Some Kiev 4 photos

[jfbell20]

I recently acquired a Kiev 4 and a Jupiter 12 lens. The results of my first test are here

http://jfbell20.fotopages.com/?entry=230681

Although I like the sound of the shutter I am not sure about the Contax hold. Perhaps I need more practice.

[back alley]

'the contax hold'?

joe

[jfbell20]

Note that the wide window spacing of the rangefinder makes it tricky to hold properly - there is a 'Contax hold' you use with these so you don't cover that window with your fingers. This described here:

http://www.keithberry.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/kiev-4.htm

[BillG]

very nice shots for a test roll....very nice colour look. I have a Kiev and would use it more but the shutter speeds are off and it is mostly usable at 1/250th or faster. I know what you mean about the Contax claw hold issue. It goes away with some practicce.

[peter_n]

Very nice pictures with beautiful color rendition. Made me pine for good old Blighty...

The last but one picture - is that a bit of flare in the top left corner? I was looking at an excellent picture from this lens that Carburo posted yesterday and it had flare in a top corner too. Were you using a lens hood?

[Oldprof]

Originally posted by backalley photo
'the contax hold'?

The "Contax hold" is actually quite famous among photographers. I had heard of it before I purchased my two Kievs. When I received my first Kiev I experienced the problem first hand ... if you try to hold a Contax or Kiev like most rangefinder cameras you usually end up covering the rangefinder window. So you have to come up with another way of holding the camera (with your right hand). The so-called "Contax hold" is one method of doing this. I think Contax and Kiev cameras are beautiful, but they are ergonomically challenged. When Nikon copied Contax styling for its rangefinders it moved the rangefinder window more inboard to alleviate this problem.

[back alley]

thanks for the info guys.
i learn something here regularly.

joe