Kiev 88 SLR Medium Format Camera
Photo courtesy of Yuri Boguslavsky
Kiev 88 Plain Glass and TTL Metering Prism Finder
by Robert Monaghan
Kiev 88 Plain Glass and TTL Metering Prism Finder
by Robert Monaghan
Related Local Links:
Kiev 60 6x6cm Camera
Kiev 6C/60 Meter Prism battery Tips
Kiev 88 TTL Meter Setup Tips
Kiev 88 System Camera
Kiev Diopter Tips
Kiev History
Kiev Lenses Specs
Kiev Spot Metering Prism on Bronica S2
Kiev TTL Prism Battery Tips
Kiev TTL Prism Battery Adapter (old model to use LR44)
Kiev TTL Prism Battery Adapter (syringe..)
Kiev TTL Prisms for Mamiya TLR and Rollei SL66
Kiev Waist Level Finders (fit hasselblad..)
Related Links:
Kiev 60 Manual online (Thanks to Hartblei)
Kiev 60 TTL Prism Finder Manual online (Thanks to Hartblei)
Kiev 88 Mailing List [10/99]
Kiev 88 Manual Online (thanks to Hartblei)
[see Camera Library Page Listings
Kiev Report Forum
Kiev TTL prism (under $100..) [12/2000]
Kiev 88 TTL Prism Finder Manual Online (Thanks to Hartblei)
Kiev related threads at medium format digest
Kiev/USA imports/service
Kiev 88 cameras have the option of using either a plain glass prism or a
TTL metering prism. What makes these TTL metering prisms very interesting
is their low price (circa $100 US) on the new and used marketplace. You
can often pick up one of the plain glass prisms (an NC-2 clone) for under
$50 on Ebay
(other MF). A new Kiev spot meter TTL prism is adding to
the interest of both Kiev-88 and Hasselblad body owners.
As the owner of a Hasselblad 500 series camera, I am also interested in
Kiev prisms because they will fit the Hasselblad viewfinder mounts. This
trick makes it possible to save many hundreds of dollars over a new or
used Hasselblad brand prism for my camera.
Since prisms work by simply coupling the image on the ground glass screen
to the viewer's eye, it may be possible to also modify Kiev prisms to work
with other camera models (e.g., Bronica S2a, Kowa 6/66..). Logically, you
might start with a busted waist level finder for the mounting plate, and
transfer or convert the base for use with the desired prism. Naturally,
the conversion prisms have to match the viewfinder in format, e.g., 6x6cm
Kowa metering prism for 6x6cm Bronica SQA, but not for 6x4.5cm ETRS
Bronica.
The main optical conversion would probably be limited to
selecting the right diopter correction for your
new converted prism's eyepiece. Some optical systems put the
apparent focus distance at two meters, while others might use a
slightly different distance. Those prisms with a variable diopter
eyepiece make this conversion quite easy. If you have failing eyesight, a diopter correction lens
in the eyepiece of your prism may also be the solution to easier
seeing. Your local camera store or optician can probably help in
the selection of the right diopter corrections for your needs.
There are some issues about Kiev prism use, including the various models
and different batteries they take. The postings below highlight some of
these issues.
The new Hartblei variants of the Kiev 88 cameras take Hasselblad
compatibility to new heights, with compatible backs and viewfinders
too. KievUSA has converted some Kiev lenses to work on focal plane
Hasselblad bodies (200/x series). Hopefully, these parallel developments
will enable Kiev 88 users to have an upgrade path to Hasselblad, and
Hasselblad users with a natural source for lower cost prisms, backs,
finders, and lenses.
Related Postings:
rec.photo.equipment.medium-format From: [email protected] ([email protected]) [1] Re: Kiev 88 TTL Meter Prism Date: Sat Mar 14 1998 I have to agree, I've been using a Kiev-88 for about 6 years now, and I've found the TTL meter to be quite dark along with an in-accurater meter; I prefer instead to use the NC-2 prism head and take light readings with an Sekonic 318B meter and my minolta maxxum 7000 (35mm backup when shooting 6x6.) Besides, its hard to find batteries for the thing. ptune -- [email protected]
Date: Fri, 31 Jul 1998
From: Marc James Small [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: UKRAINIAN Prisms
The Kiev cameras, and the prisms which fit our Hasselblads, are Ukrainian,
not Russian.
The prisms are magnificent optically and all that I have used are
accurate, though I have heard of some that aren't. I, too, shoot mainly
slide film, and my Kiev prisms (I have several) are all within 1/3 stop of
my Gossen and Weston meters.
Repairs? There is only one source: Eddie Smoloff at Active Camera in
Brooklyn. He is a former factory employee. Inexpensive, excellent, fast
work, and he stands behind his warranty. His address can be had from the
Service Directory in the 'Bug.
Marc
Date: Fri, 31 Jul 1998
From: Cyrus Gardner [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: UKRAINIAN Prisms
[snip] > The prisms are magnificent optically and all that I have used are accurate, > though I have heard of some that aren't. [snip]
Mine is off linearly relative to my Canon Elan IIE. It's as useful
as any averaging meter, and so inexpensive (and lighter than the
Hasselblad 45 degree prism that I once owned) that it almost doesn't
matter if the meter actually works or not. The instructions are in
Russian and useless to me at least. Mine came new with no packaging
to speak of, but with a battery
Cyrus Gardner
Date: Sat, 1 Aug 1998
I purchased mine for $215 incl express shipping, w/ 15 day return
privilege, from Bill Moritz, a dealer whom I met at a local camera
show. His email is [email protected].
Cyrus Gardner
Date: Sun, 02 Aug 1998
I believe I mentioned on the list in the past that Arnie, owner of
Brroklyn Camera Exchange, has them new for $189. I bought mine there
along with several other items in the past. I have yet to be
disappointed by Arnie. He seems to be a straight shooter. I have never
seen anyone give him a bad report on the newsgroups either so if you're
interested try him and tell him Russ Thornton from Chuluota sent you. he
won't remember my name but he will the city. Let me know what you find.
Russ
Visit me at http://www.geocities.com/area51/Chamber/4565/index.html
516-678-5333
and I see he has an e-mail address:
Russ
Date: Sun, 02 Aug 1998
Kiev prisms are magnificent optically and all that I have used are
accurate, though I have heard of some that aren't. I, too, shoot
mainly slide film, and my Kiev prisms (I have several) are all within
1/3 stop of my Gossen and Weston meters."
Where is the best place to buy these prisms? I know that not all mail
order vendors of these Ukranian cameras are reliable.
There are several Kiev prisms. In summary, I have the late model with
meter and love it.
Kiew prisms are of two basic designs. The meter prism, or the NC-2
copy. Both prisms have a viewing angle very roughly 45 degrees. The
NC-2 copy is similar to the NC-2 that Hasselblad sold, in that it has
no meter. I understand the NC-2 copy is out of production. The meter
prisms come in two basic flavors. The late model meter prism has an
"auto-off" feature, and the old one would drain the batteries if left
on.
Though some of the subtle details are lost on me, not all prisms are
created equal. Some are brighter than others, and some have more
contrast. I conducted a test of the three prisms above, and found
that the late model Kiev meter prism was the sharpest and brightest of
the three.
In the late model, you push a button and get an led display protruding
into the frame. There are two leds, and you adjust the meter dial os
that both are illuminated to obtain a reading. After about a minute,
the leds shut off to save the batteries.
The readings are highly accurate, as reported above by someone else.
I was surprised, as I felt that the focus screen would influence the
reading, and the meter and screen would have to be a matched set to
obtain a good reading. But, in testing, it worked fine. However, the
older meter prism I tested was so far off as to be inoperative.
Perhaps I should try using the meter for something beyond tests. I
have never used the meter feature, even though it has been available
for the last 100 rolls or so I shot. My technique involves taking
readings with a handheld meter, primarily incident, as well as judging
daylight by "rule of f11" and making Polaroids when paranoid.
At one point I considered trading my Kiev for a Hasselblad NC-2, as
the small intrusion of the led display into the frame bothered me.
However, I have since gotten used to this, and decided I was cropping
too tight in general. Twenty some years of 35mm shooting had me
trying to squeeze every mm out of my negs. MF work is not so
critical.
Where can you get a Kiev prism? New from Hasselblad USA, or the
Russian guy on the West Coast I bought from. There are also a lot of
them on the used market. Watch what Polaroid back you want to use
with the Kiev. The NPC fits the Kiev; not every one does.
Peter
From Medium Format Digest:
I have a Kiev 88 metered prism and use it on both my Kiev 88 and Hassy
C/M. Your problem may not be so much with the TTL's brightness as with
the camera's screen brightness. The Kiev TTL actually seems brighter on my
Kiev than my C/M because the Kiev's screen is brighter. If I put a
Beatty screen on my Hassy the TTL will be brighter on the Hassy. The main
difference in Hassy vs Kiev TTL's (besides precision and cost) is
primarily light measurement angle and area options in my opinion. I like
my Kiev 88 TTL.
Date: Mon, 21 Dec 1998
Frank,
Yes, if you are using the A16 back, you might need a 90 degree. But for
normal square use, the Hassy NC-2 or the Russian (Ukranian) Kiev late
model metered prism are good, even at 45 degree viewing angle. The Kiev is
nice and bright, magnifies well, and has good contrast. I like mine well
enough, and it was about $200 new. Another thing to look for in a prism is
if it fits your Polaroid back; not all do.
Peter
Date: Mon, 21 Dec 1998
Frank,
The Kiev has no built-in adjustable diopter. Like Rick Campbell, my vision
is too bad without glasses to focus with them off and flip them back on
for direct viewing and other uses. In specific, my prescription is -5
diopters, if that is in correct units. In other words, I am near-sited
(diagnosis myopia) and have about 20/200 vision uncorrected. Eyeglasses
have worked well for me, since about age 8. My corrected vision is better
than 20/20, measured at about 20/15.
I don't think my technique would allow me to flip glasses on and off.
I tend to set the camera on a tripod, then use the viewfinder to focus and
frame. Since the swinging mirror design of the Hasselblad does not allow
viewing of the moment of exposure anyway, due to the blackout, I like to
look at the subject directly. In this way, I can see if the person moved,
the flash went off, etc. I really need my glasses.
