giovanegian
Newbie
Hello everybody!
I want to know what Kiev is the model I bought, please see the pic:
(front)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/53062167@N02/5632914348/
(serial)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/53062167@N02/5632327659
Strange, isn't it? Since Cirillic fonts remind us to 40's or 50's Kiev design, but the serial starts with 60....
Thank you in advance.
Cheers.
I want to know what Kiev is the model I bought, please see the pic:
(front)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/53062167@N02/5632914348/
(serial)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/53062167@N02/5632327659
Strange, isn't it? Since Cirillic fonts remind us to 40's or 50's Kiev design, but the serial starts with 60....
Thank you in advance.
Cheers.
brachal
Refrigerated User
Looks like an early 4a to me.
acheyj
Well-known
Yup early 4a, later models had plastic insert on the selftimer lever.
ron
ron
xayraa33
rangefinder user and fancier
A Kiev 4a with the lens mount and front plate of a Kiev II
kuzano
Veteran
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...
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...
bobby_novatron
Photon Collector
Yes, something looks a little different about that particular Kiev body ... I have an early 1960's Kiev 4a and a 1981 version, and the engraved front plates on both of mine don't look like that one at all.
sevo
Fokutorendaburando
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.
nzeeman
Well-known
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...)
stevebrot
Established
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
xayraa33
rangefinder user and fancier
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.
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.
bobby_novatron
Photon Collector
Very interesting detective work, everybody! I think we have a Franken-Kiev on our hands...
Zorkiiglaza
Established
Princelle shows a variant of the IIa -- A60 engraved with Kiev in Cyrillic only-page 208
Dez
Bodger Extraordinaire
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
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
nzeeman
Well-known
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..
kuzano
Veteran
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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