Smena 8M

The Smena 8M (Смена 8M) is by far one of the most popular cameras ever made. Launched in 1970, it was produced up until 1995 and was a design upgrade of the Smena-8. Together they sold more than 21 million copies. This makes it one of the cheapest and easiest to find cameras.

It uses 35mm film and all the controls are manual. This, along with its price, make the camera popular for amateur film photographers and learners. It can also make multiple exposures, since no film advance is needed to fire the shutter. It has no self-timer (Smena-8 had) but can accept flash.

It is a camera very easy to use and has a series of symbols to help you focus and set the shutter speed depending on the weather and the light, keeping at the same time the number indications for more experienced users.

In general it is a camera good for beginners and when used correctly, the lens can produce nice photos. It is nevertheless a bit flimsy and feels like a "toy camera". Depending on the condition, it might have gaps around the back cover allowing light leaks. Also take care not to have your finger on the way of the shutter lever as it goes back after releasing it, and avoid smudging the lens while changing the aperture.