A comment or two about eyeglasses and vision. I have two pairs that I
carry, one plain glass and one prescription sunglasses. Also, I keep a
spare pair of photo-grey eyeglasses in the glove box of my car.
This way, I can withstand loss or breakage of my glasses and keep going.
Since I have lost two pairs of glasses boating, and damaged several snow
skiing and playing basketball, I've invested in American Optical Sports
Goggles. These can withstand some abuse, and the strap can be tied to a
life jacket when water skiing. In addition, I do practice my mobility
without glasses, so I can continue if I sustain a total loss. About the
only time I had to take pictures without glasses was when I shot a wedding
in very hot, humid conditions and my glasses fogged. In that case, I
estimate the subject distance and set it on the focus scale.
I'm not getting any "lens cuts" in my eyes to fix my vision. I feel the
weakened eyes would tend to burst in certain trauma. In addition, I'm
concerned that the corrected vision is not 20/20 or 20/15, and that the
cuts give some refraction that causes points of light at night to look as
several points. And some trauma I experienced, in which a laceration of my
eye at age 5 caused temporary sight loss, has made me sensitive to getting
my eyes poked and cut. The treatment for the laceration was excellent; the
fellow just put me in a darkened room with my eyes covered for a few days
until my eyes healed, which worked. Anyone had RK and continued with
photography?
Peter
p.s. I do flip off my glasses when I am being photographed for a portrait,
so the eye color will be that much clearer.
Date: Fri, 23 Apr 1999
I found that the meter works, though you might want to check it with
another meter, "rule of f11," or some test exposures. In my own
side-by-side testing, I found the late model Kiev TTL bright and sharp,
consistent with your finding. When I tested an older Kiev TTL and a Kiev
NC-2 copy, they were not quite as sharp. Peter, The serial number on my
Kiev TTL 45-degree finder begins with '95' so guess I got a new one. You
know when I was shopping for a 45 degree prsim, I was told to avoid the
Kiev TTl because it was too heavy, etc. But I'm more than happy with it
mounted on my Hassy 1000F camera. It is crystal sharp for focusing. Glad I
bought it. The dealer who sold to me said the TTL meter wasn't really
compatible with Hassy, but I don't use the meter anyway. Thanks for your
help and if you have any other tips, etc. on the Kiev, I'd appreciate your
comments.
Bob R.
Date: Wed, 21 Apr 1999
Jim,
I have been using my late model Kiev TTL prism (about 1997 vintage) for
macro photography, with good result. I have the 500CM with the Acute Matte
D. Mostly, I use a 150C with a 21 tube, or my 80C with a 21 tube. I
recently did some shots using a Sunpack DX8-R ring flash, with good
result. I adapted the 52mm threads of the Sunpack to the bay50 with the
Tiffen adapter for this purpose, available from B&H.
The only problem I had was my Luna Star F flash meter had a little trouble
with the high power output of the DX8-R, so I shot at 1/4 power to get in
the range of the meter. In future, I'll meter at 1/4 power, then go to
full and add two stops to the reading, or possibly use the +5 EV adapter
that came with the flash, or "dial-in" the rig by recording the focus
distance and power settings, bracketing, and choosing the best results for
re-use later. At any rate, the DX8-R that I bought bought new for $110 was
a good deal. It has excellent controls for different manual power levels,
as well as several auto ranges. The thing I like about it best is that it
is more powerful than my old single power level manual Cambron ring flash,
by a factor of four.
Focusing was no problem; I like the Kiev, and it is only $200 or so. Make
sure you don't get an old one; it has been improved.
Peter
Date: Fri, 23 Apr 1999
Peter,
Thanks for your comments. Yeah, I'm very happy with this metered finder.
The only bad part was not being able to use it along with a Polaroid back
I bought. Had to use the waist level because the finder portrudes back and
is in the way of the big Polaroid back. Focusing with the Kiev is a
breeze. I can see superbly sharp through the finder.
Bob R.
Date: Mon, 16 Aug 1999
I'd go for the Kiev knock-off, since they are $200 US, 45 degree, bright,
sharp and have a proper meter. Be sure to get a late model, as identified
by a serial number with the first two digits within the last couple of
years. There's even a fellow offering them all the time on Ebay.
Murray Milligan
Will someone on the list who knows these things, please explain the
differences between a PmE5 PME3, PM51 metered prism.
I'm looking for a prism finder with a 45 degree angle eyepiece I can used
on my 500C equipped with an Accumatte screen.
Date: Sat, 24 Apr 1999
Peter,
I know it's not used widely as much anymore, but I've started playing
around with the Polaroid 80 Back. I get the Pola 87 (B&W) and 88 (Color)
film packs very cheap at a local camera store and don't plan to really
shoot much with this film, but nice to have the option. Have heard a lot
of positive feedback from users of the NPC. Might get one down the line.
Bob
From: Dean Tomasula [email protected]
Mel -
Regarding you question about the Kiev TTl prism being out of adjustment,
make sure the battery is the correct one. If the votage is off I could
affect the meter. You can use three Maxell LR-44 button batteries (or
their equivalent Duracell or Eveready). If you want to have it checked,
i'd suggest sending it to Kiev USA for evaluation. They are at 248 Mill
Street, Greenwich, Conn. 203-531-0900
From: Ed Lau [email protected]
Your Kiev 88 Meter prism should take TWO " Varta brand batteries ". Varta
V76PX. This brand of battery is made a little wider and longer and a tiny
bit more powerful, than normal Eveready A76 batteries.
I have the newer kiev meter prism, with two lights instead of three. The
battery chamber is just the right diamater for the above Varta batteries.
If your battery chamber is too wide and too long, what you can do, is take
a 35mm plastic film container and cut it to make a sleeve around the
actual batteries. As for length of the battery chamber, use a little ball
of alumumin foil, about the size of a pea, to take up the distance.
Hope this helps you.
Ed
My Kiev prism takes four EPX 625 G cells, these have 1.5 Volts, EPX 625
cells with 1.35 Volts (more common) do not work.
[Ed. note: I include all these battery info postings as there are some
obvious problems - of interest to Hasselblad users of Kiev prisms too]
From: Don Feinberg [email protected]
I have both of the Kiev TTL viewfinder types. The batteries are NOT the
same!
For the older type -- the viewfinder which has the "on-off switch" and
three LEDs in the viewfinder instead of two, I have found that the CR-2
lithium (Radio Shack #23-267) works just fine.
The diameter is perfect. The length is just a little short. I took a
spring from an "AA"-type batter holder and worked it over so there were no
sharp edges. This works fine from the (-) end of the battery to connect to
the removable cover.
No problems since...
From: Tsun Tam [email protected]
I have the tri-LED version as well and I find that the same battery that
is used with the Blad 2000 series (i.e., PX-28 and its derivatives in
Silver, Alkaline or Lithium) works fine. The diameter is smaller, but the
screw-on cap will keep the battery firmly in place and IT WILL NOT RATTLE!
Now if someone can answer a question for me. I need to recalibrate my
prism and need to know what the three (3) adjustable resistors
(potentiometers) do. Two are 5K OHMS and on is 10K OHMS. I find my meter
to be inaccurate and also the original resistors are not easily
adjustable. I replaced them with miniature 'sealed' American-made units
that are very easy to adjust but need to know the range of brightness each
resistor covers. The possibly also exist that one of these resistors is
used to control linearity too.
Will appreciate ANY and ALL responses.
Tsun
From Medium Format Digest:
I also got tired of replacing batteries. I velcroed a Radio Shack 4xAA
battery box on top of the meter, ran the leads in the enlarged vent hole
of the cover, and connected the ends to a dummy battery made from a piece
of dowel and some foil. The batteries have been in use for over two years
now -
and the exposure is right on.
Date: Mon, 26 Oct 1998
No, the original battery is not non-standard: it is a stack of PX-625
mercury cells plastic-wrapped into a column. The meter-prism has "compensated
circuitry" (an inbuilt voltage regulator), so it will work on a similar
column of PX-76 silver-oxide cells, available at a buck or two each from your village
Radio Shack. These are narrower than the old PX-625's: shim them in place
with paper or plastic, and take some pictures.
Marc
From Hasselblad Mailing List:
Depending on the age of the prism you might need different kinds of
batteries. The one I sold recently was from the early
90s and used 4x PX625G cells (1.5 V, not the PX625 type with 1.35 V!). As
I understand the batteries now used for this
prism are different.
Ulrik
Date: Tue, 05 Oct 1999
Hi!
Realuy if I am not wrong is the battery depending on the calibration. Th
old type is using 5.5V (I belev, I will check when
I am at hom this evning) and is supose th take on batery. The sizes is
inposebel to get in Sweden so it is posebel to use
several small insted to get the coret volt. Luckly did I get from an
hospetal 5 new batterys that is the corect type. The
was used in a hearing aid that is not used anymore.
//MAttias
Date: Mon, 29 Nov 1999
Robert,
I conducted a test of the Kiev NC-2, an old TTL Kiev, and a new TTL KIEV.
My finding was that the new TTL was best, in terms of sharpness and
brightness.
The easiest way to tell them apart is by the model year, the first two
digits of the serial number. Another way to tell an old TTL is by the
on-off switch. The late model has an auto-off capability on a push button,
instead of a "leave it on until the battery dies" switch. I recall my
late TTL is a '96, but I'll have to double-check. At one point I had a
Hasselblad NC-2, but I sold it off, as it worked no better for me than the
late model Kiev TTL.
Your results may vary,
Peter
"Robert G. Welch" [email protected] 11/29/99
Hi all,
I am thinking of picking up a Kiev 45degree finder, since I'm sure it will
be a long while before I can manage to get the PM5 I want. The question is
wether to get the TTL or not. I am concerned mainly if the TTL is not as
bright as the regular NC2 type, I know neither is as good as the PM5 but
I'm looking for the maximum brightness I can get for the price. Also eye
relief with glasses is an issue, anyone know the difference on these two?
Also, is it true that the more recent versions are brighter than the older
ones, and if so how do you tell the difference?
