Kiev 88 Classic Camera (Richard Weise model)
Photo Courtesy of Edward G. Lau - Thanks!
The Kiev 88 and
60 Buyers Guide
For professionals, advanced amateurs, amateurs and weekend
shooters
By Edward G. Lau - September 2000
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This is a newly written buyers guide for those interested in the Kiev 88 and Kiev 60 camera system. The guide will cover basic Kiev 88 and 60 cameras (factory stock) through the most advanced modified versions for professional photography use. I will cover the good and the bad points of each type. I will also compare purchasing a Kiev system vs. a used name brand medium format camera. This guide is only written to give a new buyer a small insight into the real world of Kiev 88�s and Kiev 60�s. All the information in this guide is from my personal experience or from research.
The standard Kiev 88 will be the first topic, followed by the Kiev 60�s and then a tid bit information section with names, addresses and photos of various photo equipment.
Kiev 88 Cameras
The Kiev 88 camera (factory stock version / unmodified) is a good basic camera for a novice or amateur interested in exploring 120 medium format photography. The only problems as most will tell you are that when the cameras were made in the Arsenal Factory there was next to no Quality Control checking done during or after the camera is assembled. The result is that the shutter speeds can be off, film backs can have light leaks and frame spacing problems, the film advance can be very rough, the diaphragm and focusing rings can be loose or too tight, there could be dust or dirt within the lens elements etc.
Well, now that I have everyone�s complete attention, you might ask why purchase a Kiev 88, and go though all the headaches?
The reason is low
prices and the line of lenses that are available. The last time I checked,
prices for a new Kiev 88 camera kit ran between $175 (United States
Dollars) through a little less than $1,200 (USD). The lower end prices are
for the factory stock / unmodified versions and the high-end prices are
for the professional level (modified/rebuilt) equipment.
What defines a professional level Kiev 88 camera, film back or lens? The equipment is taken apart, substandard grease is removed; a higher quality grease is then installed. Better quality internal machined parts are used, shutter speeds are recalibrated, internal parts that did not fit correctly are fixed by filing down metal burrs, internal dust and dirt are removed, flocking within the camera and film back are installed as well as a better quality light trap on the film backs. Exposure meter is recalibrated. Mirror Lock Up ( MLU ) feature is added. The final results are cameras that can handle a professional heavy workload. Plus they are sold with long-term repair warranties.
Well, let us begin with the factory stock / unmodified Kiev 88 kits. The best place to find this kind of kit is on the internet. EBAY (www.ebay.com) has a wonderful photographic section that lists new and used equipment. Plus in many of the listed auctions, several dealers indicate their web site address, just in case you find the need to purchase a Kiev on a moments notice. I�ve had this feeling more than a few times when cruising through the internet late in the evening and sipping 1997 Kendall Jackson Chardonnay. I believe the last bottle cost me $400. The result was a Kiev 88 kit with a black colored metal shutter.
That was a gift to my best friend. So everyone be nice to me, if I like you, you might receive a Kiev/USA Kiev 88 CB with all the bells and whistles.
New factory stock / unmodified kits fall under two headings.
Kits made in the years 1991 to the year 2000. And kits made from the early
1980�s to early 1991. The first two digits of serial number on any Arsenal
product tell you the year it was made. For example if the first two digits were
96, then the item was made in the year 1996. I
highly recommend that if you
purchase any Kiev photographic product, to get one with the most current
production year.
- one Kiev 88 body with copper or bronze colored metal steel
shutter,
- two 6 x 6 film backs,
- one light green and one u/v 62mm filter,
- one 80mm MC Arsat or Volna F2.8 lens,
- waist level finder,
- and a not to accurate TTL meter prism.
Now I did say the most recent production models. On the few and rare cases, I have seen or I should say, I have already purchased a 1999 production model with a matt black painted metal shutter curtain. On the earlier production kits, a leather camera case, extention tubes and cable release were included too. By the way, early production kits only had the copper or bronze colored metal shutter. The price of these kits range from $175. to $350. (USD).
Some products include a 10 to 30 day exchange warranty. Others might have exchange warranties as long as 6 months. Please note these are exchange warranties, NOT repair warranties. When you ship back a kit, you might be getting a new set of problems in exchange for the older problems. However most, if not all of the dealers, I�ve dealt with are very honest and will always check out a camera before shipping it to you. This type of Kiev 88 camera is well suited for an amateur or weekend shooters. It gives you the most bang for your spending dollars. It might not be the most fined tuned, or refined Kiev 88. But it will serve you well if you just shoot 120 film once and a while.
