The perfect Kiev

[myequation]

I wanted to share my new favorite camera.
This was constructed from many different kiev models.
The main body and shutter are from 1963 this one had a smooth running shutter.
The top housing and prism is from a 1981 model, now I have a hotshoe (after some internal soldering) and much brighter viewfinder.
Some modifications was required to attached an original shutter dail to this top plate.

Name plate and back door is from a 50s model.

The rewind crank is metal / custom, from my parts box.

The Sonnar was found for $33 but i had to preform a full cleaning / cla overall I really like this setup.

Rangefinder has been calibrated and light leaks eliminated.

I'll post some test shots soon.

update:
Also rebuilding an old Kiev III to a "flat top" nonmetered model.
And a INDUSTAR 61LD in Kiev Mount.

 

[Joao]

Great !!! It sounds easy the way you describe it, but I'm certain there is a lot of work there. What was the most difficult part of the job ??
Congrats.
Joao

 

[Dave Wilkinson]

I wanted to share my new favorite camera.
This was constructed from many different kiev models.
The main body and shutter are from 1963 this one had a smooth running shutter.
The top housing and prism is from a 1981 model, now I have a hotshoe (after some internal soldering) and much brighter viewfinder.
Some modifications was required to attached an original shutter dail to this top plate.

The rewind crank is metal / custom.

The Sonnar was found for $33 but i had to preform a full cleaning / cla overall I really like this setup.

Rangefinder has been calibrated and light leaks eliminated.

I'll post some test shots soon.

WOW!.....Ruben will have a ball on this one!!

 

[myequation]

To me everything is hard with a kiev, True test of patience in dealing with these cameras. But its worth every moment spent.
These are great cameras when tuned

Hardest step? Rangefinder calibration for sure.
Cleaning and resetting the shutter was also a challenge.

Great !!! It sounds easy the way you describe it, but I'm certain there is a lot of work there. What was the most difficult part of the job ??
Congrats.
Joao

 

[myequation]

Here you can see the enlarged viewfinder.

 

[Peter_Jones]

This looks great - much more than a "pimped" Kiev.

When I get the bits sorted, my Kiev will get fettled to my liking (minus sync and timer) but my Mrs threw away my spares bodies in a house move. 🙄

Can't wait to see the results from yours.

 

[Dave Wilkinson]

This looks great - much more than a "pimped" Kiev.

When I get the bits sorted, my Kiev will get fettled to my liking (minus sync and timer) but my Mrs threw away my spares bodies in a house move. 🙄

Can't wait to see the results from yours.

You have divorced....of course? 😀
Dave.

 

[Peter_Jones]

I have no evidence of the heinous deed

 

[dee]

Lovely kiev . I am ever in awe of such expertise !
Being useless at anyhing mechanical , I am having my dream Kievs konstructed in the Ukraine .

 

[myequation]

This looks great - much more than a "pimped" Kiev.

When I get the bits sorted, my Kiev will get fettled to my liking (minus sync and timer) but my Mrs threw away my spares bodies in a house move. 🙄

Can't wait to see the results from yours.

Yes I was tempted to add some new "pimped" leather covering but decided to leave that as is.

You say you plan to build one without a timer and sync?
How interesting, but why? better grip?

My next project is to make a Industar 61 in kiev mount!
The parts are waiting for me.

 

[hks3sgte]

Here you can see the enlarged viewfinder.

any more details?

 

[ruben]

I wanted to share my new favorite camera.
This was constructed from many different kiev models................

.............The rewind crank is metal / custom, from my parts box.

............

Great job! I do favour these kind of jobs very much.

Can't you remember to which camera your rewind crank originally belongs ? This issue is of highest importance. I have found some matching with the Olympus RD camera rewind crank and the Kiev AM/M, but this is a highly expensive camera (the Oly) to purchase for its rewind crank. A cheaper solution is required, and for the older kievs, whose mechanisms are better.

Another challenge maybe to pick up a Kiev with metered top and transform it into a non-meter flat head like this one. This, because there are much more non-working meter Kievs for sale than flat head Kievs.

Greetings,
Ruben

 

[ruben]

One last word about myequation.

This folk is showing the way what the true Kiev user spirit is about. You can take advantage of the Kievs very low prices to purchase one and start either complaining or showing off how lucky you has been

Or you can take advantage of the low price as a plataform for either an in-depht CLA (paid for or by yourself), or for starting customizing YOUR KIEV.

myequation has done both of the latter.

Cheers,
Ruben

 

[Peter_Jones]

You say you plan to build one without a timer and sync?
How interesting, but why? better grip?

Purely aesthetic reasons 😀 I have seen Kievs like this in the "Show off your FSU" thread and I love the way they look.

 

[blazejs]

WoW, this is certainly beautiful camera! I prefer this body without built in lightmeter. Sonnar looks mint🙂

 

[myequation]

One last word about myequation.

This folk is showing the way what the true Kiev user spirit is about. You can take advantage of the Kievs very low prices to purchase one and start either complaining or showing off how lucky you has been

Or you can take advantage of the low price as a plataform for either an in-depht CLA (paid for or by yourself), or for starting customizing YOUR KIEV.

myequation has done both of the latter.

Cheers,
Ruben

Thank you very kind words.
I wish i knew where the rewind knob came from?
It was something something from my parts box.

Yes this camera was a metered version in the beginning.

The main issue with swapping parts with kievs is the machining "drift" meaning that screw holes dont always line up when swapping parts.
I had to adjust the screw holes for the topplate and other sections, dremel tool came in handy

 

[spiderfrank]

beautiful job, and wonderful camera!

 

[Rhodes]

Just bumped on this thread! Remind me the scene in "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" when Tuco builds a gun with 3 pieces from other guns, like making his own great and personal gun!

 

[Peter_Jones]

Just bumped on this thread! Remind me the scene in "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" when Tuco builds a gun with 3 pieces from other guns, like making his own great and personal gun!

And Tuco did that without access to a Dremill 😀

 

[Spider67]

Great Job!!!

Great Job!!!

Just bumped on this thread! Remind me the scene in "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" when Tuco builds a gun with 3 pieces from other guns, like making his own great and personal gun!

Hey Rhodes you stole my favourite answer!😉

Congrats myequation! Please post when have converted the Industar to a Kiev mount!

And tell about your experience.
A working Kiev is really quite a treat and let's you forget the lemons you have tried.
Des