I know this interview was made a very long time ago (i´m in june 2024), but wow! how impressing the information is, the details, the history, I just bought a Kiev 4 camera from 1975, in working condition, I did it to have the chance to use my 3 contax lenses that came with a not working Contax III that I got 3 years ago; I love those lenses and use them every once in a while with Mirrorless cameras, and lately I wanted to have the chance to use them with film, so thank you guys for this great interview! truely useful and satisfying the whole story of Contax and its legacy.
I have a 1979 black Kiev 4A 1980 Olympiad camera. It is in mint condition and has the quietest shutter of all my FP cameras. Thank you for giving me some context on this amazing camera.
I had a contax II in 1990 for college it was a brilliant camera,,, I now many years later own a kiev 4am although I didn't have the two cameras at the same time to compare, the kiev 4am feels exactly like the contax did at least in my memory 😊
@@fretlessfender We all hopes for best. Now looks like 80-90% of giant Arsenal plant converted to offices and business centers. It located in historical and goverment place of Kyiv. By 2005-2008 it try to sell the remains of photo and civil optical goods from warehouses, but in the end, digital photo boom kill that line of production.
Absolutely, the best interview . I watched the complete hour. I bought a Fed 5C , when I was stationed in Germany . I'd love to hear the history of Fed. Just finished my 2nd roll of Forma 400. So far, results are great . Again, thank you for the great video . KB.
Got a Kiev-4A, 1962 manufacture, this week, together with a Jupiter-8M. I'm still looking for a take-up spool, but I can't wait to use it, it just feels so nice to handle. Speeds below 1/50 are gummed up, but the rest still works smoothly even after 60 years.
What a great video and such a great story! My grand father bought a KIEV in 1953 and it was passed on to me in the mid 80's. I still shoot KIEV rangefinders to this day. Thanks for a great video :)
Fascinating interview, I recently returned to shooting 35mm film again, having bought two really good used Canon film cameras. But something is holding me back, I fear I will mess things up, haven't used film in over twenty years, this conversation has given me the courage to get out there and just shoot a roll. I had a Kiev with light meter around 1978, how I wish I'd kept it, I then moved onto Fed and the Zenit range. I just might go on the hunt for a Kiev! Many thanks.
I've been on the fence about filling my bag with Pentax M42 lenses or Russian M42 lenses and this video clenched it for me. Now I own a Zenit-19, a Jupiter-9 (85mm f2), a MIR-1B (37mm f2.8), and a Helios-44M (58mm f2). All in it cost me less than $300. That is 1/3rd what a SMC Takumar 35mm, 50mm and 85mm would have cost me, before I even get a body.
My very first camera back in the 60s was a Kiev 4m with 50mm f2.0 Jupiter lens it was my pride and Joy which I used for years shooting my first ever roll of Kodachrome II a 25asa film later known as 25. The results were some pin sharp images taken around London on a day trip. Thank you so much for this interview and your shared knowledge really enjoyed watching this interview. I have in my collection a number of Kiev camera bodies and a range of lenses and accessories along with Zorki and other Russian cameras. Thank you once again.
What a fascinating video. I must admit that I didn't think I would last the whole way through with the level of detain given, but I am so glad I did. I have watched it several times now and each time I pick up something new. I love 35mm film photography and own and enjoy using several vintage film cameras. Thanks for publishing such an interesting video.
So glad I found this video. Quite a history lesson worth repeating. Thank you so much for taking the time to post this video on UA-cam. I personally own both Kiev models and enjoy them. They are at a price point that you can use them without fear of damaging them with excellent results.
What a well done video. I had to watch it in several sessions due to time constraints, but enjoyed every minute. I have had a lot of fun with my Kiev and Contax cameras, and the lenses are superb. Years ago when I did many lens tests, a Helios lens for the Kiev was one of the sharpest lenses I ever tested. I agree with Hans that sharpness isn't everything, but that was very impressive for a lens that cost about ten USD. I have mostly given up on all these cameras now since repairs are all but impossible here in the US, and many of mine developed light leaks and faults. If I can afford some film, I want to know I am going to get some decent exposures. I switched to Nikon although I still prefer the Kievs. Thanks for the interview.
Very nice video. I have myself two of these Kievs 4. The earlier models. In Czech Republic you can get them between 30-40 EUR with Jupiter 8. If you are lucky even under 30 EUR.
As someone who almost exclusively shoots soviet cameras (apart from the erroneous F3) it’s great to see a video like this killing stigma’s I’ve been shooting my 1951 Kiev II today with a 1956 Jupiter 3 and yet still… I don’t have the Leica worry 😊 also; the Kiev III being a Contax 3 copy; you can usually tell if it’s using German parts because the meter controls are in DIN as opposed to GOST
Fascinating talks. I have a Kiev 4 ‘64 era on the way! Cant wait to try it out, given its legacy. Would love to see more chats like this, a good way to preserve camera history going forward 🙏🏽
38:00 Vorige maand heb ik een mint Contax III A met een mint Tessar Oberkochen 1:3.5 50mm voor 250 Euro op Ebay Duitsland gekocht . Een koopje dus vergeleken met de Leica Tulpenmanie ...... Vriendelijke groet Peter .
I had a Kiev 4 in the 1980s, but I wasn't aware of its history. I never really took to it I just loved the look of it. I've started looking to buy another, esp after watching this fascinating video. Many thanks.
Thank you for the amazing interview! I would love to learn more about the black Contax clone in the video. I also have one and it's hard to find any history about the maker who completed the Kiev retrofit back to Contax.
