Help me figure out this camera model

[photobizzz]

I have a wierd one....

This Kiev has the small plastic piece on the self timer, a cold shoe, the Kiev symbol in the cold shoe, has a meter, has 1250 as the top speed, serial number is 7432632, has the cyrillic Keiv in cursive on the front.

It looks like a Kiev IIIa but it has the plastic on the self timer. I am at a loss. A photo of the front is included so you may help (excuse the covering it is in the process of being recovered).

Thanks for your help to all you Kiev owners.

Here is a link to commiecameras.com where all Kiev models are described in detail.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/38557046@N04/3577067695/

 

[Rhodes]

Kiev 4, with lightmetter! I think the model 4a is the one without the lightmeter!

 

[john341]

Kiev cameras often come with "later style" self-timers on early model cameras. In fact some combinations are quite amazing. The better models were produced in the '60-ties, after that quality went out the door, alas

 

[dee]

It's a standard Kiev 4 - later version with plastic insert on the self timer .
One of the most prolific of Kievs - I have couple from 1979 - see avatar for silver / tan special .

 

[photobizzz]

I thought it was a Kiev 4, was just unsure of the specific model - I guess it is more than probable that they used whatever self timer lever was laying around.

I just stripped both my Kievs down today, took the front plate off and cleaned the rangefinder windows and taped and painted them with black gloss enamel. I used acetone (pure, not nail polish remover) and very fine steel wool to prep the black trim before painting. Acetone is great for removing the glue left over after peeling off the leather too. I also baked on the paint at about 170 degrees for a few min after it dried naturally to help with the hardening. They will both be sitting for at least 4 days before being recovered so the paint will have time to cure.

I was surprised to find that the shutter speeds seem accurate on both cameras, a film test will show if there are any spacing or light leak problems. I'm waiting for the leatherette to arrive along with a new spanner wrench, I am going to take the Jupiter 8 and Helios 103 apart and clean all the interior dust. All in all I will have two nice usable Kievs for under $100.

I may put the Kiev 4 up for sale here with the Helios 103. I'm not sure of the light meter's accuracy but it is working. I like the look of the non metered Kievs better myself so I will be keeping the Kiev 4-AM.

Thanks to all for the help figuring out the exact model I have.

 

[wolves3012]

You may want to keep hold of that Helios if you try it out. The Jupiter 8 is a very nice lens but...

 

[photobizzz]

I just took my J8 and Helios 103 apart and cleaned out the dust, waiting for new grease for the J8...That Kiev Survival Site is a great resource!

Just a note: Fedka.com has brand new (old stock) Helios 103s for $37.50!

 

[photobizzz]

I definatley will, I will post to this thread with a link to the post in the FSU porn sticky.

BTW: I went ahead and took all of your advice about the Helios 103 and bought a brand new one from Fedka.com. I did clean the one I already have and it came out nice, looks almost new but couldnt resist a brand new one for $37.50.

 

[photobizzz]

Please put up a photo or two of the Kievs when you're done refurbishing them, if you can. I'd love to see them.

If you check the classifieds you will see the Kiev 4 I finished painting and recovering, I also took the Jupiter 8 apart and cleaned it out and re-lubed it.

I will just keep it if someone dosent want it here, no reason to sell it on fleabay. I am still working on my 4AM, just took the trim paint off with a dremel and stainless steel brush an put the first coat of paint on. Will do a second tomorrow and let it sit up to dry well for several days. I have the covering ready to go on and then will post photos here of the camera here in the FSU porn thread, and then shoot. Just received my chrome J-9 today, looks mint and it was $85!! Cant wait to shoot some with it!!

 

[photobizzz]

Here is the link to my new Kiev after paint and covering...