I just got one like this from 1967, it is my first analog camera and your video really helped me to understand how it works. So far I feel like only the timer does not work, I will try it with some film tomorrow we will see ! Thanks !
My 40 days ago passed away father had used exactly the same model from 1968 to document his family life.I can still feel the scent of leather case, the ultimate scent of my childhood.
These are truly fantastic cameras. I’d steer clear away from the 80s examples. But the early-ish examples are usually in fairly good condition. The Jupiter 8 lenses on these are really good and sharp. One of the nicest lenses I’ve used on 35mm. (You can use genuine Zeiss glass too) Of all the Soviet cameras to exist, I’d say a Kiev rangefinder is the one to have.
I have the same one, only mine was built in 79, yours seems to be built in 1968. First the shutter speed. On these cameras you are supposed to first cock the camera and then set the shutter speed, otherwise you'll damage the inner workings. The meter is a selenium light cell. You set the inner ring to the gost/asa/iso value of the film you are using (the GOST number should be pointed at the red arrow on the base of the rewind knob), then you open the light meter hood and turn the outer dial on the left until the needle in the meter stands over the diamond. Then you see which shutter speed on the outer ring corresponds to which f-stop on the inner ring (f-stops are the numbers pointed towards you), eg. 22 on the inner will be inline with the 50 on the outter ring, also 16 inner - 125 outter etc. That means, you should set the apperture to 16 and the shutter speed to 1/125s. (and you should close the meter hood as soon as you meter the light because it can get damaged) Furthermore, when ready to rewind the film, pull the rewind knob out. press the button on the bottom very firmly and slowly rewind the film, otherwise your film can snap or you can slip the gears. Also you don't need to pull the spike when it locks focus, just press the tab behind the focus gear.
I've heard this. Just for my understanding - you are saying that you need to push the film on to the next exposure before changing shutter speed, correct?
I know that Zenits, zorkis and feds can be dammaged if you set the speed before cocking the shutter, beacause the internals are early lieca copies. This kiev is a contax copie, the mechanics are very different, it seems wierd to have the same problem as the cheaper soviet cameras
Nermin, any ideas where I could send mine to have it repaired/CLA'd? I think the winding mechanism or shutter is broken. It's grampas so I'd love to have it fixed. Cheers!
the light meter works like this: Open the lid. Adjust the left dial for ISO (8-500 or 1000 if you can imagine the adjustment point) at the Upper scale referring to the red pointer. Then point the camera to the scene and turn the left wheel until the light meter needle meets the center symbol. Read the shutter speed / f-stop combinations on the scale and adjust camera / lens accordingly. Push the button. Have fun, I like the nice bookeh this camera makes with the 2/50 wide open
yes it is to measure the brightness, you adjust it with the dial at the top left, the largest, (the one you were not sure of what it is for) and you look at the gauge which is located above of the sensor, it must be located on the diamond
Dear Dragos, I am only half way through but notice you had a couple of issues. The light meter usually works! Set the film speed on the inner dial to the arrow on the centre. The outer dial can then be rotated till the meter indicates and this will give you spped and aperture readings. The base locking nuts are loose. The centre pin has a thread. ((inside middle of locks - not outside) Spin these with your fingers (with the locks in the correct open position) and it should tighten up. The locks should be flush with the case. Half a turn will open them. Don't leave the selenium meter window open too long in the sun. Glad you like this Soviet built Contax II and Zeiss lens. I do too. (They took the whole factory back to Kiev)
I bought mine from eBay, it was manufactured in 1974 and everything considered it is in fairly good condition. I made a very surprising finding: I was unable to make the delay work because the original holster prevents the delay arm to turn fully 100 degrees, only 90, and arm the shutter! So it will only work out of the holster! No big issue, I know it's not the camera fault and that is what matters. These cameras are magnificent, and I bought mine mainly as a collectible, since I find them complicated and very expensive to work with. Developing 35 mm film is very expensive and I cannot afford gaining experience and spending a lot in the process! However, they are a true work of art and have a place in my heart, since my wife is Ukrainian and I've been in Kiyv several times. You may care to know that the manufacturer used the Russian cirylic word for the model name, not Ukrainian: KIEV and not KIYV. They were Soviet, so I guess that makes some sense...
