Kiev 88CM - Impressions and problems

[TimSmith-Laing]

Hi everyone,

I know this isn't an RF, but I need a little bit of help on my new Kiev 88CM. The major problem is an intermittent, but extremely irritating light leak. Some frames are almost totally untouched, while others are left totally ruined, and nearly completely bleached out.

Unfortunately I can't post you any shots, because I don't have access to my scanner for a while. But, the major problems are on the top and left hand of the frames. Particularly the top left corner. On some shots a horizontal line is visible running from the left across the centre of the image.

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to work out that this is probably a fault with the back and/or the dark slight that you have to remove to shoot. But, short of swaddling the whole body in black velvet (which could potentially be quite cool, if impractical), I don't know of a simple, unobtrusive way to sort this out.

Has anyone got any tips?

Besides this problem, I'm fairly pleased with the thing. It's obviously not a Hassy; obviously. But then, in comparison it is an absolute bargain. The gears aren't exactly smooth, and the shutter sounds like a firing squad. Plus, one piece of the leatherette is already peeling. BUT, actually, the build quality seems very, very solid. The back clicks into place very satisfyingly (apart from the infuriating light leak), and is a pleasure to load. The viewfinder is bright and clear, and the lens mounts very reasuringly (it's been modified for a Pentacon 6 mount). And, when not marred by the light leak, the images are very nicely rendered. I've always been a fan of FSU glass for colour, and the Arsat 80 is no exception. The bokeh is very pleasing to the eye, and the pics have, for me, a very pleasing quality.

All in all, I'd be very happy if someone could just help me out with this light leak... So, please, your expertise would be very welcome!

All the best,

Tim

 

[rxmd]

Hi Tim,

the major problems are on the top and left hand of the frames. Particularly the top left corner. On some shots a horizontal line is visible running from the left across the centre of the image. [...] Has anyone got any tips?

Kiev 88 owner here (#8509448). You have a bad back. I have one that does the same.

You can fix the back by changing the light seals. It's a bit fiddly but a matter of 20 minutes or so. The procedure is very similar to the one for Hasselblad A-12 backs. If I remember correctly the light seal kits for Hasselblad backs fit the Kiev back as well. (EDIT: Here's the procedure for changing the light trap on a Hasselblad back.)

Since you asked for an easy fix: I find I don't exchange backs that often. I normally ditch the dark slide and just run 40 cm of black electrical tape all around when using the back. Does the job. Very easy.

In the long run, you might get an NT back, they are really a whole lot better regarding light leaks and film transport, and you get double exposure capability.

Philipp

 

[Krosya]

Yep - what RXMD said - I too own a Kiev 88 and I think it's a great camera. Great bargain, superb lenses. I too had a light leak problem at one point - got a new back and problem is solved. I thought about changing light seals, and I may do that sometime, but getting a new back just seems easier to me. Plus as you can see - Hassys have problems with this and a lot more as well - just read some of their forums. 😉
Noise - well, Hassy sounds about as loud, really - I had both at one time. Sold Hassy - kept Kiev. Why? - Kiev is almost as good - if you can find a good one, and I could get more money for Hassy. But reality is - Kievs are great machines, that are capable of great results - I have a few pics on flickr to prove it. I think that more often than not people that have mechanical problems with them - either got a camera that was abused, or unfamiliar with it and break it themselves due to not knowing how to use it properly. I have some experience with russian/FSU cameras and lenses and never had any major problem.

 

[Kin Lau]

I also have a Kiev 88.

One thing I've noticed with one of my backs, is that sometimes the back isn't seated completely. I can just bump it, and then it'll fully click into place.

Changing the lightseals is easy. It's only a few screws, and I used felt. But just taking the darkslide out and _leaving_ it out works fine 🙂.

 

[TimSmith-Laing]

Thanks guys, that's really helpful...

In fact, now I look at the dark slide itself, I can actually see traces of the black foam on it. Not a good sign I'm assuming. Looks like I'll have to do exactly what you say. Philipp, on the NT backs, if you mean one of the new Kiev updated designs, I think I've already got one. I have double exposure capability, at least. But it seems that they can have problems too - curse. But thanks for the link Philipp, it all looks pretty easy from that.

Otherwise, Krosya, it's reassuring to hear you have that much faith in Kievs - and I really think this 'll turn out to be gem when I fix the seals. A loud, heavy gem, but still a gem.

My last question is, where do I get a kit, or what's the best household thing to use instead? Was it any particular kind of felt that you used, Kin?

Thanks!

Tim

 

[Kin Lau]

My last question is, where do I get a kit, or what's the best household thing to use instead? Was it any particular kind of felt that you used, Kin?

I got my felt from the dollar store.

 

[dll927]

Isn't there a company, in Atlanta, I think, that sells 88's they have purchased and re-conditioned? Maybe 're-conditioned' is the wrong word, since they are supposed to be new cameras, but they do fix up some of the rough edges. All in all, is this a case of getting what you pay for?