Which Russian RF would fit my needs?

[dkim]

Hi guys,

I've been lurking on the site for a while now as I've been wanting to buy a rangefinder but haven't figured out which one. Originally I was going to go for the Bessa R and figured my first post would be in that forum. But I've seen a few Russian rangefinders on eBay and think I might go for one of those as it's a much cheaper introduction. So this is my first post here. 🙂

I've read through this thread with interest and learned quite a lot. The cameras that caught my eye on eBay were a Zorki 4 and a Kiev 4, both with Jupiter-8 lenses which I've heard a lot of good things about. Ideally the plan would be to upgrade to a Bessa R (and beyond) at some point and so I want to stay within one lens system.

I'd rather not buy off of eBay things which I can't judge the quality of, but some of these are really cheap so I figure the risk is low. Would I be better off buying it from a dealer?

 

[varjag]

Zorki and Kiev has different lens mounts. With Kiev, your only upgrade option is R2C, now discontinued.

 

[stephen_lumsden]

The Kiev lenses can also be used on the old Contax RFs though, and the Kiev body will also accept good Sonnar and Nokton SC lenses. True, the Zorkis may accept LTM lenses but just how many lenses do you need?

rgds

Stephen

 

[ErnestoJL]

I had a Kiev 4 for the past 25 years, and be sure, not a single complaint about it. Lens (Jupiter 8M 2/50) is superb, and once you get used to the "Contax grip" everything is just fine. The only thing I miss is the advance lever, but most important is to get used to your gear up to the point of it being part of your eyes and hands. It doesn´t really matter if it is Fed, Zorki or Kiev.

 

[reagan]

Welcome to RFF dkim! I have gotten a couple of cameras through the auction and I'm like you, I kind of bid and pray. But I have also bought gear from OKVintageCamera.com and Fedka.com and though I've paid a little more for them than the "BayBargains" I've been more than satisfied with the equipment. I just don't think buying FSU gear from either of those dealers is going to break the bank. I really feel they're fair on their prices for considering the quality you get.

And by the way, I went through the same Zorki/Kiev debate trying to decide which to buy first and someone told me "Get both. They're cheap." Eventually, he was right... I got the Zorki first and I'm waiting for the Kiev now. 😎 Have fun!

 

[dkim]

"Get both. They're cheap." That can easily become "Get the whole dozen. They're cheap." 🙂

Thanks for all the advice guys. Any camera is better than no camera and it seems that there's a lot of personal preference involved. So I think I'll start off with whatever I can get my hands on and see how it goes from there.

 

[cameramanic]

I was going to ask a similar Question myself I am looking for a body for my LTM Jupter 12,
I have bought 2 zorki 4Ks on ebay and both have holes in the curtains, so i bought a Fed 4,
I just dont like the handeling of this its too tall, my Bessa R with 35mm is perfect,
so if there is a FSU camera that suites the bill i will buy one . I have just got a Jupiter 9 and I am taking some test shots today with it on my Bessa R,

 

[reagan]

cameramanic - Yeah, the "cutaway side" of my Zorki 3M made it feel a lot smaller in my hands than the Zorki 4, though actual length and width, I don't see a difference. I like the compact feel. That's another reason I like the looks of a FED-2. It's on my list of "Get the whole dozen." ha!

And I haven't had to do it myself, but I've read several posts here that sound like patching "holy curtains" isn't too difficult... if they aren't bad enough to need replaced. Maybe someone will jump in and give some notes. Good luck!

 

[Solinar]

Good suggestions up above with regards to getting a FSU camera that works correctly right out of the box. Although, for some folks refurbishing a camera themselves is part of the joy of ownership.

Here is one more source that also features recently service FSU cameras, - http://www.sovietcamera.com.ua -