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The following guide should help you make an informed purchase.
There is a lot of variability in pricing and features, so read through this guide before you put down your hard-earned cash. Don't be afraid to ask the Suppliers questions.
1. DECIDE WHAT FEATURES YOU NEED
- Landscape Photography? - Consider the mirror lockup feature
- Portraiture - think about a 120-150mm lens, possibly a 6x4.5 format
- Architecture - look at the perspective control shift lenses available
- Check out the Kiev 88 as well. . It's a lot more camera with features like interchangeable backs supporting 220 rollfilm and polaroids. Lots more features, (but more parts means more to go wrong.)
2. IS A KIEV REALLY FOR YOU?
Read and understand the common problems that trouble the Kiev 60 and decide if you're willing to put up with the system's quirks.
- Medium format on a budget?
- Willing to put up with some trouble?
- Want access to inexpensive but good lenses?
3. CHECK OUT THE SUPPLIERS AND THEIR WARES
While there are a number of distributors and importers of Kiev equipment, there is very little consistency in pricing, quality and features. To help level the playing field, it's important to understand exactly what your needs are and what the various suppliers are offering you.
SPECIAL NOTE - BUYING AT AUCTION?
Check out our new Kiev eBay Auction Tools!
Some additional suggestions:
- Check the Seller's Feedback Rating in advance of any purchase.
- Find out what the return policy is, if any.
- Assume that goods sold "AS-IS" may potentially have serious defects, irrespective of whatever else the ad might say.
- After buying, leave Feedback to relate your own experience.
A. WHO IS THE SUPPLIER?
Is the supplier reputable? Check the forums for feedback.
- Don't buy a Kiev system without a warranty unless you can factor in the cost of a repair. A warranted repair on a Kiev 60 can approach the cost of the camera itself.
- Get the warranty terms in writing.
- What is the supplier's return policy?
- Are there restocking charges?
B. WHAT COMES WITH THE CAMERA?
Different distributors ship different products, however a basic Kiev 60 kit can be considered the following:
- Camera body and cap
- TTL exposure meter with batteries and eyecup
- Folding "sports" finder magnifier and storage cover
- F 2.8/80mm lens with caps, two filters and rubber hood
- neckstrap
C. WHEN WAS THE CAMERA MADE?
- Production of the Kiev 60 began around 1985 and was interrupted sometime in 1996; don't expect to receive this year's vintage. But the later models are generally more trouble free.
- The first two digits of the serial number are the year of manufacture. Mine for example is S/N 9500286, manufactured in 1995. The lens is an F2.8/80mm ARSAT C with multicoating.
D. IS THE CAMERA FLOCKED?
- If so there will be flocking paper installed in the mirror box to help reduce internal reflections that could result in lens flare - ghost bars or blooming on the negative.
E. DOES THE CAMERA HAVE MIRROR LOCKUP FEATURE
Mirror lockup allows the photographer to reduce the effects of mirror vibration and improve the sharpness of a photograph by lifting the mirror prior to making an exposure.
Expect to pay more for this feature. If you're going to be taking handheld shots, mirror lockup is not such a significant issue because camera shake will probably be a more significant factor.
Two mirror lockup designs exist.
- One design uses a separate button actuated by the left hand to raise the mirror. The photographer has the choice of whether to use or not use mirror lockup. This is commonly called MLU2
- The other design uses only the single shutter button and raises the mirror when the shutter is pushed down partway. The photographer cannot control or disable the mirror lockup function.
Regardless of the design, once the mirror is raised the photographer can no longer see the subject through the camera until the shutter is cocked.
F. FORMAT: 6x6 or 6x4.5?
The standard negative format is a square, 6x6 cm. Some suppliers are offering a retrofit that will take a 6x4.5 negative.
Advantages of the 6x4.5 format:
- Savings in film and processing fees because fifteen to sixteen 6x4.5 negatives will fit on a single roll of 120 film.
- The 6x4.5 format more closely matches the aspect ratio of an 8x10 enlargement, so minimal cropping is required
Disadvantages of the 6x4.5
- The 645 format as implemented in the Kiev is a vertical which is contrary to what most people expect.
- It can make taking landscape or flash photos difficult because the camera will need to be turned sideways
- Whereas a 6x6 negative can always be cropped to 6x4.5 size, you can't go the other way.
- The Kiev 60 camera and lenses aren't going to get any smaller just because you're shooting 6x4.5
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