Huss
Veteran
I buy from alex-ukr-alex because what he describes is EXACTLY what you get.
Here is some of his disclaimers, which vary depending on what the item is:
Welcome to my little photo shop!
Almost all my things are Soviet photographic equipment and optics and, as a rule, things that have
received my service and are suitable for use as intended.
However, this is a specific technique.
The Soviet industry and photographic equipment, in particular, did not differ in reliability.
Almost all cameras had problems already during the warranty period.
Some models simply did not work, they were constantly being repaired and
eventually the user returned them.
By the way, this procedure in the Soviet Union was very difficult.
I can name a few such models - Almaz-103, Kiev-17-20, Zenit-4-5-6-7-19, Elikon-AF...
It may be hard to believe if not living in the USSR at that time, but this is a fact!
That is, on average, 5-7 percent of the equipment needed service during the warranty period, then maintenance was also required.
Of course, we are talking about used cameras.
Cameras that were not used and stored in factory condition, preserved in their original form.
Such things can still be purchased, although rarely. However, they are guaranteed not to work correctly.
I can draw an analogy with the car,
which stood 20 years in the garage and then began to be used. How much, do you think, he will drive after leaving?
Thus, I sell the photo equipment after the repair and directly indicate - whether it is suitable or not suitable for use.
I do not use evasive language and thus take responsibility.
However, the buyer must also understand the reality.
This is not a new thing, even a state - this thing is simply not used,
however, it was released many years ago and should be brought to working condition.
I have experience, knowledge and spare parts, but even in this case, I cannot work perfectly.
Mistakes happen, unforeseen problems also, damage in transit ...
In each case, the response is necessary - the buyer paid the money and also understand my situation.
If there is a problem, then contact me directly, I will always help.
As you can see from my fedbaks, I try to do it effectively.
Soviet cameras and lenses are interesting things, a lot of my customers use them for shooting, not only for the collection.
I try to give a second life to these things.
Help me on this.
Description.
Up for the auction Kiev-17 Russian SLR camera for 35-mm film.
Comes with MC Helios-81M lens 2/50 mm.
Nikon mount.
"Zavod Arsenal" factory, 1982 year.
"Excellent" general condition, working camera.
Cosmetical condition - please, see detailed photos.
I have some comments after a detailed check of the camera, and the camera is quite specific.
The camera had full service, it was in non-working condition.
The camera is now working, but I am not optimistic about its reliability.
This is one of the amazing Soviet cameras.
I myself bought such a new camera, in 1981, with serial number 814633, for some reason I remembered it.
Warranty workshops were simply bombarded with a huge number of these cameras, I myself was in Kiev and saw it.
Now there are home "wonder-makers", who claim to be able to make this camera reliable, it's funny for me to hear.
I have not seen such cameras.
Initially, it cost a lot of money for a resident of the USSR - this is a few salaries per month by a Soviet engineer, for example.
However, the camera had unacceptable reliability, and the manufacturer lowered the camera first 2, then 4 times and void the warranty.
Then it was sold simply as a faulty item.
The simplified camera, Kiev-19, had already the best reliability, it was finalized as far as possible and produced for some time.
Thus, it is impossible to demand from the camera what it did not have - stability in work. Therefore, although the camera is working now, I do not give a guarantee that it can be used.
Lens glass condition - few little marks on the front glass, clean other.
Please, see detailed photos and ask questions before bidding.
Serial number 824328.
Comes with leather case, lens cap.
Here is some of his disclaimers, which vary depending on what the item is:
Welcome to my little photo shop!
Almost all my things are Soviet photographic equipment and optics and, as a rule, things that have
received my service and are suitable for use as intended.
However, this is a specific technique.
The Soviet industry and photographic equipment, in particular, did not differ in reliability.
Almost all cameras had problems already during the warranty period.
Some models simply did not work, they were constantly being repaired and
eventually the user returned them.
By the way, this procedure in the Soviet Union was very difficult.
I can name a few such models - Almaz-103, Kiev-17-20, Zenit-4-5-6-7-19, Elikon-AF...
It may be hard to believe if not living in the USSR at that time, but this is a fact!
