Kiev II vs. Kiev 4(a,am and so on)

[santino]

Hi!

my question is, is there much difference between the old kiev bodies and the new ones (off course I mean quality)? everybody knows that early kievs contain original Zeiss parts, does that make much difference?

thanks

 

[Paul T.]

It's pretty minimal. I own a Kiev II which was supposedly overhauled, and a 60s 4a. The II looks more like the original Contax, has a nicer-looking logo and has had fewer problems than my $15 4a, but any differences are minor. If a Kiev II is early enough to have any Contax parts, it will probably cost you more than the original Contax. Generally, if you can get the II for around $100 it's worth the premium, but a 60s camera will still be fantastically well made for the price.

 

[wyk_penguin]

Get a Kiev that works well and has nice ribbons rather than focusing on a specific model.

Older Kievs are indeed more fluid in operation, but the ribbons are also more prone to break (due to age more than anything).

 

[Stanton]

I have two Kievs, both in the V series, one with meter and one without, one manufactured in 1981 and one in 1983. Both have always been fine. I think a good deal of the quality issue is offset by luck in purchasing.