Know it's not an RF, but Kiev film back issues: HELP!

[TimSmith-Laing]

Ok, so, I took the plunge a while a go and decided to pacify my Hassy cravings with a Kiev 99cm, new from Hartblei.

This, it turns out, was an error, mostly. When it works I love the quality of the images from the standard Arsat prime. They're beautifully sharp with very, very creamy bokeh.

But, the film back that came with it was plagued with light leaks, and then, after I sorted that, just broke completely. Completely. So much for the Hartblei quality promise: LIES, DAMNED LIES.:bang:

So, turning to evilbay, I tracked down an older kiev back. Old-style, simpler mechanics (none of this multiple expeosure mechanism madness). This also had its problems. Like, for instance, not allowing the shutter to work even with the darkslide out. This was simply fixed with a little filing, but kind of suggests it was never, ever used.

Anyway, no light-leaks. Which was nice. But a few films later, I have serious frame-spacing issues. Three films ruined by this. What can I do? If you've any tips, please give me them. Right now I'm really very frustrated at not being able to use this beast!

[TimSmith-Laing]

p.s.

For some of the images that did work, please click on the link in my sig.

[rbiemer]

I don't know anything about the film backs but you could try here:
http://forums.delphiforums.com/kievreport/start (http://forums.delphiforums.com/kievreport/start)
and here is another site that may lead you to fixing this:
http://kievaholic.com/ (http://kievaholic.com/)
I spent a lot of time reading these two sites when I was looking for info about the Kiev mf cameras. My choice was finally the K60, mainly because I didn't need the interchangeable backs. Good folks there and lots of info.
And I would also suggest contacting ARAX camera, perhaps they can fix your backs. Or Gevorg can sell you working ones.
Good luck!
Rob

[sonofdanang]

I don't mean to be hard but, I think you've learned your lesson. You've made some very moving images with your eye, not the gear. So. MF? You need to be patient and wait for good stuff. By good, I don't mean sharpness, resolution, etc. I mean RELIABILITY. You shoot OM in 35. Don't shoot Bull$h1tt in MF. Scrimp. Save. Beg. Borrow, and steal. Get a camera that you can count on. Hassy. Mamiya. (Mamiya particularly can be done for less than 200 bucks.)

[kievman]

Dont forget Bronica. I'd put a good ETRS OR SQ system up against any of them and a good basic system can be bought for under 300.00 - Michael

[TimSmith-Laing]

Thanks Rob, I'll czech out the forums and see what I can do. Failing that, Gevorg? Where can I get hold of him?

sonofdanang...well, yes. You're right about bull**** - and thanks for the compliment too! I think I might have been unreasonably lucky with previous FSU purchases. I'm the proud owner of a FED2 and Zorki4 and I love them, especially the Jupiter 8 on the Zorki. They have their niggles, but they really were bargains. I guess the Kiev is just a much more complex piece of kit. Sigh.

Kievman: yes! I would dearly dearly like a Bronica. Of all the non-hassy medium format they appeal most. I think a little scrimping is in order.

Tim

[planetjoe]

I'll second the notion for a Bronica; my personal favorite was the SQ, and I sorely regret having sold off my system.

I have to say, though, that in the interest of sex appeal the Hassy/Kiev aesthetic wins. Alas, the former is too dear and the latter is too risky. Bronica it is - and for sex appeal, I think the S2A wouldn't be a bad choice.


Cheers,
--joe.

[rxmd]

Anyway, no light-leaks. Which was nice. But a few films later, I have serious frame-spacing issues. Three films ruined by this.
Kiev film backs are relatively consistent framespacing-wise. Are you sure you reset the frame counter to "1" after putting in the film? This is error source #1 in frame spacing issues with the old backs; if you forget to do that the frames will run into each other.

[rbiemer]

Tim,
Sorry; Gevorg is Gevorg Vartanyan, the owner of ARAX. I should have been more explicit in my post!
Rob