Russian Medium Formats

[MikaMatin]

Hi all,

Another thread on MF but this time on Russian stuffs.

Have anyone use a Kiev88 or Kiev 60 or Salyut model?

I've read that its cheaper than a Mami or Hassey but doesn't compromise on the quality of pictures that its been able to capture.

Pls comment on any Russian cams if u have one and how long have u been using it. Any pros and cons?

Gracias

[e905591s]

Hi MikaMatin,

I happen to be using a Kiev 60 MF SLR with a couple of ukrainian lenses. I have been more than pleased with the slides and negs from this setup. The quality of the pictures are definately better than 35mm SLR that I have and of course blew my 3Mpix digicam all the way to the centre of universe.

Price wise, I bought all my stuff from eb*y and it's very reasonable by my standard. The whole set costs about the same as a brand new EF50mm f/1.4 from CP.

The only problem is, there are problems with these ukrainian cameras. The QC department is probably closed down in the Kiev Arsenal factory. So if you just want to enjoy taking pictures without worrying about when the shutter will jam, avoid buying from eb*y and get a set locally that you can play with and inspect/test whenever possible.


e905591s

[MikaMatin]

Wow a Kiev60

I guess u're more than happy and satisfied with ya current MF(pardon the pun). I've heard about the factory not being particular on the QC of its production and hell yeah got some of its new stuff being labelled as a 'piece of junk'.

What do you think of a Kiev88 being sold for $350++? I'm in a dilemma actually cause me tot of getting either an MF or digicam for my portrait shots. Any advice?

Thanks

[e905591s]

Hi,

I have no experience with K88. I guess it's the same for most Kiev cameras - QC all over the place. But logically, K88 is a more problem prone camera judging from the more complex mechanisms involving removable film back. I heard that light leak with the film back could be a problem too. Also, stock K88 doesn't come with P6 mount, so you can't use Carl Zeiss Jena(DDR) lens directly. If you are talking about K88CM with NT film back, then I guess it's much better (hopefully) since it's QCed by third parties. SGD350 for K88CM kit ? I say get it by all means !

As for your dilemma, I hope my opinion helps. Depending on the final output you want, that will most likely decide digicam or MF. I think anything past 8x10, MF is the choice for the same money. If just for computer viewing and webpages and the occasional 8R print, digicam is more convenient. From cost point of view, a new 4-5Mpix digicam with some manual/creative controls will cost near to 1k or more. You can get a set of Kiev60+lenses or K88CM, or a set of basic secondhand Bronica ETR(S) or older Mamiya 645. The difference between the few MF cam, besides the format size, is mainly the flash sync speed (my K60 only does flash at 1/30 !), so you may want to opt for Bronica/Mamiya which can do better in this regard. Assuming you don't need many lenses for your portrait work, I think Bronica/Mamiya could be a good choice for you. This is because when you want more lenses, Kiev solution would be cheaper.


e905591s

[MikaMatin]

Yeah the Kiev88CM is what i believe is being sold for $350. A minor problem for this 2nd hand cam is in order to **** the film, abit of force is needed. So u still think its worth to get it?

Hehe..a mami or bronica?i've also read reviews abt it too. Seems the nearest choice is the ETRSi or 645 for me.

Thanks for your input. I believe when it comes to using alot of lenses, then the Kiev system would be a good bargain huh?

I gotta concur to a certain extent that if i am printing an 8R or using the website ocassionally, then the Kiev would be a good system. hey, just off the track for awhile, do u scan ya negatives and upload them into ya PC?

[e905591s]

Hi,

If you can test the $350 K88CM before purchase, then I guess it's worth a try. "Abit of force" can have a very different meaning to different people :-) If buying online, I guess it's only prudent to make sure that there's some sort of return policy. But even then, you lose quite a lot in terms of shipping costs.

I believe that one of the major attraction to me for buying a Kiev camera are the lenses available to me, at a incredibly cheap price. If you need more than one or two lenses, the cost adds up quickly for other systems/brands. Afterall, where else you can find a MF fisheye lens for about US200.

And no, unfortunately, I do not have a medium format scanner, so I never scan any of my MF negs.


e905591s

[MikaMatin]

Hi e905591s,

I agree with u on the cheap lenses that the Kiev cams has made available for its users. I've seen most of the famous Kievanians who shoot using their Kievs and was blown by its output

Have u ever experienced any probs when dealing with Ebay USA?

Have u got any sample pix for me to view taken by ya Kiev?

[e905591s]

Hi MikaMatin,

For the couple of dealings on eb*y, I have yet to get burned. But I always proceed with caution and check the feedback of the seller as much as possible to have a feel of what kind of person I am dealing with. I found that the major problem with buying stuff online, unsighted, unseen(the blurry pics of the item not counted !!) is differences in expectations ! A description such as "Clean, good condition, functioning" by a Ukrainian seller could mean "It's cleaner than my oily spectacles, with little dust specks in the lens, everything in one piece". I know many people get items that're accurately represented or better than expected when dealing with reputable sellers, but my experience so far is that: keep the expectation low and you will be ok.

And sorry that I do not have any photos posted online for your viewing.

e905591s

[chyeo]

So Mika, did you get the 88CM? What's the diif between 88 and 88CM?

[MikaMatin]

Hi chyeo,

Gosh i'm torn between the 88 and 88CM. I've been reading and trying to digest the pros and cons of these 2 models and it seems that the 88CM seems to offer a better built as compared to the former; albeit the price is much cheaper than the 88CM.

How's ya Seagull? Is it easy to operate?

[chyeo]

Originally Posted by MikaMatin Hi chyeo, Gosh i'm torn between the 88 and 88CM. I've been reading and trying to digest the pros and cons of these 2 models and it seems that the 88CM seems to offer a better built as compared to the former; albeit the price is much cheaper than the 88CM. How's ya Seagull? Is it easy to operate?

Yup it's easy to operate. Now fiddling around with my Kiev 88.

[MikaMatin]

Not sure if u ever come across this website:

http://www.kievcamera.com/

[chyeo]

Originally Posted by MikaMatin Not sure if u ever come across this website: http://www.kievcamera.com/

Yup I read everything on that web site...

Was thinking of shipping some stuff here too...

[MikaMatin]

I think it will take some time for the items to arrive..Wun be surprised too if it's gonna cost a bomb too since it's available in USD.

How's the 88 coming up bro?

Any probs so far?

[chyeo]

Originally Posted by MikaMatin I think it will take some time for the items to arrive..Wun be surprised too if it's gonna cost a bomb too since it's available in USD. How's the 88 coming up bro? Any probs so far?

The 88 seems ok so far, though I haven't got time to go dark room develop the 1st roll...

One problem I faced with the 88 is the mounting of lenses... somehow I always have a tough time mounting the Tayir 300mm f4.5...

BTW, Mika, you interested to go for the TLR outing I organising?

[MikaMatin]

Hmmm...problem mounting the lenses huh? I guess it takes time to get use to fix such lenses

I wanted to join u guys but i've got a wedding shoot on tt day.If it's held from 25 or 26 Oct, then i'm free bro

[chyeo]

Originally Posted by MikaMatin Hmmm...problem mounting the lenses huh? I guess it takes time to get use to fix such lenses I wanted to join u guys but i've got a wedding shoot on tt day.If it's held from 25 or 26 Oct, then i'm free bro

Next time then... coz my exams are drawing nearer so the next outing I organise would prob be in Nov...