Just took the plunge

[colyn]

I just purchased a Kiev 4AM with Helios-103 f/1.8 53mm lens on the bay. At the recommendation of several posters here I bought it from Alex-photo..
Any comments on this camera?
Anything I should know before using it?

I understand you have to cock the shutter before changing shutter speeds. True?False?😛

If I deside to keep it what other lens should I consider buying for it?

 

[w3rk5]

I've read somewhere that at certain shutter speeds the shutter on the Kiev doens't have to be cocked. But I do it anyways. Better safe than sorry.

When I bought my Kiev 4, I got a couple of feet of shutter ribbon just in case. If it's not too late see if you can add it to your order. I figure if my shutter ribbon ever snaps I'll have the supplies to fix it a.s.a.p.

One more thing if you haven't done this already......bookmark this site http://www3.telus.net/public/rpnchbck/index.html

Congrats on your new/old camera. 🙂

 

[wlewisiii]

Should be a lot of fun. The Kiev's have an amazing amount of charm & a good one is fun to use. As for a second lens, the J-12 (35/2.8) & J-9 (85/2) are wonderful lenses.

Enjoy!

Edit: They do not need to be cocked. However if you have any intention of getting a FSU LTM camera, get in the habit now, because those cameras will be ruined by doing it in reverse.

William

 

[akptc]

...If I deside to keep it what other lens should I consider buying for it?

I'd suggest the 13.5cm Nikkor - I found it simply amazing.

 

[colyn]

When I bought my Kiev 4, I got a couple of feet of shutter ribbon just in case. If it's not too late see if you can add it to your order. I figure if my shutter ribbon ever snaps I'll have the supplies to fix it a.s.a.p.

I bought some back several months ago hoping to use it on a Leica IIIc but it was too thick for the Leica so hopefully it will be enough if needed.

One more thing if you haven't done this already......bookmark this site http://www3.telus.net/public/rpnchbck/index.html

Congrats on your new/old camera. 🙂

Thanks for the posting the site url

 

[colyn]

Should be a lot of fun. The Kiev's have an amazing amount of charm & a good one is fun to use. As for a second lens, the J-12 (35/2.8) & J-9 (85/2) are wonderful lenses.

Enjoy!

Edit: They do not need to be cocked. However if you have any intention of getting a FSU LTM camera, get in the habit now, because those cameras will be ruined by doing it in reverse.

William

I've seen these lens mentioned before and will keep them in mind.
Thanks

I was thinking of buying a body with the LTM so I could use my Leica lens but desided instead on the Kiev. I may later look into the Fed's and Zorki's.

 

[colyn]

I'd suggest the 13.5cm Nikkor - I found it simply amazing.

Years ago I had a Nikon S2 with 28, 50 85, and 135mm. I still kick myself for selling this outfit. All of the lens were outstanding..

 

[kvanderlaag]

I've got an FED-5 kicking around (sans lens) you can have for peanuts if you want something LTM.

I liked my Kiev, but at the same time I loathed it. I think I was just too used to LTM rangefinders. I may have to try again.

 

[Paul Connet]

I understand you have to cock the shutter before changing shutter speeds. True?False?😛

If I deside to keep it what other lens should I consider buying for it?

I would say by the looks of the cameras listed under your signature you will probably want to buy all the lenses that fit the Keiv.🙂

To answer your question regarding shutter cocking prior to changing shutter speeds, in a word, no. You can change speeds either before or after cocking the shutter. IMHO it is easier to set the speed prior to cocking as you are not working against the curtain tensioning springs. Try it both ways and see which works best for you.

Regards, Paul C.

 

[colyn]

I would say by the looks of the cameras listed under your signature you will probably want to buy all the lenses that fit the Keiv.🙂

I've been collecting rf cameras for a number of years. Some are cheap cameras while most are of pretty decent quality. I use some for trade at camera shows.

I just picked up a J-12 35mm f/2.8 on ebay and am looking at the J-9 85/2and J-11 135/4. I've had a 2.8cm f/3.5 Nikkor (somehow didn't get sold with the S2) with finder for years and plan to give it a spin on the Kiev.

 

[colyn]

I've got an FED-5 kicking around (sans lens) you can have for peanuts if you want something LTM.

I've got several screwmount Leicas so I was not interested in the LTM models.

 

[kvanderlaag]

Whoops! I missed the part where you said you had one!

Cheers, then. You should like the Kiev.

 

[colyn]

Whoops! I missed the part where you said you had one!

Cheers, then. You should like the Kiev.

I've been a Leica user since my granddad gave me a IIIa with Summar when I was 6. I now have several including 2 M3's.

I've heard a lot about Kiev's so I'm hoping it lives up to its reputation.
Thanks

 

[mac_wt]

Did the auction from Alex include a lenscap? If not ask him to include one.

Wim