planetjoe
Just some guy, you know?
Just wanted to share my excitement over my newest acquisition:
[1963 Kiev 4; don't have a proper image yet]
I can't remember why I finally got interested in Contax-style RFs, but something finally made me pull the trigger. And when it arrived this weekend, I was seriously like a kid in a candy store. Very, very cool. I thought, "I like everything about this camera."
That's when the shutter failed. Turns out the shutter tapes were barely hanging on; opened it up and saw that they probably hadn't been replaced in a long time. No worries, though; it's already on its way to Eddy Smolov, and I hope to have it back in top condition ready for shooting soon.
I'm frankly surprised at how excited I am about this. It's almost embarrassing. Kinda feels like the time I bought my first RF (a Canon P, actually).
...then again, it could be the martini I'm quaffed tonight (it's been a LONG week). Thanks for listening to me run on at the mouth; I figured this was the place to share.
Cheers,
--joe.
[1963 Kiev 4; don't have a proper image yet]
I can't remember why I finally got interested in Contax-style RFs, but something finally made me pull the trigger. And when it arrived this weekend, I was seriously like a kid in a candy store. Very, very cool. I thought, "I like everything about this camera."
That's when the shutter failed. Turns out the shutter tapes were barely hanging on; opened it up and saw that they probably hadn't been replaced in a long time. No worries, though; it's already on its way to Eddy Smolov, and I hope to have it back in top condition ready for shooting soon.
I'm frankly surprised at how excited I am about this. It's almost embarrassing. Kinda feels like the time I bought my first RF (a Canon P, actually).
...then again, it could be the martini I'm quaffed tonight (it's been a LONG week). Thanks for listening to me run on at the mouth; I figured this was the place to share.
Cheers,
--joe.
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Keith
The best camera is one that still works!
There is something about these old Kievs ... the look the feel and the smell!
I've had three incarnations of this camera design ... I started with Kiev II, bought a Contax because I figured it would have to be much the same but better which it wasn't so I sold it. Then bought a NIkon S2 recently because I figured it would be the ultimate incarnation ... but guess what ... I think I still prefer the look and feel of the Kiev!
Good Idea having the camera 'Smoloved' now ... far less chance of it disappointing you later on and giving you a case of incurable Kiev disolusionment.
I've had three incarnations of this camera design ... I started with Kiev II, bought a Contax because I figured it would have to be much the same but better which it wasn't so I sold it. Then bought a NIkon S2 recently because I figured it would be the ultimate incarnation ... but guess what ... I think I still prefer the look and feel of the Kiev!
Good Idea having the camera 'Smoloved' now ... far less chance of it disappointing you later on and giving you a case of incurable Kiev disolusionment.
hks3sgte
Established
I share the same story as you. I LOVE my Kiev. Only problem was that the shutter was good enough for one roll. The shutter ribbons decided to snap in the middle of a roll of Tri-X. It is still, by far, my favorite rangefinder.
john341
camera user
Love that Kiev
Love that Kiev
Have to agree with sentiments expressed. I also use a Kiev III and 4, bought a Nikon S2 because I thought it would be "better" but the shutter release is in the wrong place, so back into the cupboard. Bought a Contax IIIa , like the shutter but the rest, back to the Kiev. My shutter ribbons broke on two of mine but a service by Eddie brought them back to life...and the meters are accurate on both (a bit sluggish on the III). I like the sound of the shutter and the lens delivers such fine negatives. I was trying to ecide which camera to take with me to Cairns next week...guess I have now decided!
Love that Kiev
Have to agree with sentiments expressed. I also use a Kiev III and 4, bought a Nikon S2 because I thought it would be "better" but the shutter release is in the wrong place, so back into the cupboard. Bought a Contax IIIa , like the shutter but the rest, back to the Kiev. My shutter ribbons broke on two of mine but a service by Eddie brought them back to life...and the meters are accurate on both (a bit sluggish on the III). I like the sound of the shutter and the lens delivers such fine negatives. I was trying to ecide which camera to take with me to Cairns next week...guess I have now decided!
dee
Well-known
I am having two Kievs a III and IV painted in metallic Bluebell colour .. not only that one will be a Contax IIIa style top plate from a '58 K 4 with non ridged meter cover , and III body .
I like my Kievs !
I like my Kievs !
Spider67
Well-known
Hello my name's Des and I am fascinated by the properties of the Kiev RF
john341
camera user
Hi Des, yes they are fascinating. The only drawback for me, is the weight. Compared with a Leica, Zorki 1 they are heavy around the neck. But, quiet shutter, lovely lens, great rangefinder, they are hard to beat!
Spider67
Well-known
That's why I wear them on my left shoulder
.There where kids who like the toy cars made of stamped tin and those who like the die cast cars.....and that's the same feeling a Kiev has in my eyes (or better hands)
planetjoe
Just some guy, you know?
I'm glad for all the shared sentiments; Eddy got in touch with me and mentioned (in his inimitable way) that the camera had arrived safely. He says I should have it back in 10-14 days. Excellent.
