Kiev 4AM

[januaryman]

Well, after reading the kudos of the Helios lens, I had to try one. I went to $bay and "won" a beautiful black body Kiev 4AM (repaint) with a Helios 103. Despite assurances that the shutter was working perfectly, I found to my dismay that anything over 1/125 caused a hang and the top of every frame was over exposed. Indoors, I did get lovely shots! (below is an example) Happily the seller honored his word and will allow a return for the full price plus shipping.

Loved the lens so much. I found another (not black) from alex-photo, someone who was recommended as another honorable seller by RFF members. I can't wait to get the new camera. Complete with box, case, lens cap, hot shoe cap and passport. I'll keep you updated when it arrives.

 

[Murray Kelly]

Stick to the Helios/Kiev 4A combo and you can't go wrong! Enjoy!

Murray
Brisbane, Oz

 

[blw]

Even though it's probably a little late....if you really crave the black Kiev 4A, fedka sells them. They're a little pricier than your average Kiev, but mine certainly works just fine- that is after I discovered that the film leader will dislodge from the take-up spool when you get to the end of the roll. So either tape the leader to the spool or pay close attention to that film counter (and don't mess with it while shooting!) because you won't get that reassuring end-of-the-roll stoppage of the winder.

 

[januaryman]

Murray - I'm waiting for the new one - not an "A" but an "AM" --

barry- Yeah, I saw the black Fedka camera. I want another AM, not an A. Besides, Yuri got my big bucks when I bought one of his black Fed 2's (see avatar on left). It's so beautiful, I can't bear to just "use" it. yuk yuk yuk.

 

[jan normandale]

they are a nice camera / lens combo. I had one and liked it. Unfortunately the shutter ribbon was old and dry and it gave up. The cost of repair + shipping and handling to Oleg in the Ukraine was greater than buying another thru a retailer.

 

[greyhoundman]

Everyone needs a black Fed. 🙂

 

[greyhoundman]

It was fun to use. But I can no longer see good enough to use it.

 

[greyhoundman]

Good to hear. 😉

 

[Jocko]

The cost of repair + shipping and handling to Oleg in the Ukraine was greater than buying another thru a retailer.

Better do both then, Jan - It's the RFF way!!!!

Cheers, Ian

 

[januaryman]

Gee, if I'd've known that ebayer on that 4AM was you, greyhoundman, I'd've bid on it. I did check it out. The "As-is" disclaimer scared me off.

 

[greyhoundman]

I put as-is because of age and I have not rebuilt it.
But it has always been a good camera.

 

[greyhoundman]

It don't hurt to watch. Just don't click. 🙂

 

[greyhoundman]

BTW. I have all the other lenses for the 4am on there also. 🙂

 

[shadowfox]

Well, I've put the 4AM on my watch list. That usually means I'm in trouble 🙂

I don't know if you already have one, but an older 4A is a better built camera, IMHO. It's less... crunchy 😀

 

[greyhoundman]

Crunchy?
Mine is not crunchy. Maybe you have handled ones that have been tailored by methods hawked on this site.

 

[shadowfox]

Nah, mine came from south Siberia. It's more gritty than crunchy, especially when advancing film and changing speed.

But it's light tight, shutter speed is good, and the Helios that came with it took absolutely beautiful pictures. Frame spacing is a bit uneven, but never overlapped.

Since I have the smoother 4A, I ended up selling it. One Kiev is enough for me 🙂

 

[januaryman]

Well, at least I can put grayhoundmom on my favorite sellers list. But gee... "Mom?" What's going on with that? heh heh.

 

[jan normandale]

"G" nice looking Kiev......

 

[greyhoundman]

This is a pic from the Kiev. C41 B&W film.

The grayhoundmom is the wife. I just started using her account on the bay.

Jan,
I'll have another if I ever get the RF adjusted on it.

 

[Al Patterson]

I'm watching it too. I have too many project cameras I haven't used or had fixed yet, so I won't be competing with anyone from here on this one.