Revised Kiev 88 & 60 Buyers Guide 9-17-2000

The Kiev 88 and 60 Buyers Guide

For professionals, advanced amateurs, amateurs and weekend shooters

September 17, 2000

This is a newly written buyers guide for those interested in the Kiev

88 and Kiev 60 camera system. The guide will cover basic Kiev 88 and

60 cameras (factory stock) through the most advanced modified

versions for professional photography use. I will

cover the good and the bad points of each type. I will also compare

purchasing a Kiev system vs. a used name brand medium format camera.

This guide is only written to give a new buyer a small insight into

the real world of Kiev 88�s and Kiev 60�s. All the information in

this guide is from my personal experience or from research.

The standard Kiev 88 will be the first topic, followed by the Kiev

60�s and then a tid bit information section with names and addresses.

The Kiev 88 camera (factory stock version / unmodified) is a good

basic camera for a novice or amateur interested in exploring 120

medium format photography. The only problems as most will tell you

are that when the cameras are made in the Arsenal Factory. There is

next to no

Quality Control checking done during or after the camera is

assembled. The result is that the shutter speeds can be off, film

backs have light leaks and frame spacing problems, the film advance

can be very rough, the diaphragm and focusing rings are loose or too

tight, there could be dust or dirt within the lens elements etc. Well

now that I have everyone�s complete attention. You might ask why

purchase a Kiev 88, and go though all the headaches. The reason is

low prices and the line of lens that are available. The last time I

check, prices for a New Kiev 88 camera kit ran between $175. (United

States Dollars) through a little less than $1200. (USD). The lower

end prices are for the factory stock / unmodified versions and the

high-end prices are for the professional level (modified/rebuilt)

equipment. What defines a professional level Kiev 88 camera, film

back or lens. The equipment is taken apart, substandard grease is

removed; a higher quality grease is then installed. Better quality

internal machined parts are used, shutter speeds are recalibrated,

internal parts that did not fit correctly are fixed by filing down

metal burrs, internal dust and dirt are removed, flocking within the

camera and film back are installed as well as a better quality light

trap on the film backs. Exposure meter is recalibrated. Mirror Lock

Up ( MLU ) feature is added. The final results are cameras that can

handle a professional heavy workload. Plus there sold with long-term

repair warranties.

Well lets begin with the factory stock / unmodified Kiev 88 kits. The

best place to find this kind of kit is on the internet www.ebay.com

has a wonderful photographic section that lists new and used

equipment. Plus in many of the listed auctions, several dealers

indicate their web site address, just in case you find the need to

purchase a Kiev on a moments notice. I�ve had this feeling more than

a few times when cursing through the internet late in the evening and

sipping 1997 Kendall Jackson Chardonnay. I believe the last bottle

cost me $400. The result was a Kiev 88 kit with a black colored metal

shutter.

That was a gift to my best friend. So everyone be nice to me, if I

like you, you might receive a Kiev/USA Kiev 88 CB with all the bells

and whistles.

New factory stock / unmodified kits fall under two headings. Kits

made in the years 1991 to the year 2000. And kits made from the early

1980�s to early 1991. The first two digits of serial number on any

Arsenal product tell you the year it was made. For example if the

first two digits were 96, then the item was made in the year 1996. I

highly recommend that if you purchase any Kiev photographic product,

to get one with the most current production year. On a most late

production year kit, the package includes the following

one Kiev 88 body with copper or bronze colored metal steel shutter,

two 6 x 6 film backs,

one light green and one u/v 62mm filter, one 80mm MC Arast or Volna

F2.8 lens, waist level finder and a not to accurate TTL meter prism.

Now I did say most late production models. On the few and rare cases,

I have seen or I should say, I have already purchased a 1999

production model with a matt black painted metal shutter curtain. On

the earlier production kits, a leather camera case, extention tubes

and cable release were included too. By the way, early production

kits only had the copper or bronze colored metal shutter. The price

of these kits range from $175. to $350. (USD). Some products include

a 10 to 30 day exchange warranty. Others might have exchange

warranties as long as 6 months. Please note these are exchange

warranties, NOT repair warranties. When you ship back a kit, you

might be getting a new set of problems in exchange for the older

problems. However most, if not all of the dealers, I�ve dealt with

are very honest and will always check out a camera before shipping it

to you. This type of Kiev 88 camera is well suited for an amateurs to

weekend shooters. It gives you the most bang for your spending

dollars. It might not be the most fined tuned, or refined Kiev 88.