Date: Mon, 29 Nov 1999
....
I just got a TTL version and it is quite bright, at least compared to my
old HC-1 prism and it doesn't have the tunnel vision problem of the HC-1
with longer lenses. Eye relief is ok, not great, not bad. I'm in the
process of making a diopter correction lens for the eyepiece. I'll let
the group know how it goes.
Jim
Date: Mon, 29 Nov 1999
Pete
The glass is identical in the TTL prisms, or so the factory claims and so
the disassembly instructions indicate. The only difference is that on-off
switch and some of the related circuitry.
However, given Soviet-era QC, I'd not be surprised by a dim Kiev TTL
finder, but I've owned six or seven of these and never had a problem.
(Still have two, one on my Hasselblad and one on my Kiev-88. Both old
style.)
Marc
Date: Mon, 10 Jan 2000
Hello,
Does anyone have any experience with the Kiev 88 TTL Prism which has
been modified to work with the Rollei SL-66? I found a description of it
at the following website and was wondering just how good it was and some
the pros and cons of this approach.
http://www.baierfoto.de/rollei1.html
Thanks,
Date: Sat, 8 Jan 2000
While I was sloshing around the web I found this.
http://www.baierfoto.de/rollei1.html
It adapts Kiev 88 45 degree TTL prism to SL66. It says 390DM which is
about
$205 US and includes the prism and adapter.
"Das TTL-Prisma der Kiev 88 bietet auf der Rollei SL66 folgende
Vorteile..."
My German isn't very good, something like: "This Kiev 88 TTL-prism gives
Rollei SL66 the following benefits... exposure something blah blah
lens... leaves camera only very slightly altered" and goes on to use some
words that I don't know. The picture pretty much says it all though! Hope
this helps SL66 owners.
Can someone with better German translate it?
Regards, Tom
From Rollei Mailing List:
The light meters in these prisms are not particularly accurate. Good
enough for black and white and color neg, but not for color
transparencies. The prism glass, claimed to come from Zeiss Jena, is very
good. I know a number of Hasselblad users who have bought these prisms
and are very happy with them. If you are just interested in prism
viewing, the non metered prism is brighter since it is not siphoning light
off for the meter.
Bob
From Rollei Mailing List:
----------
Within 1/3 stop is not accurate enough for serious shooting with
transparency films. Yes, it is easy to reset the meters to be accurate
at a particular EV, but they are not always linear so calibrating for
bright light may leave them far off in dim, and vice versa. Those used
to the meters in modern Japanese and German cameras will not likely be
satisfied with the accuracy of these.
I have several of them and have had a number through my hands. They have
varied from being right on to being many stops off as received from the
factory. Even the ones we got from Hartblei which had supposedly been
carefully calibrated were way off.
Agreed. They are not as bad as many say, but equally they are not in the
same league with German and Japanese goods. I like them for what they
are, cheap and fun to play with. When it is serious photography time I
pull out the Rollei or Mamiya.
Bob
From Rollei Mailing List:
Bob Shell wrote:
Well, the seven or eight I have used over the past decade have been
linear.
Doesn't mean they all are. Bob, would you like a copy of the calibration
instructions? I have an English-language copy somewhere.
I've never worried about getting the two I have now any tighter than 1/3
stop as they were both within that when I bought them, and I've always
gotten great chromes with them. So, for me, "within 1/3 stop" is
perfectly satisfactory for chromes!
Marc
From Rollei Mailing List:
.......
That would be useful. I have the shop manual for the Pentacon Six, and if
I remember right it has calibration instructions for their prism. I'd
guess they are similar. But, of course, it is in German. I have to dig
it out sometime soon since I just bought two auction lots of Pentacon and
CZJ stuff and ended up with a jammed Praktisix II that I want to fix.
Also got a Praktica 66 in near mint shape except that it has the wrong
prism finder on it, and six nice CZJ lenses.
Well, I know of New York pros who claim to be able to see 1/8 stop
differences in chrome exposure!!! (VBG)
I'm just spoiled by the meters in the Rollei 6000 series cameras which are
so accurate.
Bob
From Rollei Mailing List:
it is hard to get a meter like the one in kiev prisms to be more accurate
than 1/3 stop. the area metered is huge (something like 80% of the ground
glass area). better accuracy comes with a more limited field, so falling
within 1/3 is pretty darn good for this type of metering.
....
From Rollei Mailing List:
Well, I have not yet had one apart, but I would guess that it is built
like the old Pentacon TTL meter prisms. These have a "hole" in the
silvering on top of the pentaprism with a small glass block cemented there
and a big CdS cell on top of this, so that it looks down at the focusing
screen through the prism. This is how most early TTL meters were set up.
It is sort of accidentally center weighted, which is fine.
Of course siphoning off light to the CdS cell dims the viewing image, so I
prefer the non-metered prisms on Kievs, Pentacon Six, etc.
As I said, 1/3 stop accuracy is plenty good for some things.
Bob
From Hasselblad Mailing List:
Hi John,
Usually there off 1 or 2 stops. To Calibrate, use a good meter and take a
measured reading ( I use a grey card outside); this is your base reading.
Then set the prism to it's indicated settings (two leds toggling or lit
together) against the same object. Loosen the three outer dial screws
until loose. Rotate the outter dial to match the correct settings from the
calibrated meter then retighten the outter dial screws. Recheck. The
scews have some glue on them but they will be fine just use a good screw
driver set that matches the set screws.
I find that the prism is abit dark and still prefer the wastlevel finder
for composition.
chris
From Hasselblad Mailing List;
Klaus,
I've tested a number of Kiev prisms, and the one I chose for my rig is the
late model "TTL" with the meter. It is bright and sharp, and I have
enjoyed using it. At one point, I owned both the NC-2 and my Kiev, and
sold off the NC-2, as it was no better, yet would fetch more on the
market.
Peter
From Hasselblad Mailing List:
Chris LI wrote:
Many Hassy accessories are overpriced. As to prisms: I picked up a mint
45 deg prism from Saljut (or maybe Kiev; it doesn't say so). It's the
non-TTL version and it's absolutely every bit as nice as a Hassy prism
(I'm actually surprised at how well its made). It cost me $15, and I'm
going to sell my Hassy prism. I have a HC-4 or something like that,
which looks horrible, is too heavy, and I have no use for the EV
readings of the thing. But I'm going to get a couple of hundred bucks
for it! If Hassy ever feels like outsourcing some stuff, they should
think of the Ukraine for prisms....
Bernard.
From Kiev88 Mailing List:
Hi Carlos,
Very well put!
The batteries really aren't a problem, as the later prisms work fine with
3 S76/LR44 batteries, and no adapters.
Best wishes,
Kevin
Date: Tue, 28 Mar 2000
Ralf is right. However, you can get a modified Kiev 60 prism that will
fit Exakta 66 from http://www.baierfoto.com for about USD$195(DM 390).
Mr. Baier's English is very good, he will be more than happy to answer
your questions. Also, he recently started taking credit card, I have
just bought some used equipment from him.
Chung (happy customer of Baierfoto)
Date: Wed, 5 Apr 2000
I use a non-TTL Kiev prism on my 500C and am very happy with it. I bought
it from Mikail Fourman (www.kievcamera.com) for about $85. I really
prefer to use a hand-held meter, so I never considered the TTL prism.
-Mike
Date: Wed, 05 Apr 2000
When used as a prism, the Kiev prism (made in Ukraine, by the way, not
Russia) functions OK on a Hassy, but I would not stock any faith in the
prism's TTL meter.
When they come out of the factory, the TTL meter is highly likely to be
out of calibration. OK, on the Web you can find information
on "calibrating" the Kiev prism, *but* what is often not mentioned is
the Kiev meter's lack of linearity response over a range of light
values. Let's say you calibrate the meter at a given EV, let's say
EV17, for example. What do you suppose happens as you take meter
readings higher or lower than 17 with your Kiev TTL meter, let's say at
EV's 21 and 14? The readings are way off!!
You'll find Kiev fans who can repeat that problem and use a reliable
hand-held exposure meter instead of the TTL meter, and you'll find the
real die-hard Kiev fans who deny anything is ever wrong with their
Kievs. I'm speaking from first-hand experience with medium format Kiev
equipment, by the way.
--
==Cuspid Pookywinkel==
[Ed.note: project of interest?...]
[email protected] writes:
[email protected] wrote:
"I made a little jig that goes in the shoe and allows me to Velcro a
Gossen
Lunapro Digital F (about the size of a deck of playing cards) to the top
of
the PM5."
I also have the PM5 and the Gossen Lunapro Digital (non F). Could I hear
more about the "little jig"? How did you make it, does it work well in
terms of balance and ease of use?
Thanks
With a jeweler's saw I cut off the plastic foot from a junked electronic
flash and attached a piece of peel-and-stick velcro (stiff part) to the
top side, with a corresponding piece of the fuzzy velcro to the underside
of the meter.
The reason I didn't just glue the foot to the meter is because I have a
piece of velcro on the top of each lens shade and that's where I "plant"
the meter when I'm using the waist-level finder. I have the meter set to
"EV" mode, hit the button for a quick reading, then set the exposure with
the EV mark on the side of the lens (the meter obscures the shutter and
aperture scales on top of the lens, that's why the foot idea came into
being once I got a prism).
VERY IMPORTANT: I tied a Cap Keeper "leash" through the meter's neckstrap
lug and put the "collar" around the lens, so if it gets bumped off its
velcro perch it won't go crashing to the ground. Hope this helps.
From Hasselblad Mailing List:
Here you go,
--------
Calibration Procedure:
Needed:
Steps:
1. Set the Kiev prism to the proper ASA and f ratio. ASA will match the
calibrated meter.
2. Using the calibrated meter, get a reading on the light source; make
a note of the reading.
3. With the Keiv prism mounted on the camera, take a reading. The two
LED's
should toggle between the correct setting.
4. Using the screw driver, you will loosen the three set screws on the
outer
exposure ring of the Kiev meter. It may be easier to loosen the screws
and
then tighten one or two and re-meter the light source.
5. Once the outer exposure ring is loose, rotate it to the proper setting
noted in step 1. It is important that the outer ring is moving freely and
not moving the actual resistor in the meter.
