Well, my Kiev arrived

[oftheherd]

Seems both the body and lens are in good shape. It took a while (and a visit to several Kiev URLs) to learn how to cock the shutter and set the lens speeds. Seems so strange to one used to wind/shutter cocking leavers and on-the-lens cocking levers, as well as simple wind on knobs. Was the Contax like that too. I think it will be easy to get used to, but strange!

What has really surprised me is that compared to my Fujica ST 901, it is a little larger in the body. Of course, the lens is smaller. It also feels just a little lighter, but that is with both lenses on. And, I haven't had my arms calibrated in some time. I would like to measure the weight of just the bodies to see which is heavier and by how much.

The body has a lot of writing on the bottom, which I guess would be a commoration to someone. I think another FSU camera had that here on the forums some time ago. I haven't yet checked the shutter curtains for pinholes, but nothing stands out and the shutter seems to work alright.

I will take photos of the camera itself, as well as running a roll through it to see how they turn out. Well, I have been looking around for other lenses, but will wait to be sure the camera works alright. If the camera is OK, I guess another round of GAS is about to begin. :bang:

Is there any hope?

Ruben, will I survive this and learn to like my Fujica again?

 

[le vrai rdu]

You will have great fun with it
I have mine since 2 weeks and I am already in love

I had some light leaks from the back , solved it with gaffer. be careful to rewind before changing speed and everything should be okay

The lens (I think you have a jup8) is absolutely marvellous

 

[oftheherd]

Thanks. Actually, the lens is a Helios 103? 53mm, and looks good. I suspect I am going to enjoy it. I just need time to test it. I am still trying to get through a roll to test my lastest Fujica ST 801.

 

[nzeeman]

congratulations on your new kiev - i hope you will ejoy using it. and dont worry - you will survive this - but unfortunately you will sell your fujica to buy more kontax bodies and lenses.

btw i just checked le vrai rdu webisite and it has some beautiful kiev photos.

 

[ruben]

......I will take photos of the camera itself, as well as running a roll through it to see how they turn out. Well, I have been looking around for other lenses, but will wait to be sure the camera works alright. If the camera is OK, I guess another round of GAS is about to begin. :bang:

Is there any hope?

Ruben, will I survive this and learn to like my Fujica again?

It all depends upon what has driven you to the Kiev in first place. If it is its shape lines, you are lost.

Cheers,
Ruben

Would you like to tell who was the seller ?

 

[Dogman]

Good choice on the Kiev! I recently got acquainted with them and already have 4 bodies and a number of lenses. They are kind of clunky to use if you're only familiar with modern equipment but they are a lot of fun and produce surprisingly good results. Enjoy!

 

[oftheherd]

congratulations on your new kiev - i hope you will ejoy using it. and dont worry - you will survive this - but unfortunately you will sell your fujica to buy more kontax bodies and lenses.

btw i just checked le vrai rdu webisite and it has some beautiful kiev photos.

LOL. Never happen. I have other things I would get rid of before I parted with any Fujica gear. My worry is I might get to liking the Kontax even half as much as I like the Fujicas.

 

[oftheherd]

It all depends upon what has driven you to the Kiev in first place. If it is its shape lines, you are lost.

Cheers,
Ruben

Would you like to tell who was the seller ?

Well, since I got my T* lens for the Contax 139 Q I have been sold on Zeiss. I figure the Kontax will be a good way to use Zeiss lenses without having to buy a Contax RF. First I will explore the Helios and Jupiter lenses I think. Most users seem to speak highly of them. I haven't put film in it yet but it already seems a fun camera to use and carry. I have just been surprised at the size and weight. For some reason I expected it to be lighter.

One question. I seem to have figured out how to focus, wind on and cock the shutter, and set the shutter speed. How does one rewind? Is there no button to release the film or does one just rewind when the end of the roll is reached?

Thanks everyone for your support.

 

[rxmd]

One question. I seem to have figured out how to focus, wind on and cock the shutter, and set the shutter speed. How does one rewind? Is there no button to release the film or does one just rewind when the end of the roll is reached?

What's the year of manufacture on your Kiev? Earlier Kievs have a rewind button on the bottom that you have to keep pressed while rewinding. Later Kievs have a rewind lock on the bottom that is marked with a dot; you can turn one of the two knobs that lock the back into place (slightly) so that it points to the dot.

Philipp

 

[greyhoundman]

Here is a blurry photo of the Kiev rewind position of the right hand back retainer.

 

[oftheherd]

Thanks rxmd and greyhoundman. I saw that red spot and wondered what it was but forgot to ask when I asked about the rewind. I guess I should have put it together but wasn't that smart.

Must be sort of like the Olympus 35mm SP RF and its two automatic settings (not just the red marks). I was just about to send the SP off for repair when I happened to read the manual that I had for a long time. Duh!!!!