The striking image of this camera makes people fall in love with it or make them hate it immediately. The shape is bulky and it looks like the camera is built like a machine. Furthermore this model has a striking orange color which makes it stand out even more than usual. This camera screams Soviet design and that is exactly what it is. Built in Ukraine in 1992 this camera is almost a direct copy of the Pentacon six. With old Soviet cameras there are always pro’s and cons, the camera is cheaper than its western counterparts but is a bit more iffy in use. The person that wants to use this camera should have some, or has to want to find out, about the inner workings of mechanical cameras.

The camera is huge but not too heavy and a charm to use. The viewfinder has a built in light meter which is easy to set up and use. The light meter is a bit bare bones with two lights telling you wether the image is over or underexposed at the lowest F-stop the lens is capable of. Focussing is great and made easy with the Kiev. The bright viewfinder is easy to look trough and the split focussing screen has great visibility. When there is less light available the viewfinder also has an extra focussing ring around the split screen that can be used to focus as well.

This camera is great but not for everyone. As said you will need to know the inner workings of mechanical cameras or want to learn a lot about it to keep this beast properly operational. However, when you do know how to take care of this camera it will not let you down. It is built like a T-34 Russian tank and virtually indestructible.

Operations:

• The camera has been tested and is working.
• Light seals are fine.
• Shutter is working.
• Basic cleaning has been done.

Visual appearance:

• Technically the body is excellent.
• Lens optically and cosmetically excellent.

Accessories, papers and packaging:

• Lens Cap: included
• Batteries: Included