6. Once set, tighten the set screws and repeat the procedure to check
the settings, correct if necessary.
7. Check the linearity of the meter by using various light sources of
varying luminosity.
There is an internal resistor, but I found it unnecessary to change it's
calibration. If needed, I do have the procedure to calibrate this
setting, but it appears to require a factory calibration tool.
-chris
On Thu, 11 May 2000, Cyrus J. Gardner wrote:
From Bronica (topica) Mailing List:
Sam
In fitting the Bronica base to the Kiev Prism was just a matter of working
the base of the Kiev down to allow the base to fit snugly onto the prism.
Then drill some holes for screws and there you are. Thanks for the
comments on the web site.
Ron Baker
From: [email protected] (Evanjoe685)
Paolo,
If you plan to use a good handheld meter such as the Minolta or Sekonic
meters, then the 45 degree NON-METERING prism is fantastic for that
purpose!!
It is bright and a solid piece of quality glass. I have the Hasselblad
NC-2, (which by the way the Kiev is a direct copy of!) and they are
exactly the same, withj the Hasselblad having a slight edge in quality and
finish. Otherwise, you can't find a betterdeal than the Kiev 45 Non-meter
prism.
Evan Dong
From: "John Stafford" [email protected]
Indeed, and the part is only $80 plus S&H, new from Kievcamera.com. I find
it amazing that e-bay bidders sometimes pay even more for used Kiev
finders.
The TTL Meter Prism for the Kiev 60 (and Kiev 6C) was downgraded in
quality to take the later 3 LR44 (small) type batteries, when Mercury
cells began to be discontinued. This later version has poorer LEDs for
metering and a switch which you depress which keeps the meter on for a
short amount of time and then it goes off.
The earlier TTL meter prism is better made has a three way switch - on,
off and battery test - you can keep it on as long as you like. The LEDs
seen in the finder are better. This takes the early Russian composite
battery (three 625 batteries in a plastic wrap). I have both types of
prisms and prefer the earlier better made models. I would think that the
earlier ones will take 3 - Wein Air - 625-type cells - or 3 LR44 Batteries
in the converters which convert them to full 625 size and voltage.
This is one case where the later model is not better.
From: "John Stafford" [email protected]
Earlier I posted a mini-review of the Kiev angle (45 degree) finder which
fits the Hasselblad. Well, today I took the time to try it again, but in
low light, so I definitely missed another negative attribute. The image
contrast is profoundly inferior to the Hasselblad finder, making focusing
significantly more difficult with the stock 500c and 500c/m ground glass.
(I will venture to say that the contrast cannot be significantly enhanced
by another screen.) Oh, it just sucks.
From Hasselblad Mailing List:
I have a Kiev NC2 prism but can't use it because it is focused on
infinity,
and with my distance glasses on, I can't get close enough to see the
edges.
Soooo I ordered a -1 diopter correction from Hasselblad. It turns out
that the Kiev NC-2 is NOT an exact copy of the Hassy, the diopter
correction is done differently. In the Kiev, a second lens is added over
the original. In the Hassy, the entire lens is replaced.
It is now at my opticians having my right eye prescription made up at 23mm
dia and installed. I have some astigmatism so it is probably better this
way. Cost is $46.
Anybody want a -1 diopter correction? It is +2 diopter when used with the
PME 90.
It was listed at $30 on the web site, but they charged me $55!
Regards -Ralph
From Contax Mailing List:
Very interesting! It appears they have devised an adapter which goes
between the prism and the camera body. Looks like they also offer
the Kiev 88 meter prisms adapted to fit a variety of cameras.
Bob
From Contax Mailing List:
What I like about it, is that the viewfinder gives you 100% of the field
of view (so they claim) - a real downside to the Pentacon 6 is that it
only give 80% or so. I've sent Baier a note asking for more information
about the adapters and interchageability between the Exakta 66 and
Pentacon 6 (which have different adapters).
....
From Hasselblad Mailing List:
Shane W Davis wrote:
You can often find the Kiev TTL prisms for $100 or so. Beautiful glass.
Some need calibration, though all of the three I have owned have been
within 1/3 stop accuracy. I do lug a Gossen meter around with me as well,
but, then, I generally don't lug my Hasselblad about that much, either!
Marc
Date: Wed, 1 Nov 2000
.....
Last weekend I put a Hasselblad and Kiev 45-degree angle finder
side-by-side for actual field-use. The application used the Hasselblad
50mm lens and the 500mm lens on the admittedly dark stock 500cm focusing
screen. The Kiev finder's optics is incorrect - I get stray reflections
of the prism itself in the edges of the frame, and the image has
significantly less contrast compared to the Hasselblad part, which makes
difficult focusing more difficult. All in all, the Kiev is a cheap, but
possibly adequate finder and is not by any means of Hasselblad precision.
For those interested in the Kiev 45 finder, I'd not pay more than $50US
for one. I believe you can get them brand-new for $80. Me, I'm saving up
for the Real Thing and when I get it, the Kiev finder goes into the tool
box of the truck for emergencies.
Dunno about the Kiev back, but if it's as cheesy as the Kiev cameras, I'll
pass!
From HAsselblad Mailing List:
I have owned four Kiev meter-prisms, and all were within 1/3 stop. But,
then, your mileage may vary, SPS quality control being, well, problematic
at best. However, the meters are readily adjusted and it is probably fair
to say that most who use them find them satisfactory.
Marc
rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
I have the plain Kiev prism on a 503CX and it does just fine. I did have
the TTL version at one point on a Hartblei (sp) (Kiev) the meter was junk
on that one. Needless to say I do not have the Russian camera anymore just
one prism.
rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Many will disagree, but I've got a Kiev prism and a Hasselblad prism and
see very little difference. But I still prefer the waist-level finder
when circumstances permit (a little trickier to compose, but easiest to
focus with).
-Mike
[Ed. note: our homebrewing pages have tips on
modifying prisms to fit other medium format cameras...]
Hi Bob
Basically that is what I did when I mounted the Kiev metered prism to an
S2A. I started with a waist level finder and removed the base and work
down the base of the Kiev with a file until the Bronica base would fit the
base of the Kiev finder.
I've had several inquires as to how I calibrate the finder with the
camera. It's really very simple. I start by getting a reading with my spot
meter to find the F stop and shutter speed then turn the Kiev meter on and
get both lights lit then turn the F stop dial on the Kiev to where the
shutter speed and F stop agree with the spot meter. You can change lenses
and not have to recalibrate as long as the lenses have the same F stop.
The only time you need to recalibrate is when you have a lens with a
different F stop, like going from an f2.8 to an f3.5, or if you change
film that has a different speed.
I hope this all makes sense.
Ron
Date: Fri, 05 Jan 2001
[email protected] (Ash13brook) wrote:
Check the Hasselblad section of KEH.com. They have a category...
prisms/prism accessories, something like that. The eyecups are sold
there, quite cheaply relative to anything else Hasselblad.
---
rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
I bought a Kiev meter prism to use on my Hasselblad. It cost $225 vs.
$1800 for Hasselblad. It is certainly performing up to the $225 level.
rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Looks like you overpaid a little on the prism
I purchased the newest TTL/Spot meter prism from
Mike Fourman at www.kievcamera.com for $130
Works fine on my 501CM
From: "M P Brennan" [email protected]
"Jason Li" [email protected] wrote
The meter takes every bit of 3 minutes to calibrate and then is pretty
useful. I just purchased a Kiev TTL/Spot Meter and had to calibrate it.
This should be expected, since the readings are based on how much light is
reflected off the mirror through the focussing screen and into the prism.
Obviously, the little Russian lady in the Kiev factory doesn't know if
your camera has an original screen, a Beattie, an Acute Matte (sp?) or a
Brightscreen, so she doesn't know what to adjust it for.
Calibration consists of loosening the three set screws that hold the
shutter speed dial on the shaft and rotating it around to the correct
shutter speed (as determined by your light meter and gray card). Lock
down the set screws and you're done.
This assumes that the only error was in "offset." If you get a meter that
is somehow non-linear, you're pretty much sunk. I am glad to say that my
Kiev TTL/Spot meter correlated, closely, with my light meter and other
cameras in varying lighting conditions after I calibrated it.
-Mike
From: Jason Li [email protected]
M P Brennan at
[email protected] wrote
I look at this problem in three parts: min, max and linearity. If you can
adjust min/max (e.g fiddling with resistors), you automatically take care
of offset problem. I took the thing apart and get a feeling that there is
not much one can do about linearity problem.
http://sites.netscape.net/rsp120/K60/ site offers a great way of taking
care
of scale problem (min, max), except it is for Kiev 60 prism finder.
cheers
rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
I have the Kiev non-metered, the Kiev TTL/Spot and the Hassy HC-1 and like
the TTL/Spot the best- not only because it's metered but because it seems
to provide the best viewing image, too.
www.kievcamera.com sells them for $130.
-Mike
From: "M P Brennan" [email protected]
Exactly what you're doing. The Ukrainian prisms are pretty decent, but my
observation is that the new Kiev TTL/Spotmeter prism is definitely the
best of the bunch.
-Mike
From: [email protected] (Ralf R. Radermacher)
Peter R. [email protected] wrote:
They all behave like this. I've taken the prism for my K60 apart and
cleaned the contact surface. Lift off the 'leather' trim in the centre
of the meter knob and undo the screw below. Carefully lift off the
various layers of rings and washers to make sure that you can determine
the sequence in which they'll have to be re-mounted.
Tightening the tensioning ring before re-assembly also helps. Be warned,
though, that it's all a little fiddly.
Cheers,
rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
I know you said you weren't interested in a Kiev meter, but before you
spend the big bucks, see if Mike Fourman (www.kievcamera.com) will let you
try out a Kiev TTL/Spot Meter. It's a drastic improvement over all
previous iterations of Kiev meters. At $130 it is an incredible prism.
-Mike
From: [email protected] (Steve Gombosi)
superpass [email protected] wrote:
All of these will work quite well with your camera and screen.
The PME lineup looks like this:
PME - original model, center-weighted meter calibrated for the old
ground glass (not Acumatte) screen.
