Anyone really use a Hartblei or Arax with CZJ lenses

[michaelbsc]

I've got a nice little compliment of CZJ lenses for my P6, and I've been looking at the Hartblei and Arax remanufactured Kiev-88CMs.

Without getting sucked into tangents about this, that, or the other alternative being available, can we get a good discussion comparing and contrasting platforms that can work with my CZJ breech lock lenses.

I know that "factory" Kiev's are to be avoided (unless I'm willing to have my own personal repair bench going.)

The Hartblei models seem to be more affordable than the Arax ones. What's the difference?

Any anecdotal or hard records of reliablity of the two?

Thanks,
Michael

 

[PHOTOTONE]

I have. No problems. I've got various Arax and "factory" cameras, and the CZJ lenses work just fine on all of them. Mount and function perfectly.

 

[mark]

Might try to find someone who has gotten a hartblei camera lately. A couple years ago they switched hands. People were not happy with the total lack of service they got and a lack of contact. I have a hartblei master 88 from the original hartblei entity and it is great. It took a year to get and I had a contact, at the time, who literally picked the camera up and mailed it to me. Needs the shutter adjusted but it is 7 years old and I think that is a good run for one of these cameras.

I was enamored with the cold war lenses so I got a B mount and realized that there are very few CZJ lenses on the market with that mount. I stopped looking for a 180, the only CZJ lens I am interested in getting, for a while but have been toying with the idea again.

I have been very happy with my camera. When folks say things bad about them, and say other things are out that are as inexpensive I can't find the need to invest in another system when mine is great.

 

[michaelbsc]

Reusing my P6 CZJ lenses is the goal. I already have them; and I like them fine. And buying a compliment of other lenses will be an expensive option. But if I want finicky I already have a P6.

 

[mark]

My Hartblei is just fine. I would not use it for pro output but for personal use I am good. I would not use it for pro output because of the shutter sticking at 1/2 sec. I have heard Arax cameras were real good rebuilds.