What to expect?

[f8&go]

So now I've purchased Solinar's Kiev 4AM.

First I started by picking up haagen_daz's IIIf,
fulfilling a long-time desire. I have trouble dragging it around
as a user 'cause it's too pretty so now the Kiev is
in line for trial as a knock around user.

It's hardly a terrible risk for me but I have no
idea what this wil be like in actuality.
It's fun waiting for the mail but feel free to
offer any opinions or advice if you've got the time
to kill. A lot heavier than the IIIf?

Also, is there a particular antibiotic prescribed for this infection?

 

[Stanton]

Now that I have 3 Kievs, 5 FEDs, 4 Zorki's, and a Photosniper, I guess the answer is no --- or at least the bug needs more time to be worked out of my system. Dave😉

 

[rbiemer]

So now I've purchased Solinar's Kiev 4AM.
Also, is there a particular antibiotic prescribed for this infection?

Since you have a camera coming from Solinar, it will be at least as good as he described it, so no worries there.
The sad news is: there is no antiGASbiotic. Sorry. Some very few people are immune but they don't produce any antiGAS serum.
Your prognosis:
In the next week or two: there will be lots of websurfing looking for "Kiev Info".
In the next month: there will be some "exploratory" bids on some FSU bargain.
In the end:
Either you sweat it out or you end up with all of them.

Welcome to the club!

Rob

 

[Gordon Coale]

f8&go -- Welcome to the dark side!

Stanton -- A photosniper? I need one of those...

 

[f8&go]

Yes, yes in the distance...I see the gates of doom opening to welcome me.

Gee, but it looks like fun in there...

Thanks all for the friendly welcomes.

 

[rolleistef]

how could you possibly buy a kiev after the prettiest camera ever??
on the other side, how could i possibly buy a kiev after buying a rolleiflex? it's like buying your dream's Bugatti and then being so scared crashing it that you only drive a smart or a twingo or any of those cheap car that need to shift back when the overdrive you - when you're riding a bike of course!

 

[Ash]

You may end up using the Kiev more than the Leica. I definitely prefered mine to the leica clones! they're quite weighty but not uncomfortably so.

 

[reagan]

Also, is there a particular antibiotic prescribed for this infection?

If there is, they sure couldn't sell it in this forum! 😛 Enjoy the Kiever!

 

[f8&go]

You've all helped me get over a little
buyer's remorse that started to nag
me a bit.

rolleistef describe the IIIf as the "prettiest camera ever."
I think that's perfectly correct, beautifully stated.

I have so far been lucky to have avoided 12-step
programs & support groups.
Now look where I am!

Really appreciate the friendly responses.

 

[Solinar]

It looks like I have nervous buyer. Worry not.

This is my 1000th post by the way - I was saving it for the day that I finally trimmed down my collection of 35mm and the unveiling of my Bessa II medium format RF with a Color Heliar.

Regarding the Kiev - you have definitely lucked out - the Kiev 4AM is pristine and CLA'd by Oleg - which is not a typical FSU scenario.

Second -Even though I prefer the Leica - the Kiev 4AM is much easier to use than the IIIf. A 4AM has normal film loading. Its combined RF/VF is a plus with a very wide RF base makes focusing extremely accurate. The 4AM even has a 1/4" tripod socket and a rewind crank.

Here is some advice:

Do Read the camera manual - http://www.butkus.org/chinon/kiev-4M/kiev-4M_kiev-4.pdf

Wind first - then set the shutter speed.

There are two latches for the bottom. The latch underneath the winder/shutter speed knob needs to be set to the half-way position to rewind your film. There are no markings on this one.

An important note - do not put a filter or hood on the J12 - A stuck filter will dismantle the lens - if you force it off. The Jupiter 12 on that camera is also pristine.

Last but not least - enjoy.

 

[steamer]

The road from the 4am leads directly to the the Contax II which leads to the IIa, there's no stopping now, enjoy the ride.

 

[f8&go]

Solinar,

Thanks for the link & info.

Please don't think I had any doubts
about you or your representation of the camera.
I'm simply haunted by the fact that my impulse purchases
have proven to be blunders about 50% of the time.

Congrats on your milestone post & Bessa kit!

 

[vrgard]

The road from the 4am leads directly to the the Contax II which leads to the IIa, there's no stopping now, enjoy the ride.

And even if not, it definitely leads to all the wonderful, inexpensive matching lenses for the Kiev. Since you're already getting the Jupiter 12, then it's on to the Jupiter 9, Jupiter 11, Helios 103, etc. Hope you enjoy your Kiev as much as I have mine!

-Randy

 

[Dougg]

The Kiev 4am is an excellent camera; a step forward from the several 4a that I've had. All of those had light leak issues and a couple had shutter problems, but once straightened out they've been very good. Steamer's right, though; the Kiev could lead to more expensive Contax gear! Did lead to a Contax IIIa for me... which of course needed a CLA... so it goes!

But I'd urge you to use your Leica IIIf and not let it languish in the dust on the shelf. It deserves to be used. With respect of course...

Your hesitancy over the IIIf reminds me of a buddy who got an old Chev pickup for personal transport as well as a practical utility vehicle. But he liked things nice, and started fixing it up. This eventually lead to a full restoration, at which time he got a beater VW bug for transportation. The truck became a show vehicle, too nice for utility chores. He kept the VW, but he liked things nice, so started banging out dents and generally cleaning it up too. Pretty soon the Beetle was also too cherry to drive regularly! I'm sure he had fun, but you can see he also created a problem... So, unless you consider your Leica a collectors' item, give it some exercise! 🙂

 

[f8&go]

Dougg,

Excellent post, provoked thought

I love the IIIf, it'll see use; I'm curious how the Kiev will feel.

The story about your friend and his cars, like these cameras
share an aspect of history, maybe personal archeology.
These objects are anachronistic but beautiful & presevable
and we time travel by their handling & use. We preserve ourselves
a little by protecting & renewing them. I've a couple of old
musical instruments that work the same way.

Now that I've got this infection, and especially if this Kiev is
also very well preserved (as I suspect it is) I may have to
hunt down a true 'user.' It occurs to me that I've never owned
a camera I felt I could use with appropriate disregard.
Something I like enough to bother carrying & using
but not too damn precious (I'm clumsy.)
Even now I have my eye on one here.

You may have hit the source of my near remorse spot-on.

regards,
f8&go