Russian RF - Kiev

[theRenaissance]

Did a search prior to this but did not find much info on this. Anyone has experience with the kiev before? Hows the focusing and metering? Any major issues with this?

May plan to purchase this to try out RF photography. Hows this compared to using a Yashica
GTN/GSN or a Canonet QL17?

 

[60 Ford]

Hi I have use a few in the past. Built like a tank. Focus is very accurate because of the wide RF base. The Meters can be an issue due to age and the cells get weak. You have to meter then adjust the camera. The are a classic after all there basically a Contax design. So not as easy to use as some of the compact RF's but they have their own charm.

This is my fav. Voightlander meter mounted on the shoe.

 

[julescasablancas]

I (used to) have both Kiev 2 and contax IIa, the Kiev is quieter than the contax Handling is just the same as the contax too and the Jupiter 8 that comes with the camera (well most of the time it sticks to the body) is really good, based on reviews i read.
U might wanna use sunny-16, very leceh to use the built in light meter in Kiev

But i rather choose the GTN/GSN if i were u

 

[theRenaissance]

I (used to) have both Kiev 2 and contax IIa, the Kiev is quieter than the contax Handling is just the same as the contax too and the Jupiter 8 that comes with the camera (well most of the time it sticks to the body) is really good, based on reviews i read.
U might wanna use sunny-16, very leceh to use the built in light meter in Kiev

But i rather choose the GTN/GSN if i were u

ooh thanks for the insight, and why the yashicas?

 

[britez]

I (used to) have both Kiev 2 and contax IIa, the Kiev is quieter than the contax Handling is just the same as the contax too and the Jupiter 8 that comes with the camera (well most of the time it sticks to the body) is really good, based on reviews i read.
U might wanna use sunny-16, very leceh to use the built in light meter in Kiev

But i rather choose the GTN/GSN if i were u

YEAH!!! :thumbsup: i've got a GSN too...... wahahah...

 

[60 Ford]

The only issue with the Yashica camera is the shutter system. You chose the app the camera choices the speed. You can sort of guess / control it within the operating range. Now I have and have owned several Electro35 cameras (G, GS, GT, GSN, GTN, CC, GX and Professional) and have a weakness for them but they do have their limitations.

 

[julescasablancas]

the lens is really good. The electro series is aperture priority camera so u just have to set the aperture and the camera will calculate the appropriate shutter speed, so its faster to shoot with the yashica compared with the kiev, and its very good (at least to me) to be used in low light condition. For the battery i use 4X LR44 stacked and wrapped with papers to fill in the gap and i put in some 1 cent coins . the only downside is once the battery dies u can only shoot with 1/500 speed which can be frustrating if u shoot in low light condition.

 

[azzurri]

Hows this compared to using a Yashica
GTN/GSN or a Canonet QL17?

Never tried a Kiev before but you cannot go wrong with either the Yashica or Canonet. Have a Minister D and QL17 and both are great. My only gripe is that due to age, the rangefinder patch is no longer as bright.

 

[ozawa]

why kiev but not those m39 mount? like FED or Zorki, lenses are compatible if later you wanna upgrade to leica-mount, or use other LTM(m39) lenses with those bodies.
Zorki 4 is common choice. fairly cheap. I have a Zorki 3M with a massive 1:1 viewfinder, very good built.
photography is a hobby, so up to you, no harm to try out different styles, different cameras.