Just got a Kiev 4a...

[jamiewakeham]

...and (whilst delighted with the condition and feel of it - thanks, Brad) I'm a bit confused by what I see in the VF.

I thought all Kievs were 1:1 VF? And I thought that meant that I'd see the same scene through the eye looking through the VF as the open other eye. This is certainly what I got when I looked through a 4a in a shop a while back.

But the view through this 4a is a bit smaller than lifesize - maybe 0.9 or so. Is there a variant on the 4a with a less than 1:1 VF?

Oh, and I've read conflicting reports on whether I need to maintain my Zorki-bred refusal to change the shutter speed before cocking or not. Thoughts?

Cheers
Jamie

 

[Xmas]

They are all in the 0.7-0.8 range 0.9 would be good, but no, all pretty dim as well. An M3 is .9 and you wont notice it is smaller.

You can change speeds at any time but they may not be accurate on the first shoot after, the 2nd should be ok. The shutter logic is old and worn... It is simpler to wind on ans then change speeds as the mechanism wont rotate, as you try and set the speed.

Noel

 

[xayraa33]

certain Kiev 5's had a 1:1 vf, but they are not that common and ugly and heavy to boot.
wind camera before changing shutter speeds, 250th 500th and 1250th being the exception, as you can set them before or after winding.

 

[jamiewakeham]

So - Karen is wrong? I didn't think this possible!

She says 1:1 here: http://www.photoethnography.com/ClassicCameras/index-frameset.html?Kiev4a.html~mainFrame

Even 0.9x or 0.8x with a 90mm baselength is pretty useful, though. I think I'm going to like this camera.

One other thing - is there a trick to getting the J-12 to fit? I can wriggle it on but it'll only rotate between closest focus and about 0.15m - it simply won't rotate to any further focus.

Thanks for the help
Jamie

 

[ruben]

If you want to survive, Google for the Kiev Survival Site.

Either the lens compound is not free enough, or the Helical mount lens of the camera is not free enough (cleaned and lubricated). Or both.

Cheers,
Ruben

 

[Xmas]

The J12's foul in about 5% of Kievs, the spring loaded collar which fits in the inner bayonet interfereres.
First it is not obvious how to mount the lens. Set the lens and body to infinity, mount the lens and twist to lock, then focue to 0.7m and them back to infinity, it should click into place and be free, during the focus travel.
Post again if it is still stiff after this, it should be free enough to use the little wheel, if it is stiff dont use the wheel...
The next step is nail file or screwdriver...

Noel

 

[jamiewakeham]

Okey-doke - I'll try this and see what happens. The camera's at home at the moment so I'll be back with you on Monday...

Cheers
Jamie