I've got a Kiev!

[Justin Low]

I received my Kiev 4A from Alex-photo earlier this evening. It's pretty nice, and should provide some entertainment. 🙂

I've written a short blurb on my first impressions here: http://justinlow.com/journal/first-impressions-kiev-4a

Any tips on getting rid of that musty 'Russian camera' smell? 🙂

 

[darkkavenger]

Enjoy your camera! 🙂

 

[kmack]

Any tips on getting rid of that musty 'Russian camera' smell? 🙂

Take it outside and shoot it alot. Let it air 😀
Have fun with your "new" Kiev

 

[fotosniper]

The smell (I assume from the e.r.c.) is part of the 'experience' of the FSU camera illness..is it Yak?..is it from this planet?..is it a class A substance?.....enjoy your Kiev ..I love my couple of 4a's..and my Zorki's and my Fed's..and my.......help!
Happy shooting!

 

[pshinkaw]

An old process for tanning leather uses cow urine. Also, there could be something growing between the liner and the leather itself. If you really want to use the case, it may have to be aired out for several weeks outside in the sunlight and then stored with a box of baking soda for several months.

-Paul

 

[captainslack]

Wrap the camera in dryer sheets and close it up in a small box or tupperware container overnight. That ought to get the smell out. Works on cat urine and if it works on that, it'll work on anything!

 

[JoeFriday]

getting RID of that smell?? that's practically the FSU equivalent of 'new car smell'! 😉

 

[Justin Low]

I tried the glass cleaner tip, and it has reduced the smell some. I guess I'll just go out and have it air while I shoot with it. 😀

Now, I'm considering trying out the Jupiter 12. Any recommendations for a 35mm viewfinder? 😉

 

[peterc]

I got my Kiev 4 without a never ready case. No smell.
However, I do know it from my Zorki 4K and Fed-2 that came from Siberia.
Kievs are great cameras ... once you get used to the "Contax hold" you'll love it.

Peter

 

[wlewisiii]

Now, I'm considering trying out the Jupiter 12. Any recommendations for a 35mm viewfinder? 😉

Well, depends how desperate you are... I have a homebrew you can have for free if you really want it. Send me your addy and it's yours. If you value your time, you'll probably want to find a real one instead 😱 :bang: :bang: :bang:

William

 

[captainslack]

Now, I'm considering trying out the Jupiter 12. Any recommendations for a 35mm viewfinder? 😉

Check with Photo Village, one of RFF's sponsors. I picked up a nice Voigtlander 35mm viewfinder for my 4am that was classified new-old-stock for $65.

 

[Justin Low]

William, thanks for the offer! Perhaps you could describe how you 'homebrewed' it instead? 😉

RE: the Photovillage one, that sounds like a good price for what it is. I have a CV 25mm 'finder and it's great. I find it odd paying the same amount as the Kiev and Jupiter 12 combined, though. 🙂

 

[wlewisiii]

Justin,

I found a very dead XA2 at a local thrift shop. I ripped the VF out of it and mounted it, via super glue, to the foot of a dead flash unit I had laying around. That was, then, slid into the shoe on top of my Kiev (and later my Canon IVSb). Nothing terribly fancy and utterly no paralax correction (and, yes, that did bite my a** more than once.)

Hope this helps,

William

 

[reagan]

Any recommendations for a 35mm viewfinder? 😉

Petri tele-wides can be found cheap (approx. $10). The outer brightline I guesstimate at around 35mm. ?? As you might expect, they're pretty cheap build too. But I use a couple of them and hey, works for me. Spending $$ on a VF is sort of low on the priority list for me right now, so......
<<Click on the "Zorki 1d" of my sig for a pic of one w/Orion 15. The 28mm lens goes beyond the tele-wide's capabilities, but close enough for now.>>

Congrats on the Kiev... have fun!!

 

[fotosniper]

I don't worry so much about having a 35mm view..you get more than what you are seeing through the camera's own viewfinder..can be bonus sometimes..long focal length.. that's a different story.
Happy shooting!

 

[ErnestoJL]

Hummmmm....is that your first Kiev....??
First step to Nirvana!!
Then you´ll want another one and another...
oh well, the last step is called Contax!!!

Meanwhile, have fun with this beautiful camera! The J8 is superb!

Ernesto

PS I´ve started the same way 23 years before today.

 

[Justin Low]

So I went ahead and bid on a J12 on eBay. From the auction photos, I noticed it looked a little different from other J12s (see the rear element on the link below). Any ideas on this?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7579449032

 

[Justin Low]

I see...Thanks Daniel! Now to find a 35mm viewfinder. 😉

 

[fotosniper]

Looks like that tube offers a bit of protection to the rear lens element than the other version...great lens for the street shooters among us!..good buy Justin looks in nice condition!..happy shooting!