Who shoots with a Kiev-60

[outwest]

One time I bought a new ARAX modified Kiev-60. A beautiful camera. Got through 2 rolls before it disassembled itself. Sent it back to the importer for repair and never heard from him again. The lenses are fantastic and I use them now with an adapter on a Mamiya 645. Good luck. Still have the new metered finder.

 

[Sirius Glass]

I photographed quite a bit with a 1991 produced Kiev60 in the 90's. When things went right it was a good camera. Overlapping frames problem I solved by taping some stuff to the winding spool to make it thicker, I still got 13 frames out of a roll. But in almost every roll there was one frame which had an annoying bit of overexposure. Finally the shutter gave up altogether and I couldn't get a repairman touch it with a ten foot pole.
Contrast of the Volna-3 lens was pathetic which was ok in black and white.

Great collection of vintage automobiles and motorcycles.

 

[Analogski]

I'm still not sure if 800 bucks is worth the investment for the arax. It can work with some beautiful lenses and the upgrade is very nice. But still having second thoughts.
Damn!

 

[ags2mikon]

I would have second thoughts too. I think you would be better served by a Pentax 67.

 

[Kino]

$800? I bought mine WAY cheaper than that, back in the day when people were dumping film cameras right and left. To be fair, I have spent a fair amount getting them rebuilt over time, so...

If you are that conflicted and concerned about performance,I would also suggest you try another camera; maybe a Mamiya RB67 or Pentax 67, but expect to spend 2x the price for lenses.

However, be forewarned that none of these aging MF cameras are not without their potential issues.

 

[Analogski]

$800? I bought mine WAY cheaper than that, back in the day when people were dumping film cameras right and left. To be fair, I have spent a fair amount getting them rebuilt over time, so...

If you are that conflicted and concerned about performance,I would also suggest you try another camera; maybe a Mamiya RB67 or Pentax 67, but expect to spend 2x the price for lenses.

However, be forewarned that none of these aging MF cameras are not without their potential issues

The only alternative is the Pentax. But I'm still soft for the Kiev. The lenses are way cheaper and very nice.

I was also thinking about Hartblei. But I heard that this company is no longer operational. Anyone information on this?
Or bought recently a Hartblei Kiev 60?

 

[Frank53]

The only alternative is the Pentax. But I'm still soft for the Kiev. The lenses are way cheaper and very nice.

I was also thinking about Hartblei. But I heard that this company is no longer operational. Anyone information on this?
Or bought recently a Hartblei Kiev 60?

Hi,
i bought an Arax a few months ago. I can recommend it fully. It feels very reliable and works fine. I bought only the body and use it with Zeiss Jena lenses.
btw, have we met on the Rolleiflex.nl forum?
regards,
Frank

 

[Analogski]

Hi,
i bought an Arax a few months ago. I can recommend it fully. It feels very reliable and works fine. I bought only the body and use it with Zeiss Jena lenses.
btw, have we met on the Rolleiflex.nl forum?
regards,
Frank

Ok, thanks!
It only surprises me that there is more than 200 euro difference between Hartblei and Arax camera's.

Anyone know why this is?

And jazeker! I'm also on the Rolleiflex forum

 

[ags2mikon]

When I bought into my Kiev addiction in the late 80's the cost was so low it made a a lot of sense. Now the prices have gone up considerably and I think the Pentax 67 makes more sense. In the mid 1980's I had a Pentax 67 and a few lenses and I liked them but I preferred the RB67 so I sold the Pentax 67 and lenses. Everything on the Pentax 67 was top quality. The Kiev 60's were crude in comparison, but cheep, so that was the camera that went to the snow, the beach and 4 wheeling in the Landcruiser. I left the RB67 home.

 

[Marcelo Paniagua]

I have and use Kiev 6c. Have to bodies and, although both seems well calibrated on the shutter, one of them overlap frames if I'm not careful when winding film.

No experience with Kiev 60 but would assume it is better/newer?


I really like the camera. Quite robust and a pleasure to use. Really like the shooting experience.

For lenses, I use mostly the Volna 3 and like stated before, YMMV. My copy seems to be one of the better ones I've used and never disappointed me. Details and shadows are crispy and really like the rendering.