That is, on average, 5-7 percent of the equipment needed service during the warranty period, then maintenance was also required.
Of course, we are talking about used cameras.
Cameras that were not used and stored in factory condition, preserved in their original form.
Such things can still be purchased, although rarely. However, they are guaranteed not to work correctly.
I can draw an analogy with the car,
which stood 20 years in the garage and then began to be used. How much, do you think, he will drive after leaving?
Thus, I sell the photo equipment after the repair and directly indicate - whether it is suitable or not suitable for use.
I do not use evasive language and thus take responsibility.
However, the buyer must also understand the reality.
This is not a new thing, even a state - this thing is simply not used,
however, it was released many years ago and should be brought to working condition.
I have experience, knowledge and spare parts, but even in this case, I cannot work perfectly.
Mistakes happen, unforeseen problems also, damage in transit ...
In each case, the response is necessary - the buyer paid the money and also understand my situation.
If there is a problem, then contact me directly, I will always help.
As you can see from my fedbaks, I try to do it effectively.
Soviet cameras and lenses are interesting things, a lot of my customers use them for shooting, not only for the collection.
I try to give a second life to these things.
Help me on this.
Description.
Up for the auction Kiev-17 Russian SLR camera for 35-mm film.
Comes with MC Helios-81M lens 2/50 mm.
Nikon mount.
"Zavod Arsenal" factory, 1982 year.
"Excellent" general condition, working camera.
Cosmetical condition - please, see detailed photos.
I have some comments after a detailed check of the camera, and the camera is quite specific.
The camera had full service, it was in non-working condition.
The camera is now working, but I am not optimistic about its reliability.
This is one of the amazing Soviet cameras.
I myself bought such a new camera, in 1981, with serial number 814633, for some reason I remembered it.
Warranty workshops were simply bombarded with a huge number of these cameras, I myself was in Kiev and saw it.
Now there are home "wonder-makers", who claim to be able to make this camera reliable, it's funny for me to hear.
I have not seen such cameras.
Initially, it cost a lot of money for a resident of the USSR - this is a few salaries per month by a Soviet engineer, for example.
However, the camera had unacceptable reliability, and the manufacturer lowered the camera first 2, then 4 times and void the warranty.
Then it was sold simply as a faulty item.
The simplified camera, Kiev-19, had already the best reliability, it was finalized as far as possible and produced for some time.
Thus, it is impossible to demand from the camera what it did not have - stability in work. Therefore, although the camera is working now, I do not give a guarantee that it can be used.
Lens glass condition - few little marks on the front glass, clean other.
Please, see detailed photos and ask questions before bidding.
Serial number 824328.
Comes with leather case, lens cap.
AlexBG
Well-known
Are you adapting to a modern camera?
davidnewtonguitars
Family Snaps
I've bought quite a few cameras from Alex, starting with the nice Zorki-1 that was my return to film photography. Every one was exactly as described, and he has let me "mix and match" selected lenses and bodies from different auctions too! It's sad that I haven't bought more cameras from him since I've gone to "one camera - one film" mode.
Ko.Fe.
Lenses 35/21 Gears 46/20
It isn't description. It is story telling. 
But I have saved him in my eBay sellers list. Can't remember why exactly. I had enough of FSU.
But I have saved him in my eBay sellers list. Can't remember why exactly. I had enough of FSU.
Huss
Veteran
"The camera is now working, but I am not optimistic about its reliability."
lol.
lol.
Huss
Veteran
I bought my Zorki 4 and Fed 3 from him, and they both work perfectly.
farlymac
PF McFarland
I bought what had been advertised as a Zorki-1d from Alex, and after I got it I found out it was actually a 1e model, which is better (has the newer shutter speed set-up). I paired it with a Jupiter-8 I already had, and have been happy with it ever since.
PF
PF
Richard G
Veteran
Wonderful story.
aizan
Veteran
anybody remember dagor77? his odes to lenses were great reading.
kiemchacsu
Well-known
Aha, it could apply to any used equipment.
Nice description.
Nice description.
David Hughes
David Hughes
Hmmm, these two statements contradict:-
"almost all cameras had problems during the warranty period" and
"5-7 percent of the equipment needed service during the warranty period". My version of the last statement suggest that 95 to 93% were OK...
