Kiev 2A

One more question, and I'm sure it will be hard to get a straight answer out of all of you. But, let's say every FSU camera came in perfect working order with everything the way it was meant to be...

Which RF from each of the producers (Zorki, Kiev, FED) are their best RFs?
 
iChrix said:
One more question, and I'm sure it will be hard to get a straight answer out of all of you. But, let's say every FSU camera came in perfect working order with everything the way it was meant to be...

Which RF from each of the producers (Zorki, Kiev, FED) are their best RFs?
Click to expand...

I own(ed) several FED 2's, FED 3a and b, Zorki 6, and a Kiev 4. If I could only keep one I'd pick the Kiev 4. I don't know if it's the best, but I really enjoy using it the most. 🙂 They all have their pro's and con's. I really don't think you can go wrong with any of them. They're all good.

What are the key features are you looking for in a FSU rangefinder? For example...rangefinder base lenght? 1:1 viewfinder? Lever wind? Bottom loader? ect.
 
One thing if you go with a FED-2, you can get a beater FED-5 and swap the take-up spool from it to the FED-2. Oleg did this for me and the FED-2 loads a lot quicker.

Each FSU has it's own personality and feel. Each can be a lot of fun and the best part is they do not cost an arm and a leg!

B2 (;->
 
My favorite for any non-rapid shooting is my Zorki 3... 1:1 finder, easy to set slow speeds, comfortable and well fitted. Runner up... my Zorki 4K, when I need lever wind.
 
Hmmm, your in trouble now..... by having to try each one I mean.

I did what you are setting out to do and settled in with a Kiev 2a. The main reason is that the focusing is sooooooooooo precise. Howeve, you'll want to use the dorky FSU turret finder with this camera and some folks could never get used to that Contax grip.

If you are starting out with a Kiev, try the 4am first. It's lacks the older and better build quality, but offers a fixed take-up spool and its rewind release is a lever, not a button.

One other thing, the Kiev does accept Contax II and III Zeiss lenses, in case anyone is interested.

Kiev2aW.jpg
 
Michael, it can; I do that most of the time. It's the grip that many people have problems with, not the focusing part though.

Those collapsible Sonnars on the Kievs.. mmm. Should now get myself at least one Zeiss lens. And Max, you should fill the engravings on your beauty with paint eventually 🙂
 
There is no diopter adjustment, the VF is smaller and dimmer than on Zorki. However focusing is easier (patch is contrasty and visible) and framing is more precise: no parallax correction but at least you can see frame borders.
 
Kiev is smaller than Zorki 4, but as heavy or maybe even a bit heavier. Clear winner in ergonomics over Z4; Zorki 4K (with lever) is not too atrocious though.
 
darkkavenger said:
Hmm maybe I should as well show a picture of my little baby ... 😀

U2392I1147298071.SEQ.0.jpg

Kiev-2A (1956) + Sonnar 50/2 collapsible coated (1936)
Click to expand...
Wow, that is beautiful!

Well guys, I found out some good news. The syllabus for the class that I'm getting the film camera for was old... very old. You can still use film in the class, but they really want digital instead (99% of class uses digital).

Soooo... this means I won't have to be so reliant on my film camera. Therefore, I can get an FSU camera and if it needs tweaking, breakes, etc... it will be nothing but a learning experience 🙂 I also have a friend here at the uni willing to teach me how to process film, so this should be an all around good time.

I'm not going to jump on anything though. I'm going to wait it out on Fedka/Ebay until I find one in pristine condition. I might have to pay a little more, but I think it will be worth it in the long run.

Chris
 
iChrix said:
Didn't even look at him, I'll keep him in mind too.
Click to expand...
Oleg is one of my favorite sellers. Excellent prices and service. One thing about dealing with him; you are probably better off to email him with your needs and ask him what he's got instead of relying on what he's got posted at his site. I've had much better results that way. And a little patience; I usually say something like "If you have this, I'd like to buy one.If not I'll be happy to wait until you get one."

The syllabus for the class that I'm getting the film camera for was old... very old.
Click to expand...
I was kind of wondering about that. 😀 But the bright side is that now you don't need to buy a film camera and can get something RF for fun--and fairly cheap if you stay in the FSU world.
Love to see what you get with the Kiev,Chris.
Rob
 
Sorry for reopenning the discussion on the compatibility of the Helios 103 with Kiev 2/2a cameras. I need a clear answer as I intend to buy a Kiev 2 (or 2a) and an Helios 103 (that I find outstanding).
Max said he has no problem in mounting the Helios on his 2a, and Sephan said he can't mount it on his 3a. Why would a contax mount lens not fit a Kiev 2 which is in fact a diguised Contax II? I need an explanation.
Max, please confirm that the Helios works fine on a Kiev 2a (btw your Kiev looks really really great!)
Best,
Marc
 
Some H -103s will not mount on certain Kiev bodies, there seems to be no rhyme or reason for this.
One of my H - 103s will not mount on one of my Kiev 4's, but it mounts ok on the other Kiev 4.
The year the body was made does not seem to matter it seems.
I would buy the H- 103 from Fedka, as you can always exchange it if it does not fit on your particular Kiev 2a body.
Fedka is asking $ 22.50 USD for newish H-103s, not a bad price IMHO.
The Helios 103 is a very good lens regardless of the price paid.
 
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