Also have a Mir 38 (65mm) and use it when I want to go a bit wider. I may one day buy the adapter for Kiev 88 lens to Pentacon so I can use the Kiev 88 Zodiac 8 30mm on it.

I guess the trick is to look for reliable sellers (which you already seem to have done).

Have been using them for more than 5 years and never had a problem with them (aside from the occasional slight frame overlap on one of the bodies).



Suggestions/tips:

• Be sure to get the waist level finder which, believe it not, sometimes is more useful than the prism (aside from making a lighter kit).
• There is an unmetered prism that is much lighter and smaller. Really useful.
• Kit is heavy so remember to renew your gym membership this year.
• For hand hold shooting, I recommend going as low as 1/125. 1/60 starts to blur things up so a tripod is recommended.

Have fun

 

[Analogski]

I'll think for now I'll go fot the Kiev 60 from a local seller for 225 euro's.
When the kiev starts letting me down, I can always sent it to Arax. That way I have more money in the pocket now for some nice lenses.

 

[RalphLambrecht]

I once had a Pentacon Six without frame spacing problems. They do exist. Worth their weight in gold!

You know that gold values at the moment for about $100,0000/kg right?

 

[Hassasin]

Don’t expect quality from any Soviet product, that was simply never on their books.

All cameras were a case of hit and miss. With luck it worked ok. Same on lenses, sample to sample variance is all over the charts, some were indeed excellent.

If someone does own repair I can see appeal, but I’d never put money up to service them because service might give them life or they may go bust again quickly after.

And in the end: why? There re so many great and reliable cameras to pick from. Soviet era gear is really not cheap anymore, often better quality can be had for less.

 

[Marcelo Paniagua]

Don’t expect quality from any Soviet product, that was simply never on their books.

All cameras were a case of hit and miss. With luck it worked ok. Same on lenses, sample to sample variance is all over the charts, some were indeed excellent.

If someone does own repair I can see appeal, but I’d never put money up to service them because service might give them life or they may go bust again quickly after.

And in the end: why? There re so many great and reliable cameras to pick from. Soviet era gear is really not cheap anymore, often better quality can be had for less.

In a way, I agree with you. Prices had been going up recently and for no apparent reason (except war on Ukraine).


When I got into the Kiev 88/6c wagon, I got the bodies quite cheap (compared to other cameras).


Also, for Kiev88, at the time when I choose the system, it was amazing I could get a full kit (with an spare back) along with all the lenses I needed/wanted (including 30mm,45mm,80mm,120mm,150mm) for less than $1000. That was hard to beat. Only trick was finding a reliable seller that CLA the equipment.

Been happy with both the Kiev88 and Kiev 6c for the pass 3 years or so. Only issue is replacing light seals on kiev 88 film back but was quite easy.

I mean, no Hasselblad quality here but quite good enough for me and my purpose. No way I would be able to afford a Hasselblad 2 bodies, 6 film backs and 7 lenses (including a fish eye) like my Kiev 88 kit.

Horses for courses I guess.

 

[Kino]

In a way, I agree with you. Prices had been going up recently and for no apparent reason (except war on Ukraine).

I mean, no Hasselblad quality here but quite good enough for me and my purpose. No way I would be able to afford a Hasselblad 2 bodies, 6 film backs and 7 lenses (including a fish eye) like my Kiev 88 kit.

Horses for courses I guess.

Same here. I have had a ton of fun with my Kiev cameras; no way I could have bought the equivalent system in any other brand AND I am not making a living with my gear.

 

[Analogski]

In a way, I agree with you. Prices had been going up recently and for no apparent reason (except war on Ukraine).


When I got into the Kiev 88/6c wagon, I got the bodies quite cheap (compared to other cameras).


Also, for Kiev88, at the time when I choose the system, it was amazing I could get a full kit (with an spare back) along with all the lenses I needed/wanted (including 30mm,45mm,80mm,120mm,150mm) for less than $1000. That was hard to beat. Only trick was finding a reliable seller that CLA the equipment.

Been happy with both the Kiev88 and Kiev 6c for the pass 3 years or so. Only issue is replacing light seals on kiev 88 film back but was quite easy.

