Kiev v FED v Zorki

T

Turves

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Sorry if this thread stirs up controvercy. So keep it nice.

I have had read a Beginners guide to FSU Rangefinders.

I have looked at a bunch of web sites and seen a few examples of FEDs, Zorkis in reality.

Still undecided as to what to purchase (To reward myself after I get a new job).

Really this is a question of Leica copy v Contax copy. How it handles, and feels, what the reliability is like.
 
Buy a good one of each :) Reliability (or otherwise) depends on how good the last service was, how recent the last service was, how well it was put together when made and whether it's been meddled with (these cameras invite meddling) or made of bits of seperate cameras.

I like them all, but whatever you decide, get one that's been well serviced or in regular use (preferably both)
 
Good advice given.

Not much practical difference between similar Zorki/FED models. If you like old Leicas, you'll love these. Kievs require a different mindset. Yes, I have both.
 
I share Peter's opinion: It's the last rpair job or CLA that counts.
Then come some trivia like the difference between a Zorki 4 and a Fed 3 VF.
For example I have not been able to find a decently working Zorki 1 for decades (literally)
but got usable Zorki 4's and Feds.
The one ideal working Kiev 4a I bought from a RFFer who has a very good rep as a repairman and I am still very pleased....but before that I bought 2 other ones that were not so great (one was even bought new in the 80's)
So be prepared that it's not a question of Zorki vs Fed vs Kiev but of individual specimens
Best regards
Des
 
Fed 4 or 5 are dirt cheap, usually work well (perhaps not the meter) and the I-61 lenses are good (but often stiff focussing unless re-lubed). The low price is due to the ugliness but a good usable way into FSU gear
 
Given equally well working examples of each, I prefer the LTM cmaeras--FEDs and Zorkis--because there are many more lens choices available.
I don't dislike the Kievs, but for me, when I decided to pursue this interest, I wanted to be able to put together a fairly broad selection of lenses to use and the LTM cmaeras made that easier and less expensive.
It seems like the general pattern formost of us FSU users is that we start with one and use it for a while, either become dissatisfied with it or become intrigued with what the other models might be like and gather several/many more, use those for a time and end up settling on one or two that work well (and work well for us) as our main shooters.
My "needs" evolved as I went until I had a pretty clear idea of what I wanted in a camera and I then sought the camera that best fit those wants.
It has been a fun journey and I'm not done yet!
Rob
 
I'll agree with the opinion that it's more important how well looked after it has been. General rule is that older ones were better made but, like any rule, there are plenty of exceptions. As for FED/Zorki versus Kiev, they each have their plusses and minuses.

The "Contax grip" for the Kievs doesn't suit everyone and Kievs are a more complex camera, mechanically. Zorki/FED 1 models are excellent for pocketability but later models are easier to use and have more features. Horses for courses, what do you want from it?
 
....interestingly the prices for Kiev mount lenses are now very often lower than for their ltm counterparts
 
From my experience:

Zorkii/Fed - Pros:
- small size, pocketability
- when you upgrade to a Leica IIIx you will be able to use the lenses
Zorkii/Fed - Cons:
- primative shutter - tends to give slighly ununiform exposure from one side of the frame to the other.

Kiev - Pros:
- better shutter. I can hand-hold my Kiev 4 down to 1/25, same as my Leica IIIf. Exposures are more uniform.
Kiev - Cons:
- It is a heavy, bulky camera and will not fit into your pocket.

As far as lens selections are concerned you can get a basic set, 35mm/50mm/85mm/135mm for either camera. I have found that the Helios 103 for the Kiev is a very sharp contrasty lens.
 
I vote for the Kiev. A good early one feels as nice as an M3 in its own way, and the lenses are more consistent - the 50mm (any of em, the Jupiter 3, 8 or Helios) are all fantastic quality and a comparative bargain. They're simpler hence more likely to be put together properly.

it's trickier to find a 28mm, though, if you want to go wide, the Russian lenses come up rarely, while the Voigtlander Nikon mount wide angles are harder to find these days.
 
My favourites are Zorki 4 and Kiev 4a. My Kiev 4a is the quietest camera I ever had (if we don't consider central shutter cameras). It has 47 years and is quieter than my Bessa R. Zorki 4 looks just sexy for me, it fits perfectly my hands.
 
