 Saliut do not have serial numbers. The backs for my 1972 Saliut have the same serial number as the camera , the second with an A added. The lens mount in these cameras is semi automatic. It is not the same as the later cameras and has different linkages. Although the lens mounts are similar this series of lenses will not work automatically with the Salyut-S and the Kiev88 and vice versa. I have never seen a Hasselblad 1600 and am unable to say if it is the same. The Industar-29 and the Mir-3 are semi-automatic and have a lever which must be cocked for each shot. The Tair-33 is a typical preset lens and will work with the later cameras.
Caution:
When changing shutter speeds, to prevent damage to the camera, the film must be advanced first. Next, remember to turn the knob clockwise only..
