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SAMPLES
SUMMARY
The Kiev 60 is a manual, medium format, single lens reflex camera made in the former Soviet Union and enjoys an eclectic reputation. Produced by the Arsenal factory in the Ukraine Republic since the early eighties its basic design was based on the classic Pentagon Six and shares several of the same features and can utilize the same lenses and accessories. The basic Kiev 60 camera kit comes with a removable folding waist-level viewfinder, TTL metered viewfinder, 80mm coated lens, cold shoe flash attachment, carrying strap and case. Newer models feature mirror lockup, a benefit since the mirror is huge and can cause considerable vibration. The camera takes standard 120 roll film and produces a 6x6cm negative, although there are models available for 6x4.5cm negatives. A standard PC connector is also build into the camera. All functions are manual, even when using the TTL metered viewfinder, readings must be manually set on the camera itself. Both viewfinders are bright and display a majority of the negative area. Shutter speeds range from ½ second to 1/1000 and includes the Bulb setting for long exposures. However the cloth focal-plane shutter cannot provide a flash sync faster than 1/30. The 80mm Volna-3 or Arsat lens features an aperture range of f2.8 to f22 with half-stops in between and a focus distance of .6 meter to infinity. There is a depth of field preview lever on the lens itself and on the camera. Most Kiev 60 users suggest taping over the DOF lever on the lens with black gaffers tape to prevent possible light leaks when focusing the lens at its closest position, using the DOF lever on the camera instead.
Light leaks come with the territory when using a Kiev 60. Flocking kits are available that reduce flare from inside the camera. The flat black, felt fabric covers the gloss black paint used in the construction of these cameras. Another common issue is frame spacing. This was apparently a major problem with the Pentagon Six and only partially resolved with the Kiev 60. Usually problems involve improper throw of the advance lever which results in little to no space between negatives, even overlapping negatives in some cases. Adjustments for this and other problems can be found by following the Kiev links on the right side of this page. The removable TTL metered viewfinder is based on a center-weighted meter design and has two red led indicators. The dial on top of the viewfinder is set to the largest aperture of the lens currently attached to the camera and a small switch on the side must be used to turn on the meter, which will only stay on for about 10 seconds if not in use; saving battery life. When the two red indicator lights are both on in the viewfinder, the metering is correct. The photographer must then set the shutter speed and aperture manually that is indicated on the meter dial. It is strongly suggested to compare readings against a reliable hand-held meter to verify that the Kiev 60 TTL meter is correct, this is not always the case. Meter calibration tips can also be found in the Kiev links on this page.
The Kiev 60 is popular despite its problems because of the price versus image quality ratio. Basically the typical new Kiev 60 kit can be found for around $300-350, which is several times less than an SLR, Medium Format system produced by any other manufacturer. There are multiple lenses of varying quality available for the Kiev 60, including an affordable 30mm fisheye. Many of these lenses like the fisheye produce high quality images, while others are mediocre at best. On the used market a Kiev 60 can be found for $75-125 on average, although most are from Europe and shipping costs, along with questionable quality should be a concern. The Kiev is one heavy camera and a constant reminder of Industrial Russian construction. With the 80mm lens and TTL viewfinder, the Kiev 60 can weigh close to four pounds. Some of the larger lenses can weigh two pounds alone. It’s commonly referred to as an SLR on steroids, but for all of the camera’s quirks it is still a sturdy workhorse that produces excellent results for a fraction of the cost of other medium format, SLR systems. If removable backs, and a more modular system is preferred, the Kiev 88 is Arsenal’s answer to the Hasselblad. But that too has its own set of ‘problems.’
CLEANING AND REPAIR
Workmanship being what it is from the former Mother Russia, don’t expect the black leatherette of a Kiev 60 to impress. The quality of the material it not so bad, it’s how it was applied to the camera body that can be sub-par. Usually excess glue can be found at various points, and the material is not always applied straight. But then again, if you’re looking to impress spend a few thousand dollars more and pick up a Mamiya or Pentax. If you picked up a new camera kit, no cleaning is really necessary other than removing some excess glue. If like so many other, you received the Kiev 60 on the used market condition can be anywhere from poor to near-mint. Common leather cleaner will shine up the black leatherette. The exterior metal parts of the camera are well made and Windex or M.A.A.S. polish should clean up these areas nicely. Lens cleaner or Windex will easily clean the viewfinders and lens(es). Again, see the links on the right side of this page for additional information regarding adjustment and calibration. I followed these, with relative ease, and resolved both framing and meter issues with my Kiev 60.
EBAY SUGGESTIONS
As mentioned before, new Kiev 60 kits can be found for around $350 dollars from such places as www.kievcamera.com. This route, if you can afford it, ensures that the camera is in complete working order, since they are completely inspected and sometimes rebuilt to correct common problems. Kiev Camera has a great reputation and stocks several accessories and related products. Mirror Lockup is also a feature of the newer models which may not be found on cameras from EBay unless mentioned. On EBay anything goes. ‘Buyer beware’ is in full force when it comes to Russian cameras purchased on EBay. Most sellers are from the Ukraine or various parts of Europe and I highly suggest researching the seller’s feedback and if possible, reputation. Read the auction listings carefully, ask questions regarding anything not mentioned, especially about framing, shutter speeds, etc. Look at serial numbers in the images provided or ask for the serial number of the camera and lens if not mentioned. Prior to 2000 these numbers begin with the year the camera was made. Shipping is generally expensive. Not only is a complete Kiev 60 kit heavy but since most sellers are from Europe shipping costs can range from $20-40 dollars. Even domestic USA shipping can run twenty dollars in most cases. A used camera itself, depending on quality, can range around $50-75 dollars on EBay with full kits averaging around $125. Lenses tend to average around $100-150 for the longer focal lengths. I’ve seen the high quality 30mm Arsat fisheye go for as little as $190, which is a bargain for a quality fisheye lens, especially for medium format. The Kiev 60 is like an old muscle car, it will give you great results for a long time, but requires some tinkering and elbow grease. In the end, it’s damn fun to drive.
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Kiev Links
Kievaholic
Kievgurl
Kiev 60 Camera Page
KievUSA
Kiev Hartblei
Kiev 60 SLR
Matt's Kiev 60 Page
Calibrate your Kiev 60
KievCamera
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