experiences with KievUSA? any?

[blackdoglab]

I'm savin' my pennies for a medium format slr and I've got a baited question... Have you ever bought a camera from Kiev USA and how well has it stood up. Yeah I know Bronica bodies are cheap, but I'd rather have a Kiev. Don't ask me why, but I've grown fond of soviet cameras and optics.

 

[Jeff Canes]

I have a Kiev but did not buy it from Kiev USA, so I can’t not tell you about their upgraded reworked models, the Kiev I bought new on Ebay is likely the worse camera, total junk, shoot just 5 roll before it broke, I was so angry that I bought a Hassy 500CM

 

[blackdoglab]

Ah yes, the creative quality control of Arsenal Zavod strikes again! Well, I know I won't be going the ebay route for a Kiev.

 

[ErinB]

If you want to get into square format, I'd recommend a Hassy or a twin lens (Mamiya or Rollei). Kiev's are cheap knock offs of Hassy, and don't hold up so well.

 

[Mitica100]

There's a better alternative than the one you mentioned. Try this link:

http://www.araxfoto.com/

It might be more expensive but they're good people. They also do re-polishing and re-coating of lens cells for next to nothing.