But it will serve you well if you just shoot 120 film once and a

while. Finally, the last type of Arsenal factory stock / unmodified

Kiev 88 is the New Kiev 88CM. This is a real Hasselblad look alike.

Even the TTL meter prism (center weighted average / spot) looks like

a Hasselblad PM45 Prism. It also has a Hasselblad style film winding

crank; the film advance is smoother than the standard Kiev 88. It has

more modern 6x6 and 645 film backs, plus a black cloth shutter

curtain. The exterior styling is cleaner and the camera has a

pentacon lens mount for more expensive type lens. (We�ll talk about

those lenses a little further down the road.)

The over all build quality is a bit better than the standard Kiev 88

camera. The price however is higher. The last time I checked, the

price was between $350. to $550. (USD).

The next type or grade of Kiev cameras, are the modified versions.

These sell in the price range from $500. to $1200. (USD). Several

companies sell these types. The first is Kiev/USA in the United

States of America. Kiev/USA rebuilds the cameras and lens they sell.

Their cameras are made to handle professional workloads. All of the

above modifications that I spoke of are in Kiev/USA Kiev 88 cameras.

Plus they sell different versions of the Kiev 88. One version has a

black cloth shutter, mirror lock up, some have film-winding cranks,

and others have pentacon lens mounts. This is a nice option, because

with a pentacon lens mount, you can mount older East German Carl

Zeiss Jena lens or the newer more expensive Schneider lens made for

the Exakta 66 model I, II, III. However I fully believe once you

start putting a modern Schneider lens on any Kiev, that�s when you

might start thinking about a Hasselblad or Rollei camera. Our next

modified Kiev camera is the Hartblei made in Europe (Prague). Harblei

cameras are not only modified in on the inside, but also the outside.

First, they can be purchased with the standard Kiev 88 lens mount or

the Pentacon lens mount. The internal parts of the camera are

modified in a similar way, just as the Kiev/USA cameras. Plus the

exterior of the cameras are covered with either

the standard vinyl or leather. Gold tone bodies can be ordered

instead of the standard factory chrome. Some Hartbleis also accept

actual Hasselblad film backs. A Hasselblad style film winding crank

can be ordered too. Richard Wiese of Germany sells a relabeled

version of the Hartblei called the Pentasix. This camera comes in all

black with a modern Schneider 80mm lens and a Hasselblad style film

winding crank. I believe Mr. Wiese maintains his own repair facility,

so service should not be too much of a problem. Prices of the

Hartblei cameras are within the same price range of Kiev/USA cameras.

Currently the only repair facilities that offer service for Hartblei

are within Europe. As of this date, I know of no American repair

company that will touch them, due to the unavailability of

replacement parts. Photo-Arsenal of Germany also sells a modified

version of the Kiev 88 camera. Their version has a Pentacon lens

mount, black cloth shutter curtains and an optional film winding

crank. Prices are also within the same range of the other top of the

line Kiev 88 modified cameras. Another brand of modified Kiev 88

sells under the name called Big Six (Brenner Foto of Germany). Its

features, warranty and price are like the other top of the line

modified Kiev 88�s. One thing to keep in mind when purchasing from

any Kiev dealer, is try to only pay for your purchases with charge or

credit cards. This way, whether you make your purchase domestically

or overseas, you have the protection of the charge or credit card

company behind you.

The next section of this buyers guide covers, purchasing a Kiev 88

camera in New York City camera stores. This is an expensive option.

Two camera stores in New York always come to mind. The first is B&H

Photo and the other is Adorama Camera. Both these stores sell Brand

New Kiev 88 Kits, in their used photo equipment department. The

reason the new kits are sold in the used departments are because even

when an Arsenal product is brand new. It does not come close to the

cosmetic level of Japanese, German or Swiss photo equipment. Anyway

the last time I checked both the above camera stores were selling new

Kiev 88 kits (Polaroid backs included) for about

$625. to $675. (USD). These are Arsenal factory stock / UNMODIFIED

kits with a

30 day repair warranty. In my opinion, this is a terrible price.

