View Full Version : Kiev lens choices?
Hey all, I might have already asked, but I honestly can't remember!!
Apart from the wonderful J-8m, what are my choices for lenses?
I've got my beloved Kiev4a (beloved once I realised how good the photo's are from it), and I might be able to afford another lens or two soon.
so what lens brands fit? Cheap and costly - FSU or otherwise.
I know people mention Nikkor's and all sorts, but I'm still not sure which fit what!!
Anyone got a list of all the lenses that will fit the Kiev? I'm after 50 or sub-50.. I'm not sure 90mm etc.
A point in the direction of previous threads would be much appreciated also.
Thanks!
burninfilm
09-09-2006, 14:54
For the Kiev, you have to use Contax mount lenses. The Nikon mount can be put onto your Kiev, but any lens with a longer focal length than 35mm will likely focus inaccurately.
So, you can use the Zeiss lenses, such as the Sonnar, Tessar, Triotar, etc. You can use Nikkor lenses longer than 35mm, but they must be marked with a "C" on the lens barrel (this designates that it was intended for the Contax mount). If you want more affordable glass, check out the various Russian lenses available (like the J-12, J-9, etc.).
Any of the FSU lenses in 28, 35, 50, 85 or 135 made for the Kiev mount will work just fine, as will all pre-war and post-war Carl Zeiss Jena/Zeiss-Opton/Carl Zeiss in these focal lengths. The Nikkors made for the Contax camera in 85, 105 and 135mm focal length will work fine too (these lenses are marked with a 'C' on the focusing ring. Also, just about any 35mm Nikkor RF len will work well too (these are not marked with a 'C').
The FSU lenses will be the cheapest, the Zeiss and Nikkor lenses more expensive.
If you've got a J-8 50mm lens, then go ahead and get other focal lengths. The J-12 35/2.8 is excellent (but has problems with flare when shooting into the sun) and the J-9 85mm/2 is also excellent. Both are coated versions of prewar Zeiss Sonnar designs. Yes, Nikkor lenses 35mm and wider will also work fine with the Kiev, but they can be pretty pricey. If you like to go really wide, you could get a Cosina Voigtlaender 25/4 or 21/4 from CameraQuest. Finally, there's an excellent J-11 135/4 for the Kiev. It also has a reputation as a good performer, though I've never used one. Only get the Orion 28/6 if you are interested in building a complete set. It's a good enough lens but can be fairly pricey ... in the $150 to $250 range, which is a lot of money for such a slow lens that isn't coupled to the rangefinder.
Nikkors in the 85mm/105mm/135mm range would have to be for the Contax mount, which has a special "C" on the barrel. You could also use any Contax RF lenses on the Kiev, such as the excellent but expensive 21mm/4.5.
Did I mention that I have a top-hole Kiev-fit J12 available to any personage making a reasonable offer?
I certainly should have done. :)
Cheers, Ian
Jocko, the J-12 is one I'm after!
funny that!
The only thing is I can't afford it right at this moment, but pm me a price we can discuss! I nearly bought Scotforthlad's J12 in LTM, but I decided against it to get kiev lenses instead..
I take it my choices in my price range is limited then?
oh also... I'm after getting another kiev. it seems near-impossible to find them cheap without the lightmeter - any way of buying parts and replacing the top plate to make a 4 into a 4a???
ErnestoJL
09-09-2006, 15:33
If you want to make a full Contax /Kiev set, then (first) buy the russian made lenses. They are cheap enough to allow you to buy more lenses, but they lack the silk smooth Zeiss finish. You can locate and buy Zeiss glass later.
All of them but the 85mm f2.0 use the same filter mount of 40.5 mm
Nice performers anyway, they can be bought by 1/4 to 1 /3 (as maximum) the price of old Zeiss glass.
Cheers
Ernesto
I like my Heilos-103. I got it for approx. $25 CDN shipped to my door. I don't know how it would compare to your J-8 cause my 1964 Kiev 4 came with the Heilos. I only have two lenses for my Kiev......that and a J-9.
any way of buying parts and replacing the top plate to make a 4 into a 4a???
If you're not in a hurry to buy, I'll probably be selling off at least 3 of my Kievs (4, 4a and 4am) and most of the lenses (J12, J9 and J11) in the next month or so.
Peter
Keep an eye out for a Zeiss Contax 1.5/50 Sonnar.
OK guys, now I'm in trouble: lately, a friend of mine lent me a Kiev 4am mounted with an Heliios 103, and after testing it, I felt in love. Buying a Kiev turned into an obsession and ended this night when I ordered a Kiev 2a (that turns out to be a Kiev 2, since it has been produced in 1955 and has no flash sync) w/ its J8 and an Helios, hoping it works on the Kiev 2.
