1951 Kiev II - as 1947 replica ?

[dee]

I wonder what you think of this .

I have a 1952 Kiev II bought cheaply as donor for a 1947 replica , and presumed to need a complete restoration . It turned out to be near mint OOPs !

Arsenal are making me a new 1947 replica plate with engraving [ £20 ] which I will have chromed in UK . [ marked on the back as such ]

This kinda leaves my good 1951 as potential donor .
I have always wanted a 1947 replica 'cos I love the hand engraved script . It also has associations of my Birthdate .
Ironically , I would prefer it to have the best body possible , the alternative now being an average 1956 K IIa .
For it to be original appearing , it would mean altering a perfectly good , potentially useable Kiev II / IIa .
I don't want a restored camera with new leather - not for this one anyway !
I would prefer to have the 1951 and 1952 CLA , and fit the 1947 plate to the 1951 which would retain it's correct number of course .

Obviously , I would retain the original plate , and there is no intent to deceive .
What are your thoughts on this ?

 

[Merkin]

I say go for it. Sounds like quite the fun project. It isn't like you are working with an original black paint m3 or anything, and even if you for some unknown reason tried to pass it off as a camera it isn't, very few if any people would be fooled.

 

[rxmd]

Basically all you're planning to do is have a front plate with the old-style engraving on a newer camera, yes?

 

[dee]

Yes - just a different plate - otherwise untouched .
Unlike my Contax IV ! LOL .
Seriously , I reckon scrap Contaxes / Kiev IIa / IIIa / IV are fair game for customising , but some would love a 1951 Kiev in it's correct state , but there are more out there - around £100 though , these days .

My mint '52 was half that , but lacked the right lens .
The '51 has a 1951 J 8 - but not the rare version .

I guess I will go for it .

 

[Proteus617]

When working on a camera, I've always enjoyed finding small notations left in pencil or fine engravings left by assemblers/repairmen. Leave a few words documenting your work someplace inside the case.

 

[dee]

I like that idea Proteus - I shall ask the Arsenal factory to do so . The 1947 plate , I should be able to notate myself before despatch to Kiev

 

[pakeha]

`I have a 1952 Kiev II bought cheaply as donor for a 1947 replica , and presumed to need a complete restoration . It turned out to be near mint OOPs !'

Hey Dee, sometimes it is so hard to buy a cheap donor, wish people would give full and correct descriptions, the same happened with my Kiev, thought i would get something needing CLA and more, it is mint!😀

 

[dee]

Terrible , isn't it pakeha - which Kiev did you find and how much ?
Mine was £60 shipping incl , but I have a £50 Kiev IIa from a Spanish seller in similar condition - again , the photo was useless .
I paid that for a UK imported late K 4a in box etc also mint .
What I love is that the cases are almost new inside too .

 

[pakeha]

well Dee mine not as interesting as yours, it is from a later period, got it two years ago and this could be painfull , 18 pounds 56 pence!, and it came outa scotland!!! just lucky really. I have put perhaps 30 rolls throught it and am waiting for a blind strap to snap any day now.
i`d say go for it also as you obviously enjoy these projects, regards

 

[dee]

Ouch pakeha ! That is a bargain .
I hope that your Kiev keeps going - I have got far too carried away .