When you see the yellowy areas that look like oil on the outside of the camera, at the join of the black material and the metal edge, (like above your right thumb at 16:28, or at 17:17, under the release for the lens) ) do they clean off with a simple Q-tip, etc., or are they harder to clean up? I have one coming in the mail from Ukraine, so it will take a month. I heard you can charge an old camera meter by giving it some sun.
I have the Kiev contax mount removed from this model camera, then adapted to my Sony A7 and fitted with a Nikkor SC 5cm range finder lens - whew what ingenuity - love the results.
There are channels and websites who actually use film cameras. I wish I did too but it's a long story and expensive for me. It's a nice hobby. Was thinking to use an old camera for the yt channel haha. Seriously for some videos.
I found this camera in storage, my father used to use this camera. It's been ages since it was last used....the back where we load the roll is stuck. I am having a hard time opening it. Any help regarding that?
That light meter is a battery free selenium cell meter. Unfortunately, most of those are no longer functional, as the selenium cell degrades over time and with light exposure. In some cases, it's possible to repair the meter with a silicon photocell and add a resistor to partially compensate for the different voltage, but the light response curve and spectral sensitivity will be different even so. Probably better to just use a hand-held meter or carry another camera that has a meter to get your exposure.
Man!, yesturday me and My father was demolish one old house as construction workers. I find kiev just like this. And its in working condition. I look at this camera and realised its built very quality. But i don't interesed in photography so i bring it this morning to the antique shop. After seeing this now im sorry. Maybe someone here have desire to own it😩
@@IONHowTo Maybe not today but i think they were very expensive back in the days. The quality of build is perfection of mechanics and optics. I am regret now for bring it to the antique shop. Maybe its more value for someone here ho loves old photography. Maybe i should try to take it back and give someone who love this. It's better to go in proper hands and make someone happy.(as a gift)
Your video interests me but the intrusive background music caused me to quit after 10 minutes. Why embelish your quality evaluation with distracting noise? By the way, it is an old silicon meter which has died as have those on all my old cameras. There are some vert neat modern meters that fit the flash hot shoe and would take up the same space as the old built-in. I think you got lucky with that beauty, except for the meter.
Kiev is a Soviet and Ukrainian brand of photographic equipment including cameras manufactured by the Arsenal Factory in Kiev, Ukraine. Where is russians hear, who did tell you this stupid things?
Soviet... that's more correct I guess. Soviet = both Russian and Ukrainian afaik and others who don't care. Please don't bring history and politics here. Just enjoy a nice camera.
www.ionhowto.com/kiev-4-film-camera-maintenance-and-restoration-guide/
I just got one like this from 1967, it is my first analog camera and your video really helped me to understand how it works. So far I feel like only the timer does not work, I will try it with some film tomorrow we will see ! Thanks !
My 40 days ago passed away father had used exactly the same model from 1968 to document his family life.I can still feel the scent of leather case, the ultimate scent of my childhood.
These are truly fantastic cameras. I’d steer clear away from the 80s examples. But the early-ish examples are usually in fairly good condition. The Jupiter 8 lenses on these are really good and sharp. One of the nicest lenses I’ve used on 35mm. (You can use genuine Zeiss glass too) Of all the Soviet cameras to exist, I’d say a Kiev rangefinder is the one to have.
I have the same one, only mine was built in 79, yours seems to be built in 1968. First the shutter speed. On these cameras you are supposed to first cock the camera and then set the shutter speed, otherwise you'll damage the inner workings. The meter is a selenium light cell. You set the inner ring to the gost/asa/iso value of the film you are using (the GOST number should be pointed at the red arrow on the base of the rewind knob), then you open the light meter hood and turn the outer dial on the left until the needle in the meter stands over the diamond. Then you see which shutter speed on the outer ring corresponds to which f-stop on the inner ring (f-stops are the numbers pointed towards you), eg. 22 on the inner will be inline with the 50 on the outter ring, also 16 inner - 125 outter etc. That means, you should set the apperture to 16 and the shutter speed to 1/125s. (and you should close the meter hood as soon as you meter the light because it can get damaged)
Furthermore, when ready to rewind the film, pull the rewind knob out. press the button on the bottom very firmly and slowly rewind the film, otherwise your film can snap or you can slip the gears. Also you don't need to pull the spike when it locks focus, just press the tab behind the focus gear.