Another store in New York City is Cambridge Camera. This store sells

the same kit as above (unmodified), except the camera body has a

Pentacon lens mount. The camera also has been relabeled with the name

Cambron Pro Six. The price and warranty are the same too. Two other

stores in the New York City area are Rare Camera of New York. This

store sells factory stock/unmodified Kiev 88 and 60 cameras and lens.

The prices are less than B&H Photo,

Adorama and Cambridge. But the store only deals with cash sales;

warranties are only for 14 days. The last store is called Active

Camera (Brooklyn, New York). This store is owned and run by an ex

Arsenal factory employee (Eddie Slovakia?). All his Kiev 88 and 60�s

are rebuilt or fine tuned. For example 1/60 of a second shutter speed

is really 1/60, not 1/50th. From what I understand his cameras are as

I said rebuilt or fine tuned, but not rebuilt to the level that the

equipment can handle a professional work load. The prices are more

than the standard factory stock / unmodified Kiev equipment, but a

lot less than the professional level Kiev 88 and 60 equipment. There

is a rumor that Eddie the owner of Active Camera is the uncle of the

senior repair technician at Kiev/USA in Connecticut. I guess it�s a

small world.

Now as to purchasing a used Kiev 88 camera. I highly suggest staying

away from most used Kiev cameras. First I have yet to see anyone

offer a warranty on a used Kiev product. Usually most people just

want to sell the camera and be done with it (finial sale, as is

condition). So unless you receive a super low price, what�s the point

of purchasing anything used. Since most new Kiev�s (factory stock

models) have problems already built in to them, a used one will be

the same or worse. There are exceptions to the rule, if you find a

modified Kiev 88 that is selling within a decent price of a new

modified Kiev 88 camera. I�ve seen on www.ebay.com used Kiev/USA Kiev

88 cameras selling for about $500 to $600 (USD). A new version of the

same camera would have cost about $1200. (USD). The other exception

would be if you found a broken Kiev 88 camera (jammed shutter, film

advance stuck,etc..) and sent it into a repair service to have it

fixed. The cost of the broken camera plus the repairs might be lower

than purchasing a new Kiev 88 kit.

Note that since you had the camera repaired, you now have a Kiev 88

camera with an actual repair warranty.

Now with all of the above information, is it really worth it to

purchase a Kiev 88 camera?

Yes and no. If you want a affordable medium format camera were you

have access to 30mm fisheye lens up though 500mm telephotos,

interchangeable film backs etc., yes it is worth it By the way, most

Kiev (Arsenal Brand) 88 and 60 lens sell from $89. to $1,550. (USD),

new and used. Some are rebuilt by Kiev dealers and some are just

straight out of the Arsenal factory. Now on the �No Side of the

Answer�, for the price of a top of the line modified Kiev 88 camera

kit, (regardless of the dealer you purchased from), you could

purchase the New Mamiya 645E camera kit for only $1,300. (USD). Or

even a used Hasselblad 500CM kit with a 30 day warranty for about

$1,500. (USD). The things to keep in mind is that with a Japanese,

German or Swiss camera, used lens, film backs, accessories and

repairs are a lot more expensive than purchasing unmodified or even

modified Kiev equipment.

Our next section will deal with the Kiev 60 camera. This camera looks

like a over sized 35mm SLR that was hit with the ugly stick several

times at birth. It only comes with a Pentacon lens mount. It does not

offer interchangeable film backs. It has a TTL meter that is also not

too accurate. The camera sometimes suffers from frame spacing

problems and PC flash sync problems. It is rare that it has light

leak problems. It is very heavy and resembles a large Nikon F2 camera

from the mid 1980�s. The reason I�m saying this, is because the TTL

meter prism is black colored and the Kiev 60 body is chrome and black

colored. Sounds like a Nikon F2 to me. Anyway this camera is a lot of

fun to use regardless of the weight and bulk. Arsenal lens for the

Kiev 60 are exactly the same as the lens for the Kiev 88 camera. The

only difference is the lens mount. Kiev 60 kits (factory stock /

unmodified) versions sell for $100. to $225. (USD). The modified

versions (professional level) sell from $265 to $600. (USD). Some of

the extras that the modified versions have, are as follows: rebuilt,

regressed, fine tuned, additional flocking to prevent light leaks or

reflections, mirror lock up and recalibrated meters. There are even

versions that have been updated to produce sixteen 645 exposures

instead of the standard twelve 6x6 exposures. These modified Kiev 645

cameras offer vertical composition when holding the camera in a

normal fashion. The film counters are recalibrated to 16 instead of

12. Plus the focusing screens have special composition lines

indicating how the image should be cropped.