I have a Kiev 4 from 1976. it works great and shutter speeds seem to be on spot. even the light meter works relatively accurate. 🤯 but.... the viewfinder sucks if you use glasses, they will get scratched right away and it is almost impossible to see the whole viewfinder area. I'll laser cut self adhesive "velvet" to cover the eyepiece ring and hopefully I can try using the camera again without ruining my glasses.
I knew that the Nikon rangefinders and the shape of the F body were based on the Contax when I bought my Nikon F in 1965, but I never handled any of these rangefinder Contax variants until yesterday when I received a working Kiev 4 from Japan. My Nikon F was stolen years ago but an old craftsman who made fancy boxes gave me a Nikkormat FE in exchange for photos of his work. It too still works and has a vertical travel metal shutter, but a hinged back. I just put them side by side and the 1937 Contax shape is still obviously present in the Nikkormat. The Nikon F was arguably the most important 35mm camera of the and second half of the 20th century because it changed what was possible, just as the Leica did by making cameras ultra portable. Canon came to dominate the DSLRs now supplanted by Sony I’d say. I use M4/3 both Olympus and Panasonic and am completely happy with them. I owned a Leica lllg on which I learned to pre-visualise what the image would look like on film through that dubious viewfinder. Someone also gave me a really crude Russian copy but both got stolen. I’m looking forward to trying the Kiev and comparing it to the Nikkormat. As a kid the best rangefinder I used was an Argus C3, so the Kiev is a great step up to 1937 standards!
As long as the Kiev has a Jupiter lens, you will be okay... It is really striking to see history in the shape of these camera's isn't it? The shape of the Contax that crossed continents and persisted until our times... mind blowing if you ask me! Pity to read about your stolen camera's... happened to me too... My first and only new Nikon camera (FM3a) got stolen after a break-in into my house after 3 months of purchasing it...
Learned photography just before the UA-cam photo community existed (not by much though my first camera was a Nikon D70.) As such I have grown tired of the constant techy gear talk that dominates the space. That said, this video was refreshing. Thank you sir for putting the time in this definitely would love to see more of this kind of stuff. Gear talk that honors the craft and the history of those that came before. Bitchin video! Keep it up!
Very interesting interview re installing the Contax 2 and its descendant to their right place. Interesting also knowing that the legend nikon F comes more or less from the Contax 2. I will buy a Kiev 4 before their price will increase :).
Well, very interesting. I just watched this video a second time, as I acquired a Kiev 4, in a body of a black Contax, serial number 272. I was wondering how that happened. It says "Zeiss Ikon". It came with a Zeiss Ikon Sonnar f2, 50mmm lens. I have since purchased a 35mm and 135 mm lenses and a current finder. But I don't know when the camera was made, by that serial number. The 50mm Zeiss lens dates to 1951-1953. So the lens is not original to the body. I also picked up a spare Keiv body . A very fun kit. Thanks agian, KB
Somewhere in the Ukraine Kievs are remoddeled as Contaxes. They look nice, but the age of the camera cannot be determined. Except for the inside of the camera... somewhere in the dark lives the serial number, handwritten mostly...
Lot's of fun watching it, and a good start for the crowd that sees these machines for the first time. Now, as far as the fact stated in the video, there are some misconceptions, maybe too many, but hey, that doesn't take away the good that you do presenting the wonderful machines to the new users. Just one thing, Zeiss Ikon NEVER produced a black Contax II, needed that of my chest ;-) And of course, Zeiss Ikon continued after the war with the Contax IIA and IIIA, and many more, even the Pentacon cameras, even earlier that the Nikon F ? That whole story was omitted there, should have been at least touched don't you think ....? So not that factually great but your enthusiasm makes up for it ! For me, the Kiev isn't the one, I use the original Zeiss Ikon ones, and yes they are a pain, but hey, they are very nice when they work :-)
You are right about the pentacon camera's, but the Nikon F was the first real professional camera wich was modulair built. And about that black contax 2.... Are you sure they didn't make them? I was made to believe that for professional photographers the built a limited amount of those, but I might be wrong... I am well aware that after the war zeiss ikon did build the contax 3.... The kiev is a liability I do agree, but if one pays attention you can have loads of quality out of them and they are still dirt cheap! Thanks for the response... Hans
@@fretlessfender Hey Hans Wat die zwarte aangaat 100% Ik was in de leer bij Larry Gubas, waarschijnlijk de beste expert ooit, hij is helaas overleden. Zeis Ikon is een beetje mijn ding, weet er wel wat van, nog altijd weinig tegenover de enorme verscheidenheid maar toch al wat. En de KIEV, prima, ik heb er veel zelfs weggegeven aan studenten, maar ik ben dan weer een beetje snob en gebruik de Contax. Ach, ieder z'n ding ;-)
Thank You for your video, as I have 5 of these babies mostly the Kiev 4m models as in which also have the 35mm, and the 85mm for these models. As I really was impressed with the optics, as the 50mm Jupiter that I found sharper like the Sonnar 50mm 2.0, I found these models better for Black & White shooting very contrasty. The models with a meter - hey what can you say of the Old Selenium model metering that the my models the meter works, as the exposure is close to normal. I do not mine with the wind mode, it is the rewind mode can be slow, and also have the external finders for the 35mm, and 85mm. Shooting Color found it kinda Soft, and muted colors. And in closing that I also have the Kiev 5 as I do use the onboard meter, and the 35mm, and 85mm without having problem in mounting them. But later I did find 2 Contax II, and III models on eBay, as I still love them as well.