PME3 - Essentially the same as the PME, but with the meter recalibrated
for use with the Acumatte.
PME5 - Identical to PME3, but with cutouts for the LCD displays in the
200-series cameras
PME51 - PME5 with improved meter.
PME45 - Lower magnification, high eyepoint, wih a much more sophisticated,
multi-mode meter. Use an Acumatte D-screen if you want to
see the area covered by the spot mode. I think the PME45 is
lighter than the older prisms, but I wouldn't swear to it.
I use a PME5 on my 500 C/M with an Acumatte D. It works quite well.
Steve
Date: Thu, 24 May 2001
"FLEXARET2" [email protected] wrote:
I have used both and must say that the newer TTL/SPOT Prism has better
contrast.
The older Hassy NC-2 clone Kiev Prism, which is the one I use more often,
is not as contrasty. But I prefer the older one because the viewfinder
image is not interupted by thet LED display dipping into the viewfinder
image area.
So if you prefer a contrasty image, then go with the new TTL/SPOT design,
regardless of weather you need the meter or not.
From Hasselblad Mailing List;
Rod Leavitt wrote:
There, in short, was your mistake. I have purchased a slew of these, but
from folks I know. Mark Chaney in Connecticut normally has these in
stock, and he stands behind his products.
Marc
Hi Kelvin
TTL exposure meter, used center-weighted metering method, a rather exact
thing, anyway, it helped me, when I used K-88.
The order of measurement is such:
On potentiometer from the right party of a prism:
1) Set the sensitivity of a film, rotating the central button. Units GOST
practically are equal to units ASA (or ISO).
2) By a ring, on which engraved of aperture numbers , set number of
greatest aperture of used lens against a yellow pointer "/\" . For
example, for "Volna-3" it is 2,8. For "Flektogon 4/50" these numbers 4 and
so on.
Switch ON exposure meter by the switch "/\" on the left party of a prism.
The pointer "/\" should indicate a green point. Red point = meter is
OFF. Is required the battery of 6 Volts (in the original 4 elements
PX625).
In the top part of the view-finder three indicators are serially visible:
"a view of arrow in front " - UNDERexposure, "a green dot" - OK, "a view
of arrow behind " - OVERexposure.
Rotating potentiometer on the right party of a prism to achieve ignition "
a green point " - OK. Now to choose according to a plot a conterminous
pair "speed- aperture" and transfer them to the speed-selector and on the
lens.
That is all.
Sincerely
Victor Helis, [email protected]
Date: Thu, 26 Jul 2001
I bought a used Kiev TTL prism for my Hassy on ebay ($40!) and I'm
very pleased with it. The meter is pretty accurate once you
calibrate it, surprisingly enough. The finder image is good, although
darker than the Hassy prisms. The fit is not quite as good as a
Hasselblad prism, with a little bit of play, but it's still very
useable. For the price, I think they're a real bargain.
Barry S.
From: Marv Soloff [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Kiev batteries
Date: Sun, 03 Feb 2002
Thom wrote:
>
> can anyone tell me the size of battery that the 1990 TTL Kiev-88 prism
> takes, please.
>
> THOM
If memory serves correct, you should have a cylinder shaped plastic
sleeve and three LR44 (MS76) batteries in it. If you have the original
Russian (Ukranian) battery, then you are in deep yogurt.
Regards,
Marv
From: "Bill Van Antwerp" [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: battery size/Kiev88
Date: Fri, 8 Mar 2002
"Marv Soloff" [email protected]
> Thom wrote:
> >
> > I just had a dealer here in Melbourne ask me about batteries for a
> > Kiev 88. I looked at the camera and its a 1990 seriel number and
> > there's a white tube inside the prism but no batteries. I told him
> > A76's or the Russian C53 but mostly likely the A76 size.
> >
> > Any suggestions??
> > THOM
>
> Should be MS76s or LR44s. Three was the number slipped into the white
> plastic adapter as I recall.
>
> Regards,
According to Hartblei batteries are
As a power source, use three A76, LR44 or G13 4.5V cell-type batteries (dia
11.6mm x 16.2mm).
Hope this helps.
Bill
From: [email protected] (kevin_i)
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Non TTL Prism Viewfinder
Date: 25 Feb 2002
I'm perfectly happy with my Kiev 45-degree non-metered prism. It does
the job.
Not sure if *you* will be happy with it though... When shooting into
bright light, the Kiev prism does have a tendency to show internal
reflections (I guess the Hassy prism doesn't... I forgot since I
haven't tried a Hassy prism in about 10 years). But if you can
consciously block them out and focus your attention on what's on the
the viewing screen, you should be okay. Personally, the reflections
don't bother me one bit.
At about $50, it's hard to go wrong with a Kiev prism. I'd recommend
contacting Mike Fourman at Kievcamera.com. He usually has them in
stock and has good prices.
-Kevin
"PSsquare" [email protected] wrote...
> While I am pretty happy with my waist level finder, there are times when I
> would like to have a 45degree prism viewfinder for my 501cm. Sometimes it
> is difficult to compose and set focus in the waist level screen when the sky
> is bright. I would probably do without rather than pitch the Hassy price
> and I really don't care if someone thinks that I have "polluted" my Hassy
> system with a Kiev component. What have been photographers' experiences
> with the Kiev non TTL 45degree prism viewfinder? Is the Kiev worth having
> versus keeping my money and doing without? Right now I put a cloth over my
> head when the glare gets bad.
>
> Appreciate your thoughts.
>
> PSsquare
From: [email protected] (Barry S.)
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Non TTL Prism Viewfinder
Date: 26 Feb 2002
I picked up a Kiev TTL prism for $40 and have been quite happy with
it. Like you, I mainly use the WL finder, but need a prism
occasionally. It's a little dimmer than the Hassy prisms, but I
haven't noticed any flare problems. It's so inexpensive, that I doubt
you'd regret the purchase. The TTL is very accurate, once the meter's
been calibrated and comes in handy for macro work with tubes. The
only downside for the TTL version is that the meter indicators obscure
a small part of the frame.
Barry S.
[Ed. note: be sure to check kievcamera and other lower priced sources, including ebay...]
from rollei mailing list:
Date: Wed, 20 Mar 2002
From: "Fox, Robert" [email protected]
Subject: [Rollei] See new Kiev TTL Prisms for Rolleiflex and other TLRs
[email protected] writes:
I thinking of getting a prism or magnifying hood for my 500cm.
I am using a Kiev meter prism on my 500CM and am very pleased with it. I
check a couple of non-meter Hassy prisms; the 45-degree version has a 54x54mm
viewing area, and the 90-degee one is 52x52mm. The Hassy image on film is
about 54x54.
If you're interested in a brand new metered prism for your Rolleiflex, Kiev
is now selling them in the US:
http://www.photographical.net/tlr_ttl.html
From: "Tom" [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Kiev 88 Batteries?
Date: Thu, 18 Apr 2002
LR44 or A76.
Total voltage shoud be 4.5, or as close to that number as you can get it.
Tom
[email protected] wrote ...
> I have just bought a nice condition Kiev 88 on eBay and was surprised to
> find that there is no reference as to what size battery I need to operate
> the Veiw Finder. Online sources say that three A76 batteries will do the
> trick, Yet when I tried to insert them they are of a far smaller diameter
> than the battery compartment. I would appreciated any assistance with this
> matter.
> Thanks Ian
From: [email protected] (DBaker9128)
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Date: 12 Apr 2002
Subject: Re: Eyecup for Prism/Finder
B&H has flat eyecups for Hasselblad prisms for eyeglass wearers (Mfr# 85424 �
B&H# HAECQ: $6.00) or oval types (Mfr# 85416 � B&H# HAEC: $13.00).
Buy a couple, they come off as you know.
Doug from Tumwater
From kiev88 mailing list:
Date: Thu, 06 Jun 2002
From: "krauskopf" [email protected]
Subject: Re: Battery for the Meter Prism Kiev 88.
Good Evening Kevin,
I found Your message by searching the Internet for the answer to the
question : "Which battery for my KIEV 88TTL prism ?"
I own since a few day a KIEV 88 TTL (ebay auction) and the camera is
looking very well everything is working smoothly -- but naturally
there was no (working) battery installed in the prism.
There was only the old wrapping of the original battery there saying
that the battery was dated July 1987 and the inscription was
4 PU 53 (PU cyrillyc signs a PU lookalike) and 5 X ???? of
somewhat what could be 0,25 mAh -- but there is nothing to be
equalling a voltage. Now the prism and the handling You describe in
your message is exactly the operating mode of my prism -- do You
know the voltage and a suitable battery ??
The operating manual of Hartblei speaks of LR 44 and 4,5V, BUT my
battery compartment is 15mm x 27mm this excludes the LR44 because it
does not fit in ! for the time being I have istalled a DIY solution
with 3 x 1,5V and an old (empty) V625U as "spacer" , but this is no
permanent solution.
Hopefully You have an idea
regards
Roland Krauskopf
--- In Kiev88@y..., Kevin Kalsbeek krkk@e... wrote:
> Noel,
> OK, the easiest thing to do is to check this online
> manul:http://www.hartblei.com/products/operating_manuals/ttl-88_manual.htm
>
> It sounds like you have an older prism that has the film speeds in GOST
> and DIN. For 400 film, use DIN27, as the old GOST doesn't really equate
> to western film speed, though there are conversion charts."New" GOST
> equals ISO, BTW.
> Briefly, to use the prism, set in the film speed using the black center
> knob. Set in the MAXIMUM aperture of the lens you are using- if you are
> using the 80mm, turn the silver ring with the f stops on it until 2.8
> lines up with the red arrow on the film speed dial. If you change to a
> slower lens, this of course must be reset to reflect the slower lens.
> Press the power switch and rotate the outer black dial which has the
> film speeds on it until both LEDs inside the prism are lit, which the
> correct exposure. You will find that frequently, you can't get both LEDs
> to light at the same time, so I usually make sure the right hand side
> one (overexposure) is just lit-- this is fine for color print film.
> I would check the TTL prism against a trusted handheld meter using a
> gray card for insurance. I think the TTL prism is most accurate
> outdoors.