Also try to purchase a Kiev 60 or 645 with the most current

production year. There seems to be a lot of older Arsenal products

out there that has been sitting around in cold warehouses for over 5

to 6 years. Note that in general the Kiev 60 camera has fewer

problems than the Kiev 88. This is due to the simpler design. If you

want to get into medium format and don�t need interchangeable film

backs, the Kiev 60 or 645 might be the right choice. It�s lower

priced, less problematic and it�s ugly. Warranties that are offered

are the same as with the above Kiev 88 cameras. Is it worth it to

purchase a used Kiev 60 or 645 camera? I don�t think so, the price as

you have read is just so low that it would not make sense to go the

used route.

Another camera that I should speak of, is the Kiev 6C. The is the

model before the Kiev 60. From what I�ve read the 6C was made for the

Soviet Space Program. The shutter release is on the left side of the

camera as opposed to the Kiev 60�s (right side). The Kiev 6C also

accepts 120 or 220 film. Were as the Kiev 60 only accepts 120 film.

The some versions of the 6C look just like the Kiev 60. Earlier

versions look like an old Nikon F with a black colored non-meter

pentaprism. This is my favorite version of the 6C as it is a pure

retro style look.

Our next section deals with short facts, dribs and drabs of

information, common sense advice, and pure experience events.

The Kiev 88 winding crank that fits over the existing film advance

knob. This is the famous winding crank that we have all read about,

but few have ever seen. This crank

Sells between $40. to $150. depending were and who you purchase it

from. It can be installed by the average person. However, sometimes

it won�t work correctly and as a result, the film advance knob must

be removed and some internal screws or other parts must be tightened

or modified. When I say the film advance does not work correctly, let

me explain this way. The film winding knob fits over the film advance

knob. It looks like an over sized toy truck tire with a fold out film

winding lever. When the winding crank is not installed, you would

normally advance the film by holding on to the film advance knob,

push in and turn forward. When the winding crank is installed, you

fold out the lever, push in slightly and wind the crank forward. As

you push in slightly, one end of the film advance knob, which is

under the winding crank pushes in also. However the opposite end of

the film advance knob, which is also under the winding crank, lifts

upward. When this happens, sometimes the shutter speeds change as

your advancing the film. This happens because the angle of the film

winding lever exerts force in a different area. To correct this, the

shutter speed selector dial and film advance knob must be tightened

or have the internal gears strengthened, so the shutter speeds won�t

change as the

Film is advanced via the winding crank. Also note that when you

advance film via this type winding crank, a stronger force to advance

the film is generated. As you complete the cycle in advancing the

film, there is a more harder stopping motion on the cameras internal

gears. I have not yet seen if this type of crank does any long term

damage to the internal parts of the Kiev 88 camera. I had this crank

installed by Kiev/USA and they modified the everything within the

camera. So far it�s been two years and I have not had any problems.

The next type of film winding crank is the Hasselblad style that is

found on the Hartblei�s, Kiev 88CM, and some of the other high ended

European Kiev 88�s. This

Winding crank is a one piece shutter speeds selector dial with small

fold out winding crank. I have this type on my Kiev 88CM. It looks

nicer than the above truck tire version. However from what I�ve been

told, the Hartblei version is made of a better quality metal than the

Arsenal Kiev 88CM version. I don�t know if it is possible to purchase

one of this newer style winding cranks and have it installed onto a

standard Kiev 88 body. I�ve seen these winding cranks on www.ebay.com

selling between $45. to $80.

The 500mm F8.0 Preset Telephoto lens for the Kiev 88 or 60. This is a

Samyang Inc.(Made in Korea) preset lens that is normally used with a

T-Mount to attach it to a 35mm SLR camera. The version for the Kiev

88 or 60 incorporates a German made Zorkendorf lens adapter with the

Kiev 88 or 60 lens mount on the end. Since the lens is really made

for a 35mm SLR camera, the optical coverage will only cover a 645

film format. This lens is sold though Cambridge Camera of New York

and Brenner Foto of Germany. I purchased this lens at Cambridge for

$399. It�s very dark to focus with, because the maximum aperture is

F8.0. So the split image can�t be used. Instead you must use the

ground glass portion of the focusing screen. The lens is multicoated

and has a tripod mount. Filter size is 67mm. By the way, Cambridge

Camera of New York has the worst record with the Better Business

Bureau of New York State. They have had more mail order problems with

clients than any other store in New York State. I�ve purchased

several items from them in the past, but only in person. It seems

they don�t screw you if you walk into the store and deal with them

face to face.

