Kiev lens choices?

Hey Ash

I'm pleased to hear you're enjoying the "Kiev-tax" :) I'm glad it went to a good home.

Others may correct me on this, but I think the only things you'd need to swap to make a Kiev 4 into a 4a would be the chrome top plate, the rewind knob and the top casting. Instructions on removing the top of the camera can be found on the Kiev Survival site.

Did you keep the spare chrome top plate and rewind knob I gave you with the Kiev? If so, I've got a 4a top casting you could have, gratis. PM me your address if you're interested and I'll send it down to you.

cheers

Gav

Ash said:
oh also... I'm after getting another kiev. it seems near-impossible to find them cheap without the lightmeter - any way of buying parts and replacing the top plate to make a 4 into a 4a???
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Hey Gav, great to hear from you. I'm trying to get more use out of the kiev - it deserves it :)

I'll send you a pm momentarily.


Thanks

Ash
 
The rewind shaft bush is different it is longer for the concentric dials of the exposure meter calculator and variable resistor. I think you could shorten it with a saw, it is easily removable, from the chaiss of the camera. The rewind shaft would need to be from a meter less camera as it is also shorter, as is the knob. The front plate may need to be bent a little which only needs care.

I thought the meter was totally ugly and horrible but it works (or should work) really well, so I'm happy with mine, the extra bulk I can live with. My other selenium meters tend to die but my '54 still operates really well. The metered cameras tend to be cheaper, I like that... ugly perhaps but they are not female photo models, except on this site?
 
I have a Menopta 53/1.8 on my Kiev 4am - it is somewhat rare, but not impossible to find. Very similar in construction to the Helios to the point where I originally believed them to be exact copies. However, the Menopta is a shade shorter than the Helios. Side by side, both are extremely sharp, the Menopta shows a little more contrast.

A brand-new Helios lens, shipped from Russia, will set you back about $15 or $20. I bought two new ones just to have - as I've said before, the bang for the buck of the Keiv-Helios/Jupiter kit is just off the charts good. I am routinely stunned by the combo.
 
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