Kiev-4, First impressions

[Joe Grodis]

I'm in the process of getting this Kiev-4am back up to speed. I just discovered that Yo-Yo string makes a perfect fitting light seal for this particular camera.

 

[Peter Black]

Erik , you can find a manual at butkus.org or www3.telus.net, the rewind knob must turn as you wind on the film from 1st exposure after loading, you will need to turn it more than feels `right'.
regards and enjoy

Link for the manual

http://www.butkus.org/chinon/russian/kiev-4M/kiev-4M_kiev-4.pdf

 

[Erik Petersson]

Thanks Peter!

 

[Bigpaul]

I had a similar problem of light leaks on certain shots only, and was initially dumbfounded as to the cause. It was on a recently acquired '74 Kiev 4, and I tracked the problem to the vertical shutter parting slightly when the film was wound on........but what took the time to discover was that it only happened when the film had been wound on subsequent to a shot being taken after the shutter speed had been changed.........and what made it even more difficult to discover was that it only occured after the shutter speed had been reduced (eg from, say, 1/125 to 1/50)........it was fine going the other way! My work-around is to ensure that the lens cap is firmly in place when I want to reduce the shutter speed between shots..........not ideal, but it does seem to work.

I just mention this to indicate that the vertical shutter is quite a complex beast, and the number of potential errors is vast. Despite this, I find I use the Kiev system more than my others now.........I love the picture quality of all the Jupiter lenses I own (8,11 and 12), and find the rangefinder focusing much more precise than any SLR camera I have used. In terms of build quality, my best user is a '70 Kiev 4, which has smooth controls, a whisper-quiet shutter and even the meter is quite accurate. I loved the style and heft of a Kiev 3A that I had for a while, but unfortunately that too had shutter problems. But, overall the Kievs are excellent value for money, with excellent lenses, so do not give up too quickly!

 

[Joe Grodis]

My work-around is to ensure that the lens cap is firmly in place when I want to reduce the shutter speed between shots..........not ideal, but it does seem to work.

After spending a few hours with this camera disassembling, cleaning and swapping the light seal it occurred to me.
Leave the LENS CAP on ALL the time unless you're taking a picture. It does have a bazaaro shutter system that can leak light at the worst time. Leaving the cap on till it's photo time is recommended.

 

[Erik Petersson]

Bigpaul, do you use them for colour photo as well? My soviet lenses are wonderful with black and white, while colours always seem to be a bit off. Would love to hear about your experiences.

By the way, I am picking up a Jupiter 12 from 1956 for my FED3 today and will run a Fuji 400 colour film through the camera.

 

[Xmas]

Nikon? Is there a Nikon lens with Kiev-4 / Contax RF mount? Anyways, still on my 1st roll of film and the first thing I noticed is how quite the shutter seems to be be. I have it set at 1/500 and it is so quite I'm getting concerned. Maybe the Vertical shutter is quieter??

Nikon made the bulk of their lenses from 47-59 in Contax (Kiev) mount, for their rangefinder cameras the made before the Nikon F SLR. The probkem is they used a different focus follower travel so only the 35mm or less are usable on the Kiev. They are expensive, but the only way of getting a 28mm unless you can find an Orion, or Contax 28mm.

The shutters can be really quiet especially if the camera has been relubed.

Noel

 

[Bigpaul]

Erik, I should have mentioned that my experiences with Soviet lenses only relate to black and white.......sorry!

 

[Erik Petersson]

Paul,
maybe that is the way to go - black and white!

 

[Xmas]

They are ok with colour too. The Helious is stellar, if you are using a tripod, and Kodachrome 64, but dont go wider then F/5.6 (then) though.

It is more important to use a lens hood with colour to avoid the colours being too pastel, as many of the (lenses) will not have been serviced properly since manufacture.

My nicest lens is a Fed from '36 (uncoated).

Noel

 

[Joe Grodis]

OK, I received my 2nd Kiev-4 but this time I ordered a Kiev-4a model. This one is manufactured in 1976 and had a much better build quality than the 1984 Kiev-4am. The seams between parts are aligned very well with no gaps like on the newer versions. I finished a roll of Ilford 400 B & W and will be developing the 1st roll today I hope it's better in operation as well.

 

[Xmas]

manufactured in 1976 and had a much better build quality than the 1984 Kiev-4am

Part way through '72 they changed from leather to plastic body covering, the leather was nearly the same as a ContaxIIs. Try '71 or earlier if you are a touchy feely person.

The significat photo change is the Helious lens, it is letter than a Sonnar, J8, J8M, for photos, if it is in good condition.

Noel

 

[Dali]

Erik, I would be interested to know if you can use your J-12 with the FED 3. I read they were incompatible to due to additional shutter shield or something like that compared to FED 1 & 2.

Thanks!

 

[Erik Petersson]

Erik, I would be interested to know if you can use your J-12 with the FED 3. I read they were incompatible to due to additional shutter shield or something like that compared to FED 1 & 2.

Thanks!

Hi Dali,
I used it a couple of times already, and did not notice any problems. Pictures are fine.