Kiev 4A manual

[Assaf]

Hi there,
A neighbour found an old Kiev-4A and asked me if it works and if I can handle it.
Well, I couldn't. He has a manual + warranty + receipt, but all written in Russian.
Does anyone have an English copy of the manual?
Thanks
Assaf

 

[rxmd]

You might want to take a look at this.

Philipp

 

[Todd Frederick]

Here's a copy on-line:

http://www.dvdtechcameras.com/manuals/cameras/k4/k4.htm

 

[rbiemer]

And another one:
http://www.keithberry.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/kiev-4.htm
They can be very good cameras! Hope this helps!

 

[Assaf]

Thanks a lot!
I think that mine is not working but I'll be sure after I read the manual

 

[Assaf]

OK, I went through the manual and I have the feeling that the camera is not in working condition.

The shutter release button is flat on the surface of the knob - meaning, it can't be pushed down.
Both knobs turn around freely.
In addition I counldn't understand how the cartridge is used. Should it be openned or should I slide the film inside it?

I also didn't understand how to release the lens.

Funny, I handled many cameras, old and new but I really don't understand this one.
Any help would be appreciated
Thanks
Asaf

 

[rxmd]

The shutter release button is flat on the surface of the knob - meaning, it can't be pushed down.

The shutter button can be rotated in the "down" position to lock the shutter. This is of course only useful to hold it open on "B". Try rotating the serrated bit of the shutter button a little bit to see if it comes up again.

I also didn't understand how to release the lens.

What lens? Is it a 50mm or any other lens?

If it's a 50mm, it should be attached to the inner bayonet. Set the lens to infinity (for convenience reasons only), push down gently on the spring lever on the inner bayonet next to the infinity position to release the lens' locking pin (should be painted red), and rotate the lens clockwise out of the bayonet lock.

If it's any other focal length, it should be attached to the outer bayonet. Set the lens to infinity. Push on the locking lever on the lens' mounting flange to release the bayonet "claw". Grip the lens by the mounting flange and rotate the entire lens clockwise all the way until the red dots on lens and body line up. Then you should be able to take the lens out of the bayonet.

The Contax/Kiev double bayonet mount is a bit awkward, but actually quite a clever construction for the early 1930s. At that time everybody else had to screw their lenses in and out. 🙂

Philipp

 

[Assaf]

Thanks!

Thanks!

The shutter button can be rotated in the "down" position to lock the shutter. This is of course only useful to hold it open on "B". Try rotating the serrated bit of the shutter button a little bit to see if it comes up again.


What lens? Is it a 50mm or any other lens?

If it's a 50mm, it should be attached to the inner bayonet. Set the lens to infinity (for convenience reasons only), push down gently on the spring lever on the inner bayonet next to the infinity position to release the lens' locking pin (should be painted red), and rotate the lens clockwise out of the bayonet lock.

If it's any other focal length, it should be attached to the outer bayonet. Set the lens to infinity. Push on the locking lever on the lens' mounting flange to release the bayonet "claw". Grip the lens by the mounting flange and rotate the entire lens clockwise all the way until the red dots on lens and body line up. Then you should be able to take the lens out of the bayonet.

The Contax/Kiev double bayonet mount is a bit awkward, but actually quite a clever construction for the early 1930s. At that time everybody else had to screw their lenses in and out. 🙂

Philipp

Philipp,
I'll try what you wrote at home (currently at work and without the camera).
I'll let you know if I managed
many thanks!
Assaf

 

[Todd Frederick]

The shutter button has a locking feature. Look at the shutter button. You should see two red dots. If the button is down, put your finger on it and turn it to the right so the two red dots meet. That should free up the shutter.

As mentioned above, these cameras (as do the Contax models) have a very unique bayonet lens mounting system. You need to patiently and deliberately put on and take off the lens.

To do this you need to know that the focusing wheel on top will release the lens and to remove a lens you need to return the lens to its locked position. Near the lens there is a curved bar that you need to press down while you remove the lens.

All of this is not really difficult but needs to be practiced over and over in a patient and thoughtful way to understand how these cameras work. Once you get the idea you will have no problems.

These are excellent cameras so give it some time for you to learn all about them.

Film loading is a whole different challenge.

Attached are a couple of photos I took last week at an antique auto show with a Jupiter-12 35mm lens, set at zone focus and estimated exposure.

Pardon the pixilization in the shadows...that is a CD scan problem I need to resolve...nothing to do with the Kiev 4a.

Give yourself time to learn to use the camera.

 

[Assaf]

Well,
thanks to you I figured out how to release the shutter button and how take out the lens.
The shutter seems to work (but it's accuracy is not clear)
Now I get to film loading :
The manual is still not so clear to me. My basic question is whether I should load the entire film into the magazine before shooting?
Can't I only use the inner cylinder like a regular (Leica like) camera?
Anyway, many thanks
you helped me a lot

 

[Todd Frederick]

Assaf,

You can use standard 35mm film just as it comes out of the box. Load the film exactly as you would any 35mm non-electronic camera. You don't need to load the film into special cassettes. The only problem is that the take-up spool tends to fall out and you need to be careful when placing the camera back on. Once you get the idea, this camera is really very easy to use. Also, use your index finger for the shutter release, but use your middle finger to focus with the wheel, and keep the other fingers away from the rangefinder windows. It works very fast.