Kiev film advance tip

[John Bailey]

This has probably been discussed before but I recently rediscovered how to wind my Kiev 4a quickly for the next shot if I don't have to change the shutter speed or refocus.

I re-discovered the Contax/Kiev flip wrist winding method I had read about but didn't understand til now. Holding the Kiev vertically in your left hand with the lens facing you, grip the winding know with your right thumb and index finger knuckles so that the left hand is under and the right hand is over. Then flip the camera with your left hand 180 degrees rotating around the right hand pivot point. This forces the winding knob to rotate in the clockwise direction without straining your right wrist or elbow. Raise camera to compose and shoot.

I just have to try it now with film. I've been praticing with an empty camera.

 

[HankOsaurus]

Thanks for sharing the tip, John. I've been practicing that move since I read your post. I wish the "Kiev Hold" was as easy for me.

Your post reminded me that I "discovered" the K4a's "T" (time) shutter speed setting by accident not so long ago. It had not been so obvious from the online manuals I have seen. There is no obvious setting for it on the camera. For the few KNEB-bers who may not know, the shutter button will lock in the down position when rotated counterclockwise after pressing down. This, combined with the B setting, accomplishes a T setting. Just rotate the button back to its original position and release to end the Time exposure.

About the winding .. A couple of years back, I caused a ribbon in mine to let go by winding it way too vigorously and snappily. After buying some new Arsenal ribbon from Oleg in Moscow, and getting some valuable guidance from Rick Oleson, I replaced the ribbons. The job was tedious for me, but the K4a has worked perfectly for the past two years. I wind the camera ever so carefully and deliberately now.... So far so good.

I'm really impressed with the images from the Jupiter 8M.

Happy day.

 

[John Bailey]

Thanks for the note to not wind too vigorously.