I mean, no Hasselblad quality here but quite good enough for me and my purpose. No way I would be able to afford a Hasselblad 2 bodies, 6 film backs and 7 lenses (including a fish eye) like my Kiev 88 kit.

Horses for courses I guess.

Yeah, I don't understand the prices.... I remember years ago it was a fraction of the price. I understand the cost of labor going up, but 800 euros for the Arax is insane. You do have something unique and im still thinkingabout it, but still...

Here in Holland the prices of Kiev-60 is between 200 and 300 euros. Again... pretty insane

 

[Marcelo Paniagua]

Yeah not sure if it make sense anymore at current prices. Probably would choose Mamiya RB67 probably.

 

[ericB&W]

I have two Kiev 60, one flocked inside and with mirror lock up and another whitout.
I follow advices loading the lever slowly in advancing the film, they work well ,
good film spacing , no light inside.
I have the Sonnar 180 ,,Kaleinar 150 , Mir 30, Telear 250 , 2 normal 80 mm volna and Flektogon 50 mm.
Telear costs nothing and is very sharp even if opens at 5,6 but i like all the other lenses .
Even the prismatic finder looks rubbish at a first sight but , with a little bit of experience, i get the same exposure readings
that i get on Canon 5d mk III.
Probably is not a camera for heavy , professional usage as is a little fragile in the long run , but for an amatorial usage doesn't give problems .

 

[Analogski]

I have two Kiev 60, one flocked inside and with mirror lock up and another whitout.
I follow advices loading the lever slowly in advancing the film, they work well ,
good film spacing , no light inside.
I have the Sonnar 180 ,,Kaleinar 150 , Mir 30, Telear 250 , 2 normal 80 mm volna and Flektogon 50 mm.
Telear costs nothing and is very sharp even if opens at 5,6 but i like all the other lenses .
Even the prismatic finder looks rubbish at a first sight but , with a little bit of experience, i get the same exposure readings
that i get on Canon 5d mk III.
Probably is not a camera for heavy , professional usage as is a little fragile in the long run , but for an amatorial usage doesn't give problems .

Do you see the difference in the pictures taken by both Kievs?
I wonder if flocking is necessary, or only in specific conditions

 

[Kino]

Flocking kits cost about $9 USD currently on Ebay.

What does a roll of film cost?

Yes, you need flocking; without a question.

 

[halfaman]

I used Arax-60 for a couple of years. First body from Arax got the film advance jammed in the first week, I returned it and had a new body that gave no problem. The camera is light and compact for a 6x6 SLR ,it has 1/1000th shutter speed, there is a reliable uncoupled TTL metered prism, and Zeiss Jena lenses are inexpensive and pretty good (Biometar being my favourite). I had also a Volna-3, a weird lens with very peculiar rendering not suitable for any situation. I found the Biometar a far better lens regarding IQ.

But I was never really comfortable with the pictures with some exceptions, so I sold the whole gear (body+metered prism, 50 mm Flektogon, 80 mm Biometar and 180 mm Sonnar) and never looked back. I stay in that format with a Bronica SQ-Ai which works better for me. Finding the right camera for each photographer is a 100% subjective task.

A Kiev-60 or a Pentacon Six with a Biometar is a good and affordable combo for small pockets that deserves a try if you can get a minimum reliable body.

 

[Marcelo Paniagua]

..

But I was never really comfortable with the pictures with some exceptions, so I sold the whole gear (body+metered prism, 50 mm Flektogon, 80 mm Biometar and 180 mm Sonnar) and never looked back. I stay in that format with a Bronica SQ-Ai which works better for me. Finding the right camera for each photographer is a 100% subjective task.

..

Agree. Whatever suit you better you and your purpose, and most importantly, makes you happy.

 

[Marcelo Paniagua]

Do you see the difference in the pictures taken by both Kievs?
I wonder if flocking is necessary, or only in specific conditions

I got both an unflocked kiev 88 and a flocked one. The unflocked one is the "spare body" so didnt worried much about getting it flocked.


Depending on light conditions the unflocked one sometimes give me some flare that may or may not ruin a good photo.

My Kiev 6c is flockled and don't get the problem, so yeah, I suggest getting a flocked on if you can. They sell flocking kits on the bay if you feel like doing it yourself.