Kiev 88 CM Model with TTL Prism
Photo Courtesy of Edward G. Lau - Thanks!
Finally, the last type of Arsenal factory stock / unmodified Kiev 88 is the New Kiev 88CM. This is a real Hasselblad look alike. Even the TTL meter prism (center weighted average / spot) looks like a Hasselblad PM45 Prism. It also has a Hasselblad style film winding crank; the film advance is smoother than the standard Kiev 88. It has more modern 6x6 and 645 film backs, plus a black cloth shutter curtain. The exterior styling is cleaner and the camera has a pentacon lens mount for more expensive type lens. (We�ll talk about those lenses a little further down the road.) The over all build quality is a bit better than the standard Kiev 88 camera. The price however is higher. The last time I checked, the price was between $350. to $550. (USD).
VRN Kiev 688 with TTL Prism (Black)
Photo courtesy of Edward G. Lau - Thanks!
The next type or grade of Kiev cameras are the modified versions. These sell in the price range from $500. to $1200. (USD). Several companies sell these types.
The first is Kiev/USA in the United States of America. Kiev/USA rebuilds the cameras and lens they sell. Their cameras are made to handle professional workloads. All of the above modifications that I spoke of are in Kiev/USA Kiev 88 cameras. Plus they sell different versions of the Kiev 88. One version has a black cloth shutter, mirror lock up, some have film-winding cranks, and others have pentacon lens mounts. This is a nice option, because with a pentacon lens mount, you can mount older East German Carl Zeiss Jena lens or the newer more expensive Schneider lens made for the Exakta 66 model I, II, III. However I fully believe once you start putting a modern Schneider lens on any Kiev, that�s when you might start thinking about a Hasselblad or Rollei camera.
Hartblei Kiev 88 with TTL Prism
Photo Courtesy of Edward G. Lau - Thanks!
Our next modified Kiev camera is the Hartblei made in Europe (Prague). Harblei cameras are not only modified on the inside, but also the outside. First, they can be purchased with the standard Kiev 88 lens mount or the Pentacon� lens mount. The internal parts of the camera are modified in a similar way, just as the Kiev/USA cameras. Plus the exterior of the cameras are covered with either the standard vinyl or leather. Gold tone bodies can be ordered instead of the standard factory chrome. Some Hartbleis also accept actual Hasselblad film backs. A Hasselblad style film winding crank can be ordered too.
Richard Wiese of Germany sells a relabeled version of the Hartblei called the Pentasix (see photo at top of page). This camera comes in all black with a modern Schneider 80mm lens and a Hasselblad style film winding crank. I believe Mr. Wiese maintains his own repair facility, so service should not be too much of a problem. Prices of the Hartblei cameras are within the same price range of Kiev/USA cameras. Currently the only repair facilities that offer service for Hartblei are within Europe. As of this date, I know of no American repair company that will touch them, due to the unavailability of replacement parts.
Hartblei Film Crank and Mirror Lock
Photo courtesy of Edward G. Lau - Thanks!
Photo-Arsenal of Germany also sells a modified version of the Kiev 88 camera. Their version has a Pentacon lens mount, black cloth shutter curtains and an optional film winding crank. Prices are also within the same range of the other top of the line Kiev 88 modified cameras. Another brand of modified Kiev 88 sells under the name called Big Six (Brenner Foto of Germany). Its features, warranty and price are like the other top of the line modified Kiev 88�s.
One thing to keep in mind when purchasing from any Kiev dealer is try to only pay for your purchases with charge or credit cards. This way, whether you make your purchase domestically or overseas, you have the protection of the charge or credit card company behind you.
New York City Camera Stores
The next section of this buyers guide covers, purchasing a Kiev 88 camera in New York City camera stores. This is an expensive option. Two camera stores in New York always come to mind. The first is B&H Photo and the other is Adorama Camera. Both these stores sell brand new Kiev 88 kits, in their used photo equipment department. The reason the new kits are sold in the used departments are because even when an Arsenal product is brand new, it does not come close to the cosmetic level of Japanese, German or Swiss photo equipment.
