Request: Interested in a Hasselblad vs Kiev 88CM comparison?

mweintraub · Jan 29, 2016

If you guys were reading an article comparing a Hasselblad 500 series and a Kiev 88CM (and maybe some Bronica SQ-A in there), what would you like to see compared?

My buddy and I are doing a side by side comparison of Zeiss vs. Zeiss glass and we'll compare how each system functions and the little gotchas on both.

What would you like to see?

Ian Grant · Jan 29, 2016

mweintraub said:
My buddy and I are doing a side by side comparison of Zeiss vs. Zeiss glass and we'll compare how each system functions and the little gotchas on both.

I can do that I have a CZJ 150mm f4.5 T (coated) Tessar and a similar CZ (West German) 150mm f4.5 Tessar. Do you mean comparing Zeiss lenses to Russian optics or CZJ lenses to West German Zeiss lenses used by Hasselblar.

Ian

mweintraub · Jan 29, 2016

Ian Grant said:
I can do that I have a CZJ 150mm f4.5 T (coated) Tessar and a similar CZ (West German) 150mm f4.5 Tessar. Do you mean comparing Zeiss lenses to Russian optics or CZJ lenses to West German Zeiss lenses used by Hasselblar.

Ian

He has a Hassy 80mm 2.8 (of some variety) and I have the CJZ 80mm 2.8. We're not only comparing quality of the glass, but the system over all.

Ko.Fe. · Jan 29, 2016

I would like to see for how long Kiev 88CM will lasts after review.

mweintraub · Jan 29, 2016

Ko.Fe. said:
I would like to see for how long Kiev 88CM will lasts after review.

If taken care of like someone would take care of a Hassy (ie. CLAs, proper storage, etc), I'm sure it'll last long.

edit to add: I'm probably going to sell the 88CM because I prefer my Bronica but will keep the lenses for the Kiev 60.

TheFlyingCamera · Jan 29, 2016

I'm interested in thoughts on the Kiev 88CM overall, as my interest in the system is that it's about the cheapest way to shoot a fisheye in medium format. So for me it would be a specialty item, not a regular shooter.

mweintraub · Jan 29, 2016

TheFlyingCamera said:
I'm interested in thoughts on the Kiev 88CM overall, as my interest in the system is that it's about the cheapest way to shoot a fisheye in medium format. So for me it would be a specialty item, not a regular shooter.

Check out the Kiev 60, Kiev 6C, or Pentacon Six, it's less finiky of a system than the Kiev 88/88CM / Hassy.

stevensow76 · Jan 29, 2016

mweintraub said:
He has a Hassy 80mm 2.8 (of some variety) and I have the CJZ 80mm 2.8. We're not only comparing quality of the glass, but the system over all.

It's the CF T version, just thought I would jump in here for a sec!

Sewin · Jan 29, 2016

mweintraub said:
Check out the Kiev 60, Kiev 6C, or Pentacon Six, it's less finiky of a system than the Kiev 88/88CM / Hassy.

Big lumps the Kiev 6C and 60, I've been tempted in the past, do you use one?

mweintraub · Jan 29, 2016

Sewin said:
Big lumps the Kiev 6C and 60, I've been tempted in the past, do you use one?

I have a beaten up 60 and it's fantastic. Some of my favorite photos were taken with it and a even more rough Vega 90mm lens.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/mrdat/3466428157

Here's the 60 w/ lens:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/mrdat/4195656145

Slixtiesix · Jan 29, 2016

I would like to see: Mirror/shutter slap compared (also including pre-release), accuracy of shutters, how the view finders compare, film backs compared (easy to load? frame space?), overall build quality.

alexfoto · Jan 29, 2016

Lens is very good, stay away from body except if you have technician friend.

mweintraub · Jan 29, 2016

alexfoto said:
Lens is very good, stay away from body except if you have technician friend.

SO, which Hasselblad body do you recommend is the easiest to work on

But seriously, same goes for all cameras, you maintain it and CLS it often (like a lot of Hassy owners do) your camera will work for many lifetimes.