I'm no stranger to cameras that "resist" being used (i.e., by breaking); I've read the "disheartened" thread and I'm not dissuaded in the least. In the interest of full disclosure, I've already got a few FEDs in varying stages of disassembly in my cupboard. I sent the Kiev out this time because I knew I'd never get around to doing the shutter repair - and I really want to use it.
I'm interested to see the couple mentions here of "bought a Nikon S2, decided it wasn't the same as the Contax/Kiev experience". I'd been thinking about using my Kiev as a training-ground for Contax or Nikon RF. It seems that Kiev might end up being a reasonable end in itself. If it agrees with me, it's difficult to know what else I'd try next ("move up to"). For me, Nikon's alignment with Leica standards (RF calibration, horizontal shutter) makes it less desirable than Contax.
I'm eager to hear experiences of folks (like john341) who tried Contax after Kiev and didn't see the natural fit.
I'm obviously writing to an august group here, but just in case anyone hasn't read Peter Hennig's article or the historical account at Zeisshistorica, they're both fascinating reading. For that matter, Henry Scherer's site has a ton of reading available for fans of repairing Contaxes. Hell, his site almost makes me want to buy a Contax just so I can have him repair it. Apparently, I'll be waiting a year or more for the pleasure, but many say it's worth it.
Cheers,
--joe.
I'm no stranger to cameras that "resist" being used (i.e., by breaking); I've read the "disheartened" thread and I'm not dissuaded in the least. In the interest of full disclosure, I've already got a few FEDs in varying stages of disassembly in my cupboard. I sent the Kiev out this time because I knew I'd never get around to doing the shutter repair - and I really want to use it.
I'm interested to see the couple mentions here of "bought a Nikon S2, decided it wasn't the same as the Contax/Kiev experience". I'd been thinking about using my Kiev as a training-ground for Contax or Nikon RF. It seems that Kiev might end up being a reasonable end in itself. If it agrees with me, it's difficult to know what else I'd try next ("move up to"). For me, Nikon's alignment with Leica standards (RF calibration, horizontal shutter) makes it less desirable than Contax.
I'm eager to hear experiences of folks (like john341) who tried Contax after Kiev and didn't see the natural fit.
I'm obviously writing to an august group here, but just in case anyone hasn't read Peter Hennig's article or the historical account at Zeisshistorica, they're both fascinating reading. For that matter, Henry Scherer's site has a ton of reading available for fans of repairing Contaxes. Hell, his site almost makes me want to buy a Contax just so I can have him repair it. Apparently, I'll be waiting a year or more for the pleasure, but many say it's worth it.
Cheers,
--joe.
john341
camera user
Kiev what else?
Kiev what else?
I had two or three Kievs which I have used on and off over the past few years. I love the shutter and I love the lens. I love the 85mm F2 Yupiter lens to fit them..it is sooo sharp. I found the shutter release on the Nikon to be rather odd compared with the Kiev and the Contax's focus wheel went in the opposite direction from that of the Kiev. I think, for your $$$ the Kiev is great value and, after a CLA, should see you out.
Kiev what else?
I had two or three Kievs which I have used on and off over the past few years. I love the shutter and I love the lens. I love the 85mm F2 Yupiter lens to fit them..it is sooo sharp. I found the shutter release on the Nikon to be rather odd compared with the Kiev and the Contax's focus wheel went in the opposite direction from that of the Kiev. I think, for your $$$ the Kiev is great value and, after a CLA, should see you out.
N
Nikon Bob
Guest
Joe
I have all three of the cameras you are interested in, S2, Contax II and a Kiev. I much prefer the VF in the S2 to the others, am not bothered much by it's shutter release position but will admit that the shutter sound is a little chessy sounding. The Contax II was CLA'd at Henry's spa which took 2 years of waiting and in the end had to be sent back because of shutter problems. That really took the shine off the Contax II for me. It is a very smooth camera now but I just don't trust it. Love the shutter sound of both the Contax and Kiev though. The Kiev has not been serviced but works. The Kiev is very rough in use with a hard shutter release but I bet if it was serviced has the potential to be as smooth as the Contax. If you are happy with the Kiev when you get it back I see no real reason to get the others unless you just want to. Get an array of Jupiter lenses for it and be done with it. I have no complaints with the Jupiters that I have.
Bob
I have all three of the cameras you are interested in, S2, Contax II and a Kiev. I much prefer the VF in the S2 to the others, am not bothered much by it's shutter release position but will admit that the shutter sound is a little chessy sounding. The Contax II was CLA'd at Henry's spa which took 2 years of waiting and in the end had to be sent back because of shutter problems. That really took the shine off the Contax II for me. It is a very smooth camera now but I just don't trust it. Love the shutter sound of both the Contax and Kiev though. The Kiev has not been serviced but works. The Kiev is very rough in use with a hard shutter release but I bet if it was serviced has the potential to be as smooth as the Contax. If you are happy with the Kiev when you get it back I see no real reason to get the others unless you just want to. Get an array of Jupiter lenses for it and be done with it. I have no complaints with the Jupiters that I have.