Anyway the last time I checked both the above camera stores were selling new Kiev 88 kits (Polaroid backs included) for about $625. to $675. (USD). These are Arsenal factory stock / UNMODIFIED kits with a 30 day repair warranty. In my opinion, this is a terrible price. Another store in New York City is Cambridge Camera. This store sells the same kit as above (unmodified), except the camera body has a Pentacon lens mount. The camera also has been relabeled with the name Cambron Pro Six. The price and warranty are the same too.
Two other stores in the New York City area sell Kiev kits. Rare Camera of New York store sells factory stock/unmodified Kiev 88 and 60 cameras and lens. The prices are less than B&H Photo, Adorama and Cambridge. But the store only deals with cash sales; warranties are only for 14 days.
The last store is called Active Camera (Brooklyn, New York). This store is owned and run by an ex Arsenal factory employee (Eddie Slovakia?). All his Kiev 88 and 60�s are rebuilt or fine tuned. For example 1/60 of a second shutter speed is really 1/60, not 1/50th. From what I understand his cameras are as I said rebuilt or fine tuned, but not rebuilt to the level that the equipment can handle a professional work load. The prices are more than the standard factory stock / unmodified Kiev equipment, but a lot less than the professional level Kiev 88 and 60 equipment. There is a rumor that Eddie the owner of Active Camera is the uncle of the senior repair technician at Kiev/USA in Connecticut. I guess it�s a small world.
Buying Tips
Now as to purchasing a used Kiev 88 camera. I highly suggest staying away from most used Kiev cameras. First I have yet to see anyone offer a warranty on a used Kiev product. Usually most people just want to sell the camera and be done with it (final sale, as is condition). So unless you receive a super low price, what�s the point of purchasing anything used. Since most new Kiev�s (factory stock models) have problems already built in to them, a used one will be the same or worse.
There are exceptions to the rule, if you find a modified Kiev 88 that is selling within a decent price of a new modified Kiev 88 camera. I�ve seen on www.ebay.com used Kiev/USA Kiev 88 cameras selling for about $500 to $600 (USD). A new version of the same camera would have cost about $1200. (USD). The other exception would be if you found a broken Kiev 88 camera (jammed shutter, film advance stuck,etc..) and sent it into a repair service to have it fixed. The cost of the broken camera plus the repairs might be lower than purchasing a new Kiev 88 kit. Note that since you had the camera repaired, you now have a Kiev 88 camera with an actual repair warranty.
500mm Arsat APO f/5.6
Photo courtesy of Edward G. Lau - Thanks!
Now with all of the above information, is it really worth it to purchase a Kiev 88 camera?
Yes and no. If you want a affordable medium format camera were you have access to 30mm fisheye lens up though 500mm telephotos, interchangeable film backs etc., yes it is worth it By the way, most Kiev (Arsenal Brand) 88 and 60 lens sell from $89. to $1,550. (USD), new and used. Some are rebuilt by Kiev dealers and some are just straight out of the Arsenal factory. Now on the �No Side of the Answer�, for the price of a top of the line modified Kiev 88 camera kit, (regardless of the dealer you purchased from), you could purchase the New Mamiya 645E camera kit for only $1,300. (USD). Or even a used Hasselblad 500CM kit with a 30 day warranty for about $1,500. (USD). The things to keep in mind is that with a Japanese, German or Swiss camera, used lens, film backs, accessories and repairs are a lot more expensive than purchasing unmodified or even modified Kiev equipment.
Kiev 60 Kit (in box)
Photo courtesy of Edward G. Lau - Thanks!
Kiev 60 Cameras
Our next section will deal with the Kiev 60 camera. This camera looks like a over sized 35mm SLR that was hit with the ugly stick several times at birth. It only comes with a Pentacon lens mount. It does not offer interchangeable film backs. It has a TTL meter that is also not too accurate. The camera sometimes suffers from frame spacing problems and PC flash sync problems. It is rare that it has light leak problems. It is very heavy and resembles a large Nikon F2 camera from the mid 1980�s. The reason I�m saying this, is because the TTL meter prism is black colored and the Kiev 60 body is chrome and black colored. Sounds like a Nikon F2 to me. Anyway this camera is a lot of fun to use regardless of the weight and bulk.