Paul Howell · Jan 29, 2016

I have rented Hassy's over the decades and own a Kowa 66 and Super 66 and had a Kiev 88 for very short period of time. I found the Russian lens to very good, much better than I expected, but the mechanics on the body, well if you get a rebuilt body it may work out. I was given a 88 with a three lens kit, light leaks, frame spacing, the shutter speeds were off, the aperture on the 120 lens was frozen. I know that when the Keivs hit the US market in the 90s a lot of Hassy owners bought them just to use the wide or very long lens but relied on their Hassy's to make a living. Over the years folks with the rebuilt bodies seem to be happy, so if you really want a Kiev look a rebuilt body, or just get a body for the fisheye and get for Mamyia or Bronica for day to day use.

I really like my Kowa and lens, but Kowa stopped making the Super 66 in 1977 and parts and services are a problem.

mweintraub · Jan 29, 2016

PDH said:
I have rented Hassy's over the decades and own a Kowa 66 and Super 66 and had a Kiev 88 for very short period of time. I found the Russian lens to very good, much better than I expected, but the mechanics on the body, well if you get a rebuilt body it may work out. I was given a 88 with a three lens kit, light leaks, frame spacing, the shutter speeds were off, the aperture on the 120 lens was frozen. I know that when the Keivs hit the US market in the 90s a lot of Hassy owners bought them just to use the wide or very long lens but relied on their Hassy's to make a living. Over the years folks with the rebuilt bodies seem to be happy, so if you really want a Kiev look a rebuilt body, or just get a body for the fisheye and get for Mamyia or Bronica for day to day use.

I really like my Kowa and lens, but Kowa stopped making the Super 66 in 1977 and parts and services are a problem.

Those Kowas look interesting, but I really don't need another system, but man, if I find a good deal.....

Yeah, my 88cm is an updated / refurbished system and it functions great. Well, except it's finiky, unlike the Bronica.

Paul Howell · Jan 29, 2016

When Kowa were still on the Market the lens were highly rated, Fritz Kailfit designed the original SL 66 but not the super, and lens, I think the 85 2.8 is as good as it gets, reviews in Modern listed at good a Zeiss, later reviews not as good. At least up to 20X24 I don't see any difference compared to Ziess. My only grip is to change backs or load film you need take the body off a tripod, and if using a 90 reflex finder need to take it off as well.

outwest · Jan 29, 2016

PDH, not if you have the Kowa tripod mount.

paul ron · Jan 29, 2016

i had a kiev with the metal shutter. the camera was fun, but light leaks were miserable. the back leaked,, the shutter leaked... it was a tin box that just became annoying after awhile.

the kowa is a beautiful camera and the lenses are amazing. one of my favorite mf cameras.

my old hassie... well if you got a key, the jams just made me nuts. i threw my hassie in the east river n got an RB67 that has never let me down.

my most loved lady is an etrs. shes small and nimble, well behaved and lenses are amazingly sharp.

Paul Howell · Jan 30, 2016

outwest said:
PDH, not if you have the Kowa tripod mount.

I have looked for one over the years, need to check ebay again.

piu58 · Feb 1, 2016

> Kiev 6C and 60, I've been tempted in the past, do you use one?
I own and use a K60 for many years. Very sturdy and reliable camera. I had never issues with it. The only thing I did was to justify the ground glass, which is an easy task.

I bought it form someone who used it before. That may be the key to good Kiev camera: If they work, they work for a very long time.

macfred · Feb 1, 2016

paul ron said:
i threw my hassie in the east river n got an RB67 that has never let me down...

This would make a nice signature ...

mweintraub · Feb 1, 2016

piu58 said:
> Kiev 6C and 60, I've been tempted in the past, do you use one?
I own and use a K60 for many years. Very sturdy and reliable camera. I had never issues with it. The only thing I did was to justify the ground glass, which is an easy task.

I bought it form someone who used it before. That may be the key to good Kiev camera: If they work, they work for a very long time.

I have to agree about the Kiev 60. When I bought mine on eBay, it was the persons personal camera and it was cheap because the wide was dented and the winder doesn't return automatically (you have to help me). I took a chance and it has absolutely no problems.

Request: Interested in a Hasselblad vs Kiev 88CM comparison?

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