Download
Share
Print this page
  1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. Arsenal Manuals
  4. Digital Camera
  5. KIEV-4
  6. Manual

Arsenal KIEV-4 Manual

Hide thumbs

Advertisement

Quick Links

Download this manual
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
Venmo is @mike-butkus-camera
www.PayPal.me/butkus
INTRODUCTION
KIEV Cameras have been produced since 1947 by the ARSENAL plant
(located in Kiev, Ukraine). They are exact copies of the prewar Ziess
"Contax" cameras. High reliability, ability to shoot in extremely low
temperatures (they can work even in severe Russian winters!), and
interchangeable lenses, are the characteristics which made these cameras
the choice for professional photography for more than 40 years.
1. SPECIFICATIONS
Type of Camera
Mechanical range finder camera. Designed for amateur photography, but can be used for scientific and technical
photography as well.
Picture Format
24 x 36 mm. The camera accepts standard 35mm film. Loading the camera with a 1.6 meter length of film will yield
36 exposures.

Advertisement

loading
Need help?

Need help?

Do you have a question about the KIEV-4 and is the answer not in the manual?

Questions and answers

Summary of Contents for Arsenal KIEV-4

  • Page 1 Venmo is @mike-butkus-camera www.PayPal.me/butkus INTRODUCTION KIEV Cameras have been produced since 1947 by the ARSENAL plant (located in Kiev, Ukraine). They are exact copies of the prewar Ziess "Contax" cameras. High reliability, ability to shoot in extremely low temperatures (they can work even in severe Russian winters!), and interchangeable lenses, are the characteristics which made these cameras the choice for professional photography for more than 40 years.
  • Page 2 Mechanically controlled, 9-15 second exposure delay. Exposure Metering Built-in selenium cell exposure meter (for Kiev-4 only). Reading angle is 65 to 70 degrees. Acceptable brightness range is 4 to 16000 cd/m2. Kiev-4a do not have a built-in exposure meter. Film-speed indication only.
  • Page 3 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, ..
  • Page 4 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.

  • Page 5: Basic Operations

    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).
  • Page 6 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.
  • Page 7 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.
  • Page 8 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.
  • Page 9 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.
  • Page 10 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.
  • Page 11 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.

  • Page 12: Flash Photography

    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.
  • Page 13 Don't apply excessive force during operation. Do not subject the camera to strong shock or impact (especially the Kiev-4). As mentioned earlier, the lenses have antireflection coated surfaces. Because of its extreme thinness, this coating can be easily abraded with improper wiping or cleaning.

This manual is also suitable for:

Kiev-4a