Arsenal lens for the Kiev 60 are exactly the same as the lens for the Kiev 88 camera. The only difference is the lens mount. Kiev 60 kits (factory stock / unmodified) versions sell for $100. to $225. (USD). The modified versions (professional level) sell from $265 to $600. (USD). Some of the extras that the modified versions have, are as follows: rebuilt, regreased, fine tuned, additional flocking to prevent light leaks or reflections, mirror lock up and recalibrated meters.
There are even versions that have been updated to produce sixteen 645 exposures instead of the standard twelve 6x6 exposures. These modified Kiev 645 cameras offer vertical composition when holding the camera in a normal fashion. The film counters are recalibrated to 16 instead of 12. Plus the focusing screens have special composition lines indicating how the image should be cropped.
Also try to purchase a Kiev 60 or 645 with the most current production year. There seems to be a lot of older Arsenal products out there that has been sitting around in cold warehouses for over 5 to 6 years. Note that in general the Kiev 60 camera has fewer problems than the Kiev 88. This is due to the simpler design. If you want to get into medium format and don�t need interchangeable film backs, the Kiev 60 or 645 might be the right choice. It�s lower priced, less problematic and it�s ugly. Warranties that are offered are the same as with the above Kiev 88 cameras. Is it worth it to purchase a used Kiev 60 or 645 camera? I don�t think so, the price as you have read is just so low that it would not make sense to go the used route.
Kiev 6C Camera Outfit
Photo courtesy of Edward G. Lau - Thanks!
Another camera that I should speak of, is the Kiev 6C. The is the model before the Kiev 60. From what I�ve read the 6C was made for the Soviet Space Program. The shutter release is on the left side of the camera as opposed to the Kiev 60�s (right side). The Kiev 6C also accepts 120 or 220 film, whereas the Kiev 60 only accepts 120 film. Some versions of the 6C look just like the Kiev 60. Earlier versions look like an old Nikon F with a black colored non-meter pentaprism. This is my favorite version of the 6C as it is a pure retro style look.
Winding Crank, Lens, and Prism Tips
Our next section deals with short facts, dribs and drabs of information, common sense advice, and pure experience events.
The Kiev 88 winding crank that fits over the existing film advance knob. This is the famous winding crank that we have all read about, but few have ever seen. This crank sells between $40. to $150. depending where and who you purchase it from. It can be installed by the average person. However, sometimes it won�t work correctly and as a result, the film advance knob must be removed and some internal screws or other parts must be tightened or modified.
When I
say the film advance does not work correctly, let me explain this way. The film
winding knob fits over the film advance knob. It looks like an over sized toy
truck tire with a fold out film winding lever. When the winding crank is not
installed, you would normally advance the film by holding on to the film
advance knob, push in and turn forward. When the winding crank is installed,
you fold out the lever, push in slightly and wind the crank forward. As you
push in slightly, one end of the film advance knob, which is under the winding
crank pushes in also. However the opposite end of the film advance knob, which
is also under the winding crank, lifts upward. When this happens, sometimes the
shutter speeds change as you are advancing the film. This happens because
the
angle of the film winding lever exerts force in a different area.
To correct this, the shutter speed selector dial and film advance knob must be tightened or have the internal gears strengthened, so the shutter speeds won�t change as the film is advanced via the winding crank. Also note that when you advance film via this type winding crank, a stronger force to advance the film is generated. As you complete the cycle in advancing the film, there is a much harder stopping motion on the cameras internal gears. I have not yet seen if this type of crank does any long term damage to the internal parts of the Kiev 88 camera. I had this crank installed by Kiev/USA and they modified everything within the camera. So far it�s been two years and I have not had any problems.
The next type of film winding crank is the Hasselblad style that is found on the Hartblei�s, Kiev 88CM, and some of the other high ended European Kiev 88�s. This winding crank is a one piece shutter speeds selector dial with small fold out winding crank. I have this type on my Kiev 88CM. It looks nicer than the above truck tire version. However from what I�ve been told, the Hartblei version is made of a better quality metal than the Arsenal Kiev 88CM version. I don�t know if it is possible to purchase one of this newer style winding cranks and have it installed onto a standard Kiev 88 body. I�ve seen these winding cranks on www.ebay.com selling between $45. to $80.
Kiev 88 with winding crank & Cambridge 500mm F/8
Photo courtesy of Edward G. Lau - Thanks!