Mooi om te zien dat er nog zaken zijn die een hart hebben voor de analoge fotografie . Alleen sorry nooit van gehoord en gelezen . Het is dus een lokaal gebeuren . In ieder geval heb ik de video op ons Foto en Doka Forum gezet waar ik de moderator van ben . Ik hoop dat het je meer aandacht oplevert van buiten de Randstad . Verder ben ik van Kiev langzamerhand overgegaan op Contax en Zeiss . De Kiev 2 en 4A gebruik ik alleen nog als camera voor mijn Zeiss en Voigtlander lenzen . De Kiev is ruig maar hartelijk en trouw maar een Contax II A of III A is een juweeltje dat heel soepel werkt . Maar toch vind ik de afstandmeter van de Kiev / Contax nauwkeuriger met zijn grote basis , zeker als je de 85 mm en 135 mm gebruikt . Er bestaat een 18 cm Tele-Tessar met afstandmeter koppeling voor de Contax / Kiev . Ik kijk nog eens uit voor een Contax II , Vriendelijke groet Peter .
I enjoyed the video. It was very informative. I have a Fed camera that was rebranded as a Leica, similar to the rebranded Kiev. It is fun to have but doesn't work as well anymore. I have a complete Contax collection (except for the Contax I) but it started with a late version Kiev 4. What a great camera. I would use it on my hiking trips. Through useable, I do have some issues with all my real Contaxes and with my Nikon S2. However, my cheap old Kiev keeps working just fine. The meter even reads correctly producing wonderful photos. I do have to say through that the F1.5 50mm Zeiss Sonnar is one heck of a lens. The tonal quality is incredible. The Jupiter 8 is nowhere near it. I also would like to add a couple of corrections. First, the Leica M series WAS NOT the first camera to have a lever film advance. That honor clearly belongs to the Exakta I of 1936. This is also often called the Kine Exakta because it uses the now standard 35mm cinema film. It had a lever advance almost two decades before the Leica M series. Also, the Exakta I was the first camera to have an integrated flash synch. Again that was something other cameras didn't have until the 1950s. Finally, the Nikon F WAS NOT the first professional SLR system to have interchangeable finders, lenses, accessories, etc. Again, that belongs to the first Exakta Varex of 1950. Nikon has a great PR department that tries to push that myth but it is basically "fake news." The Exakta Varex could and still in 2021 can do almost anything a a Nikon F could do with the exception of a motor drive. Moreover, the Exakta had slow speeds all the way out to 12 seconds. Other cameras started to do that in the 1980s. It even had a behind the lens meter system in the 1950s! Exakta (Ihagee) never made its own lenses but had the very best optic firms such as Zeiss, Schneider, Angenieux, Meyer, Steinheil and even Nikon make lenses for it. However, the Nikon F was a much faster camera to use and so in the early 60s took over from the Exakta as the top SLR system. However, you can see the influence of the Exakta in the great Alfred Hitchcock film, "Rear Window," from 1956. It is with an Exakta VX and a sublime 500mm Kilfitt telephoto lens, that the professional sport photographer, played by Jimmy Stewart, watches his neighbor and deduces that he had murdered his wife. Great movie with great camera gear! And boy, was Raymond Burr one mean murderer!
Hahahaha! I stand corrected! The Exacta is an outstanding camera no doubt, but I think it has a hard time standing up against the Nikon F if it is about reliability and user friendliness. But you are right! Next time I will mention Exacta first.
@@fretlessfender Thanks. Two great cameras from two totally different eras. But the Exakta was the real pioneer that Nikon built on. BTW had a Nikon FTN once but gave it to my brother. Way too clunky and the prism finder was not as bright as the Exakta. Plus it was a "left handed camera." When you use an Exakta for a while, you realize that it is more intuitive to follow the focus with your right hand, which is by far the most work, and press the shutter release with your left hand which is a short single stroke with little effort.
Price is a huge issue. In 2002 I made a portrait with an 50s Zeiss Ikon. 5 rolls of 120 Tri-X for 15€ (to be sure only 1 frame was perfectly focussed on the eye). 2€ of chemicals. Negatives in 1 hour. Today it would be 50€-80€ for the film. Then 100€ for development scanning (my darkroom is gone) and 5-10 days. I made a lith print for 5€-10€. Now that print would be 40€++. Film photography is very different in 2023!!
I imagine shutter speed accuracy is the biggest issue. A Kiev 4M arrived today, Feb 15, 2023. We're just getting to know each other. Serial number begins with 69.
Excellent ! However I would like to comment one thing, around 49:00 you note that the basic shape of the Nikon F body is very close to the contax. Yes the body form (especially the frontal styling rangefinder and removable back are Contax clones, I would say a critical difference is that (as you state earlier) the contax has a metal vertical run shutter (of a type that is problematic for an SLR because the roller gets in the way unlike later leaf vertical run shutters like to copal square) but the SP and S2 revert to a horizontal run cloth shutter.. like the leica. Indeed the top panel control layout of the SP and S2, from the center shutter speed control, release, then wind .. is like the Barnack leicas !. The F very clearly is based on the SP chassis, just insert the mirror box. So while ymmv, imho the SP and F follow elements from both the contax but also the earlier leica design. Indeed most of the early 35mm SLRs (pentax, even olympus) had horizontal run cloth shutters, until the copal square emerged
About the shutter you are absolutely right, nikon took the Leica shutter because they thought the Contax design was to complicated, wich it is. The Nikon SP and the Nikon F were together on the drawing board, so it is a bit difficult to say that the Nikon F is based on the SP when they were both under construction/design. I think that you and I can agree that both the Nikon F and the Nikon SP were camera's evolved from the Nikon S3! Both layout and design are the same, including the shutter. Mind you that the first F's had a cloth shutter and didn't change to titanium foil until later. But this is content for a totally different video!