This is very detailed! Thank you 😊
I've heard this. Just for my understanding - you are saying that you need to push the film on to the next exposure before changing shutter speed, correct?
I know that Zenits, zorkis and feds can be dammaged if you set the speed before cocking the shutter, beacause the internals are early lieca copies. This kiev is a contax copie, the mechanics are very different, it seems wierd to have the same problem as the cheaper soviet cameras
Nermin, any ideas where I could send mine to have it repaired/CLA'd? I think the winding mechanism or shutter is broken. It's grampas so I'd love to have it fixed. Cheers!
the light meter works like this: Open the lid. Adjust the left dial for ISO (8-500 or 1000 if you can imagine the adjustment point) at the Upper scale referring to the red pointer. Then point the camera to the scene and turn the left wheel until the light meter needle meets the center symbol. Read the shutter speed / f-stop combinations on the scale and adjust camera / lens accordingly. Push the button. Have fun, I like the nice bookeh this camera makes with the 2/50 wide open
I have alredy bought the same model, your video helped me so much. Thanks!
That's a very especial camera, I'm so excited to use!
Thank you for this! I have several Kiev and Zorki cameras that I dont use as much as I should. Planning on using my Zorki 4 today! Thanks again!
Sounds great! Will try a film hopefully soon. Enjoy it! 😁
Thank you, this was my first 35mm camera a good 40 years ago. You have made me want to buy a minter, like this, with wide and tele' lenses.
I almost pissed myself over “...I ll have a little bit of tea right now...”. LOL
Good review.I have been thinking about getting a Keiv 4.Hope I can get one as good as this
I have one if you are interested I am in Spain
Thanks now I know how to clean my Kiev too so thanks
Gorgeous production values!
yes it is to measure the brightness, you adjust it with the dial at the top left, the largest, (the one you were not sure of what it is for) and you look at the gauge which is located above of the sensor, it must be located on the diamond
the exposure meter at min 7:57 is so dirty , I fear it can't see much light, how do you clean it? mine has the same problem. Thank you
Great video. Makes me want to buy Kiev now!
They’re really cheap and easy to find. Still didn’t use it but it’s nice to look at. Someday we’ll try it.
I want to sell my Kive 4 camera if you interested pin your number.
They sell here in perfect shape for 65 eur
Now on the #956th. You are nearing the goal new pal. great content here. Nice helping fellow small creators like me.
Dear Dragos, I am only half way through but notice you had a couple of issues. The light meter usually works! Set the film speed on the inner dial to the arrow on the centre. The outer dial can then be rotated till the meter indicates and this will give you spped and aperture readings.
The base locking nuts are loose. The centre pin has a thread. ((inside middle of locks - not outside) Spin these with your fingers (with the locks in the correct open position) and it should tighten up. The locks should be flush with the case. Half a turn will open them.
Don't leave the selenium meter window open too long in the sun.
Glad you like this Soviet built Contax II and Zeiss lens. I do too. (They took the whole factory back to Kiev)
Thank you Martin! I’ll check it tomorrow and update.
Very interesting..I have 5 made in ussr..Fed.Zorki.Zenit.Kiev...in my collection....hope to add more.
I bought mine from eBay, it was manufactured in 1974 and everything considered it is in fairly good condition. I made a very surprising finding: I was unable to make the delay work because the original holster prevents the delay arm to turn fully 100 degrees, only 90, and arm the shutter! So it will only work out of the holster! No big issue, I know it's not the camera fault and that is what matters. These cameras are magnificent, and I bought mine mainly as a collectible, since I find them complicated and very expensive to work with. Developing 35 mm film is very expensive and I cannot afford gaining experience and spending a lot in the process!
However, they are a true work of art and have a place in my heart, since my wife is Ukrainian and I've been in Kiyv several times. You may care to know that the manufacturer used the Russian cirylic word for the model name, not Ukrainian: KIEV and not KIYV. They were Soviet, so I guess that makes some sense...
When you see the yellowy areas that look like oil on the outside of the camera, at the join of the black material and the metal edge, (like above your right thumb at 16:28, or at 17:17, under the release for the lens) ) do they clean off with a simple Q-tip, etc., or are they harder to clean up? I have one coming in the mail from Ukraine, so it will take a month. I heard you can charge an old camera meter by giving it some sun.
