A few questions about my new Kiev 4a

[Anupam]

Well, I had only used fixed lens RFs until now but finally broke down and bought a Kiev 4a. Must say I quite like it thus far.

But it seems that there is no way to frame with any other lens than the 50mm without resorting to an accessory viewfinder. Is this correct. In that case does one need to compose in the VF and switch to the RF window to focus? Isn't that cumbersome for street type shooting?

The widest lens I can find is 35mm. Ideally I'd like a three lens set 24-50-85 or thereabouts would be very nice. A soft shutter like the Kiev's, easy rangefinder focussing and a minimum shutter speed of at least 1/2 sec, maybe 1 sec + bulb would be ideal. And it needs to be reasonably compact like the Kiev. Any LTM camera meet my requirements?

Finally, where can I pick up a plastic body cap for the Kiev?

Thanks,
Anupam

 

[brachal]

But it seems that there is no way to frame with any other lens than the 50mm without resorting to an accessory viewfinder. Is this correct. In that case does one need to compose in the VF and switch to the RF window to focus? Isn't that cumbersome for street type shooting?

You are correct. Using an accessory finder isn't that bad once you get used to it. In a street type situation, I like to let depth of field handle the focusing as much as possible. That way you can just frame and shoot. Works best with the Jupiter 12, naturally.

Voigtlander made some Contax caps for the Bessa R2C that ought to work on a Kiev. You could try cameraquest.com.

 

[Xmas]

Anupam

CV do 21, 24 and 28mm, see forum owners site ads.

Noel

 

[ruben]

Some plastic film canister caps do fit exactly the Kiev body.

Cheers,
Ruben

 

[Anupam]

Anupam

CV do 21, 24 and 28mm, see forum owners site ads.

You mean the Cosina Lenses carried by Cameraquest. They seem to be Leica mount only. Can't seem to find anything for Contax. Could you give a link.

Thanks,
Anupam

 

[Xmas]

Well if you found the LTM the contax are just below, but Stephen wont sue me so...

SC 21/4 Skopar CLOSE OUT with 21 brightline viewfinder, caps, shade, quick focus attachment PICS $459 old price $389 SALE
Replacement 21 Brightline Finder $135
SC 25/4 Skopar CLOSE OUT with 25 brightline viewfinder, caps, shade, quick focus attachment PICS $399 old price $369 SALE
SC 28/3.5 CLOSE OUT with caps, shade PICS $385 old price $299 SALE
VF 28 Chrome or Black, new metal brightline finder introduced with 28/3.5
$145
VF 28 metal brightline finder, classic design, black or chrome
$145
SC 35/2.5 Skopar CLOSE OUT caps, shade, quick focus attachment, no 35 finder PICS, the SC 35's are the first SC lenses to be sold out at the factory, get them while you still can!
$349

Noel

 

[BillBingham2]

Anupam,

You will find that with the 25 and wider (21, 15, 12), you really do not need an RF for street shots. Guess the distance, dial it in and you should be fine. Very close up is another thing, but under three feet, use a tape measure.

I have the CV 25 in SC mount, it is RF coupled but I rarely used the coupling. I use the LTM version on a Bessa L all the time with no problems. CV lenses are wonderful, world class at a reasonable price.

Take the body to a super market and see what product tops fit. Make sure you buy the product (or two copies to have an extra).

Switching between the RF and Viewfinder is not too hard once you get used to it. I find it more of a problem shooting close up adjusting the parallax on viewfinders for longer lenses (50, 85, 105, 135). It slows things down, but not completely.

B2 (;->