Question with Kiev 4 Lenses

[kl122002]

Thank you Ruben.
I wondered, Can all contax lenses being used in Kiev camera or in opposite way? E.g, the collapsible Sonnar on Kiev? Helios 103 on Contaxes?

 

[Spyderman]

I wondered, Can all contax lenses being used in Kiev camera or in opposite way? E.g, the collapsible Sonnar on Kiev? Helios 103 on Contaxes?

Yes Kevin, most can be interchanged between Kievs and pre-war Contaxes. Not so the post-war Contax IIa and IIIa (the pre-war Biogon 35/2.8 and Jupiter-12 won't mount onpost-war Contaxes).

I've read about problems mounting Helios-103 on Contax and early Kiev, but with the other lenses there should be no problems.

 

[kl122002]

THank you, Spyderman.
I wondered, if I put on the Jupiter -12or other lens, how to focus? Use the focus ring on the lens or the wheel besides the RF?

 

[Spyderman]

50mm and shorter focal length * - focus wheel or lens
longer than 50mm focal length - focus only by turning lens barrel
__________________________
* only if the focus is reasonably smooth - you don't want to stress the focussing gears too much

 

[ruben]

Hi Kevin,

Let's put aside for a moment your many questions, and go back to the basic issue of buying a Kiev and having to open it. In a few moments you will better understand me why.

Since you say you are not afraid of dealing with fixings, upon having done it already on a Retina, I assume you will order (purchase) a Kiev, and I gave you my full support. But here you have to stop your inquires, I am speaking with a friendly intention, and see what Kiev you you have gotten

It is expected that your new Kiev will come with a standard lens. From this point there are a lot of variables that may change your course of action. One possibility is that after processing your first roll, you will be happy up to the sky, and may want to order all possible lenses.

But there are many possibilities on the middle as well. For example, that you will get a light leak, or that you will find the winding knob too stiff, or etc. I just don't want to fill you with horror stories 🙂

But what I am trying to say is that it will be reasonable, moderated, practical, and balanced, that the moment you order your first Kiev be prepared for a situation in which you will not be able to use it immediately as a daily camera, and will have to continue with one of the cameras you already have, until you make your Kiev to work to the level of your satisfaction.

I repeat, it can happen that right from the start you will get a good one making you happy, but seek peace at the same time you are ready for war.

It is from this viewpoint that I recommend to leave aside all other issues, in order not to arrive into a situation you will become a Kiev eater of camera after camera, lens after lens, becoming into an expensive bunch of gear with only one camera working so so.

If you are spiritually ready to disassemble Kievs, paradise is in your horizont. But you will not get there at rocket speed.

Cheers,
Ruben

 

[kl122002]

Thank you very much Ruden, for warning and reminding me. Yes, I am a little bit hurried and 'over-joyed' with my Kiev. THe camera is not arrived.
Your words remind me what had happened on my voigtlander prominent. I won it from ebay, and ordered a proximenter II right after the payment of the camera. However, the camera's shutter was stuck and the RF was not accurate when it arrived. I spent nearly a month to fix it and adjust the RF. The proximeter II and the fresh film were stayed at a conner and waiting. That month was terrible.

Your words are wise.🙂I think it wold be better to wait for the camera come first.