Kiev revisted

[paul'dee'dowling1]

Some while ago I aquired a 1979 Kiev 4a
Normally I would avoid a late Kiev due to appalling construction issues, but this arrived in a familiar box, one I had seen in the 70s in visits to Technical and Optical Instruments in London, importers of Soviet Cameras. Wonderfull musty, dark emporium of outdated equipment, commencing my fascination with these cameras.
It took a while, but I obtained the original brochure, followed by the bòok,Discover Rewarding Photography issued by them.
I have loved using a Kiev 4 and 4m from master guru Oleg, who can magic any such treasure back to life.
TOE, they would dismantle every camera and fix the problems and created a spares and service department second to none.
I have created Kievs using dead Contax/Kiev
cameras from a source in Ukraine, escaped before the invasion, buy this specific mint example is much closer to home, especially with relevant paperwork.
In 1976, it was listed at £42.00. Making it less than half the cost of an SLR.
An interesting footnote maybe.
Regards
Dee