The 90 degrees non-metered pentaprism. This item is not made by

Arsenal, it is instead made by a Ukraine Company called I.KOP. The

only dealer I know that sells this is Rare Camera of New York. The

condition of the prisms goes from very used to somewhat new. The

prism is slightly heavier than the standard TTL Kiev 88 finder. The

price that I paid about two years ago was $170. I only use this

finder when shooting with a 645 film back and doing vertical

compositions.

Bargains in purchasing older Kiev 60 and 88 kits. On www.ebay.com,

several Russian camera dealers offer older new and used Kiev 88 and

60 camera kits. These kits were made between the years 1980 to 1992.

Why purchase a older kit? In some of the older kits, extra

accessories are included. I recently purchased a Kiev 60 TTL kit

(NEW). Inside the older style box, (which is a fun thing to discuss

over coffee), included new 20mm and 40mm extension tubes, a cable

release (most normal cable releases don�t fit Kiev cameras). Several

older instruction manuals that listed lens not made anymore for the

Kiev 60, such as the 600mm mirror lens. And the last thing that is

fun to have but impractical to use is the leather case that holds the

Kiev 60 camera with a normal lens attached. What did this older new

kit cost? Only $135. Sometimes Kiev 88 TTL kits can be found for

$235. But you must remember that the shutter speeds are more than

likely off. And the camera could use better internal flocking. I got

real lucky on the above Kiev 60 kit. When I inserted batteries and

check the TTL meter vs. my Canon Elan //E meter (center weighted

mode). Both camera meter readings were exactly the same. I metered

off a Kodak Gray Card, with a 250-watt light source. Distance of both

cameras to the gray card was about 22 inches.

Purchasing Kiev 88 and 60 lens (standard arsenal factory stock) vs.

Modified arsenal lens. Most Kiev 88 and 60 lenses are pretty good

cosmetically and internally. However there

Are some chances you take. Sometimes, as you turn the focusing collar

from infinity to the minimum focus range, you can feel the internal

focusing collar slip or feel rough. The aperture ring might be

perfect from F2.8 through F16, however once you get to F22, it might

be slippery. One thing that I have always looked for is to slowly

turn the aperture ring from F2.8 though F22 and watch the diaphragm

blades for corresponding movements. Once I get to F22 and then start

to turn back, a lot of the times F22 diaphragm blade movements do not

start to change until you back around F11 aperture setting. It�s best

to do the above test with the lens attached to the camera body and

when it�s not attached.

Another thing about standard arsenal factory stock lens is that

sometimes when the diaphragm blades close down to F11 or F16, the

blades are not aligned correctly. There are uneven gaps between each

blade (a possible light flare problem). Sometimes the diaphragm

spring that controls the blades is very old or stretched out too

much, so the spring is not too springy anymore. Another problem is

internal dust or metal filing within the lens elements. Also

misaligned lens elements. The last problem that I found was low

quality grease that is either running outside the lens barrel on a

hot summer day or has completely dried up on a cold fall day. If you

can get a lens without the above problems or with a minimum amount of

the above problems, you�re more than ok for amateur shooting. If you

want a rebuilt lens or a Kiev lens that can handle a professional

workload, try the Kiev/USA modified versions. Kiev/USA lens have NONE

of the above problems. In fact they exceed even the best version that

the arsenal factory could manufacture. I have a 250mm F3.5 and 150mm

F2.8 Multicoated lens from KievUSA. Both have none of the above

problems, plus the spring action on the diaphragm blades is so fast

and strong that you could slice steak with those blades. The lens

elements are so polished and clean, that the quality makes you

quickly judge your other Kiev lens. The only thing that makes you

think twice is that all this quality comes at a price. Most Kiev/USA

lens cost about double of the standard arsenal lens. However Kiev/USA

lens does include a one-year repair warranty. Some of the upscale

European Kiev dealers are also in the same league of Kiev/USA.