> I hope this helps!
> Kevin
>
> Noel Del Pilar wrote:
>
> > How to use the meter? I don't have the english instructions.What is
> > the meanin of these numbers and dials?I know, one is the asa(ISO) of
> > the film, but the others?What is the setting if I use ASA 400 film?
From kiev88 mailing list:
Date: Thu, 06 Jun 2002
From: Kevin Kalsbeek [email protected]
Subject: Re: Re: Battery for the Meter Prism Kiev 88.
..
Hi Roland,
There are several ways to go- none particularly good in terms of perfection.
You can get or make a spacer out of plastic. Kiev USA sells the adapters for
about 35 dollars!
You might try A 625 battereis, but you will still probably need a small ball
of aluminum foil to take up the extra space.
You can make a sleeve out of an old plastic film can to wrap around the
batteries and use the alum. foil ball to fill the void- This method will
allow you to use S76 or LR44 batteries. Voltage should be 4.5volts.
Hope this helps.
Kevin
From kiev88 mailing list:
Date: Fri, 07 Jun 2002
From: robert svensson [email protected]
Subject: Re: Re: Battery for the Meter Prism Kiev 88.
Hi Guys,
I found an old battery which is of Russian origin and it says: "4.5B". B is
cyrillic for V as in "Volt". It seems palusible since that battery
contained three small button cells.
Thus, it cannot totally be considered as a temporary solution to combine
three standard cells. Our world is full of button cells. There is always
one model which fits. Just use a plastic tube and stack them in there. If
the height of the stack is insufficient, use a small coil spring under the
battery compartment hatch. It works.
In fact, Kiev supplied a plastic tube to be used for single cells!
All the best, Rob
From kiev88 mailing list:
Date: Fri, 07 Jun 2002
From: "krauskopf" [email protected]
Subject: Re: Battery for the Meter Prism Kiev 88.
Hi to all,
here my humble DIY Project to solve the problem without paying
USD 35,-- for an adapter
Remember my Battery compartment is about 15mm x 27mm, which means
it is too BIG, well first I bought 3 button cells (1,5 V each),
measured the diameter (in my case 10,6 mm) and now I took an
11mm drill from my DIY toolbox, a normal sheet of paper and some 30cm
of double sided adhesive tape. Glued the tape with one side to the
sheet of paper, cleared the other side from the protecting paper and
roll it around the drill until the "role" was 15mm in diameter in my
case a little more than one DIN A4 sheet was needed. The trick is to
leave the first "roll" free of adhesive tape that it will not glue to
the drill you use.
Phase one completed, costs nearly zero, time needed 5 min.
Now the cylinder I had was cut to length and inserted into the
battery compartment, now comes phase II the contact.
The idea which came from Kevin was to use an alu foil ball, I
improved :-) it slightly by adding a spring from the bottom of the
battery compartment of a small electric torch (not longer working),
now the alu foil ball (if he is still necessary) is pressed to the 3
button cells and the cells to the bottom contact.
In principle you can use any small spring that fits in, but these
spring in electric torches a shaped like a pyramid, which gives them
a more stable hold .
Finished - Time needed : another 5 min. - money : none if You are
lucky to find a spring - result absolutly perfect connection
Regards
Roland
Date: Tue, 11 Jun 2002
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: [HUG] Re: hasselblad V1 #1615
[email protected] writes:
Has anyone ever tried these camera?
I bought a Kiev meter prism for $225 and I am very pleased with it. (Similar
Haselblad item was more than $2K.) Meter aside, the prism finder provides a
very bright image. Of course, you have to calibrate the meter for your film
speed, and keep in mind the 'sunny 16 rule' as a check. But I am very
pleased with the results.
Best regards, David Hodge, Churchville, MD
From hasselblad mailing list:
Date: Mon, 8 Jul 2002
From: Godfrey DiGiorgi [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [HUG] Kiev NC-2 type prism - diopter corrections ...
The Kiev NC-2 is a virtual exact clone of the Hasselblad NC-2, from what
I understand, and does not incorporate a meter. From discussions with
others, it seems the major difference between it and the Hasselblad item
is a lack of antireflection coating on the prism itself, which reduces
the contrast a little bit.
It certainly looks as if there is plenty of room for a Polaroid back but
I don't foresee that being much of an issue for me ... I've never used
Polaroid tests and don't think I ever will for the type of photography I
do. :-)
I paid a grand total of $35 for it and it's in EXC+ condition. Now if I
can get an eyepiece correction lens that works for my eyes, it will
actually be useful!
Godfrey
...
from hasselblad mailing list:
Date: Sun, 4 Aug 2002
From: [email protected]
Subject: [HUG] Re: hasselblad V1 #1663
[email protected] writes:
Also, what is the prism finder that puts the image right side
up and has a meter?
I have a Kiev 45 degree meter prism. It cost $225 vs $2500 for the
Hasselblad item. Works fine for me.
Best regards, David Hodge, Churchville,MD
Date: Wed, 08 Jan 2003
From: Marc James Small [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: [HUG] Kiev-88 TTL Prism
Amit Shiwalkar wrote:
>
>Is it worthwhile investing in a TTL Prism of Kiev88 that
>
>is compatible with Hassy-500 C/M, as its price is very cheap ( 100 $US)
>as compared
>
>to PME-45?
I use a Kiev-88 prism. For that matter, I use two of them, one on my
Kiev-88 and the other on my 2000 FC/M. Both are clear and clean and well
within 1/3 of a stop accuracy, more than enough for my purposes -- which do
include chromes.
Others will contest this, but I suspect that poor Ukrainian quality control
is the problem with their prisms. So, when you buy, make certain that you
have a right of return.
Marc
[email protected]
From: [email protected] (FLEXARET2)
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Date: 03 Apr 2003
Subject: Re: Kiev 88
Go to-
www.araxfoto.com
They have the standard battery adapters for those Kiev TTL prisms.
- Sam Sherman
Kormendi\Gardner Partners
202/822-0900 voice
202/331-1151 fax
From: Cyrus Gardner [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: UKRAINIAN Prisms
> Where is the best place to buy these prisms? I know that not all mail
> order vendors of these Ukranian cameras are reliable.
>
> Russ Rosener
Kormendi\Gardner Partners
From: Russ & Kathy Thornton [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: UKRAINIAN Prisms
PS:
I forgot to give you guys his number. It is:
From: Peter Klosky [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: UKRAINIAN Prisms
p.s. There are some threads in the archive on this, too.
--------------------------------------------------------
From: "Mark Ziemann"
From: Al Thompson Al [email protected]
Subject: Response to Russian prism/hasselblad
Date: 1998-09-24
From: Peter Klosky [email protected]
Subject: Re: 90 Degree Finders
From: Peter Klosky [email protected]
Subject: Re: RE: 90 Degree Finders
From: Peter Klosky [email protected]
Reply to: [email protected]
Subject: Re: Kiev TTL Prism Viewfinder
From: Peter Klosky [email protected]
Reply to: [email protected]
To: [email protected], [email protected]
Subject: Re: Viewfinder vignetting
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: Kiev TTL Prism Viewfinder
From: Peter Klosky [email protected]
To: [email protected],
[email protected]
Subject: Re: Meter Prisms explained
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: Kiev TTL Prism Viewfinder
Subject: Response To Mel brown: Kiev TTL for Hasselblad
Date: 1998-05-17
Subject: Response to What battery for Kiev 88 Prism
Date: 1998-06-13
From: Ulrik Neupert [email protected]
Subject: Response to What battery for Kiev 88 Prism
Date: 1998-06-15
Subject: Response to What battery for Kiev 88 Prism
Date: 1998-06-15
Subject: Response to What battery for Kiev 88 Prism
Date: 1998-06-15
From: Chauncey Walden [email protected]
Subject: Response to Kiev TTL metered prism calibration
Date: 1998-09-01
From: Marc James Small [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: Kiev Prism battery holder
Gabor Csanyi wrote:
>I have a Kiev TTL prism, but the original Russian battery died, and of course
>it is completely nonstandard. I was told at a show (by a gentleman with a very strong
>Russian accent :-) that there exists a little plastic device, which holds four
>little lithium cells, and fits into the battery compartment.
Date: Tue, 05 Oct 1999
From: "Dr. Ulrik Neupert" [email protected]
Subject: Re: Kiev Viewfinder Battery
From: Mattias Andersson [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: Kiev Viewfinder Battery
From: Peter Klosky [email protected]
To: [email protected], Robert Welch [email protected]
Subject: Re: Kiev finder differences
From: Jim Stewart [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: Kiev finder differences
> the more recent versions are brighter than the older ones, and if so how
>do you tell the difference?
From: Marc James Small [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: Kiev finder differences
From: "Dwain A. Hicks" [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: [Rollei] Kiev 88 TTL Prism on SL-66
Dwain
From: "Thomas J Balfe" [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Adapter to use Kiev lenses on SL66?
Date: Tue, 11 Jan 2000
From: Bob Shell [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Rollei] Kiev 88 TTL Prism on SL-66
Date: Tue, 11 Jan 2000
From: Bob Shell [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Rollei] Kiev 88 TTL Prism on SL-66
>From: Marc James Small [email protected]
>To: [email protected], [email protected]
>Subject: Re: [Rollei] Kiev 88 TTL Prism on SL-66
>Date: Tue, Jan 11, 2000, 10:51 AM
>
> Like all generalities, this is not always true. I have two prisms and both
> are within 1/3 stop. The meters are easily calibrated, too.
> But, as with all SPS gear, quality control is a problem .. though not
> nearly as bad as the Great Public Myth would have it.
Date: Tue, 11 Jan 2000
From: Marc James Small [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Rollei] Kiev 88 TTL Prism on SL-66
>Within 1/3 stop is not accurate enough for serious shooting with
>transparency films. Yes, it is easy to reset the meters to be accurate
>at a particular EV, but they are not always linear so calibrating for
>bright light may leave them far off in dim, and vice versa. Those used
>to the meters in modern Japanese and German cameras will not likely be
>satisfied with the accuracy of these.
