What Kiev is this

Not sure.... but...

Not sure.... but...

My Kneb... was told it was 1952 or 53. Possibly assembled with original Contax parts included in the transition of the factory from Germany to Kiev Arsenal...???? Could benefit by some better information if available. In any event.... not to hijack your post.

I was told the Kneb inscription is key.

My camera and a couple of pics...
 
front plate is from pre-1955 kiev, and rest of it looks like 60s kiev. in fact shoe and top plate are surely from 60s. maybe the parts under leather can be 50s also because it reminds me on my 50s kiev. for the mechanism we cant say but since the rewind button is 60s design it is probably 60s mechanism inside. (which is not bad in any way - best of my kievs is from 60s...)
 
sevo said:
Part 4a, part II - a 4a with bits of II front decoration sounds more likely, but we'd have to see all of it to know that for sure.
Click to expand...

My opinion as well. The serial # is the key here I think (indicates a date of manufacture in 1960). Notice too the lack of the "foot" on the bottom plate. I suspect that this one was assembled out of a parts bin.


Steve
 
No one noticed the front and side distance engraving on the lens mount collar?

The Kiev II & IIa had them like that, just like on the original Contax II
On the 4a only the front distance numbers where engraved on the lens mount collar.
 
It looks like a nice condition Kiev 2A. The front plate has a square bottom and fine quality plating, unlike the 4 series which had a tapered plate, and rather crummy chrome. The obvious anachronisms are the accessory shoe and the later back. Probably replaced.
Is there a difference in the chrome plating between the front plate and the back? Generally the more Kiev 2 and fewer Kiev 4A bits the better.

Cheers,
Dez
 
kuzano said:
My Kneb... was told it was 1952 or 53. Possibly assembled with original Contax parts included in the transition of the factory from Germany to Kiev Arsenal...???? Could benefit by some better information if available. In any event.... not to hijack your post.

I was told the Kneb inscription is key.

My camera and a couple of pics...
Click to expand...

i just realised that we ignored this post - sorry.
yes this looks like genuine pre 1955 kiev - what is serial number of camera? i see that lens dates in 1955..
 
nzeeman said:
i just realised that we ignored this post - sorry.
yes this looks like genuine pre 1955 kiev - what is serial number of camera? i see that lens dates in 1955..
Click to expand...

The serial on my camera is 55164
Lens 55222825

So, looks like both are 1955... possibly together since leaving the factory at Kiev Arsenal.

The camera was supposedly CLA'd by the previous owner, but that's not documented. Other than working quite smoothly and delivering wonderfully exposed/sharp images, I have only had one problem with the windon prongs coming loose and film bunching up on takeup. I tightened that screw and no problems since. It really has been a reliable Kiev otherwise.

Takes a special grip to stay clear of the right rangefinder window. I am amazed at the very long base leg of the rangefinder. The rangefinder patch is quite bright and when the focus shows coincidence, it is very clear that it is focused. It's right on at all distances.

This is the only FSU I have ever tried, and for 35mm, this has been a happy experience. I can endorse the Kiev as a very nice experience when you get one that's all sorted out.
 
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kuzano said:
My Kneb... was told it was 1952 or 53. Possibly assembled with original Contax parts included in the transition of the factory from Germany to Kiev Arsenal...???? Could benefit by some better information if available. In any event.... not to hijack your post.

I was told the Kneb inscription is key.

My camera and a couple of pics...
Click to expand...

Wow Kuzano, that is a nice looking K-NEB. Looks just like one of my Kievs. 😀 😀
 
kuzano said:
My Kneb... was told it was 1952 or 53. Possibly assembled with original Contax parts included in the transition of the factory from Germany to Kiev Arsenal...???? Could benefit by some better information if available. In any event.... not to hijack your post.

I was told the Kneb inscription is key.

My camera and a couple of pics...
Click to expand...

Highly unlikely there are original German parts in 1952/53 Kiev - they are mostly in 1950 or earlier Kievs.
 
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