If we assume that this statement is true "it cost a lot of money for a resident of the USSR" then it would be reasonable to assume that the FED 1 and Zorki 1, which were made until 1955/56 were bought by people in their late 20's, after a lot of saving their cash. So if you were (say) 27 in 1956 them you would have been born in 1929. So very few of them are around to say if this is true or not. And how good would their memories be?
And who has bought a Almaz-103, Kiev-17-20, Zenit-4-5-6-7-19 or Elikon-AF? Most of us seem to buy FEDs, Kievs and Zorkis...
The trouble is that the comment about reliability would apply to almost any make of secondhand camera, from any country. Like a lot of other people I've had dud film and digital cameras but I've never read dozens (perhaps hundreds) of vicious rants about the evil makers other than Soviet ones.
Odd, isn't it?
Regards, David
"almost all cameras had problems during the warranty period" and
"5-7 percent of the equipment needed service during the warranty period". My version of the last statement suggest that 95 to 93% were OK...
If we assume that this statement is true "it cost a lot of money for a resident of the USSR" then it would be reasonable to assume that the FED 1 and Zorki 1, which were made until 1955/56 were bought by people in their late 20's, after a lot of saving their cash. So if you were (say) 27 in 1956 them you would have been born in 1929. So very few of them are around to say if this is true or not. And how good would their memories be?
And who has bought a Almaz-103, Kiev-17-20, Zenit-4-5-6-7-19 or Elikon-AF? Most of us seem to buy FEDs, Kievs and Zorkis...
The trouble is that the comment about reliability would apply to almost any make of secondhand camera, from any country. Like a lot of other people I've had dud film and digital cameras but I've never read dozens (perhaps hundreds) of vicious rants about the evil makers other than Soviet ones.
Odd, isn't it?
Regards, David
valdas
Veteran
I can’t say about 50ties and FED or Zorki, but in late 70ties the official price of Zenit E was 77 roubles, EM with the lens was about 100 roubles. Salary range was 90-150 roubles (I corrected my previous post, it was for early 70ties). So you can judge if that was much. The other thing - it was impossible to buy, because most of it went to “friendly nations” in exchange for some other goods. So “black market” prices were something like double.
I also see an info that Kiev was 410 roubles in 1975, but I need to double check the source.
I also see an info that Kiev was 410 roubles in 1975, but I need to double check the source.
Mark C
Well-known
Those were great entertainment. Not completely bs. Sometimes even educational. He made some markets. Is he still around?
David Hughes
David Hughes
Ko.Fe.
Lenses 35/21 Gears 46/20
This is why I called it as story telling, not description.
And every FSU has his/her own story to tell. And non-FSU....
Earlier FED/Zorki were in professional use, given as gift for high ranks and purchased by high rankers.
In USSR people were buying what was available. My neighbor got his Zenit as present from parents. My co-worker has Start.
Just yesterday I read Almaz review from person who was using it for paid photography in nineties after many (often useless) soviet time jobs were collapsed.
http://rangefinder.ru/oboz/showproduct.php/product/650/cat/34
As for friendly countries remark from Valdas, yes export was part of it. But... We were at rowing club and went to Birštonas for winter training. Andropov crapped out during this time. I went to local store once and spotted portable TV. We collected money and went to buy it, but were told - it is for locals only.
And all over USSR they had military towns. Only accessible by permit.
In stores they had next to anything, for militaries and their families.
Don't forget, USSR was hundreds of millions territory. Some cameras like FED-2, Smena were made in millions, tens of millions. And some were made in minuscule amount of 100.000.00
. So, "some" bought them. USSR wasn't the place where you would walk into regular camera store and have very many choices.
farlymac
PF McFarland
This is why I called it as story telling, not description.
And every FSU has his/her own story to tell. And non-FSU....
Earlier FED/Zorki were in professional use, given as gift for high ranks and purchased by high rankers.
In USSR people were buying what was available. My neighbor got his Zenit as present from parents. My co-worker has Start.
