Kiev 4 and 4 M

c1960

The Kiev 4 is a Russian Contax. It can be had for a fraction of the price of a Contax rangefinder yet it has the same feel. The Jupiter lens is damn near as sharp as a Zeiss and the package is a real bargain.

The shutter is whisper quiet and the camera has real heft to it. It’s one of my favorites.

ALT=“Kiev 4 and Kiev 4M camera”
ALT=“Kiev 4 and Kiev 4M camera”
ALT=“Kiev 4 and Kiev 4M camera”
ALT=“Barns, Hadley, Ma”
ALT=“Barns, Hadley, Ma”
ALT=“Barns, Hadley, Ma”
ALT=“Barns, Hadley, Ma”

Hadley and Amherst

The meter responds to light but I don’t use it. I’m an adherent to the sunny 16 rule. The camera is nicely finished and a real pleasure to use. I love the little focus wheel on the top-right of the camera. The viewfinder is bright and easy to use. If you’re debating the purchase of a Kiev, debate no longer. Get yourself an older Kiev and have fun.

Kodak Gold 200

Kiev 4M

1977 – 1987

Helios 103 – f1.8 53mm lens

I’m sure you know all about the contax/kiev connection. If you don’t there’s lots of information about it on the internet.

Moscow olympics symbol c1980. Now Russia is murdering people.

ALT=“Kiev 4 and Kiev 4M camera”
ALT=“Kiev 4 and Kiev 4M camera”
ALT=“Kiev 4 and Kiev 4M camera”
ALT=“Sabin Street Belchertown”
ALT=“Sabin Street Belchertown”
ALT=“Sabin Street Belchertown”
ALT=“Sabin Street Belchertown”
ALT=“Sabin Street Belchertown”
ALT=“Sabin Street Belchertown”
ALT=“Sabin Street Belchertown”

all photographs on kodak gold 200