KIEV-4 and KIEV-4A This camera manual library is for reference and historical purposes, all rights reserved. This page is copyright by , M. Butkus, NJ This page may not be sold or distributed without the expressed permission of the producer I have no connection with Kiev Co., On-line camera manual library This is the full text and images from the manual. Back to main camera manual page INTRODUCTION KIEV Cameras have been produced since 1947 by the ARSENAL plant (located in Kiev, Ukraine).
Shutter The Kiev camera has an originally designed metal focal plane shutter with vertical traverse. Shutter Speeds Automatically timed shutter speeds 1/2, 1/5, 1/10, 1/25, 1/50, 1/125, 1/250,1/500, and 1/1000 (or 1/1250 in earlier models), plus "B" for manually-timed long exposures. Lens "Jupiter-8" (or "Jupiter-8M"). High quality anastigmat with high resolution. The lenses are finished with an antireflection coating. Focal length = 50mm with maximum opening of 1:2.
2. NOMENCLATURE The basic components of the camera (fig. 3) are: shutter, lens, rangefinder, viewfinder, self-timer mechanism mounted on the body, and removable back cover. Shutter cocking is by turning the winding knob (5). The shutter speed scale (4) is engraved on the winding knob. The scale has numbers 2, 5, 10, .... up to 1000 (or 1250), which stands for 1/2, 1/5, 1/10, .... 1/1000 (1/1250) sec., respectively. The shutter mechanism is linked to the film transport and frame counter mechanisms.
The lens mount is locked (and consequently, the lens) by lever (8). The depth-of-field scale (20) is engraved on the fixed portion of the lens focus mount. This scale shows the areas of sharpness depending on distance and chosen aperture. Note: With the Kiev, distances are measured from the film plane. The rewind knob (13) is for rewinding exposed film back to its cassette. The self-timer mechanism is located inside the camera body. It is started by the lever 13.
2. BASIC OPERATIONS 2.1. Loading film Standard 35mm (135 type) film cartridges or special old type cartridges (fig 6) can be used. Before loading, the camera should be taken from its case. Unscrew the locking screw found on the bottom of the case, fastened to tripod socket 22 (fig.5). To open the camera and remove the cartridge, turn the camera bottom up and pull out the lock keys ( 24) and twist them (fig. 5) by half a turn against the stop as shown in fig. 7.
Avoid loading or unloading film in bright sunlight. Do this in a shaded area, or under the cast of your own shadow. Install the new cartridge into the left chamber, and the take-up spool in the right chamber. Fix the tip of the film leader into the take-up spool. The film perforations should engage into the sprocket teeth of the transport drum (fig. 9). Close the camera back. This has to be done in reverse of the opening sequence.
Make 2 blank exposures (the first two frames are on the exposed end of the film). Turn the rewind knob (13) to the direction of its engraved arrow to make the film taut.. If the camera is loaded properly, turning the advance knob 5 will cause the rewind knob 13 to turn in the direction opposite its engraved arrow.
2.2.1. Determination of appropriate abutter speed and aperture With the Kiev-4, the appropriate shutter speed and aperture for correct exposure can be determined through its built-in exposure meter. Turn film speed ring 26 so that the speed value (ASA) of the film in use aligns with index marker (27, figure 11). The (ASA) Soviet standard is almost the same as ISO/ASA. If the film in use has an exposure index not given on the scale, the index can be set between two specified numbers (e.g.
Note: Close the exposure meter cover immediately after metering. The selenium cell can weaken after long exposures to bright light] Do not subject the meter to shock. For the meterless Kiev-4a, appropriate exposures can be determined by several methods: The best way is through a separate exposure meter. Exposure calculators or tables (as found in film boxes) can also be used. Visual judgement based on one's photographic experience is also useful. 2.2.2.
2.2.5. Focusing Adjusting the rangefinder image and focusing are made simultaneously by turning the movable part of the gear focus wheel (fig. 3) It is recommended (especially when shooting at short distances) to coincide the two images seen through the range finder window, on the center of the focus field patch, rather than the edges. It will ensure more precise focusing. In situations when the use of the range finder is impractical (e.g.
Using the Self-timer Turn the lever (18) (fig. 3) counter clockwise against the stop (fig. 16). Note: Do not, by any means, turn the self-timer lever further than the pin. When turning, do not press it against the camera body to prevent deformation of the lever and block the pin. When twisted to the left, the self timer will appear to have a short start and shutter will not fire. The self-timer delay is between 9 to 15 seconds. It is recommended to first set the shutter speed, and then the self-timer.
Then, remove the back cover to take out the cartridge and take-up spool, and detach the film from the take-up spool if film leader is still attached to the film take-up spool. Replace the take-up spool back into the camera. Before closing the camera, it is recommended to examine its interiors, and check for dust, bits of film and dirt, and remove these with a blower brush. 4. FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY The camera has a mechanism to synchronies its shutter with flash.
Lens is mounted correctly if focusing wheel 9 (fig. 3) turns when lens is turned for focusing. The lens is removed in a reverse sequence. Set the lens to infinity first, press the lens lock release found near the lens barrel's mount, and turn lens counter clockwise until it disengages with the camera body. With lenses other than the standard 50mm, the shot should be composed through the aid of the universal or an auxiliary finder. The finder can be mounted on the accessory shoe (fig. 20).