Just yesterday I read Almaz review from person who was using it for paid photography in nineties after many (often useless) soviet time jobs were collapsed.
http://rangefinder.ru/oboz/showproduct.php/product/650/cat/34
As for friendly countries remark from Valdas, yes export was part of it. But... We were at rowing club and went to Birštonas for winter training. Andropov crapped out during this time. I went to local store once and spotted portable TV. We collected money and went to buy it, but were told - it is for locals only.
And all over USSR they had military towns. Only accessible by permit.
In stores they had next to anything, for militaries and their families.
Don't forget, USSR was hundreds of millions territory. Some cameras like FED-2, Smena were made in millions, tens of millions. And some were made in minuscule amount of 100.000.00
So, "some" bought them. USSR wasn't the place where you would walk into regular camera store and have very many choices.
I think folks today buy FEDs and Zorkis as something representative of the Leica experience before they decide to actually invest in the Leica line, or just want a cheap alternative to mess around with.
There is plenty of information out there about the reliability issues such as which models are more or less prone to failure, and which lenses are quality and which to avoid for people to make up their minds on what model of camera or system they will buy. Sometimes though you just have to throw caution to the wind and go for it, especially when you come across a bargain.
I remember there were outfits in England and New York that would import the various Kiev cameras, and go over them to fix any defects they could find, especially on the 60 series which seemed to require a total overhaul fresh from the factory. I was going to buy one of those rebuilt Hasselbladskis , but by the time I decided to the NY company went out of business.
But yeah, it's refreshing to find a dealer who tells it like it is, unlike the ones who rate their stuff as E+++++, and then list a litany of faults that "won't affect your image quality".
PF
David Hughes
David Hughes
I can't call it information but raw, untested data might be truer.
I often read about M2's and M6's and CL's needing repairs; mostly I look because I have one of each but I've yet to read any 10 minute rants about the makers and drunken staff as we read about USSR cameras.
Because of the cold war a lot of technology was denied to the USSR, our allies during WW2, and so they were handicapped. Also a lot of people all over the world started to neglect their film cameras in favour of digital and that has affected a lot of Japanese SLR's but, again, where are the 10 minute rants?
Worse still, most English speakers writing on the internet have only experience of secondhand USSR cameras bought on auction sites unseen...
And lastly the opening post in this thread suggests 95 to 93% reliability of new USSR cameras but also contradicts it. So what are we to believe?
Regards, David
PS (EDIT) And I often read about wonderfully reliable cameras that have never been serviced and I think that is storing up trouble...
I often read about M2's and M6's and CL's needing repairs; mostly I look because I have one of each but I've yet to read any 10 minute rants about the makers and drunken staff as we read about USSR cameras.
Because of the cold war a lot of technology was denied to the USSR, our allies during WW2, and so they were handicapped. Also a lot of people all over the world started to neglect their film cameras in favour of digital and that has affected a lot of Japanese SLR's but, again, where are the 10 minute rants?
Worse still, most English speakers writing on the internet have only experience of secondhand USSR cameras bought on auction sites unseen...
And lastly the opening post in this thread suggests 95 to 93% reliability of new USSR cameras but also contradicts it. So what are we to believe?
Regards, David
PS (EDIT) And I often read about wonderfully reliable cameras that have never been serviced and I think that is storing up trouble...
Ko.Fe.
Lenses 35/21 Gears 46/20
I can't speak about England.
After iron curtain collapse next to nobody used FSU gear. We all switched to made not in USSR cameras. Part of it was due to reliability.
My other neighbor here was working in Moscow press as photographer. He came here with Kiev something to sell it as Hasselblad and have some cash. Nobody wanted to give him more than 100 CAD. Because they knew it as junk and nobody want it for re-sale. He has no other choice but to use it. It crapped out in the middle of paid session. He dropt it into the garbage bin right where it happened.
After iron curtain collapse next to nobody used FSU gear. We all switched to made not in USSR cameras. Part of it was due to reliability.
My other neighbor here was working in Moscow press as photographer. He came here with Kiev something to sell it as Hasselblad and have some cash. Nobody wanted to give him more than 100 CAD. Because they knew it as junk and nobody want it for re-sale. He has no other choice but to use it. It crapped out in the middle of paid session. He dropt it into the garbage bin right where it happened.