The 500mm F8.0 Preset Telephoto lens for the Kiev 88 or 60. This is a Samyang Inc.(Made in Korea) preset lens that is normally used with a T-Mount to attach it to a 35mm SLR camera. The version for the Kiev 88 or 60 incorporates a German made Zorkendorf lens adapter with the Kiev 88 or 60 lens mount on the end. Since the lens is really made for a 35mm SLR camera, the optical coverage will only cover a 645 film format. This lens is sold though Cambridge Camera of New York and Brenner Foto of Germany. I purchased this lens at Cambridge for $399. It�s very dark to focus with, because the maximum aperture is F8.0. So the split image can�t be used. Instead you must use the ground glass portion of the focusing screen. The lens is multicoated and has a tripod mount. Filter size is 67mm. By the way, Cambridge Camera of New York has the worst record with the Better Business Bureau of New York State. They have had more mail order problems with clients than any other store in New York State. I�ve purchased several items from them in the past, but only in person. It seems they don�t screw you if you walk into the store and deal with them face to face.
The 90 degrees non-metered pentaprism. This item is not made by Arsenal, it is instead made by a Ukraine Company called I.KOP. The only dealer I know that sells this is Rare Camera of New York. The condition of the prisms goes from very used to somewhat new. The prism is slightly heavier than the standard TTL Kiev 88 finder. The price that I paid about two years ago was $170. I only use this finder when shooting with a 645 film back and doing vertical compositions.
Bargains in Purchasing Older Kiev 60 and 88 Kits
On www.ebay.com, several Russian camera dealers offer older new and used Kiev 88 and 60 camera kits. These kits were made between the years 1980 to 1992. Why purchase a older kit? In some of the older kits, extra accessories are included. I recently purchased a Kiev 60 TTL kit (NEW). Inside the older style box, (which is a fun thing to discuss over coffee), included were new 20mm and 40mm extension tubes and a cable release (most normal cable releases don�t fit Kiev cameras). Several older instruction manuals were included which listed lenses not made anymore for the Kiev 60, such as the 600mm mirror lens. And the last thing that is fun to have but impractical to use is the leather case that holds the Kiev 60 camera with a normal lens attached.
What did this older new kit cost? Only $135. Sometimes Kiev 88 TTL kits can be found for $235. But you must remember that the shutter speeds are more than likely off. And the camera could use better internal flocking. I got real lucky on the above Kiev 60 kit. When I inserted batteries and checked the TTL meter vs. my Canon Elan //E meter (center weighted mode), both camera meter readings were exactly the same. I metered off a Kodak Gray Card, with a 250-watt light source. Distance of both cameras to the gray card was about 22 inches.
KievUSA 88CC and Tair Telephoto Lens
Photo courtesy of Edward G. Lau - Thanks!
Lenses - Standard vs. Modified
Purchasing Kiev 88 and 60 lenses (standard Arsenal factory stock) versus the modified Arsenal lenses. Most Kiev 88 and 60 lenses are pretty good cosmetically and internally. However there are some chances you take. Sometimes, as you turn the focusing collar from infinity to the minimum focus range, you can feel the internal focusing collar slip or feel rough. The aperture ring might be perfect from F2.8 through F16, however once you get to F22, it might be slippery. One thing that I have always looked for is to slowly turn the aperture ring from F2.8 though F22 and watch the diaphragm blades for corresponding movements. Once I get to F22 and then start to turn back, a lot of the times F22 diaphragm blade movements do not start to change until you back around F11 aperture setting. It�s best to do the above test with the lens attached to the camera body and when it�s not attached.
Another thing about standard Arsenal factory stock lens is that sometimes when the diaphragm blades close down to F11 or F16, the blades are not aligned correctly. There are uneven gaps between each blade (a possible light flare problem). Sometimes the diaphragm spring that controls the blades is very old or stretched out too much, so the spring is not too springy anymore. Another problem is internal dust or metal filings within the lens elements. Also misaligned lens elements can be a problem. The last problem that I found was low quality grease that is either running outside the lens barrel on a hot summer day or has completely dried up on a cold fall day.
If you can get a lens without the above problems or with a minimum amount of the above problems, you�re more than ok for amateur shooting. If you want a rebuilt lens or a Kiev lens that can handle a professional workload, try the Kiev/USA modified versions. Kiev/USA lens have NONE of the above problems. In fact they exceed even the best version that the Arsenal factory could manufacture. I have a 250mm F3.5 and 150mm F2.8 Multicoated lens from KievUSA. Both have none of the above problems, plus the spring action on the diaphragm blades is so fast and strong that you could slice steak with those blades. The lens elements are so polished and clean, that the quality makes you quickly judge your other Kiev lenses.