What About the Praktina Models?? I have a 1954 Praktina FX, and a 1958 Praktina IIa, in which it came out Way Before the Canon, and Nikon SLR in 1959 as the Praktina was first to have Interchangeable viewing screens, Finders, and a Breech Lens Lock like the Canon, and also they came out in 1954 the first Spring Wind Winder that connects both models, and I am glad that I have both models, WITH Carl Zeiss Jena Lenses.. Now Hans I have a Question: I have 2 Kiev's that saids CONTAX with the stamp Carl Zeiss Jena next to the Rangefinder window, and One is Black, and other is Chrome that has the meter. My question is from what year that these models date, are they from the later 1980's or are they from the late 1960's or 1970's??
The black one is probably a Kiev that was remade as a contax some 20 years ago. If you silver one is a real Contax, you can find the year by just Google it.
Please! If you know his adress I would be greatly interested to have someone who knows the Kiev camera! I do repair myself but sometimes I could use some help! It is really complicated at times! Thank you!
You are right! But what did you pay for the whole set? My point is that the Kiev camera's are very affordable. And that they have the advantage of a wide rangefinder base. Much wider than Canon or Leica ever made... so for accuracy Kiev blows Canon right out of the water...
I have a Kiev 4 and for me it's very uncomfortable to use: the focusing with a wheel if very slow, it makes sound even with new grease in it and you always put a finger on a rangefinder window, maybe there's the same situation with contax. Zorki is more user-friendly and quick, viewfinder is brighter.
I agree with you on the wheel, it can be slow. To be honest I don't use the little wheel to focus. You can focus with the lens itself. You just need to be aware that it clicks into the locking position at infinity. It does also prefer the Contax grip. But I think the image quality and associated price is worth the effort.
You need to use your middle finger to focus with the wheel, so you can keep your index finger on the exposure button: photo ready and no finger in front of the Windows.
Your black "Contax" is actually a Kiev painted and modified to look like a non existent black Contax II. Same for the lens, so you are actually comparing two Kievs. I restore Contax cameras.
I am sorry - but you so arrogant about Russians! It is not Russians invade Germany - they have to down the German Fascism. Also - Nuclear plants much safer in Russia than in you country - is not it? Since you do not have any technology to support it. Do not by so stupid with you jokes - they are not smart at all. Initially I support this video - until I see what a person is Hans De Graaf...
Hallo Rudolf, thank you for being frank and expressing your view. If you are offended, I apologize. We are not intentionally offending anyone. I know Hans very well and although you feel otherwise, I know for sure that he is a very sincere friend. We often make jokes even about our own Dutch nationality. Please don't take it too serious. Kind regards, Henk
@@fretlessfender hi again! I see you totally zombie by the official media - this is what they want to do with people. This is why they close other opinion on the current matter, as somebody with enough curiosity can discover that Ukraine have the neo-nazzi, and then the question does not go to the new meaning. I know that you will not believe me - sure, why? It is so hard to get the real information on what is going around you, why bother, just stick to the official media channels and be happy.
Please, don't label Kiev cameras as "russian". First of all, everything coming from that territory was clearly labeled as " Made in the USSR". The plant "Arsenal" was located in the center region of Kiev, the capital of the Ukraine. And workers who were assembling these cameras and lenses were mostly Ukrainians. Especially today, it is important NOT to give Russia credits it doesn't deserve. СЛАВА УКРАЇНІ !!! 🇺🇦
I know this interview was made a very long time ago (i´m in june 2024), but wow! how impressing the information is, the details, the history, I just bought a Kiev 4 camera from 1975, in working condition, I did it to have the chance to use my 3 contax lenses that came with a not working Contax III that I got 3 years ago; I love those lenses and use them every once in a while with Mirrorless cameras, and lately I wanted to have the chance to use them with film, so thank you guys for this great interview! truely useful and satisfying the whole story of Contax and its legacy.
Another plus point for Kiev, using one in a public space is almost certain to start conversations with complete strangers.
I have a 1979 black Kiev 4A 1980 Olympiad camera. It is in mint condition and has the quietest shutter of all my FP cameras. Thank you for giving me some context on this amazing camera.
Welcome!
I had a contax II in 1990 for college it was a brilliant camera,,, I now many years later own a kiev 4am although I didn't have the two cameras at the same time to compare, the kiev 4am feels exactly like the contax did at least in my memory 😊
What a brilliant interview. Greetings from Kyiv, Ukraine!
Hope and pray you'll be allright!
@@fretlessfender Thanks! Very important to feel the support of free peoples all over the world!
@@AndriiEngineerUA76 this means a lot! Thank you, there is only so much we can do... without starting ww3...
God... we feel so helpless...
Just out of curiosity.. is there still any activity in those Arsenal factories? Or is it it all shut down?
@@fretlessfender We all hopes for best. Now looks like 80-90% of giant Arsenal plant converted to offices and business centers. It located in historical and goverment place of Kyiv. By 2005-2008 it try to sell the remains of photo and civil optical goods from warehouses, but in the end, digital photo boom kill that line of production.
Absolutely, the best interview . I watched the complete hour. I bought a Fed 5C , when I was stationed in Germany . I'd love to hear the history of Fed. Just finished my 2nd roll of Forma 400. So far, results are great . Again, thank you for the great video . KB.
Thank you for the comment, we will give the Fed some thought!
Got a Kiev-4A, 1962 manufacture, this week, together with a Jupiter-8M. I'm still looking for a take-up spool, but I can't wait to use it, it just feels so nice to handle. Speeds below 1/50 are gummed up, but the rest still works smoothly even after 60 years.