Bob
planetjoe
Just some guy, you know?
Thanks to john341 and Nikon Bob for the Kiev boosterism.
I find Bob's accounting of his experience with Mr. Scherer's service useful, as well. I've already acknowledged to myself that if I were to get a Contax II/IIa (not sure I'd like the meter), I'd have to be happy with going without for some time.
I've long been a fan of the Jupiters in their LTM/m42 forms, where I've owned several (J-3, J-8, J-9, J-12). One of the things I'm looking forward to about the Kiev is its relative insensitivity to shutter curtain burning - my M4 now has an annoying hole in the first shutter curtain that's difficult to avoid.
And oh, that shutter sound...while my ribbon(s) were still attached to the lower curtain yoke, I was amazed at how whisper-quiet it was.
Cheers,
--joe.
I find Bob's accounting of his experience with Mr. Scherer's service useful, as well. I've already acknowledged to myself that if I were to get a Contax II/IIa (not sure I'd like the meter), I'd have to be happy with going without for some time.
I've long been a fan of the Jupiters in their LTM/m42 forms, where I've owned several (J-3, J-8, J-9, J-12). One of the things I'm looking forward to about the Kiev is its relative insensitivity to shutter curtain burning - my M4 now has an annoying hole in the first shutter curtain that's difficult to avoid.
And oh, that shutter sound...while my ribbon(s) were still attached to the lower curtain yoke, I was amazed at how whisper-quiet it was.
Cheers,
--joe.
N
Nikon Bob
Guest
Joe
I mentioned my experience at Henry's spa to only point out that he is human. I will also like to say that he did re service the camera at no charge to me. Unfortunately these things do happen.
Bob
I mentioned my experience at Henry's spa to only point out that he is human. I will also like to say that he did re service the camera at no charge to me. Unfortunately these things do happen.
Bob
dee
Well-known
Hmmm - is it necessary to Kompare a Kiev ? Just enjoy it for what it is and does ...
I actually like my Contax III , but sure as heck , with new metallic blue paint , my no name Kiev III will be equally deelightful .
dee
I actually like my Contax III , but sure as heck , with new metallic blue paint , my no name Kiev III will be equally deelightful .
dee
planetjoe
Just some guy, you know?
Oh, certainly - no other meaning taken. I also like the "spa" reference; very fitting. Surely our hardworking machines deserve a rest once in a while. Henry's service seems top-of-the-line in every respect; I've done quite a lot of reading about it recently.
Thanks for the clarification.
This, too, is sage advice, methinks.
Cheers,
--joe.
dll927
Well-known
I thought it was well known that the "complicated" shutters in Contaxes (and Kievs) were subject to problems with those little tapes. Like lots of things, it just takes some getting used to - and some patience when repair time comes.
And to top it off, there was a day when a lot of people thought Contaxes were better cameras than Leicas.
And to top it off, there was a day when a lot of people thought Contaxes were better cameras than Leicas.
ItsReallyDarren
That's really me
I too am a fan of Kiev's. Unfortunately mine is also off to Eddy's for some rest and relaxation. I wonder when it'll make its way back.
davelrods
Established
Several deal breakers on the Kiev's for me. First the fit of the back is very loose and even tends to let the catches hang down. I guess it needs new sealing foam, but I can't seem to find any. Perhaps some help in that regard. That is fixable, I presume. Second the position of the rangefinder window has my finger in front of it all the time. I just can't seem to hold the camera without my finger in front of the rangefinder. Third, the infinity stop. Having to press the lever above the rangefinder window to release the focus from infinity is problematic for me. Over all I think the Kiev is a much more difficult camera to get used to than the others.
My Fed's and Zorki's are so much easier to use, namely the Fed2 and early Fed3 and the Zorki 4. I like the little Fed and Zorki 1's for their size but film loading is problematic and film scratching seems unavoidable. The collapsable lens is a formula for disaster for some of us who forget to pull the lens out and that infinity stop on those lenses is problematic like the stop on the Kiev.
Of them all, the Zorki 4 with its larger viewfinder and over all slick operation and its very professional look is the hands down choice, for me. The two I've had, though, are pretty stiff, especially winding the film and shutter. I'm hoping the next one, which promises to be mint, will prove to be the best.
My Fed's and Zorki's are so much easier to use, namely the Fed2 and early Fed3 and the Zorki 4. I like the little Fed and Zorki 1's for their size but film loading is problematic and film scratching seems unavoidable. The collapsable lens is a formula for disaster for some of us who forget to pull the lens out and that infinity stop on those lenses is problematic like the stop on the Kiev.
Of them all, the Zorki 4 with its larger viewfinder and over all slick operation and its very professional look is the hands down choice, for me. The two I've had, though, are pretty stiff, especially winding the film and shutter. I'm hoping the next one, which promises to be mint, will prove to be the best.