which kiev??

O

onespeed

Guest
Hi I am looking for a recomendation for a kiev camera to purchase I do not need a meter and like the jupiter lens so I would like a recomendation for a body also if ya got one for sale....
thanks comrades
Robert
 
a pre 1973 Kiev 4a (type 1) from a dealer of good repute, is my choice for best bang for the dollar.
 
I have a 2a and a 4a (2nd model) and have handled the 4am. They're all very similar. The 2a and 4a are extremely close -- the 2a is smoother and tighter, but was about 50% more expensive. On the other hand, it's also really old. The 4am has a couple of design advantages, like a fixed take-up spool.

I think you'd be happy with any of them if you get one that was finished on a good day, and without light leaks. From what I've heard, Kievs built in the 60's (4a) are the most likely to be well built. Having said that, my 2a from '57 is damn near perfect and buttery smooth -- even if it is really old.
 
onespeed said:
Hi I am looking for a recomendation for a kiev camera to purchase I do not need a meter and like the jupiter lens so I would like a recomendation for a body also if ya got one for sale....
thanks comrades
Robert
Click to expand...

If you are asking about the differences between the models, there are some, but you have to provide some info as for what you intend to do with it, budget, and what gear you do have already.

But if you are asking for anyone here to sell you a good body, no matter what model, then you have to clarify this is your request.

Cheers,
Ruben
 
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I just bought a Kiev 4AM with Helios 53mm f/1.8. I also bought a Jupiter 35mm f/2.8 lens to go along with the package.
 
thanks for the replys, this would be my first foray into the wild and wooley world that is fsu rangefinders it would be part of my regular shootng arsenal that varys from an argus c3 to a leica m3 with a few medium format folders and a agfa clack there is also a contax g 1 in there but that is my newest camera ALL are rangefinders or in the case of the g1 rangefinder style I am intrigued by the historical aspect of the camera as well as the challenge of using something a bit quirky I tend to get a camera and shoot everything with it from action photos to point and shoot stlye with the kids to landscapes on my weekly saturday morning rides so I like to take a piece of gear and get to know it and its sweet spots
I think i have rambled on enough thanks for the help and I think I have a camera in my sites
R,
 
For what it's worth....I'd get a Kiev 2a if I had extra cash. Otherwise, a mid 1960's or earlier Kiev 4/a.

Good luck on getting the one you have your sights on. :)
 
My experiances aren't terribly typical, but in case they help...

I've had a Kiev 4a, 5, & 2. The Best of the bunch was the 5. Solid, reliable camera if heavier than a tank and twice as ugly too. The 4a was a nice camera too, though I never could get the top of the back to light seal properly. Looked really pretty in an Aki Asahi red leather... :) The late 1955 Kiev 2 I had was garbage. Beat to h*ll and I never could get it to work right.

The biggest key is to get one from one of the known good dealers. I've had great experiances with Yuri of http://www.fedka.com/catalog/. Oleg, of http://www.okvintagecamera.com/ is a member here and an individual of whom I have heard nothing but praise. I have not had the pleasure of being his customer, but I do expect that to change sooner or later :) A relativly new Kiev 4am with either the Jupiter 8 or Helios lens from either of them would be a good way to start in Kievs. Once you know if they suit you, you can then begin investing in some of the more ... interesting ... variations.

William
 
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