Kiev 4A/Contax copy

[naren]

I recently purchased a black rangefinder that says Contax and Zeiss Jena on top. The seller says it is a Kiev 4A copy and it was made at the Arsenal factory in Kiev. I thought it looked like the Contax II or IIa and then noticed how when you focus, your hand tends to cover the rangefinder window. Then I noticed that the placement is the same on the Contax II and changed on the IIa... so I assume this is sort of a flaw that was corrected by Zeiss when they made the IIa- and that the Kiev 4A is a Contax II copy. Is that true, or were there any other design changes?

I got a great deal on this camera, even if it is not particularly collectible- but I am curious and didn't have a chance to ask the seller anything further about its production. Does anyone have an idea how many of these black "Contax" cameras are out there and when they were made? Thanks🙂

 

[giovatony]

No flaw. They are all like this. You have to grip it differently so your fingers clear the RF window.
I`ve seen a few listed for sale on Ebay . I don`t think they are a rarity but they sure do look good though and the black adds a wow factor to any collection but the looks are no guarantee they are any more mechanically sound than any other Kiev.
My feelings are that the better working Kievs would be less likely to get repainted than those with existing problems .
To repaint the camera it would have to be partially dissasembled and at that time ( maybe ) CLA`d to an extent and/or repaired if necessary but thats always an unknown. The emphasis would probably be on the paint job.
Actually , as with any old camera purchase it`s very often a chance taken to get a good 100% working one. Almost all of them need some degree of cleaning and relubing at the least. You just won`t know for sure how good it is till you get it in your hands. Thats why I try to buy from those who provide a return.
But hey , If you feel got a good deal and the camera works good , you should be more than happy.
John

Oh, Here`s 2 more listed on Ebay here ;
http://cgi.ebay.com/Black-Contax-II...ryZ30028QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[giovatony]

Click on the link below and scroll down a few lines to view the unique Contax/ Kiev grip. It gets easier and more natural as you use the camera.
John

http://www.mattdentonphoto.com/cameras/kiev_4a.html

 

[naren]

whoever is doing these up is doing a fantastic job. I love mine. I plan on photographing it for my avatar, so you shall see. thanks for the info... I'll work on that grip.

 

[Ducky]

I've got the 4am, no meter, and enjoy using it. The 'grip' is easy to get used to.

 

[januaryman]

Is that a Jupiter 8 that was "fixed" to look like a Sonnar "5sm" (jeez!) ? It does look good. I have a 4AM also, and endure the camera, but love the Helios 103 it came with. Wish they made one in LTM!

 

[ZorkiKat]

......and then noticed how when you focus, your hand tends to cover the rangefinder window. Then I noticed that the placement is the same on the Contax II and changed on the IIa... so I assume this is sort of a flaw that was corrected by Zeiss when they made the IIa- ......

You'd need to do the "Contax Finger" to prevent the RF window from being covered....fingers configured in a way that would be impolite, or would lead you to trouble if it's not on a Contax/Kiev RF!😀 😀 😀

 

[giovatony]

You have to wonder how any profit can be realized doing up a camera like this at that price.
A good (but limited) CLA cost +/- $80 itself .
I`d hate to buy one and have to send it in for service/CLA any time soon. I`d be worried about paint chipping and scratching during dissasembly, but then again touching up black paint shouldn`t be too bad.
John

 

[Dogman]

I have a 4a that was painted black--not a "Contax" copy. The paint is fairly soft and wears easily along the edges. I've managed to scratch it off with my fingernail. No matter to me--it still functions well and the worn paint gives it a "lived in" look.

Another point--the back on mine was difficult to remove and replace until I scraped the paint away from the edges. Once done it works okay.

 

[giovatony]

I would have to think the metal would have to be powder coated and baked on to have a finish thats durable enough to actually use.
If they are not done this way , I wouldn`t be wanting one as a user.
John