Russian Contax Copy

[rbsinto]

I 'm new to the world of rangefinder cameras, although I've been shooting with manual focus Nikon SLRs for almost thirty years, so please forgive my ignorance.
I recently purchased a very nice user Nikon S3, and in lieu of robbing an armoured car to finance a second Nikon body, am considering one of the Russian Contax copies as an inexpensive alternative.
First, is there a less risky alternative to ebay to source these cameras?

Second, while searching on ebay, I've come across numerous sellers in Russia, and Ukraine selling various Fed, Zorki and Kiev cameras.
I've purchased many SLR bits and pieces on ebay over the years, but only from US and Canadian sellers, and have never had a problem. However, I've heard many horror stories about dealing with individuals from the old Eastern bloc (among other places in the world). Am I simply throwing money away by trying to purchase something from the FSU?

Third, and specifically, I found one seller (sp314) with two identical Russian-made Contax copies, badged Contax rather than Kiev or whatever (the listing for one is 120097818575). They are black and look quite nice and have a BUY IT NOW of $89.00 US. For that kind of money is one getting a camera that actualy works, and has a reasonalbly accurate shutter, or is it just a case full of nuts and bolts?
The price being what it is, I'm willing to take a shot and buy one, but I thought it might just be better to ask people who presumably have more experience than I do before possibly just throwing money away either on junk, or worse, being fleeced.
Any insight or help would be appreciated.
Please and thank you.

 

[rbiemer]

I can't comment on the specific seller you mention since I've not done business with him/her but I can offer some observations.
I have bought a bunch of cameras, lenses, and accys from ebayers in the FSU and have been mostly very happy with my choices.
I like the looks of the black re painted Kievs but always wonder about what the camera looked like before the paint job.
Yes there is a much less risky alternative(two alternatives, in fact), albeit a bit more $:
http://www.fedka.com/catalog/
And:
http://www.okvintagecamera.com/index.html
FEDKA is in the US and Oleg is in Russia but both are very good.
The cameras they sell have been serviced and the cameras the typical FSU ebayer sells may be working now but likely has not been serviced ever. Or badly.
Good hunting!
Rob

 

[kmack]

If you are in the market for a Kiev please check Fedka's site. It is your best bet on this side of the pond.

The price you mentioned is not unreasonable for a Kiev in good condition, however, there is no guarantee that they will be in good working condition. You can buy one and end up sending it to Fedka for a CLA or
just get one from Fedka.

 

[Screwy]

No experience with sp314 but I have seen his black Contax copy's on Ebay ,Your best bet is to check out his feedback and maybe contact one of his previous buyers .
As for other FSU sellers , I've been quite lucky and had no problem at all with the eight or nine I've used in the past , though my expectations are quite low when buying off Ebay regarding cosmetic condition and working condition . The biggest problem is the lengthy wait for the post .

As for a safer seller rather than Ebay I'm pretty sure most people will recommend Oleg at OK Cameras or Fedka at fedka.com for fully cleaned and inspected cameras that give you that little bit of peace of mind .


Paul

Damn I type to slowly rbiemer beat me to it .

 

[xayraa33]

I would recommend to buy Kiev rf gear from Fedka or Oleg or even our own classifieds.
the FSU sellers on that auction site seem to be a real gamble mostly,were you are the loser more often than not.

 

[rbsinto]

Gentlemen,
When I get virtually the same answers from four different sources, I know I 'm being given good and accurate advice. Fedka has a couple of cameras that seem very suitable, and I'm sure one or the other will do just nicely, and I'll only have to rob my daughter's piggy bank to buy it.
Thank you all for the help.