I don't remember. Everything is in the video. I cleaned it as good as I could.
Helper channel took me here for hitting view help support value and rectangle buttons. cleaning cameras is relaxing to view.
I have the Kiev contax mount removed from this model camera, then adapted to my Sony A7 and fitted with a Nikkor SC 5cm range finder lens - whew what ingenuity - love the results.
are you brushing the camera just to put dirts inside of it?:))
I’m going to cry right now! I have the same exact camera and the shutter is not working and that timer thing ( silver lever) is spring back fast!
Is the film barrel a universal camera part? I just got this kiev but its missing that part
I'm not sure, you could try to find the part for a similar. Size should be the same - standard film.
mines also mising. i killed a film canister and took the spool from there
It would have been nice to see some actual photographs from this camera.......................
There are channels and websites who actually use film cameras.
I wish I did too but it's a long story and expensive for me.
It's a nice hobby.
Was thinking to use an old camera for the yt channel haha. Seriously for some videos.
How much is the price i have one its working
I have one, how much does it cost now?
They're usually cheap. Keep it as a nice thing to have
I thought it was expensive, but that's not a problem. We'll keep it as a memory
I found this camera in storage, my father used to use this camera. It's been ages since it was last used....the back where we load the roll is stuck. I am having a hard time opening it. Any help regarding that?
Check other viewer's comments. It should come out when you unlock it. Otherwise I have no idea, sorry :/
That light meter is a battery free selenium cell meter. Unfortunately, most of those are no longer functional, as the selenium cell degrades over time and with light exposure. In some cases, it's possible to repair the meter with a silicon photocell and add a resistor to partially compensate for the different voltage, but the light response curve and spectral sensitivity will be different even so. Probably better to just use a hand-held meter or carry another camera that has a meter to get your exposure.
or a phone light meter
@@dennisgreene7164 My phone is hand held when I use it as a light meter...
I dont know why but old soviet cameras have something that the other ones dont have. I have a canon ae 1 and i am thinking about getting a fed 2.
I like these old style mechanical stuff especially soviet ones too.
right now
Man!, yesturday me and My father was demolish one old house as construction workers. I find kiev just like this. And its in working condition. I look at this camera and realised its built very quality. But i don't interesed in photography so i bring it this morning to the antique shop. After seeing this now im sorry. Maybe someone here have desire to own it😩
They are usually not expensive at all. Try ebay or local classifieds websites.
@@IONHowTo Maybe not today but i think they were very expensive back in the days. The quality of build is perfection of mechanics and optics. I am regret now for bring it to the antique shop. Maybe its more value for someone here ho loves old photography. Maybe i should try to take it back and give someone who love this. It's better to go in proper hands and make someone happy.(as a gift)
How much you sell it for?
@@IONHowTo i dont wanna charge for it. I will be glad to send it someone who will love to use it.
@@ivannovoselac3518 I guess if someone wants it they can reply here or send you a mention message.
I have one like it I want to sell it and I don't know how much it is now
Ebay, they're pretty cheap.
Your video interests me but the intrusive background music caused me to quit after 10 minutes. Why embelish your quality evaluation with distracting noise? By the way, it is an old silicon meter which has died as have those on all my old cameras. There are some vert neat modern meters that fit the flash hot shoe and would take up the same space as the old built-in. I think you got lucky with that beauty, except for the meter.
We don't use music these days. Much easier without it.
Thanks for watching as much as you could!
is it able to remove the light meter on top?
No, it is part of the camera case.
Hw much is it now
I have a Zenit 3m from 1966
Those are beautiful
Dragos Ion indeed they are
عندي منها اشتريتها من سوق التحفيات 4الف دينار 😂😂
Kiev is a Soviet and Ukrainian brand of photographic equipment including cameras manufactured by the Arsenal Factory in Kiev, Ukraine. Where is russians hear, who did tell you this stupid things?
Soviet... that's more correct I guess.
Soviet = both Russian and Ukrainian afaik and others who don't care.
Please don't bring history and politics here.
Just enjoy a nice camera.
Kiev I know it's in Ukraine. Would be nice to see some cool lenses coming from there.
Зря я ждал когда ты его разберешь и отремонтируешь!😖😞👎
Maa
H