Ash, if you want a nice and sharp 50, consider adding to your gear an Helios 103. I was stunned by its performance. I ordered a kiev only for this lens (I know the Helios can be incompatible with the Kiev 2 ... I'll have a good excuse for buying a Kiev 4a or am ;) ).
Best,
Marc
I've been using a Helios lens on my Zenith - and I took it for granted really. They are superb lenses, and I think that will be another I'll pick up - thanks for the confirmation of their quality :) I read they were made to replace the ageing J-8's.
Peter C - the only problem is that I can't use p*ypal, so any transaction between us wouldn't be as smooth as I would like. Bummer :(
rolleistef
09-10-2006, 04:29
Just a question - how much would you pay for a 1.8/50 lens that fit your EOSXXX or Nikon F***? A nice sonnar 1.5/50 just costs the same!:)
personally? nothing. I dont use canon or nikon :D
oops I also meant to ask, (though I've just agreed to buy it either way) - what do you mean by "top-hole" J12??
I currently have the J-12 35mm, J-8 50mm, J-9 85mm, and J-11 135mm lens. All are excellent lens.
I plan to get the orion 28mm in the near future..hopefully..
These cameras are great. I have the Kiev 4 with the Helios 103. Paid 70 bucks for a still in box camera and the pictures from the lens are great . The Helios seems to be the cheapest lens available.
Yep Kiev's are great camera's, thanks for everyone's help :)
Ash
Robert White still has stocks of 21, 25, 28 and 35mm 'Voights' left. he seems to have sold out of the adopter fro the 15 and 12mm.
Noel
Another vote for H-103, it is not just a great value for money but a very good lens overall. Unless you look specifically for Sonnar rendition of defocused areas, the Helios is a better all-around performer than Jupiter-8.
Not to be confused with Helios-44 58/2 lens, the standard on many Zentis: back in the day at their homeland those were considered mediocre at best.
noel I dont really understand your post, the site shows no "voights"
Ash
So sorry too abstract
http://www.robertwhite.co.uk/voigtlander.htm#SC
Voightlander
Noel
Thanks, I overlooked them initially. Pity it's out of my price range!
you think RW would let me pay for an R2C in installments?? :D
Ash
No but he would let you have credit for one of these...
http://www.robertwhite.co.uk/nikon.htm#Label01R
Noel
Did I mention that I have a top-hole Kiev-fit J12 available to any personage making a reasonable offer?
I certainly should have done. :)
Cheers, Ian
Ian:
Please send me an email on the J12 if still available.
Bill
wrs111445@yahoo.com
spark303
09-12-2006, 11:38
Hey Ash
I'm pleased to hear you're enjoying the "Kiev-tax" :) I'm glad it went to a good home.
Others may correct me on this, but I think the only things you'd need to swap to make a Kiev 4 into a 4a would be the chrome top plate, the rewind knob and the top casting. Instructions on removing the top of the camera can be found on the Kiev Survival site.
Did you keep the spare chrome top plate and rewind knob I gave you with the Kiev? If so, I've got a 4a top casting you could have, gratis. PM me your address if you're interested and I'll send it down to you.
cheers
Gav
oh also... I'm after getting another kiev. it seems near-impossible to find them cheap without the lightmeter - any way of buying parts and replacing the top plate to make a 4 into a 4a???
Hey Gav, great to hear from you. I'm trying to get more use out of the kiev - it deserves it :)
I'll send you a pm momentarily.
Thanks
Ash
The rewind shaft bush is different it is longer for the concentric dials of the exposure meter calculator and variable resistor. I think you could shorten it with a saw, it is easily removable, from the chaiss of the camera. The rewind shaft would need to be from a meter less camera as it is also shorter, as is the knob. The front plate may need to be bent a little which only needs care.
I thought the meter was totally ugly and horrible but it works (or should work) really well, so I'm happy with mine, the extra bulk I can live with. My other selenium meters tend to die but my '54 still operates really well. The metered cameras tend to be cheaper, I like that... ugly perhaps but they are not female photo models, except on this site?
I have a Menopta 53/1.8 on my Kiev 4am - it is somewhat rare, but not impossible to find. Very similar in construction to the Helios to the point where I originally believed them to be exact copies. However, the Menopta is a shade shorter than the Helios. Side by side, both are extremely sharp, the Menopta shows a little more contrast.
A brand-new Helios lens, shipped from Russia, will set you back about $15 or $20. I bought two new ones just to have - as I've said before, the bang for the buck of the Keiv-Helios/Jupiter kit is just off the charts good. I am routinely stunned by the combo.
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