Finally took the plunge Kiev II

[colyn]

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??

 

[brachal]

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]

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.

My Contax II has the foot also..

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.

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, as "plunges" go, it's a very minor hit.

 

[Keith]

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! 🙂

 

[Paul T.]

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.

 

[dee]

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

 

[colyn]

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]

after cla , the K 2 should be much nicer to use .



dee

The first thing I plan to do is pull the rear shutter box cover and have a look inside. I want to see the condition of the shutter tapes. I may even remove the shutter crate and do a good cleaning.

 

[Keith]

The first thing I plan to do is pull the rear shutter box cover and have a look inside. I want to see the condition of the shutter tapes. I may even remove the shutter crate and do a good cleaning.

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]

How about a Kiev II glamour shot just for the hell of it! 😛

 

[colyn]

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 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.

I also prefer the direction of the Kievs focusing wheel which turns opposite to the Contax!

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]

Colyn,

Has your Kiev arrived yet? I'd be interested in hearing your impressions and how it compares to your Contax. Thanks!

 

[colyn]

Colyn,

Has your Kiev arrived yet? I'd be interested in hearing your impressions and how it compares to your Contax. Thanks!

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]

Colyn,

Has your Kiev arrived yet? I'd be interested in hearing your impressions and how it compares to your Contax. Thanks!

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

 

[wlewisiii]

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

 

[colyn]

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.

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

I'm thinking about getting one. Hopefully I'll be able to get one below the current high prices.😀

 

[xayraa33]

Lovely looking Kiev camera Colyn.

 

[zhang xk]

How about a Kiev II glamour shot just for the hell of it! 😛

Hello Keith,

It IS a glamour shot.😀 Could I borrow the image, and post it on a Chinese camera site with your name quoted?

Kind Regards,

Zhang