GOMZ Leningrad
The GOMZ Leningrad is a M39-mount film rangefinder camera, introduced in 1956. Leica camera price index →
Reference maintained by Thomas Boots
General
- Mount
- M39
- Release Year
- 1956
- Type
- Film
- Model Number
- Leningrad
- Serial Range
- Unknown, factory numbers commonly include a two-digit production-year prefix, but no complete allocation is verified
Dimensions
- Weight
- 730g
- Length
- 46mm
- Width
- 152mm
- Height
- 93mm
Viewfinder & Shutter
- Magnification
- 0.68x
- Framelines
- Fixed 50 mm, 85 mm and 135 mm frames; full finder field approximates 35 mm coverage
- Shutter Speeds
- B, 1 s, 1/2 s, 1/5 or 1/4 s, 1/10 or 1/8 s, 1/25 or 1/15 s, 1/50 or 1/30 s, 1/100 or 1/60 s, 1/250 or 1/125 s, 1/500 s and 1/1000 s, depending on production version
- Shutter Type
- Cloth
Features
- Hot Shoe
- No
- Tripod Socket
- Yes
- Self Timer
- Yes
- Flash Sync
- 1/25 s X-sync, with adjustable 5 to 20 ms flashbulb delay
Leningrad
The GOMZ Leningrad is an original Soviet M39 rangefinder introduced in 1956. Unlike the Leica-derived FED and Zorki families, its body, prism-based combined finder and spring-powered film transport were developed as a distinct design. A fully tensioned motor can advance and recock the camera repeatedly, with operation approaching three frames per second [1][2].
The finder has fixed guides for 50 mm, 85 mm and 135 mm lenses, while the surrounding field approximates 35 mm coverage. Its 57 mm rangefinder base, diopter adjustment, cloth focal-plane shutter and 1/1000-second top speed made it one of the most technically ambitious Soviet interchangeable-lens rangefinders [2][3].
History
Development and Launch
Development began with postwar GOI prototypes before GOMZ finalized the cloth-shutter, M39 production camera in 1956. The Leningrad received recognition as part of the Soviet photographic display awarded a Grand Prix at the 1958 Brussels World Exhibition [2].
Production Evolution
Production continued through the 1960s, with approximately 76,385 cameras commonly reported. Early bodies are identified by two front screws and an older shutter-speed sequence. Later versions use four screws and a revised geometric speed scale. Minor changes also affected strap lugs, controls and export markings [2][3].
Special Variants
The screw layouts and shutter scales are production variants within one Standard model profile, not special editions. Commemorative presentation packaging and cameras modified for specialist or space-program work should be documented as provenance or conversion details, not merged into the normal production specification [2].
Collector Notes
Check the spring motor, changing frame spacing, cloth curtains, prism finder, self timer and adjustable flash-delay control. Although the mount is M39, the overhanging top plate prevents some wider-barrel Leica-thread lenses from seating fully. Published body dimensions and weight differ according to whether the lens, grip projections or assembled camera are measured [3][4].
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