However you must do your homework and figure out which dealer is

right for you. Taking into account, were you live, were the dealer is

located, foreign exchange rates, shipping rates, shipping time, turn

around time for warranty service, payment or refund terms, customer

service etc. Most if not all people that own Kiev 88 or 60 products

simply think in terms of discount prices. Always remember that it is

easier to judge a product when you have the highest or best level

item and compare downward than it is to compare a the lowest level to

the highest level / best version.

The bronze / copper / black colored metal shutter vs. the black

cloth shutter. I have had every type of the above shutter for my Kiev

88 cameras. I have never had any flare as a result of the bronze or

copper colored shutter. The metal shutter regardless of the color is

nosier as the shutter executes. The cloth is very quite and as a

result gives the camera a more quality sound. I have read on various

Internet web sites that the cloth shutters are less accurate than the

metal ones. I can only say that the mechanical parts that are within

the camera that are attached to the actual shutter curtain material

that control the speed are the parts that must be adjusted to

compensate for the difference in weight of the shutter curtain

material. And also the distance of the shutter curtain has to be

adjusted to work properly with the internal parts of the camera. The

cloth shutter curtain thickness can vary from the metal curtains.

Perhaps the metal curtains may be more suited in colder weather

shooting, such as Russia or Alaska. Cloth curtains might pick up

moisture in colder regions.

The whizzing sound after the shutter executes. This sound can be

heard more on the lower shutter speeds 1/60 through 1/2 second. From

what I�ve read and told through conversations with Genna Kaplan. This

is the AIR BREAKING GEARS that slows down the shutter. If you don�t

hear this sound, the shutter speeds are off. I can attest to this as

one of my Kiev 88�s after 18 months of usage slowly lost all its

whizzing sounds at ever shutter speed setting. In fact every shutter

speed turned out to execute at 1/125th of a second regardless were

the shutter speeds selector dial was set to. This was quickly fixed

after spending two weeks at the Kiev/USA camera hospital. I had the

Kiev/USA upgrade for $325. and the camera is better than brand new.

And now every shutter speed whizzes along every time.

The vinyl on the Kiev 88 camera is bad looking. Sometimes, you find

that it was not cut out properly or glued evenly in place. A lot of

the times, the corners start to peel upwards. I�ve found that rubber

cement is a pretty good to reattach loose ends.

I�ve been thinking about the idea of purchasing black or brown

leather from www.microtools.com and attaching it to a Kiev/USA Kiev

88 camera, film backs and TTL meter prism. Or I could just purchase

one of those modified Hartblei cameras. But I�m not too keen on

paying for a camera purchase without the protection of a credit or

charge card. Hartblei or Kalimex don�t have the best reputations for

service. Perhaps

Mr. Richard Wiese of Germany. From what I�ve heard his company

(regardless that his camera is a relabeled Hartblei) has a good

reputation for service.

The 35mm film back for the Kiev 88 camera. This is a modified

Hasselblad 1000F or Kiev 120 film back that accepts standard 35mm

film. It produces a vertical standard size 35mm image. There is also

an optional accessory plate that produces a 35mm panoramic image.

The length of the 35mm panoramic image is equal to the standard

length of a 120 image. This film back can be found at times on

www.ebay.com. The cost is between $85. to $150.

Should I choose a Kiev 88 or Kiev 60? I would say if you�re not in

need of interchangeable film backs or don�t really want the

Hasselblad look. The Kiev 60 would be your best choice. The Kiev 60

is very fast handling, simple design and very easy to learn. If

you�re a 35mm SLR person, you will learn everything about operating a

Kiev 60 camera in less than thirty minutes. If you do need

interchangeable film backs, then the Kiev 88 is the choice. Plus on

the Kiev 88 there are more additional accessories available. Such as

special magnifying hoods, ground glass backs, Polaroid film backs,

spot meter prisms etc.

