First few photos with Kiev 4

[AshenLight]

These are a few of the first shots from my Kiev 4 and Helios-103. These were taken in available light and are a little more soft-focus than I would have hoped for. Oh well... I'll try th4e Fed 4 next and hope for better results.

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=16219

 

[jbf]

Chances are it's the lens that's giving the soft focus. I must say though that the shots are still nice. The lighting alone speaks for itself. 🙂


Keep shooting my friend. 😀

 

[giovatony]

Those shots seem consistant or even better with the ones I made yesterday with my Kiev 4AM and Helios 103. I shot 13-24 on the roll with it and all were soft and OOF , however 1-12 that I shot with my Jupiter 12 were sharp and in focus.
Alex- photo is going to send me another Helios 103 lens.

John

 

[AshenLight]

Thanks for the kind words everyone. The more I look at the pictures the more I like the Helios. I am encouraged to pick up another lens for the Kiev though... any suggestions?

Regards and Merry Christmas,

Ash

 

[julio1fer]

Check focus, for instance shooting a flat newspaper in a table at about 5 ft. Make a mark on the paper and focus on the mark. Often the camera will not focus where you think it does, and the lens gets the blame.

The H-103 is a great lens. Your second lens should be a J-12 or a J-9 depending on your taste.

 

[nzeeman]

i also think your helios is ok since those are at very low light. its not lens thats soft - it is also the camera shake that soften photo.

 

[wlewisiii]

They look good to me as well and I agree with the sentiment that the hand held part is the real limitation. The Kiev cameras are wonderful tools that will really repay extended practice with them. Get to really know the one you have & you can have some really wonderful experiences.

The J12 is a good lens but I'd suggest that, if you can find one, the finest 35mm made for the Kiev was the VC 35/2.5 SC Color Skopar. I took pictures with that lens that 2 years later still make me bleed 😉

Sigh. I miss my Kiev 5 & that lens; I should not have sold them. That pair & my Iskra are the only really bad sellers remorse I have.

William

 

[shadowfox]

I like the pictures, next time try some people shots, outdoors on an overcast day. That'll tell you for sure if you have focusing problems. The Helios is a sharp lens, I think it's based on the Planar/Biotar.