I don't have a J-3 or J-9 though, so I can't say I wouldn't struggle with them on a Zorki. Maybe I should try my J-11 on the Zorki 5 sometime.
Bizarrely, I have very few problems with the J11/Z5 combo. I put it down to physical distance. If I move my Z5 slightly when I'm focusing at 1m, the RF image floats around a bit and it's hard to tell exactly where I'm focused. That's not the case at 2.5m, and not with a Fed 2; but I have to agree, the Fed 2 can be a pain when it's dark.
After much deliberation, I think I'll go with the Kiev 4a with Helios 103. I'll probably choose this camera for these reasons:
- I want the Helios 103.
- I think the Kiev's long baselength is going to be very useful.
- FSU LTM lenses aren't guaranteed to work on other LTM cameras.
So there. I haven't made the order on Fedka yet, but I will soon. For now, it be nice to hear some comments on my (likely) choice.
You make some very valid points. The Helios 103 is indeed a beautiful lens - to the point where it actually shocked me. It's got a very "smooth" feel to it - even more so than the Jupiters. I wouldn't knock the J8, though. The Jupiter/Sonnar formula is something I would really miss if I started shooting SLRs, and the J8m is a lower-profile lens, so often I prefer that for a 50mm lens on the Kiev. It's not quite pocketable, but it's a bit easier to put in a bag.
And lens choice, your third point, is a strange double edged sword. On one hand, there's far fewer options - both for lenses and bodies. But what's there is a hell of a lot cheaper. My Kiev 4AM, Helios 103, Jupiter 8M, Jupiter 12 and Jupiter 11 kit cost me next to nothing, and would actually make a fantastic kit. I could sell every other camera I own and probably be quite happy just with those lenses alone. That said, I love my LTM collection, even though, as you point out, it's an entirely Russian set.
But yes, I think you made the right call. I saw your other topic (about the possibility of going for a more expensive option), and I think a good Kiev will honestly give you a damn good taste of the RF "way" without compromise or too much expense. And if you do end up going for a Leica M somewhere down the line, there's always the Amedeo adapter to use the Kiev glass.
Now go buy it before you let someone talk you out of it!