Kiev 5 v 4 size

Don´t have such, but seeing pictures of both, the 5 seems to be 25% or more bulkier than the 4. Camera width is the same, depth body at lens mount the same, but top housing is far bigger and taller as it must provide room for a bigger VF with projected framelines and an exposure meter. Just google a bit in the net looking for "pictures" of both cameras and you´ll see it.
Hope this helps.
Cheers
Ernesto
 
I get the idea it's something like comparing a FED 2 to a FED 4 or 5 - as Ernesto says, the Kiev 5 has a bigger top by a fair margin. If you're considering one, I think I'm right in saying that the Contax-mount lenses do NOT fit it and the lenses that do fit are hard to find.
 
I get the idea it's something like comparing a FED 2 to a FED 4 or 5 - as Ernesto says, the Kiev 5 has a bigger top by a fair margin. If you're considering one, I think I'm right in saying that the Contax-mount lenses do NOT fit it and the lenses that do fit are hard to find.

Wolves: I couldn´t say it better!
 
Thanks for the responses, i seen pictures of the kiev 5 and have a 4a, just wanted to see them side by side to really understand the size difference :) and Yes I'm interested because the better viewfinder, I got the impression that all the outer bayonet lens will fit the Kiev 5?
 
I get the idea it's something like comparing a FED 2 to a FED 4 or 5 - as Ernesto says, the Kiev 5 has a bigger top by a fair margin. If you're considering one, I think I'm right in saying that the Contax-mount lenses do NOT fit it and the lenses that do fit are hard to find.

Outer bayonet lenses (that is, everything other than 50mm) do fit. Since they usally come with a 50mm lens (usually a Jupiter-8 variant or a Helios-81), there is no problem, unless you insist on shooting a Jupiter-3 or a Helios-103.
 
The viewfinder is really good but the only Kiev 5 I ever saw in the flea market had an asking price of $250, so I didn't pursue it further.
 
Outer bayonet lenses (that is, everything other than 50mm) do fit. Since they usally come with a 50mm lens (usually a Jupiter-8 variant or a Helios-81), there is no problem, unless you insist on shooting a Jupiter-3 or a Helios-103.
Happy to be corrected on that one, I was under the impression the lenses were unique. You live and learn.
 
The KIev-5, besides being very heavy and bigger than a 4a, is a fine piece, with a bright viewfinder and automatic correction of parallax.

It's a pity that it has the outer bayonet only. In any case the Helios is an extremely fine lens and all other lenses with outer bayonet, perfectly fit to the camera.

Many people say that the Kiev-5 suffered of bad construction and many defects. From what I see and have tried with my one, I can say that this camera is a very good one under any aspect. Only, now it's quite expensive!

Elmar Lang
 
I don't think more than three or four of those were made, and if one were to surface now I'd expect it to sell for a sum well in the four digits.

Didn´t know that that many were made. Thought it was a single piece just to show what the soviets were capable of. IMO, it´s today price will be well beyond the four digits you mentioned as it is a real collectible and almost unique camera/lens combo.
But anyway to have a dream of is very cheap, isnt´it?
Cheers
Ernesto
 
I almost paid $150 for a Kiev 5 a few years ago, The size of the Kiev scared me away. Too big. but it sure would be nice to have that viewfinder on a Kiev 4 Kievman
 
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