Kiev 4A arrived; observations

[Muller]

The Kiev 4A I ordered came in the mail today. After opening the box and giving it a quick visual inspection, I grabbed a Zorki-4 to see how it compares in size and ergonomics.

The heft of the Kiev is about on par with the Zorki. Lining both cameras up to each other shows that the Kiev is slightly smaller on all sides, not counting the front plate of the Kiev, and the J-8M doesn't protrude from the camera as much as the LTM J-8. Liking that the Kiev has the winder, shutter speed, and release button on the same assembly, and the click stops on the J-8M.

The viewfinder is quite nice. Not as bright as the Zorki, close, with better contrast.

A quick review of the owners manual online to familiarize myself with the controls, and I wind on. The knob doesn't move, so I press the shutter release and the listen to the mechanism "zip". Not loud, not that much quieter than the Zorki. Try to wind on, but the knob doesn't move until after pressing the release slightly, and there's some play at the knob after winding. I don't think this is normal.

Removed the back and observed the curtain. Whatever is causing the winding problem, is also not allowing the bottom curtain to rise all the way up to engage the curtain release (if that's what it's called).

Of course, there are no refunds or exchanges with this seller,and he claimed the shutter worked good on all speeds.

Not happy, looking at the Kiev Survival site now.

 

[bowieknife]

the Kiev 4 being a copy of the prewar Contax, shutter problems are not uncommon !
if the seller is a pro he should refund you, if not, give him negative feedback !
I own a 1983 made Kiev 4M, works troublefree, but operation is noisier than with a Leica or a Zorki, advantage of Contax-bayonet cameras is that lenses often can be found cheaper than similar lenses in LTM.
Shutter problems with Contax/Kiev cameras originate in lack of use during years, or decades.The grease will dry and become sticky.

 

[colyn]

If you purchased on eBay you have the right to contest since eBay covers your purchase price plus shipping. Don't just post negative feedback and forget.. Sellers can say no returns but eBay will make this person refund if you got ripped..

Contact the seller and try to either get a partial refund or return address so you can return for a full refund. If the seller refuses to work with you file a eBay complaint..

Too many people are too quick to leave negative feedback.

 

[roboflick]

after that buy one from fedka.com that will be trouble free. I only by fsu gear from him it always comes serviced and working well, and i can return it if there is a problem.

 

[rbiemer]

Before you do anything else, check that the shutter button is not turned to the position that will keep it depressed for long time exposures.
The 4a has a locking mechanism in the shutter button, if I recall correctly this works by pushing down and turning the shutter release counter clockwise. There are two small dots engraved that will line up in the locking position. Make sure the shutter release is completely dis-engaged from this position.
It has been a while since I've used my Kiev and I don't have it in front of me as I'm typing so I may well have reversed the direction to turn the shutter release to do this.
I do know that when I was using my 4a I did need to be aware of this as I occasionally had seeming shutter problems because of it.

Rob

 

[rbiemer]

OK, After a bit of checking, I did have it backwards in my post above!😱

Making your exposure is effected by smoothly depressing the shutter release button. When taking pictures with the 'B' exposure time the shutter will remain opened while the release button is depressed. To obtain a longer exposure time on 'B', the release button can be held down by turning it fully anticlockwise while it is fully depressed. (Not applicable to the Kiev-4M, 4AM or 5.) The shutter will be closed after the release button is turned in the reverse direction till the red dot on it is aligned with the dot on the shutter cocking knob, and the finger is removed from it so that it is no longer depressed.

This is from the manual posted here:
http://www.russianplaza.com/Kiev%20man/kiev4man.htm

Rob

 

[Frontman]

Kievs are finicky animals, my old Kiev has a picky shutter. Make sure to wind the shutter before setting the shutter speed, and go fire the shutter at different speeds to free it up a little.

I think I paid $60 for my Kiev with it's J8 lens, and then I found a Contax II for only $50. The Kiev cannot compare to the Contax in terms of smoothness and precision, but then I got a Nikon S3, which is worlds better than both.

 

[ray*j*gun]

I tried 3 different Kievs over the years and although I love the concept I finally bought 2 Contaxs because the Kiev's drove me nuts. Both Contaxs had HS work on them and they are as good or better than any Leica I ever used.

 

[ray*j*gun]

Oh BTW the other members posts about ebay are correct, in fact the site is so skewed towards the buyers now that I won't sell there any more.........IMHO. A seller isn't even allowed to leave neg feedback....its a laugh!

