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This page is an attempt to categorize common problems that are observed in using Kiev 60 equipment. Where known, suggestions are offered for solving them.
MAJOR ISSUES
Manual Operation
The Kiev 60 system is completely manual; the user sets the focus, aperature, makes a shutter speed selection and advances the film. I consider it a welcome departure from my Nikon 950 digital camera, which offers a limited range of manual controls. If you like autofocus and exposure, and you can afford it, there are a number of excellent medium format systems now available, but the price of an entry into those systems is easily 15 times the price of a kiev 60 kit.
Exposure Metering
A TTL finder is featured together with an center-weighted exposure meter with two LEDS to indicate over/under exposure. It is the user's responsibility to set the proper exposure.
When correctly calibrated the system yields good results. The problem is that not every meter is spot-on and many have nonlinearities at the extremities of their range. The basic solution is to test the system against a known-good meter in another camera. While I have heard complaints concerning the accuracy of the meter, I have not as yet heard issues with it not giving reproducible results. The best solution is to carry a separate handheld exposure meter and compare results until some confidence in the TTL finder is warranted. A meter calibration guide is available.
Internegative Spacing
The mechanism that regulates the advance of film on the Kiev 60 does not strictly meter film length Care must be exercised in film loading and advance for reliable results.
A film spacing calibration guide is available.
Lens Flare
Lens flare is the appearance of ghost bars or blooms on the negative as a result of internal reflections in the camera or lens.
- Multicoating on the newer lenses helps reduce flare
- Using lens shades to reduce the incidence of stray light into the lens is also helpful.
- Internal surfaces of the Kiev 60 are typically gloss black rather than matte finish. Flocking kits are available or you can cut and install flocking material to the interior of the mirror chamber absorb internal reflection problems.
MINOR ISSUES
Weight & Bulk
The sheer weight of this camera and its large lenses may be a hindrance to many.
A lot of people have said that the camera grows on them. I believe it does become more manageable with time. A Kiev 60 with a 150mm lens attached is comparable to the weight and sizet of a 35mm Nikon F5 with a big 70-200mm zoom. At least it feels that way to me. The basic Kiev 60 body with TTL finder weighs in at 3lb-7 oz. Add in a f2.8-150mm Kaleiner lens at 2lb-5oz and you have almost 6 lbs hanging from your neck!
Tripod mount
The tripod mount is 3/8 inch vs. the more standard 1/4-20 thread. A number of suppliers offer drop in threaded inserts that can adapt the camera to 1/4-20 thread.
Shutter Operation and Noise
The shutter button operation can be called "funky." There is considerable play in the mechanism and some force is required. A cheapie pneumatic bulb actuated cable release wasn't strong enough to do it.
The shutter position is a little strange. It's mounted at an angle on the face of the camera.
When snap of the fabric shutter is fairly loud. When I first heard it it reminded me of the sound a toaster makes when the bread pops up. It's not hard to understand the reason for mirror lockup.
Film Advance Lever
The film advance lever swings through more than 200 degrees. Users are cautioned to advance film in a single stroke and not to let the lever swing back on its own
Light Leaks
The only comments I have heard concerning light leaks irrespective of lens flare issues is Jay Abend's comments in Shutterbug Magazine concerning the potential for light leaks in around the depth of field preview
lever in the F2.8/80mm Arsat.
The problem occurs at near focus when light can pass through the lens body around the lever. By placing a lens cap on the unmounted lens and shining a flashlight in the vicinity of the aperture lever it is easy
to see the light leak.
It has been reported on the forum that when the lens is actually mounted the problem is less severe. It would be an interesting test to set the camera up for near focus with the lens cap installed, go to a long (bulb) exposure, installed and shine a flashlight around and demonstrate whether there is any visible leaking on the negative.
Jay's quick fix was to apply black electricians tape to over the lever.
Since the camera body has an independent depth-of-field preview, access to the lens mounted lever isn't a big issue anyway on the Kiev 60.
Fit & Finish
Corinthian leather this is not. The Kiev 60 is wrapped in simulated leather, which probably wouldn't be too bad if it were applied with pride. Unfortunately with workmanship standards as they were, there
are frequently little dabs of glue on the finish. The finish of my Kiev 60 was fair to good. I was able to remove the most offending material from the metal surfaces by just scraping at it with my
fingernail
Others have reported problems with parts of the vinyl working loose, and a suggestion was made on the forum to use contact cement.
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