Strange Kiev

[ocala]

Hi
I've just purchased a Kiev 4 from ebay and am awaiting delivery. The photos of the camera below show a serial no. beginning 56, which I understand is the year of production. As such, it should be a Kiev 3. The lens is clearly newer. The strange thing is, though, is that it has the Kiev 4 later body shape, and appears to be fitted with a Kiev 2/3 type back with the fold out foot. Could this be a factory hybrid or a marriage of different parts? It is not a problem if it is, as I want it as a spares camera anyway.
Your thoughts would be appreciated.
Robin

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/ocala/kiev4_5618396_4.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/ocala/kiev4_5618396_2.jpg

 

[Pherdinand]

Looks indeed as a hybrid. The top / meter "bump" is definitely not the older giant one copied from the contax III, but the newer, more streamlined version just like on my kiev 4 from 1960.

 

[ErnestoJL]

I have a Kiev 4 made during´66, and as far as I see, the body is exactly the same as yours, but from the lens which is newer (1976). Two small differences: the foldable foot (mine doesn´t have it) and the accesory shoe carries a russian legend saying "Made in USSR", along with serial number, and no english legend. Also, the russian legend is different in my camera. It seems that yours is a hybrid, but I do not remember when Arsenal modified the back and included the tripod socket within the main casting. In fact the Kiev 4 is a hybrid of old and new style Contaxes in many ways, like the rangefinder, the design of which belongs to the Contax II / III, having the meter box styled following the Contax IIIa.