Which Kiev to buy?

[Kozhe]

Hi everybody,

So, although I didn´t get my Zorki I yet, something inside my brain is telling me how much I need a Kiev now... let´s call it gas

I have two offers right now. One is a ´55 Kiev 2 with a ´56 Jupiter-8M for 90€, the other a ´60 Kiev 4 and J-8 for 60€. Both of them are a bit pricy but are in good shape and everything is supossed to work perfectly.

What should I do? I read that the earlier the better, and that a Kiev-2 is more a like a german Contax, that Kiev-4 had lower quality standards and so on. Also, should I mind that the lens of the Kiev-2 is one year older than the body? Shouldn´t they be matched or something?

Thanks in advance! 🙂

 

[Veloman]

I like brunettes, hum, blondes are nice too...

I like brunettes, hum, blondes are nice too...

...What should I do?...

First: I'm not an expert. It is a subjective matter: some like it without meter on top, some with (by the way, with selenium, could be out of order now). I bought the IIa version.

Age of the lens: they were produced in large quantities, it happened to have/use one from last year.

Hear what others have to say!

Read this here.

 

[Kozhe]

Thanks! Both models are without meter, I don´t like to use them at all and it might be just another feature ageing badly on a 50 years soviet camera...

 

[Paul T.]

I own a 52 Kiev II and a 60 Kiev 4a, they're both very similar, and in this case it's down to individual sample variation.

Overall, the Kiev II was made at a time when they were producing fewer cameras, and is more likely to be well-crafted; the fact that lens is a year younger shouldn't make any difference. The price is.... reasonable, if it has the earlier, simple 'kneb' logo which most people prefer - for that, I would expect a case in decent condition, too.

My 4a developed a minor fault a few weeks after use; the best thing with both your cameras is to check all the film speeds, and that the RF works ok.

I shot a roll recently with an early Jupiter 3 and the Kiev II, and my g/f pointed out the prints as being especially nice (in comparison to my Leica or Hexar AF); these cameras are fun to use and capable of good results.

 

[bolas]

I would choose older - Kiev II. 1952 is quite unique in compare to those from 60's ...

 

[brachal]

The 2 is certainly much less common. I would expect similar performance from the two cameras; 1960 is still pretty early. The real quality problems didn't start until much later.

 

[Kozhe]

Well, finally the II didn´t include the spool, neither the case, and it´s wasn´t the "such-a-cool-thing-I -have" cyrilic name version. Moreover the owner didn´t tell too much about it´s condition, so I finally bought the 4, which looks really nice and in perfect shape. Will post some comments and tests as soon as I get it!

Thanks everybody for the quick answers! 🙂

 

[mooge]

I've got a good condition '64 Kiev 4 with a working meter. it was labeled as 'inoperable' by Keh- in reality, the speeds were all off. but the meter and RF worked fine.

 

[rolleistef]

the 1960s Kiev 4 would indeed be the most usable version. The Kiev 2 is very sought after by collectors but it is older - and would need perhaps a CLA. 1960 isn't that bad a vintage, you don't risk much buying one.

 

[john341]

Earlier model Kievs are of better construction than those produced in the late 60's and 70's. Quality is variable but if you get a good one, you will have it for life.

 

[ruben]

Hi everybody,

.......
I have two offers right now. .......🙂

What exactly do you mean here ?

In case you can actually touch both Kievs, look for the best adjusted for distance (infinity and 1m) with a help of a hand roller meter for the short distance, and carefully wind both cameras with fillm, feeling the softness of each winding button, and through it - the whole internal mechanism.

If it is a friend or aquitance, shoot a full color roll with each camera to check space framing issues in each camera (don't expect miracles but don't accept overlapping, unless you are prepared to fix it)

After all these comparizons you will fully sure about which one to buy.

Each Kiev is not to be bought by aristocratic lineage buy by actual functioning.

Cheers,
Ruben

 

[john341]

Rubens's comments are valid, but historically the better Kiev units were made in the 50's. Having said that, I have a perfect 1976 model and even the exposure meter is spot on! My test was to slowly wind up then fire the shutter if possible-some wind up sweetly while others make horrible grinding noises. But its fun sorting them out.

 

[Kozhe]

Each Kiev is not to be bought by aristocratic lineage buy by actual functioning.

That´s the point 🙂

Both "offers" were ebay auctions, the Kiev II seller didn´t give me any extra details about its condition, and the 4 one gave me more details, he also included the leather case and the take-up spool. He´s also an ebay power seller with tons of positive voting so I don´t think it´s risky at all. I found another 4A type I here in Barcelona but was almost twice the price and not even checked...

Should have it in two weeks. Fingers crossed...

 

[Kozhe]

Oh, btw, this is the camera I bought

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=390008602937&ssPageName=ADME:B:EOIBSA:US:1123

Please don´t tell me now it´s not so cool 😉

 

[ruben]

That´s the point 🙂

Both "offers" were ebay auctions, the Kiev II seller didn´t give me any extra details about its condition, and the 4 one gave me more details, he also included the leather case and the take-up spool. He´s also an ebay power seller with tons of positive voting so I don´t think it´s risky at all. I found another 4A type I here in Barcelona but was almost twice the price and not even checked...

Should have it in two weeks. Fingers crossed...

I wish you the best possible like. A lot of times indeed happens that we get from eBay a good or more than good Kiev - here the experiences are varied.

Nevertheless, kindly gave attention to the fact that your wording led me (perhaps only me) to believe the Kievs were within your "touch". Next time,
if you feel you need any advice kindly specify that the cameras in your sight are in auction.

In case you are looking for privacy, i,e, not alert other potential Kiev buyers here, you can phrase yourself for example: what are your experiences with seller "Alex photo goods" And so on. Then the whole community here will be able to provide you with a lot of insight, and to some times contradictory opinions that will further enable you in your dialogue with the seller.

Ok, that's enough by now. Again have best luck.

Cheers,
Ruben

 

[gohaj]

Oh, btw, this is the camera I bought

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=390008602937&ssPageName=ADME:B:EOIBSA:US:1123

Please don´t tell me now it´s not so cool 😉

looks cool to me!🙂
since i have 2 contax rf mount lenses, i may consider to get one too. currently i am using the 2 contax rf mount lenses on M mount camera via adaptor.

 

[shadowfox]

Oh, btw, this is the camera I bought

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=390008602937&ssPageName=ADME:B:EOIBSA:US:1123

Please don´t tell me now it´s not so cool 😉

That looks cool!
Like mine, except mine is all black 🙂

I had a 4AM (later version) which is also functional, but it was rough compared to the 4.