Next, should I choose a factory stock / unmodified Arsenal Kiev 88 /

60 camera? Or should I go with one of those fancy upscale modified

Kiev 88 / 60 cameras? The answer to this question is, what ever you

can afford. I�ve purchased factory stock / unmodified Kiev 88�s and

60�s and some lasted 30 days to 18 months before needing a repair or

complete overhaul. However I have noticed recently that the quality

of factory stock / unmodified Kiev 88 and 60 has been a touch

better. Please note though that a factory stock / unmodified Kiev 88

or 60 will NEVER be as smooth working or as accurate as a modified

Kiev 88 or 60. What I usually do is keep on using a factory stock /

unmodified Kiev until it dies completely and then I send it off to

Kiev/USA for a complete upgrade. When the camera returns, it�s better

than when it was brand new. If you�re a more serious amateur or an

aspiring professional, I can only recommend purchasing a fully

modified Kiev 88 or 60 cameras that comes with a one-year repair

warranty.

Location and address of Kiev 88 and 60 dealers:

Russian Plaza (Genna Kaplan)

7910 Hollywood Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90046 USA

323-650-9393

http://www.russianplaza.com

Email: russianplaza@hotmail.com

Kiev Camera of Georgia (Michael Fourman)

2907 Aspen Woods Entry

Atlanta, Georgia 30360 USA

770-409-0026

http://www.kievcamera.com/

bdmphoto@msn.com or

bdmphoto@hotmail.com

Russian Camera Exchange

1408 Josephine Street

Berkeley, CA 94703

(510) 559-7707 Voice/Fax

http://www.gkweb.com/rcx/

Kiev/USA Inc.

248 Mill Street

Greenwich, CT 06830 USA

1-203-531-0900

http://www.kievusa.com

e-mail = kievusa@kievusa.com

Cambridge Camera Exchange Inc.

119 West 17th Street

New York, N.Y. 10011 USA

1-212-675-8600

www.cambridgeny.com

e-mail = cambridgecamera@juno.com

Active Camera

1501 Avenue U

Brooklyn, New York 11229 USA

718-645-3147

Panorama Camera Inc.

110 West 30th Street

New York, N.Y. 10001 USA

212-563-1651

Continent Wide Enterprises Inc.

41 Bertal Road

Toronto, Ontario M6M 4M7

Canada

416-762-8101

800-667-0293 ext. 110

Trescam Inc. (Leonid Treskunov)

9A Poplar Lane

Old Bridge, NJ 08857 USA

(732) 679-5805

e-mail trescam@aol.com

Yury Korchinsky

e-mail: URA@prodigy.net (serge korchinsky)

E-Bay Seller Name: lemiu

Photo Arsenal of Germany (Boris)

Klaragasse 8

D-90402 Nuremberg, Germany

+49 911 / 20 30 03

http://www.arsenal-photo.com/

e-mail: arsenal@arsenal-photo.com

Rare Camera of New York

(Flex Portnov / Vladimir Slavutsky)

30 West 26th Street (between 6th Ave. & Broadway)

New York, N.Y.

212-366-5375

e-mail: slavuts@banet.net

Mr. Richard Wiese

Winsbergring 36A

D-22525 Hamburg, Germany

040 / 850 34 90

e-mail: fotowiese@compuserve.com

Brenner Foto of Germany

http://www.fotobrenner.de/default1.htm

e-mail: beratung@fotobrenner.de

e-mail: werbung@fotobrenner.de

Hartblei Camera Company

http://www.hartblei.com/

e-mail: info@hartblei.com

I love your article and want to ask a question or two. I use mainly 35mm and my MF if for fun/creativity. I love the 6x6 format and like the idea of a low cost MF system over my YashicaMat 124G.

I see where a Kiev 60 can use Pentacon/Zeiss glass and love that option. Are there problems with certain Pentacon/Zeiss lenses when used on the Kiev 60? I hate the 1/30 maximum flash sync but can live with it.

Also, I know that Kiev 60 units can be rebuilt/refurbished at several dealers. How about Pentacon 6 units? I know the quality and build was always questionable but is it hard to fix? Are their shops that can rebuild/refurbish the Pentacon?

I really like the Kiev 60 with Pentacon lenses but want to make sure the lenses work with the Kiev 60 body. I do not need a huge systems but a 120mm and 180mm would be great and the Zeiss 300mm looks great. It does not matter if I get the Pentacon lenses and cannot use them on Kiev 60.

Hello Edward,

I love your review very much. However, it was written in Year 2000. Is there any update in the recent 2 years ?

More specific questions will be --- If I buy Keiv 88CM ($578 in China ) or Keiv 60 with MLU ($300 in China), what's the risk of the quality & reliability of the camara ?