 

[wolves3012]

The knob doesn't move, so I press the shutter release and the listen to the mechanism "zip". Not loud, not that much quieter than the Zorki. Try to wind on, but the knob doesn't move until after pressing the release slightly, and there's some play at the knob after winding. I don't think this is normal.

It does sometimes happen that you need to press the shutter button slightly before it'll wind on. Usually happens to me if I released the shutter by pressing the button only enough to release, rather than fully, on the previous shot. I'm not saying yours doesn't have a fault, just that this can happen sometimes.

Removed the back and observed the curtain. Whatever is causing the winding problem, is also not allowing the bottom curtain to rise all the way up to engage the curtain release (if that's what it's called).

Before you give up, take off the lens and camera back and cock the shutter. If the curtain isn't fully closed (upwards), try putting your thumb and finger around the back and front and lifting the curtain gently into position. Be careful and don't force it. Again, this can be a problem on Kievs and that solution often works. If it does work, wind and fire the shutter a few times to make sure it isn't slipping back.

Of course, there are no refunds or exchanges with this seller,and he claimed the shutter worked good on all speeds.

Not happy, looking at the Kiev Survival site now.

If you're unhappy and he sold you something that was supposed to work but doesn't, you should be able to fight it through Ebay, regardless.

 

[oftheherd]

For some reason I have a hard time loving my Kiev 4AM, but it and the 5 lenses I have for it all work well, and it produces nice photos. I guess I really just need to put everything else up for two or three months and force myself to use it and it only. Then if I still get no pleasure, consider getting rid of it. I don't have the problem you mentioned with having to release the shutter to wind on. Doesn't sound right, nor to have to do anything with the curtains. I would want to return it as well, or at least get a very hefty refund if I wanted to keep it for any reason.

 

[bowieknife]

I have to agree with Frontman: my Nikon S2 is smoother operating than my Kiev or my Contaxes

 

[fanshaw]

. Then if I still get no pleasure, consider getting rid of it. I don't have the problem you mentioned with having to release the shutter to wind on. Doesn't sound right, .

This fault is described by Maizenberg in his book on camera design and repair. Adjustment of a lever in the winding mechanism under the top plate is required to fix it.

 

[DanOnRoute66]

Also, make sure the self-timer has run out completely. Try pushing the timer release button and then with your fingertip, push the lever clockwise (as you are looking toward the front of the camera).

 

[dabick42]

There is one surefire fix for all the illnesses and ailments, tantrums and quirks that Kievs and Zorkis perpetually suffer from - several heavy blows from a very large hammer, then consignment of the mangled remains to landfill.
Promising oneself never to touch another FSU camera with a bargepole helps, too....

 

[Coldkennels]

There is one surefire fix for all the illnesses and ailments, tantrums and quirks that Kievs and Zorkis perpetually suffer from - several heavy blows from a very large hammer, then consignment of the mangled remains to landfill.
Promising oneself never to touch another FSU camera with a bargepole helps, too....

Don't suppose your name is Steve, by any chance? 🙄

 

[bobby_novatron]

I have 2 Kiev 4A cameras, and after everything I've read from other unlucky users, I'm very fortunate in that both of them work reasonably well.

The 1966 model I have definitely feels better made than the later 1981 model I own. The 1981 model has a similar problem mentioned above -- the film / gearing advance dial (on the right side of the body) sometimes will jam and not move. A very subtle 1-2mm press on the shutter release button disengages the lock and then the dial turns properly. Besides that quirk, it still functions normally.

But yes, buying through Fedka is probably a safer bet. eBay is such a gamble sometimes.

 

[wolves3012]

Don't suppose your name is Steve, by any chance? 🙄

Don't feed the Troll 😱

 

[dabick42]

@ Coldkennels - If you know of a ''Steve'' who thinks FSU cameras are metallic crap, then give him my best wishes - he's obviously a man of discernment and taste.
I, however, am someone else...(!)

- Dave

 

[wolves3012]

@ Coldkennels - If you know of a ''Steve'' who thinks FSU cameras are metallic crap, then give him my best wishes - he's obviously a man of discernment and taste.
I, however, am someone else...(!)

- Dave

Unlike Steve, perhaps you may be intelligent enough to understand that the FSU forum tends to be frequented by those of us who enjoy the reverse-snobbery and qualities of FSUs and who seek advice and help. Posting that "all FSUs are metallic crap" is unlikely to win you friends and doesn't make a positive contribution. Try the equivalent "all Leicas are over-priced snob's toys" in the Leica forums and see how popular you become.

As for "discernment and taste", I'd just point out that taste can be poor as well as good. Taste is also a matter of personal judgement and opinion and not an absolute or measurable quantity.