Zorki has the best viewfinder - as far as I know. Take the Zorki 4 or the Zorki 4K (which additionally has a lever for film advance).

Kiev does use the Contax mount - if you wanna buy a Leica later, you could use (some of) your old LTM Jupiters, but cannot use the Jupiters from the Kiev.

If you buy one, have a look at slow shutter speeds, if the shutter closes fluently, if the shutter has not been damaged by sunburn or similar etc.
 
Interesting, I thought my thread could start some FSU camera war, but instead we find that you guys and gals are open to a variety of styles and brands of these attractive cameras. Not that it was my intention to start a war.

A lot of forums have what I call 'forum nazis' who are totally adamant in their own opionions and rules as being the only ones that count.

It sounds too, that you like to explore the posibilities and feel and limitations of the various FSU cameras and then explore some more.

Thanks for your input.
 
To clarify a bit on my choice of LTM rather than Kiev cameras; as I mentioned I wanted the option to use some of the many LTM lenses available. The Kiev mount lenses I have used have been very good, I think and I could happily use any of them. I had 35, 50, 85, and 135--Jupiters 12, 8m, 9, and 11. But I do like wider lenses also. Not 28mm so much but the CV 21mm is one of my favorites and quite a bit less expensive than any Contax mount 21 I've seen. And I'm not sure those would work on the Kiev anyway.
The other BIG plus to using the Kiev mount Jupiters is that they seem to be less troublesome--or less meddled with?--and generally work well with out the focus issues of the LTM versions. Especially the J9 and J3.
Nuts. Now I am thinking I want to get another Kiev. Maybe a Kiev 5 this time...:bang:
:D
Rob
 
I've got a wide variety of FSU cameras and like them all but my favorite is my first one, a Fed 2 with a 50mm Industar 22. Good finder, compact, great lens and it fits my hands well. You really need to try a few and see which seems right to you. I have bought most from the online auction site but my future buys will be from someone like fedka. Good Luck and Enjoy. Joe
 
Turves said:
Interesting, I thought my thread could start some FSU camera war, but instead we find that you guys and gals are open to a variety of styles and brands of these attractive cameras.
Click to expand...

That's because FSU camera users tend to be discerning photographers to begin with :)

My two cents, have one of each style (Contax and LTM). My FSU collection comprises of a sleek black Kiev 4A, and a Zorki 1. Both working just fine and take good pictures.

FYI, search this forum and online for Eddie Smolov for servicing your FSU cameras, especially if you get them from the big auction site.
 
Turves said:
Interesting, I thought my thread could start some FSU camera war, but instead we find that you guys and gals are open to a variety of styles and brands of these attractive cameras. Not that it was my intention to start a war.

A lot of forums have what I call 'forum nazis' who are totally adamant in their own opionions and rules as being the only ones that count.

It sounds too, that you like to explore the posibilities and feel and limitations of the various FSU cameras and then explore some more.

Thanks for your input.
Click to expand...

You're talking about cameras that cost $50. Pretty hard to get worked up over old stuff that costs practically nothing. I know what you mean and I always thought it was totally absurd. A camera is a camera. Deciding which one is not likely to make me lose any sleep.
 
Hi,

The trouble is we are talking about old, second-hand cameras and there's no way of knowing what has been done to them or with them. You might be lucky and get one that's been used regularly and looked after. Better still, if it has had a minor repair and a thorough check over by someone competent.

But - a great big "but" here - there are people in this wicked world who sell dud cameras and people who buy them and think they can easily repair them because they've read an article on the web. But they often don't understand simple tools like screwdriver - which must fit the screw slot and that's only the starting point - and generally add to the problem. Then they have a bright idea and sell them on...

I think any competent technician can repair them but he/she will need a bit of guidance and experience before I'd be happy with the result. General competence works well when you know where you are going and have experienced a few disasters but even then it takes experience to avoid the disasters.

All you can do is look at others' experience (cheaper than yours) and buy with a guarantee, which might cost more. Or else shut your eyes and point and pay and hope you're lucky.

Luck's really the most important factor. Luckily the cameras are tough enough to take a lot of abuse.

Regards, David

BTW, once checked etc the cameras are brilliant. I've had FED and Zorki 1, 2, 3 and 4's and like them as much as the Leica I's, II's and III's
 
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