The only thing that makes you think twice is that all this quality comes at a price. Most Kiev/USA lens cost about double of the standard arsenal lens. However Kiev/USA lens does include a one-year repair warranty. Some of the upscale European Kiev dealers are also in the same league of Kiev/USA. However you must do your homework and figure out which dealer is right for you. Taking into account where you live, where the dealer is located, foreign exchange rates, shipping rates, shipping time, turn around time for warranty service, payment or refund terms, customer service etc. Most if not all people that own Kiev 88 or 60 products simply think in terms of discount prices. Always remember that it is easier to judge a product when you have the highest or best level item and compare downward than it is to compare a the lowest level to the highest level / best version.
Kiev 88 Body showing Black Shutter
Photo Courtesy of Edward G. Lau - Thanks!
Kiev 88 Shutter Options
The bronze / copper / black colored metal shutter versus the black cloth shutter. I have had every type of the above shutter for my Kiev 88 cameras. I have never had any flare as a result of the bronze or copper colored shutter. The metal shutter regardless of the color is nosier as the shutter executes. The cloth is very quiet and as a result gives the camera a more quality sound. I have read on various Internet web sites that the cloth shutters are less accurate than the metal ones. I can only say that the mechanical parts that are within the camera that are attached to the actual shutter curtain material that control the speed are the parts that must be adjusted to compensate for the difference in weight of the shutter curtain material. And also the distance of the shutter curtain has to be adjusted to work properly with the internal parts of the camera. The cloth shutter curtain thickness can vary from the metal curtains. Perhaps the metal curtains may be more suited in colder weather shooting, such as Russia or Alaska. Cloth curtains might pick up moisture in colder regions.
Shutter Sounds
The whizzing sound after the shutter executes; this sound can be heard more on the lower shutter speeds 1/60 through 1/2 second. From what I�ve read and been told through conversations with Genna Kaplan, this is the AIR BREAKING GEARS that slows down the shutter. If you don�t hear this sound, the shutter speeds are off. I can attest to this as one of my Kiev 88�s after 18 months of usage slowly lost all its whizzing sounds at every shutter speed setting. In fact every shutter speed turned out to execute at 1/125th of a second regardless of where the shutter speeds selector dial was set. This was quickly fixed after spending two weeks at the Kiev/USA camera hospital. I had the Kiev/USA upgrade for $325. and the camera is better than brand new. And now every shutter speed whizzes along every time.
Camera Coverings
The vinyl on the Kiev 88 camera is bad looking. Sometimes, you find that it was not cut out properly or glued evenly in place. A lot of the times, the corners start to peel upwards. I�ve found that rubber cement is a pretty good to reattach loose ends.
I�ve been thinking about the idea of purchasing black or brown leather from www.microtools.com and attaching it to a Kiev/USA Kiev 88 camera, film backs and TTL meter prism. Or I could just purchase one of those modified Hartblei cameras. But I�m not too keen on paying for a camera purchase without the protection of a credit or charge card. Hartblei or Kalimex don�t have the best reputations for service. Perhaps I should consider Mr. Richard Wiese of Germany? From what I�ve heard his company (regardless that his camera is a relabeled Hartblei) has a good reputation for service.
35mm Format Kiev 88 film back
Photo courtesy of Edward G. Lau - Thanks!
35mm Backs
The 35mm film back for the Kiev 88 camera. This is a modified Hasselblad 1000F or Kiev 120 film back that accepts standard 35mm film. It produces a vertical standard size 35mm image. There is also an optional accessory plate that produces a 35mm panoramic image.
The length of the 35mm panoramic image is equal to the standard length of a 120 image. This film back can be found at times on www.ebay.com. The cost is between $85. to $150.
Decision Making Tips
Should I choose a Kiev 88 or Kiev 60? I would say if you�re not in need of interchangeable film backs or don�t really want the Hasselblad look, the Kiev 60 would be your best choice. The Kiev 60 is very fast handling, simple design and very easy to learn. If you�re a 35mm SLR person, you will learn everything about operating a Kiev 60 camera in less than thirty minutes. If you do need interchangeable film backs, then the Kiev 88 is the choice. Plus on the Kiev 88 there are more additional accessories available, such as special magnifying hoods, ground glass backs, Polaroid film backs, spot meter prisms etc.