Date: Tue, 11 Jan 2000
From: Bob Shell [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Rollei] Kiev 88 TTL Prism on SL-66
> Well, the seven or eight I have used over the past decade have been linear.
> Doesn't mean they all are. Bob, would you like a copy of the calibration
> instructions? I have an English-language copy somewhere.
> I've never worried about getting the two I have now any tighter than 1/3
> stop as they were both within that when I bought them, and I've always
> gotten great chromes with them. So, for me, "within 1/3 stop" is perfectly
> satisfactory for chromes!
Date: Wed, 12 Jan 2000
From: Andre Calciu [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Rollei] Kiev 88 TTL Prism on SL-66
Date: Thu, 13 Jan 2000
From: Bob Shell [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Rollei] Kiev 88 TTL Prism on SL-66
Date: Sat, 18 Mar 2000
From: Christopher Kovacs [email protected]
Subject: Re: Kiev Question
Date: Tue, 04 Jan 2000
From: Peter Klosky [email protected]
Reply to: [email protected]
To: [email protected], [email protected]
Subject: Re: Finders
Date: Tue, 04 Jan 2000
From: Bernard [email protected]
Subject: Re: Finders
> Frankly speaking, I think the PME51 is overpriced.
Date: Sat, 05 Feb 2000
From: Kevin Kalsbeek [email protected]
Subject: Re: Question?
From: Chung Wong [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Kiev 60 prism on Exakta 66 body
From: "M P Brennan" [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Kiev prism on Hasselblad?
From: Pookywinkel [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Kiev prism on Hasselblad?
> Anyone using a Kiev or other Russian-made prism on their Hassy? They
> seem cheap (about $100) relative to the real thing, but do they work
> well?
From Hasselblad Mailing List;
Date: Sat, 8 Apr 2000
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: Opinions on the Hasselblad NC2 Prism
Doug
Date: Sat, 13 May 2000
From: Christopher Kovacs [email protected]
Subject: RE: Kiev TTL prism
Small Jewelers Screw driver (to fit outer exposure ring set
screws)
Known good calibrated meter
Uniform light source, mid-luminosity
web site: http://www.stargal.net
> How did you calibrate the meter, other than setting the film speed and lens
> max aperture, and in my case remembering that it's then two stops off (g)?
>
> Cyrus J. Gardner
Date: Thu, 08 Jun 2000
From: Ron Baker [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [BRONICA] IS ANYONE OUT THERE??
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Date: 04 Jul 2000
Subject: Re: Kiev 45 Degree prism and Hasselblad 500C
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Date: Tue, 4 Jul 2000
Subject: Re: Kiev 45 Degree prism and Hasselblad 500C
> [...]Otherwise, you can't find a betterdeal than the Kiev 45
> Non-meter prism. [for the Hasselblad]
From: [email protected] (FLEXARET2)
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Date: 26 Jul 2000
Subject: Re: Batteries for Kiev 60
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Date: Fri, 28 Jul 2000
Subject: Re: Kiev angle finder (fits Hasselblad)
Date: Wed, 09 Aug 2000
From: Ralph Johnston/Linda Sherman [email protected]
Subject: Kiev NC-2 prism
Date: Mon, 14 Aug 2000
From: Bob Shell [email protected]
Subject: Re: [CONTAX] anyone know Baier Fototecknik in Gernamy
(Emmendingen)
> From: [email protected] (Peter Boehmer)
> Reply-To: [email protected]
> Date: Mon, 14 Aug 2000
> To: [email protected]
> Subject: RE: [CONTAX] anyone know Baier Fototecknik in Gernamy (Emmendingen)
>
> Have a look at http://www.baierfoto.de/.
>
> Regards,
> Peter
Date: Mon, 14 Aug 2000
From: Lotus M50 [email protected]
Subject: Re: [CONTAX] anyone know Baier Fototecknik in
Gernamy(Emmendingen)
Date: Fri, 11 Aug 2000
From: Marc James Small [email protected]
Subject: Re: PME 90
>I'm a PhD student (the more glamorous way of letting people know I'm
>poor), so other than its being heavy, what I don't like about it is the
>investment -- it seems like a lot of money for what a $450 handheld meter
>would do, plus the advantage of straight-through viewing.
From: "jjs" [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Why are 120/220 film backs so expensive?!
Date: Sun, 26 Nov 2000
From: Marc James Small [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: meter prism
From: [email protected] (JayAndriot)
Date: Mon Dec 18 2000
[1] Re: kiev prism for hasselblad
From: "M. P. Brennan" [email protected]
[1] Re: kiev prism for hasselblad
Date: Mon Dec 18 2000
Date: Wed, 13 Dec 2000
From: Ron Baker [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [BRONICA] Metered prism finders for S2A?
www.ronbakerphotography.com
From: [email protected] (David Meiland)
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Hassy NC-2
>I just bought an NC-2 very cheaply ($130). It ain't pretty, but the glass is
>perfect. The problem is - the eyecup is missing. I have the option of sending
>it back, but I don't want to. Anyone know if I can get a new replacement eyecup
>from Hassleblad? Or a source for aftermarket stuff like that? (I'll be calling
>all the used equipment places tomorrow)
David Meiland
From: [email protected] (DaveHodge)
Date: Fri Feb 16 2001
[1] Re: what do you think of KIEV
From: Randy [email protected]
[1] Re: what do you think of KIEV
Date: Fri Feb 16 2001
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Date: Wed, 21 Feb 2001
Subject: Re: Hassy prism or Kiev copy??
> I have done some reading recently since I am looking for the same thing. A
> lot of reviewers at http://www.photographyreview.com/reviews/mediumformat_cameras/
> reported that the Kiev meters are not well calibrated and are sometimes two
> or three F-stops off the target - pretty much useless.
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Date: Fri, 16 Mar 2001
Subject: Re: Kiev 88 TTL Prism Finder Re-Calibration
> What specific problems are you having after you calibrate? Offset or
> linearity?
From: "M. P. Brennan" [email protected]
[1] Re: hasselblad view finders
Date: Sun Mar 25 2001
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Date: Tue, 6 Mar 2001
Subject: Re: Hassy prism or Kiev copy??
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Date: Fri, 23 Mar 2001
Subject: Re: Kiev 88 kit
> Finally the "new"
> ttl-spot prism seems to have a "rusty" potentiometer, as the leds flicker
> back and forth when I'm close to determining the optimal exposure reading.
Ralf
--
Ralf R. Radermacher - DL9KCG - K�ln/Cologne, Germany
private homepage at: http://www.free-photons.de
picture galleries - classic and mechanical cameras
Contarex - Kiev - Horizon - P6 mount lens table
From: "M. P. Brennan" [email protected]
[1] Re: Meter Prism Finder for 500CM
Date: Fri Apr 20 2001
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Date: 30 Apr 2001
Subject: Re: newbie to hasselblad meter prism
>Can anyone please tell me which meter prism should I buy for my 503cx body?
>What will be the price of the used like?
>
>And what are the differences between PME3, PME5 (or 51?), PME 45? any
>others?
From: "N.S. Nguyen" [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Kiev Spot TTL meter prism
> Why would you purhcase the big heavy spotmeter prism for $130 when you could
> buy the Kiev non-metered prism, which is smaller and lighter for about $75
> since you don't use the meter?
Date: Sat, 28 Jul 2001
From: Marc James Small [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: RE: Keiv Prism finders
>My experience was bad. I purchased one from E-bay
[email protected]
From Camera Fixing Mailing List;
Date: Thu, 2 Aug 2001
From: Victor Helis [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: [camera-fix] Know how to set the meter Kiev-88 properly
>From your experience, are the standard TTL meters which come in Kiev88
>made between 1980 and 1998 any good? Are they always consistently off
>or is it that most people do not know how to set the meter properly?
Togliatti, Russia
Photography, Repair and Consulting
From: Barry S. [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Russian Hassie Prisms
Date: Thu, 03 Jan 2002
To: [email protected]
From: Marc James Small [email protected]>
Subject: Re: [HUG] Kiev prism for Hassy
Tourtelot wrote:
>Anyone got anything good to say about Kiev prisms (I am not looking for
>metering.)? Or should I bite the bullet and look for a used NC-2?
These are fine prisms; I have used them for the past decade on both Kiev
88 and Hasselblad. These guys are heavy but yield a bright image. The
metered prisms are good; mine is within 1/3 of a stop. However, many need
calibration to achieve this, and this is quite simple.
Marc
[email protected]
From: [email protected] (kevin_i)
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Kiev 88CM 45 degree TTL prism question
Date: 26 Sep 2001
Hello. You might find this link helpful:
http://www.baierfoto.de/mameng.html
Baier Fototechnik in Germany sells Kiev prisms adapted to fit on
Mamiya TLRs (and Rollei SL-66's too). They have both TTL (for about
$195) and non-TTL (for about $170) prisms.
I personally have the non-TTL and the Spot-TTL Kiev prisms (which I
use on my Kievs). They pick up some internal reflections, but I am
personally not bothered by it.
Kiev metered prisms may often be way off the mark when they come from
the factory, but can be calibrated quite easily (please see the
metered prisms link on http://kievaholic.com). But even when
calibrated, some people report non-linear metering results.
I usually use handheld meters... but on the few occasions when I have
used my Kiev Spot-TTL meter, it produced good results even with slide
film. Bracketing might be a good idea though.
Good luck.
-Kevin
"Bob Fowler" [email protected]> wrote
> I was thinking...
>
> Has anyone adapted this finder to a Mamiya C series TLR? For $150, it's
> very tempting to get one and try. I'm pretty good with machine work (I
> repair saxophones and clarinets, often having to make parts) and shouldn't
> be too difficult a task. I have a Mamiya Porrofinder, as useless a piece of
> trash there ever was, that I could use as a template to fabricate a mount.
> It sure would be nice to have a 45 deg prism with a meter...
>
> Most important - how accurate is the meter? Is it CDS or SBC?
>
> Bob Fowler
> [email protected]
From: "Peter Klosky" [email protected]>
To: [email protected]>
Subject: Re: [HUG] OT: Comments about Kiev 45 degree prism/meter?
