ErnestoJL
Well-known
ZorkiKat said::angel:
I've still 8, only 2 working. Make that 9 if the scrapped donor body is included.
I find the camera too complicated - for repair, maintainance, or even downright use. Too complicated to be relied upon for "real work".
Since comparisons with cars and bikes have already been made in this thread, I would compare a Zorki-1 or FED-1 to a Volkswagen. Reliable, even after all these years. Possible to fix, and once fixed, can go on and on. Hard to swat, and will keep on buzzing. That's probably why my Zorki/FED to Kiev ratio is almost 10:1.
In use, I've never been able to shoot as quick with the Kiev as I could with the FED or Zorki. I've never missed a shot with the Barnack types. Even with their
separate VF/RF eyepieces. So I may not miss the Kiev so much- except for the same reason as you do- the "look" from the lenses, particularly the Helios 103. I never found the Kiev an easy tool to use for street and candid photography- that's just me. :angel:
Jay
Jay:
I started the opposite way, I fell in love with a Contax but I got a Kiev 4. later came the Contax as well as another Kiev4. Not later than a month later I was wandering what´s the magic around Barnack bodies and bought a Zorki1.
Today I do not regret having both types.
Fortunately both exists!
Chhers
Ernesto
newspaperguy
Well-known
Count me with Ernesto... I have two Kievs I use regularly, a 1956 2a and 1959 4,
both of which have worked faultlessly (after light sealing) plus a Zorki 1d and 1e that are the perfect carry cameras... well th ragged looking 1d is the carry-cam,
the mint later model is a shelf queen. I also have a Kiev 3 in pieces, although I don't remember why and a badly machined late Kiev 4 (also in pieces.)
Rick B ... back on the list after years of digital absence.
both of which have worked faultlessly (after light sealing) plus a Zorki 1d and 1e that are the perfect carry cameras... well th ragged looking 1d is the carry-cam,
the mint later model is a shelf queen. I also have a Kiev 3 in pieces, although I don't remember why and a badly machined late Kiev 4 (also in pieces.)
Rick B ... back on the list after years of digital absence.