Next, should I choose a factory stock / unmodified Arsenal Kiev 88 / 60 camera? Or should I go with one of those fancy upscale modified Kiev 88 / 60 cameras? The answer to this question is go with whatever you can afford. I�ve purchased factory stock / unmodified Kiev 88�s and 60�s and some lasted 30 days to 18 months before needing a repair or complete overhaul. However I have noticed recently that the quality of� factory stock / unmodified Kiev 88 and 60 has been a touch better. Please note though that a factory stock / unmodified Kiev 88 or 60 will NEVER be as smooth working or as accurate as a modified Kiev 88 or 60. What I usually do is keep on using a factory stock / unmodified Kiev until it dies completely and then I send it off to Kiev/USA for a complete upgrade. When the camera returns, it�s better than when it was brand new. If you�re a more serious amateur or an aspiring professional, I can only recommend purchasing a fully modified Kiev 88 or 60 cameras that comes with a one-year repair warranty.
Location and address of Kiev 88 and 60 dealers:
Russian Plaza (Genna Kaplan) 7910 Hollywood Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90046 USA 323-650-9393 http://www.russianplaza.com Email: [email protected][Fantastic Kiev Dealer, Unmodified Kiev Products, Super Low Prices, Quality Service]
Kiev Camera of Georgia (Michael Fourman) 2907 Aspen Woods Entry Atlanta, Georgia 30360 USA 770-409-0026 http://www.kievcamera.com/ [email protected] or [email protected][Super Kiev Dealer, Unmodified Kiev Products, Super Low Prices, Quality Service]
Russian Camera Exchange 1408 Josephine Street Berkeley, CA 94703 (510) 559-7707 Voice/Fax http://www.gkweb.com/rcx/[Sells Kiev Cameras and Lenses]
Kiev/USA Inc. 248 Mill StreetGreenwich, CT 06830 USA 1-203-531-0900 http://www.kievusa.com e-mail = [email protected][This is the Top Shelf Kiev Dealer in the USA; Professional Level, Modified Kiev items,Super Quick Service on Repairs]
Cambridge Camera Exchange Inc. 119 West 17th Street New York, N.Y. 10011 USA 1-212-675-8600 http://www.cambridgeny.com e-mail = [email protected][The only reason I am listing this company is because they sell unique Kiev items. Beware of mail order with them. Only deal in person.]
Active Camera Inc. 1501 Avenue U Brooklyn, New York 11229 USA 718-645-3147[Sells and Repairs Kiev Cameras. A former Arsenal employee]
Panorama Camera Inc. 110 West 30th Street New York, N.Y. 10001 USA 212-563-1651[Repairs Kiev Cameras, Sometimes has Kiev lenses in stock]
Continent Wide Enterprises Inc. 41 Bertal Road Toronto, Ontario M6M 4M7 Canada 416-762-8101 800-667-0293 ext. 110[Sells Kiev Cameras and Lenses]
Trescam Inc. (Leonid Treskunov) 9A Poplar Lane Old Bridge, NJ 08857 USA (732) 679-5805 e-mail [email protected][Sells and Repairs Kiev Cameras]
Yury Korchinsky e-mail: [email protected] (serge korchinsky) E-Bay Seller Name: lemiu[Sells new and used Kiev cameras and lenses; a lot of older items. Great bargains if you look closely]
Photo Arsenal of Germany (Boris) Klaragasse 8 D-90402 Nuremberg, Germany +49 911 / 20 30 03 http://www.arsenal-photo.com/ e-mail: [email protected][Sells modified Kiev Cameras and Lenses]
Rare Camera of New York (Flex Portnov / Vladimir Slavutsky) 30 West 26th Street (between 6th Ave. & Broadway) New York, N.Y. 212-366-5375 e-mail: [email protected][The only place to find a 90 degree I.KOP prism finder]
Mr. Richard Wiese Winsbergring 36A D-22525 Hamburg, Germany 040 / 850 34 90 e-mail: [email protected][Sells relabeled Hartblei cameras and lenses; also repairs]
Brenner Foto of Germany http://www.fotobrenner.de/default1.htm e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected][Sells relabeled/modified Kiev cameras and lenses; also repairs]
Hartblei Camera Company http://www.hartblei.com/ e-mail: [email protected]