Date: Thu, 18 Oct 2001
Murray,
I own two Kiev prisms. Both meters agree within 1/10th stop, as supplied. In addition, they agree with my hand-held meter and
rules of thumb. I have observed no quality problems. That said, I use a hand-held meter, just because that is my technique. i.e.
I take incident readings at the subject position, as well as flash readings.
On the other hand, there are folks who have said they had quality problems with Kiev prisms.
Peter
p.s. I enjoy my Kiev prisms so much that I do not even have a Waist Level Finder.
> Subject: [HUG] OT: Comments about Kiev 45 degree prism/meter?
> What are your thoughts about the Kiev prism/meter in terms of accuracy of
> light evaluation and quality of workmanship?
>
> Murray Milligan
> Winnipeg, Canada
From Bronica Mailing List:
Date: Thu, 10 Jan 2002
From: "dgoldfar" [email protected]
Subject: Re: Kiev Spot TTL Metering prism on S2A
I'm porting this over from the photo.net Medium Format Digest, just
for the record:
So, I've gotten my prism from Mike Fourman (on eBay it's a little
cheaper than if you buy it directly from his website) and converted it
for my S2A. It's not a difficult conversion--just a matter of filing
down the mounting plate to fit, drilling two holes for the Bronica's
registration pins, and a little grinding work on the aluminum body
of the prism to make room for the Bronica rear mounting tabs and
the tab in the front. No need to sacrifice a Bronica finder for its
mounting plate. I did it all with a Dremel with router table accessory
and a hand file--no precision machining, but it works and doesn't look
terribly sloppy. An experienced machinist with appropriate equipment
could surely make something with a tighter fit than mine.
My meter was pretty accurate with my screen right out of the box,
comparing the spot reading with a reading from my Minolta Flashmeter
III with 5-degree attachment, but the Kiev meter is not as precise as
the Minolta or, say, the spot meter in my Canon F-1N. There is about a
half-stop range that the meter will register as "correct."
It also seems to handle low light better than the Bronica TTL
metering finder, and is much less bulky, and is easier to use. It is
important to remember, of course, that the Bronica TTL meter is
coupled to the shutter speed dial (by means of an astoundingly clunky
attachment), while the Kiev is totally uncoupled. An advantage of the
Kiev is that it is designed for full-aperture metering, while the
Bronica works best for stopped-down metering. The Kiev has one button
for turning on the meter and toggling between spot and averaging mode
and turns itself off, so no protruding toggle switches as on the
Bronica. It also takes a modern battery.
The Kiev prism (45-degree) is also brighter than the Bronica
90-degree prism. I don't have the Bronica 45-degree prism, so I can't
compare with that one. 45-degree prisms in general tend to be brighter
than 45-degree prisms, so it might be no better than the Bronica
45-degree prism, as a prism.
David Goldfarb
Date: Fri, 10 Aug 2001
Subject: Re: Kiev vs hasselblad prisms
From: Peter Rosenthal [email protected]
To: Hasselblad forum [email protected]
Rei...
The only goal of the "infinity" test is to EASILY see IF there is indeed a
mechanical problem. By setting the lens on infinity and with your subject
at infinity and if the viewfinder image is also in focus you then have a
great deal of certainty that what you see is what you get at ALL distances.
Focusing up close is not diagnostic since it introduces variables. It gets
complicated, huh?
For new shooters it's also very useful to know that there is more depth of
field behind your subject than in front of it. The 'ol 1/3 front, 2/3 back
rule can help you fudge your focus in your favor. Just focusing a little in
back of your subject can cut down on wasted film. Only experience can tell
you how much tho.
> Reply-To: [email protected]
> Date: Fri, 10 Aug 2001
> To: [email protected]
> Subject: Re: Kiev vs hasselblad prisms
>
>
> do you also recommend focusing at intermediate distances, particularly
> those which you intend on shooting? i found a wide tape measure was
> helpful in this kind of testing, for 6 and 12 foot distances. it's
> very easy to look on the neg and see the numbers and tick marks.
>
> -rei
From: [email protected] (Ralf R. Radermacher)
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Kiev batteries
Date: Mon, 4 Feb 2002
Marv Soloff [email protected] wrote:
> If memory serves correct, you should have a cylinder shaped plastic
> sleeve and three LR44 (MS76) batteries in it. If you have the original
> Russian (Ukranian) battery, then you are in deep yogurt.
Not necessarily. Herr Baier (www.baierfoto.de) supplies an adaptor for
using the old-style Kiev finder with 3 x LR44.
Costs very little and can be shipped by letter without adding too much
postage to the bill.
HTH,
Ralf
--
Ralf R. Radermacher - DL9KCG - K�ln/Cologne, Germany
private homepage: http://www.free-photons.de
From: "bart peeren" [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: battery size/Kiev88
Date: Thu, 11 Apr 2002
> According to Hartblei batteries are
> As a power source, use three A76, LR44 or G13 4.5V cell-type batteries (dia
> 11.6mm x 16.2mm).
>
> Hope this helps.
> Bill
I had the same problem with my Kiev 6S prism meters.
Andrey Ostapenko [email protected]
sells battery inserts made from syringes.
He wrote:
My inserts accept button cells AG13 (G13) and 357A, AG13 is more
popular now, it aplies in different toys and watches, it can be simple
(Zn-Mn type) and alcaline (more powerfull). Also can be used AG12
(G12) cells, same size batteries for example used with Nikon FG
camera, but for good contact You'll have to use additional metall
rings (best between top battery and cover of battery jack).
I send My inserts without any batteries, most inexpensive Chiness
G13 cells cost here about $0.10, the best alcaline about $1. I think, it
will be no problem to find AG13 button cells at Your country.
Best regards,
Andrey.
I use the inserts with hearing aid cells, Panasonic LR 44.
As far as I know the same insert fits the Kiev 88 Prism.
Greetings,
Bart Peeren.
[Ed. note: thanks to Anthony Skirlick for sharing these diopter swapping tips again!]
Date: Tue, 21 May 2002
From: Anthony Skirlick [email protected]
To: "Robert Monaghan Medium format fit...." [email protected]
Subject: [Fwd: (no subject)]
Robert...
since you do medium format....along with Yashica Mats, RB67's, M645's,
Holgas (toy) , but I also own some Kiev stuff which you guys probably
don't even consider cameras since you appear to be a high end type of
outfit...but just in case....I forwarded this to Mike Fourman (who is a
nice guy) a while ago today since the circular Nikon diopter is like
aspirin at this point in solving many diopter problems along with the
more traditional rectangular Nikon one I mentioned.. Anyway the Kiev
88cm metered view finder along with all the other Kiev products do not
have diopters in the United States even though all current Kiev cameras
are machined for them...but it looks like all the dealers don't want to
aggressively track them down and import them.
Diopter adjustment IS a big deal and as you mentioned when the baby
boomers me included reached our 40th birthdays, we all went semi-blind
en mass..
Anyway...this little discovery here was just as important as my M645
discovery...all taking place within an hour...like I said these Nikon
diopter are the cure all...like aspirin....more and more uses are
cropping up with them!!!!!!
Hope you can use this post too!!! The Kiev 88cm prism finder is really
pretty neat BUT there was NO diopter available....my work around here
was as if it was a near custom fit for the Kiev....REAL SIMPLE!!!
I am sure there will be hype purists out there who might discount my
suggestions but you might want to try these out yourself..!!!!
Anthony Skirlick
-----
Date: Tue, 21 May 2002
From: Anthony Skirlick [email protected]
To: Michael Fourman [email protected]
Cc: "John C. Valverde" [email protected]
Subject: (no subject)
Michael,
Good news...I discovered something that may assist you in regards to
diopter corrections on some of the Kiev's..
On the Kiev 88 PDS eye level prism finder I found that a Nikon diopter
fits!!!!...Simply unscrew the eye piece and insert a Nikon diopter
(various formulations are available) . Once it is inside and placed into
the hole it is nearly a perfect fit...then you simply screw back on the
eye piece/rubber eye cup and the whole thing stays firmly in place!!!
There is no machining or doing anything else...IT WORKS.....the skew
number on my 2+ Nikon FA-FE2-FM2-FE-FM diopter is 18208 02933 4...and is
available through B&H (this SAME model fits all Nikon F2 prism finders by-the-way).
It is made of metal and is round and is very sturdy. I tested close
focusing on written material with my glasses on and this diopter
arrangement and it is the same focus as my glasses...exactly the same.
It seats perfectly into the Kiev metered prism finder!!!
This same diopter can be placed in the eye level finder of the Kiev 60
with super glue around the edges and works fine as a diopter
adustment...you simply glue it to the front piece where your eye would
look....this round Nikon diopter will not seat inside the viewfinder
with the eyepiece screwed back over it and locking it in place like the
Kiev 88 finder. With some machining, I guess you could do it..
I am sure this information ESPECIALLY on the Kiev 88 is very important
and you might order this yourself from a local camera store if you did
not want to go through B&H and check it out yourself. It works. Then
you could offer it from your own company and I am sure your
customers would appreciate it. I have not seen this posted anywhere
by-the-way... I could not believe the answer had been here all
along....
The seating of this round metal Nikon diopter on the Kiev 88 eye level
spot meter finder that comes with the package is perfect...no vignetting
or anything once it is inside and the resecured by screwing back on the
eyecup rubber/metal part!! And like I said...every imaginable
formulation of diopters is available!!!!
Hope this helps you, Mike!!
I am still awaiting your availability of the 220 back for the Kiev 88
and if you have any used 120 mm P lenses..
Also...have you ever heard of anybody using 220 on the Kiev 60????
Cordially,
Anthony Skirlick
Valencia, CA.
[Ed. note: a reminder that the waist level finders are also hasselblad compatible!]
from hasselblad mailing list:
Date: Tue, 06 Aug 2002
From: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [HUG] WLF lens came out
Kiev...Kiev WLF finders are a spitting image of a real one and I believe ]Kiev
USA sells them for something like $25 Mark
> The lens recently popped out of my Hassy WLF.
> It
> doesn't look to be in good shape. I can't pop
> it back
> in since the retaining ring is partially
> broken. Is
> this an easy replacement? Or am I looking at
> another
> WLF?
>
> Thanks,