colyn
ישו משיח
I finally got around to buying a Kiev II. This is a 51 model with lens and original marking instead of the newer ones.
I've bought from this seller so I feel reasonably confident in my purchase.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=370057487327&ssPageName=STRK:MEWN:IT&ih=024
What can I except from this camera in comparison to my Kiev 4a?
Any comments??
I've bought from this seller so I feel reasonably confident in my purchase.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=370057487327&ssPageName=STRK:MEWN:IT&ih=024
What can I except from this camera in comparison to my Kiev 4a?
Any comments??
brachal
Refrigerated User
The bottom plate is slightly different, and has a little fold-out foot to stabilize the camera when you set it down with a long lens attached. You'll probably find the operation of the camera to be noticeably smoother than the 4a, especially if the 4a is a later model. The build quality of early Kievs (at least if my 2a is a good indicator) is very good. Other than that, there really isn't much difference.
colyn
ישו משיח
My Contax II has the foot also..
My Kiev 4a is a 61 vintage camera. When I first got it I had to clean the film take-up clutch in order to get it to space the film properly but overall it is a smooth working camera
M. Valdemar
Well-known
Well, as "plunges" go, it's a very minor hit.
Keith
The best camera is one that still works!
I have one virtually the same ... it's extremely smooth and with a decent J3 mounted is capable of embarrasing photographic equipment with much better credentials.
I think you'll love it!
I think you'll love it!
Paul T.
Veteran
It's really worth hanging on for a Kiev II at a decent price - which is exactly what you've done.
The lens should be excellent too, you really won't need anything else to take great photos... except perhaps a case and a meter. Neither is vital.
The lens should be excellent too, you really won't need anything else to take great photos... except perhaps a case and a meter. Neither is vital.
dee
Well-known
As you have an early K 4 a , you may find that differences will be down to how well serviced each camera is ... however a 1951 Kiev 2 is among the rarer finds - with that early lense too ... after cla , the K 2 should be much nicer to use .
That was a good price too !
Good luck with it
dee
That was a good price too !
Good luck with it
dee
colyn
ישו משיח
I have one virtually the same ... it's extremely smooth and with a decent J3 mounted is capable of embarrasing photographic equipment with much better credentials.
I think you'll love it!
I've been thinking about getting the J-3.
The J-8 holds it own also.
colyn
ישו משיח
Keith
The best camera is one that still works!
Mine came from Fedka and I think Yuri is pretty careful with cameras he sends OS ... it had just been CLA'd I suspect. Beautiful camera and far smoother than the equivalent Contax I had which I sold when I decided I liked the feel of the Kiev better!
I also prefer the direction of the Kievs focusing wheel which turns opposite to the Contax!
Keith
The best camera is one that still works!
How about a Kiev II glamour shot just for the hell of it!
colyn
ישו משיח
I looked at the 2 he had listed and almost bought one. I just ordered shutter tape material from him for my Contax II and for extra in case I need it soon.
As do I. Makes for slightly easier focusing.
How about a Kiev II glamour shot just for the hell of it!
Now that is nice...
You're making my Contax jealous...
brachal
Refrigerated User
Colyn,
Has your Kiev arrived yet? I'd be interested in hearing your impressions and how it compares to your Contax. Thanks!
Has your Kiev arrived yet? I'd be interested in hearing your impressions and how it compares to your Contax. Thanks!
colyn
ישו משיח
It should be here within the next couple of days. It was processed through the New York facility last Thursday and is in route.
colyn
ישו משיח
The Kiev II arrived several days ago but I was unable to find time to look it over till today.
Overall build quality is on a par with my Contax II. The shutter is quieter on the Kiev than the Contax but not by much. The Kiev does seem to have better quality chrome plating and is a duller satin chrome.
Everything looks to be in order so I'll be taking it out over the weekend for a test run..
That's it in my avitar
W
wlewisiii
Guest
Sounds like a very nice camera, Colyn. I've thought more than once of looking into a really early Kiev, but the earliest one I had (a '56) was my worst Kiev out of the 5 I've owned. Ironically the ones from the early to mid seventies were much better
A nice J-3, though, is an exquisite addition to any Kiev. I have a '56 I wouldn't consider selling - Raid has it in his current 50/1.5 test.
William
A nice J-3, though, is an exquisite addition to any Kiev. I have a '56 I wouldn't consider selling - Raid has it in his current 50/1.5 test.
William
colyn
ישו משיח
Sounds like a very nice camera, Colyn. I've thought more than once of looking into a really early Kiev, but the earliest one I had (a '56) was my worst Kiev out of the 5 I've owned. Ironically the ones from the early to mid seventies were much better
The only thing I had to do was to clean the rangefinder. It's nice and bright now.
My first Kiev a 63 vintage arrived in non-working condition and was returned to the seller but both of my 61's are working fine as is the II.
I'm thinking about getting one. Hopefully I'll be able to get one below the current high prices.