What a great video and such a great story! My grand father bought a KIEV in 1953 and it was passed on to me in the mid 80's. I still shoot KIEV rangefinders to this day. Thanks for a great video :)
Fascinating interview, I recently returned to shooting 35mm film again, having bought two really good used Canon film cameras. But something is holding me back, I fear I will mess things up, haven't used film in over twenty years, this conversation has given me the courage to get out there and just shoot a roll. I had a Kiev with light meter around 1978, how I wish I'd kept it, I then moved onto Fed and the Zenit range. I just might go on the hunt for a Kiev!
Many thanks.
I've been on the fence about filling my bag with Pentax M42 lenses or Russian M42 lenses and this video clenched it for me.
Now I own a Zenit-19, a Jupiter-9 (85mm f2), a MIR-1B (37mm f2.8), and a Helios-44M (58mm f2). All in it cost me less than $300. That is 1/3rd what a SMC Takumar 35mm, 50mm and 85mm would have cost me, before I even get a body.
Way to go! Good luck and have loads of fun! That helios is a gem past 4.0 me being not a fan of the swirley Bokeh....
Hans! He's always in for a good talk ;) very interesting convo btw!
You are absolutely right, thank's!
Absolutely fascinating - I was initially put off by the length of this video, but its pure gold - a must watch for anybody interested in cameras!
My very first camera back in the 60s was a Kiev 4m with 50mm f2.0 Jupiter lens it was my pride and Joy which I used for years shooting my first ever roll of Kodachrome II a 25asa film later known as 25. The results were some pin sharp images taken around London on a day trip.
Thank you so much for this interview and your shared knowledge really enjoyed watching this interview.
I have in my collection a number of Kiev camera bodies and a range of lenses and accessories along with Zorki and other Russian cameras.
Thank you once again.
What an excellent conversation this was, really enjoyed it: create more of this pls!
Thank you, we are working on a next video!
Thank you so much for an interesting discussion on history and an objective review
What a fascinating video. I must admit that I didn't think I would last the whole way through with the level of detain given, but I am so glad I did. I have watched it several times now and each time I pick up something new. I love 35mm film photography and own and enjoy using several vintage film cameras. Thanks for publishing such an interesting video.
A very interesting video. And the man is right. My Kiev takes great pictures.
He knows his stuff
So glad I found this video. Quite a history lesson worth repeating. Thank you so much for taking the time to post this video on UA-cam. I personally own both Kiev models and enjoy them. They are at a price point that you can use them without fear of damaging them with excellent results.
What a well done video. I had to watch it in several sessions due to time constraints, but enjoyed every minute. I have had a lot of fun with my Kiev and Contax cameras, and the lenses are superb. Years ago when I did many lens tests, a Helios lens for the Kiev was one of the sharpest lenses I ever tested. I agree with Hans that sharpness isn't everything, but that was very impressive for a lens that cost about ten USD. I have mostly given up on all these cameras now since repairs are all but impossible here in the US, and many of mine developed light leaks and faults. If I can afford some film, I want to know I am going to get some decent exposures. I switched to Nikon although I still prefer the Kievs. Thanks for the interview.
Thank's for the interesting comment!
The Contax RF mount left its mark on Nikon F-mount, especially the counter-clock wise locking process.
what a great conversation. thank you guys
Thanks
Very nice video. I have myself two of these Kievs 4. The earlier models. In Czech Republic you can get them between 30-40 EUR with Jupiter 8. If you are lucky even under 30 EUR.
This was fantastic. Thanks
Thank you!
As someone who almost exclusively shoots soviet cameras (apart from the erroneous F3) it’s great to see a video like this killing stigma’s I’ve been shooting my 1951 Kiev II today with a 1956 Jupiter 3 and yet still… I don’t have the Leica worry 😊 also; the Kiev III being a Contax 3 copy; you can usually tell if it’s using German parts because the meter controls are in DIN as opposed to GOST
1951 Kievs are wonderful, not so different from the Contax II in quality! Lenses are great too, love them - keep up shooting them!
Very interesting stories!
Thank's!
Fascinating talks. I have a Kiev 4 ‘64 era on the way! Cant wait to try it out, given its legacy.
Would love to see more chats like this, a good way to preserve camera history going forward 🙏🏽
38:00 Vorige maand heb ik een mint Contax III A met een mint Tessar Oberkochen 1:3.5 50mm voor 250 Euro op Ebay Duitsland gekocht . Een koopje dus vergeleken met de Leica Tulpenmanie ...... Vriendelijke groet Peter .
Opnieuw een topvideo heren! Bedankt!!
I had a Kiev 4 in the 1980s, but I wasn't aware of its history. I never really took to it I just loved the look of it. I've started looking to buy another, esp after watching this fascinating video. Many thanks.
Welcome! Try to find an earlier one... 50 60 70 are allright. The 80's not so much!
@@fretlessfender thank you for your reply, the one I've seen is a 1978 model, is 1978 any good?
Regards Rob.
Great conversation!! Thank you RS
Terrific interview, really informative.
Thank's!
Nice 👌
Great video, great talking. Thank's a lot, to you both. Regards
Very informative, so if possible more of this.
Goe bezig !
Grtz,
Alain
Thank's!
Just got a Kiev 4 with no name on it coupled with a Carl Zeiss Sonnar f2 50mm, serial number begins with 63 on camera and 18 on lens, looks great
It may be a 'No Name' Contax: a Kiev 4a for the American market. Pretty rare.
Thanks highly interesting!!
Thank you for the amazing interview! I would love to learn more about the black Contax clone in the video. I also have one and it's hard to find any history about the maker who completed the Kiev retrofit back to Contax.
I will ask the owner if he can shed some light on it, post the answer here!
