A question of Kiev88: A buddy of mine and I were discussing the photography program we are both going into and the topic of Medium format cameras came up. Considering we'll be going...

doogie Loc: Washington

A buddy of mine and I were discussing the photography program we are both going into and the topic of Medium format cameras came up. Considering we'll be going through the medium format (Film not digital) section of the program a little ways down the road (2 semesters).

In lieu of (starving college students here) having the money to purchase a Hasselblad the idea of purchasing a Kiev88 came up. Curious idea.

Any reasonable thoughts on the matter? Good idea or no and why?

picpiper Loc: California

doogie wrote:

A buddy of mine and I were discussing the photography program we are both going into and the topic of Medium format cameras came up. Considering we'll be going through the medium format (Film not digital) section of the program a little ways down the road (2 semesters).

In lieu of (starving college students here) having the money to purchase a Hasselblad the idea of purchasing a Kiev88 came up. Curious idea.

Any reasonable thoughts on the matter? Good idea or no and why?

I assume you have read the Wikipedia article talking about poor quality control.
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kiev_(brand)

doogie Loc: Washington

picpiper wrote:

I assume you have read the Wikipedia article talking about poor quality control.
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kiev_(brand)

I did thank you; it is an interesting read to say the least. I would presume then that there is an affordable Medium Format alternative available to college students in Photography Majors (with an interest in film versus Digital)?

On that same note I'd be interested to know if anyone on this forum has one or has used one in the past.

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

doogie wrote:

quote=picpiper br br I assume you have read the... (show quote)

Not sure what versatility you need, but:

Mamiya C330, Twin lens reflex (interchangable lenses)
I've had two of these- loved it!
http://www.keh.com/camera/Mamiya-Twin-Lens-Reflex-Camera-Outfits/1/sku-MT019990520120?r=FE#

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

doogie wrote:

A buddy of mine and I were discussing the photography program we are both going into and the topic of Medium format cameras came up. Considering we'll be going through the medium format (Film not digital) section of the program a little ways down the road (2 semesters).

In lieu of (starving college students here) having the money to purchase a Hasselblad the idea of purchasing a Kiev88 came up. Curious idea.

Any reasonable thoughts on the matter? Good idea or no and why?

While Kiev cameras imported directly were often defective, Kiev/USA was (is?) a company that imported Kiev cameras, brought them up to acceptable standards and sold them with their own warranty. They would do the same for an imported camera for a substantial fee. All-in-all, quality Kiev cameras could rival Hasselblads in price, if not in quality. Other makers of 2" square SLR's were Fuji and Bronica.

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

Mogul wrote:

quote=doogie A buddy of mine and I were discussin... (show quote)

You're right! I remember reading about this.
http://www.kievusa.com/
Looks like the site hasn't been updated since 2009 though.

As far as I can remember, Fuji only made one medium format slr: the GX680.
A friend of mine had one.
It is a beast! Even more beastly than my Mamiya RB67.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuji_GX680

I have seen an obscure refernce to a Fujita 66:
http://rick_oleson.tripod.com/index-36.html

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

GoofyNewfie wrote:

As far as I can remember, Fuji only made one medium format slr: the GX680.
A friend of mine had one.
It is a beast! Even more beastly than my Mamiya RB67.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuji_GX680

That's right, but masks were available all the way down to 6X4.5. Clumsy to hand-hold, but a jewel on a tripod and fired remotely. Could be used with a tilt-shift bellows. Price made the Hasselblad look like a Kodak Brownie.

FilmFanatic Loc: Waikato, New Zealand

I'd much rather a Bronica, Mamiya 645 or Yashicamat than a Kiev. All of the above can be purchased dirt cheap. A Mamiya 645 kit is something like $200 which is just ridiculously cheap

Shakey Loc: Traveling again to Norway and other places.

GoofyNewfie wrote:

quote=doogie quote=picpiper br br I assume you... (show quote)

I'll second that! The Mamiya C3, C33, C330 were all great cameras with bellows focussing. You can get them cheap if you shop around. Watch out for worn/faulty film wind handles and pin holes in bellows. Beware of signs of hard use. Reconditioned models would be a good bet if available from a Mamiya dealer. Good luck with you medium format photography.

Bruce M. Loc: Longueuil, Quebec, CANADA

If you are really serious, look at a Speed Graphic with a 2¼ x 2¼ roll film adapter. There are lots around and it will also serve as a large format base with 4 x 5 inch.

GrahamS Loc: Hertfordshire, U.K

Find a good Bronica and you won't go wrong.

GC-FineArt Loc: WDC

GrahamS wrote:

Find a good Bronica and you won't go wrong.

:thumbup: MF SLR Bronicas have been around since the late 1950s, have an excellent reputation http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bronica ; and there's always a slew of them available on eBay.

artistwally Loc: Scotland

Go for Bronica, almost as good as Hasselblad and certainly as reliable. Reasonable prices for bodies and lenses on EBay. I used them for years and they never let me down.
A.

pounder35 Loc: "Southeast of Disorder"

doogie wrote:

A buddy of mine and I were discussing the photography program we are both going into and the topic of Medium format cameras came up. Considering we'll be going through the medium format (Film not digital) section of the program a little ways down the road (2 semesters).

In lieu of (starving college students here) having the money to purchase a Hasselblad the idea of purchasing a Kiev88 came up. Curious idea.

Any reasonable thoughts on the matter? Good idea or no and why?

A Russian knockoff of a Hasselblad. If it breaks you're SOL. :roll:

pounder35 Loc: "Southeast of Disorder"

doogie wrote:

A buddy of mine and I were discussing the photography program we are both going into and the topic of Medium format cameras came up. Considering we'll be going through the medium format (Film not digital) section of the program a little ways down the road (2 semesters).

In lieu of (starving college students here) having the money to purchase a Hasselblad the idea of purchasing a Kiev88 came up. Curious idea.

Any reasonable thoughts on the matter? Good idea or no and why?

Mamiya 645. I picked up one on ebay last year. 1000s body, 80mm lens, prism finder(no meter), two 120 inserts. Mint. $150.00 :thumbup: