Experiences with cheap Kiev 88's from the bay?

[Spider67]

Hi,
I just saw an incredibly cheap offer for a Kiev 88 (seller go and shoot).

So I am just contemplating but would like to hear about experiences ( I am certainly not the one who would point fingers and say I bought it because yopu told me to!)

thanks in advance!
Des/Vienna

 

[varjag]

Domestically, Kiev 88s didn't enjoy reputation of a reliable camera. Get one if you think you can fix one.

 

[Rey]

I have a kiev 88,and it works great. I did however, purchase it used, locally. These cameras are hit and miss, some work great, others are useless. Personally, I would not purchase one from someone who has not tested the camera with film. Otherwise there is a high probability that you will get one of the lemons.

 

[KoNickon]

There is a lot of discussion about these out there, and a lot of rolling of the dice may be called for. But to eliminate much of the risk, I would start with an 88CM -- better shutter, takes the Pentacon 6 mount lenses (in other words, access to some great Zeiss Jena lenses in addition to the surprisingly fine Soviet glass). Get one from a reputable dealer that's taken the time to ensure the camera is working properly -- Arax or Hartblei would be convenient for you.

 

[rxmd]

I've got one which I bought used here in Tashkent. I later had the shutter serviced and partially reworked at Arax when I happened to be in Kiev. I also asked them to install a Pentacon Six mount, which is much better made (and apparently more universal regarding the lenses it accepts) than the one on 88CM models.

I think almost everybody will agree that it can be a capricious camera. Mine is a '85 model that was in use by a professional photographer, so I was reasonably sure that it was in workable shape. It helps if you can take a good look at the camera beforehand. I wouldn't buy one off eBay.

 

[M like Leica M6]

Here in Germany there are many around, due to the east german "friendship" with the soviet union...

If you like to spend more time with repairs, spare parts, mechanics etc. it is the right choice. And you will definitely spend less time with photography.

In general, these cameras are in most cases defective, even when they are new. There is one company here that takes new cameras, magazines and lenses and repairs them before delivery. They fix the film transport, the shutter mechanism and especially the everlasting problems with light leaks, and a few more. But it is much more expensive than the original because a lot of work is necessary.

In the end, you are much better off with a good used medium format camera that is neither from former east germany (Pentacon), russia (Kiev) nor from China (Seagull). If you are really on a budget, have a look at the Flexaret TLRs from Czechoslovakia, they are very cheap, around 50-100 Dollars and have surprisingly good lenses. If you really want an SLR, Zenza Bronicas are a good and affordable choice.

 

[Spider67]

Thanks for your help guys.
Had to overcome acquisition greed! (@ M like M6: "Ach was ist dabei. Mir doch nicht!")
It looks like a Hasselblad so I need it. So I tried my luck buying complete Outfits, where I could at least the lenses included for a reasonable price. Did not work. But I am surely will not buy a single K 88 from the bay as the risk seems hig. Wiese or Arax would be a way to guy although with Arax there's still customs.
Thanks again for helping me not rushing in.
Des

 

[Spider67]

when I told a friend o mine of the outfit I strted with the pistol grip and the 2 additional magazines.....he thought it was a gun....
Too bad I missed the Mamiya outfit here on RFF....

 

[mcgrattan]

FWIW, I bought a Salyut-C a few years back and have absolutely no problems with it. Frame-spacing can be a little inconsistent [they get tight but never actually overlap] and I find loading film a bit of a p.i.t.a.

But mechanically it's worked perfectly. I've probably only put a couple of dozen rolls through it, so it's not had heavy pro-level use. But as a cheap MF SLR it's been good. I think I take better pictures using it than anything else I own -- I shoot less but the hit-rate is high.

 

[Krosya]

I've said this before and let me say this again - Kiev 88 is a good camera. If someone doesn't know how to use one, does not read a manual and breaks it - well - one way to go is to blame Kiev. I have one, that was used by a pro shooter for years. It's still great - works just as well as any other cameras. Only problems - some light leaks with some backs. I have many lenses for my Kiev and all lenses range from very good to superb. Maybe not as smooth as Hassy and maybe not as sharp as Zeiss, but very very good at a fraction of the price. I have many photos to prove it.
Buying from ebay is a risk - with ANYTHING, not just Kiev. I would buy a camera from trusted seller/person, but Kiev name is a good one.

 

[Rey]

I agree with Krosya. If you have a good one, they are very good indeed. In my experience, most who malign them have never used one.