This one came from 'Grizzly Bear' in Ukraine, via EBay.
I have a Kiev 4 from 1976. it works great and shutter speeds seem to be on spot. even the light meter works relatively accurate. 🤯
but.... the viewfinder sucks if you use glasses, they will get scratched right away and it is almost impossible to see the whole viewfinder area.
I'll laser cut self adhesive "velvet" to cover the eyepiece ring and hopefully I can try using the camera again without ruining my glasses.
I knew that the Nikon rangefinders and the shape of the F body were based on the Contax when I bought my Nikon F in 1965, but I never handled any of these rangefinder Contax variants until yesterday when I received a working Kiev 4 from Japan. My Nikon F was stolen years ago but an old craftsman who made fancy boxes gave me a Nikkormat FE in exchange for photos of his work. It too still works and has a vertical travel metal shutter, but a hinged back. I just put them side by side and the 1937 Contax shape is still obviously present in the Nikkormat. The Nikon F was arguably the most important 35mm camera of the and second half of the 20th century because it changed what was possible, just as the Leica did by making cameras ultra portable. Canon came to dominate the DSLRs now supplanted by Sony I’d say. I use M4/3 both Olympus and Panasonic and am completely happy with them. I owned a Leica lllg on which I learned to pre-visualise what the image would look like on film through that dubious viewfinder. Someone also gave me a really crude Russian copy but both got stolen. I’m looking forward to trying the Kiev and comparing it to the Nikkormat. As a kid the best rangefinder I used was an Argus C3, so the Kiev is a great step up to 1937 standards!
As long as the Kiev has a Jupiter lens, you will be okay...
It is really striking to see history in the shape of these camera's isn't it? The shape of the Contax that crossed continents and persisted until our times... mind blowing if you ask me! Pity to read about your stolen camera's... happened to me too...
My first and only new Nikon camera (FM3a) got stolen after a break-in into my house after 3 months of purchasing it...
Learned photography just before the UA-cam photo community existed (not by much though my first camera was a Nikon D70.) As such I have grown tired of the constant techy gear talk that dominates the space. That said, this video was refreshing. Thank you sir for putting the time in this definitely would love to see more of this kind of stuff. Gear talk that honors the craft and the history of those that came before.
Bitchin video! Keep it up!
Thank you very much! Cheers!
Very interesting interview re installing the Contax 2 and its descendant to their right place. Interesting also knowing that the legend nikon F comes more or less from the Contax 2. I will buy a Kiev 4 before their price will increase :).
Wonderful, loved this. Subscribed!
Thanks!
I believe Contax branded Kievs were for sale in 50s, and can be seen in some camera magazines.
Well, very interesting. I just watched this video a second time, as I acquired a Kiev 4, in a body of a black Contax, serial number 272. I was wondering how that happened. It says "Zeiss Ikon". It came with a Zeiss Ikon Sonnar f2, 50mmm lens. I have since purchased a 35mm and 135 mm lenses and a current finder. But I don't know when the camera was made, by that serial number. The 50mm Zeiss lens dates to 1951-1953. So the lens is not original to the body. I also picked up a spare Keiv body . A very fun kit. Thanks agian, KB
Somewhere in the Ukraine Kievs are remoddeled as Contaxes. They look nice, but the age of the camera cannot be determined. Except for the inside of the camera... somewhere in the dark lives the serial number, handwritten mostly...
@@fretlessfender Thanks, I now have 2 of those Contax/Kiev 4 and 4a.
Excelente Maestro Hans
Lot's of fun watching it, and a good start for the crowd that sees these machines for the first time. Now, as far as the fact stated in the video, there are some misconceptions, maybe too many, but hey, that doesn't take away the good that you do presenting the wonderful machines to the new users. Just one thing, Zeiss Ikon NEVER produced a black Contax II, needed that of my chest ;-) And of course, Zeiss Ikon continued after the war with the Contax IIA and IIIA, and many more, even the Pentacon cameras, even earlier that the Nikon F ? That whole story was omitted there, should have been at least touched don't you think ....? So not that factually great but your enthusiasm makes up for it ! For me, the Kiev isn't the one, I use the original Zeiss Ikon ones, and yes they are a pain, but hey, they are very nice when they work :-)
You are right about the pentacon camera's, but the Nikon F was the first real professional camera wich was modulair built. And about that black contax 2....
Are you sure they didn't make them?
I was made to believe that for professional photographers the built a limited amount of those, but I might be wrong...
I am well aware that after the war zeiss ikon did build the contax 3....
The kiev is a liability I do agree, but if one pays attention you can have loads of quality out of them and they are still dirt cheap!
Thanks for the response...
Hans
@@fretlessfender Hey Hans Wat die zwarte aangaat 100% Ik was in de leer bij Larry Gubas, waarschijnlijk de beste expert ooit, hij is helaas overleden. Zeis Ikon is een beetje mijn ding, weet er wel wat van, nog altijd weinig tegenover de enorme verscheidenheid maar toch al wat. En de KIEV, prima, ik heb er veel zelfs weggegeven aan studenten, maar ik ben dan weer een beetje snob en gebruik de Contax. Ach, ieder z'n ding ;-)
@@euroyank860 geeft niks toch? Ik hoop alleen dat de Kiev wat meer waardering krijgt die hij verdient...
As far as the Black Contax II concerns: we know. It looks good though!
Thank You for your video, as I have 5 of these babies mostly the Kiev 4m models as in which also have the 35mm, and the 85mm for these models. As I really was impressed with the optics, as the 50mm Jupiter that I found sharper like the Sonnar 50mm 2.0, I found these models better for Black & White shooting very contrasty. The models with a meter - hey what can you say of the Old Selenium model metering that the my models the meter works, as the exposure is close to normal. I do not mine with the wind mode, it is the rewind mode can be slow, and also have the external finders for the 35mm, and 85mm. Shooting Color found it kinda Soft, and muted colors. And in closing that I also have the Kiev 5 as I do use the onboard meter, and the 35mm, and 85mm without having problem in mounting them. But later I did find 2 Contax II, and III models on eBay, as I still love them as well.
Mooi om te zien dat er nog zaken zijn die een hart hebben voor de analoge fotografie . Alleen sorry nooit van gehoord en gelezen . Het is dus een lokaal gebeuren . In ieder geval heb ik de video op ons Foto en Doka Forum gezet waar ik de moderator van ben . Ik hoop dat het je meer aandacht oplevert van buiten de Randstad .
Verder ben ik van Kiev langzamerhand overgegaan op Contax en Zeiss . De Kiev 2 en 4A gebruik ik alleen nog als camera voor mijn Zeiss en Voigtlander lenzen . De Kiev is ruig maar hartelijk en trouw maar een Contax II A of III A is een juweeltje dat heel soepel werkt . Maar toch vind ik de afstandmeter van de Kiev / Contax nauwkeuriger met zijn grote basis , zeker als je de 85 mm en 135 mm gebruikt . Er bestaat een 18 cm Tele-Tessar met afstandmeter koppeling voor de Contax / Kiev . Ik kijk nog eens uit voor een Contax II , Vriendelijke groet Peter .
Dank je wel, Peter.
Ja natuurlijk een lokaal gebeuren... grote ketens doen niks aan analoge fotografie...
I enjoyed the video. It was very informative. I have a Fed camera that was rebranded as a Leica, similar to the rebranded Kiev. It is fun to have but doesn't work as well anymore. I have a complete Contax collection (except for the Contax I) but it started with a late version Kiev 4. What a great camera. I would use it on my hiking trips. Through useable, I do have some issues with all my real Contaxes and with my Nikon S2. However, my cheap old Kiev keeps working just fine. The meter even reads correctly producing wonderful photos. I do have to say through that the F1.5 50mm Zeiss Sonnar is one heck of a lens. The tonal quality is incredible. The Jupiter 8 is nowhere near it. I also would like to add a couple of corrections. First, the Leica M series WAS NOT the first camera to have a lever film advance. That honor clearly belongs to the Exakta I of 1936. This is also often called the Kine Exakta because it uses the now standard 35mm cinema film. It had a lever advance almost two decades before the Leica M series. Also, the Exakta I was the first camera to have an integrated flash synch. Again that was something other cameras didn't have until the 1950s. Finally, the Nikon F WAS NOT the first professional SLR system to have interchangeable finders, lenses, accessories, etc. Again, that belongs to the first Exakta Varex of 1950. Nikon has a great PR department that tries to push that myth but it is basically "fake news." The Exakta Varex could and still in 2021 can do almost anything a a Nikon F could do with the exception of a motor drive. Moreover, the Exakta had slow speeds all the way out to 12 seconds. Other cameras started to do that in the 1980s. It even had a behind the lens meter system in the 1950s! Exakta (Ihagee) never made its own lenses but had the very best optic firms such as Zeiss, Schneider, Angenieux, Meyer, Steinheil and even Nikon make lenses for it. However, the Nikon F was a much faster camera to use and so in the early 60s took over from the Exakta as the top SLR system. However, you can see the influence of the Exakta in the great Alfred Hitchcock film, "Rear Window," from 1956. It is with an Exakta VX and a sublime 500mm Kilfitt telephoto lens, that the professional sport photographer, played by Jimmy Stewart, watches his neighbor and deduces that he had murdered his wife. Great movie with great camera gear! And boy, was Raymond Burr one mean murderer!
WOW, thanks for the input!
Hahahaha! I stand corrected!
The Exacta is an outstanding camera no doubt, but I think it has a hard time standing up against the Nikon F if it is about reliability and user friendliness. But you are right! Next time I will mention Exacta first.
@@fretlessfender Thanks. Two great cameras from two totally different eras. But the Exakta was the real pioneer that Nikon built on. BTW had a Nikon FTN once but gave it to my brother. Way too clunky and the prism finder was not as bright as the Exakta. Plus it was a "left handed camera." When you use an Exakta for a while, you realize that it is more intuitive to follow the focus with your right hand, which is by far the most work, and press the shutter release with your left hand which is a short single stroke with little effort.
Price is a huge issue. In 2002 I made a portrait with an 50s Zeiss Ikon. 5 rolls of 120 Tri-X for 15€ (to be sure only 1 frame was perfectly focussed on the eye). 2€ of chemicals. Negatives in 1 hour. Today it would be 50€-80€ for the film. Then 100€ for development scanning (my darkroom is gone) and 5-10 days. I made a lith print for 5€-10€. Now that print would be 40€++.
Film photography is very different in 2023!!
I absolutely and regretfully agree!
Very interesting!
Thank's!
I imagine shutter speed accuracy is the biggest issue. A Kiev 4M arrived today, Feb 15, 2023. We're just getting to know each other. Serial number begins with 69.
Superb!
Thanks!
Good job! You just made me look half decent!
Thank's Hans, I really enjoyed the interview!
@@ThePhotographyMinimalist well I've got lots more in store so if your audience likes it we can do more....
@@fretlessfender Look forward to it!
Excellent ! However I would like to comment one thing, around 49:00 you note that the basic shape of the Nikon F body is very close to the contax. Yes the body form (especially the frontal styling rangefinder and removable back are Contax clones, I would say a critical difference is that (as you state earlier) the contax has a metal vertical run shutter (of a type that is problematic for an SLR because the roller gets in the way unlike later leaf vertical run shutters like to copal square) but the SP and S2 revert to a horizontal run cloth shutter.. like the leica. Indeed the top panel control layout of the SP and S2, from the center shutter speed control, release, then wind .. is like the Barnack leicas !. The F very clearly is based on the SP chassis, just insert the mirror box. So while ymmv, imho the SP and F follow elements from both the contax but also the earlier leica design. Indeed most of the early 35mm SLRs (pentax, even olympus) had horizontal run cloth shutters, until the copal square emerged
About the shutter you are absolutely right, nikon took the Leica shutter because they thought the Contax design was to complicated, wich it is.
The Nikon SP and the Nikon F were together on the drawing board, so it is a bit difficult to say that the Nikon F is based on the SP when they were both under construction/design. I think that you and I can agree that both the Nikon F and the Nikon SP were camera's evolved from the Nikon S3! Both layout and design are the same, including the shutter. Mind you that the first F's had a cloth shutter and didn't change to titanium foil until later. But this is content for a totally different video!
Very fine video and very much information.Thanks for sharing
Please prepare the same for fed too
Thanks again
FED is not my speciality, but I am already studying! So when I'm ready and I got my stuff together I will!
What About the Praktina Models?? I have a 1954 Praktina FX, and a 1958 Praktina IIa, in which it came out Way Before the Canon, and Nikon SLR in 1959 as the Praktina was first to have Interchangeable viewing screens, Finders, and a Breech Lens Lock like the Canon, and also they came out in 1954 the first Spring Wind Winder that connects both models, and I am glad that I have both models, WITH Carl Zeiss Jena Lenses.. Now Hans I have a Question: I have 2 Kiev's that saids CONTAX with the stamp Carl Zeiss Jena next to the Rangefinder window, and One is Black, and other is Chrome that has the meter. My question is from what year that these models date, are they from the later 1980's or are they from the late 1960's or 1970's??
The black one is probably a Kiev that was remade as a contax some 20 years ago. If you silver one is a real Contax, you can find the year by just Google it.
Both Kruidvat and Hema stopped selling film at the same time. Now we need to pay double on professional sites for colour film
Didn't Nikon reissue their classic rangefinder?
Yes... the S3 and the SP...
18:10 that Leica body was totally about to fall off, you can see the terror in his eyes!
Кому нужны координаты отличного мастера, который может обслужить contax/киев ? Да, живет в России, но дело свое знает.
Please! If you know his adress I would be greatly interested to have someone who knows the Kiev camera!
I do repair myself but sometimes I could use some help! It is really complicated at times! Thank you!
The canon rangefinder cameras are much better to use. I have the Canon P with canon 35mm f2.8, 50mm f1.8, and 135 mm f3.5.
You are right! But what did you pay for the whole set? My point is that the Kiev camera's are very affordable. And that they have the advantage of a wide rangefinder base. Much wider than Canon or Leica ever made... so for accuracy Kiev blows Canon right out of the water...
I have a Kiev 4 and for me it's very uncomfortable to use: the focusing with a wheel if very slow, it makes sound even with new grease in it and you always put a finger on a rangefinder window, maybe there's the same situation with contax. Zorki is more user-friendly and quick, viewfinder is brighter.
I agree with you on the wheel, it can be slow. To be honest I don't use the little wheel to focus. You can focus with the lens itself. You just need to be aware that it clicks into the locking position at infinity. It does also prefer the Contax grip. But I think the image quality and associated price is worth the effort.
You need to use your middle finger to focus with the wheel, so you can keep your index finger on the exposure button: photo ready and no finger in front of the Windows.
1 hour! And not a moment you've lost my interest. Good thing the film stash also has a neighbor. ;-)
Thanks!
Incredibly they have doubled in price after a year.
I hope I had no influence!
"We're going to lower the price." says kodak. Yeah, that wont happen.
Probably not!
Your black "Contax" is actually a Kiev painted and modified to look like a non existent black Contax II. Same for the lens, so you are actually comparing two Kievs. I restore Contax cameras.
He addresses that at the end of the video.
Will have to grab one before the hipsters discover it
I am sorry - but you so arrogant about Russians! It is not Russians invade Germany - they have to down the German Fascism. Also - Nuclear plants much safer in Russia than in you country - is not it? Since you do not have any technology to support it. Do not by so stupid with you jokes - they are not smart at all. Initially I support this video - until I see what a person is Hans De Graaf...
Hallo Rudolf, thank you for being frank and expressing your view. If you are offended, I apologize. We are not intentionally offending anyone. I know Hans very well and although you feel otherwise, I know for sure that he is a very sincere friend. We often make jokes even about our own Dutch nationality. Please don't take it too serious. Kind regards, Henk
Well... this reply has got a totally new meaning in light of these times...
Sure Vlad!
@@fretlessfender hi again! I see you totally zombie by the official media - this is what they want to do with people. This is why they close other opinion on the current matter, as somebody with enough curiosity can discover that Ukraine have the neo-nazzi, and then the question does not go to the new meaning. I know that you will not believe me - sure, why? It is so hard to get the real information on what is going around you, why bother, just stick to the official media channels and be happy.
Please, don't label Kiev cameras as "russian". First of all, everything coming from that territory was clearly labeled as " Made in the USSR". The plant "Arsenal" was located in the center region of Kiev, the capital of the Ukraine. And workers who were assembling these cameras and lenses were mostly Ukrainians. Especially today, it is important NOT to give Russia credits it doesn't deserve.
СЛАВА УКРАЇНІ !!! 🇺🇦