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Kiev 19m 35mm SLRs

2.5/5

(2 Reviews)

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Product Description

The Kiev 19m represents an exceptional value in 35mm photography. It comes completely equipped with a 50mm f/2 multicoated lens, hot shoe and PC connection for flash, case, strap, and rubber eyecup.

Nikon AI-compatible lens mount

TTL metering

Shutter speed: 1/2 to 1/500th second and B

Flash synch: 1/60th second

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Reviews 1 - 2 (2 Reviews Total)

User Reviews

Overall Rating:

Value Rating:

Submitted by 701 tomato a Expert

Date Reviewed: February 21, 2010

Strengths:    1. Accepts Nikon lenses
2. Accepts 4 button sized A76 batteries instead of a 6 volt
3. Helios 81H lens is sharp and contrasty.

Weaknesses:    1. Very poor craftsmanship
2. Foam seals and mirror damper must be replaced.
3. Unreliable metering.

Bottom Line:

I found this camera at my local Goodwill thrift store in near mint condition. It came with the Helios 81 H 50mm f2.0 lens, original lens cap, and cloth case. On inspection, I determined that the foam light seals and foam mirror damper were rotten ( typical of many 80's cameras. ) I have replaced the mirror damper foam, and the light seals.
The light meter has two red LEDs in the viewfinder, and when the two lights are both illuminated, in theory you have the correct exposure. However, there is broad latitute ranging over two to three stops. If you fiddle with the aperture ring and find the medium range, the exposure seems fairly accurate when comparing it to an external light meter.
The light meter battery compartment in my camera has a clever plastic tube that enables you to use four A76 1.5v button batteries. This I intend to interchange with my Canon A series batteries which also require a 6 volt battery.
The craftsmanship on the camera is poor. The trim and finish show sloppy workmanship. I would never pay more than thrift store prices for the camera. It is a novelty item, since thee are so many excellent Nikon cameras on the used market that are light years ahead of the 19M in build quality.

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Duration Product Used:   21+ years

Price Paid:    $3.00

Purchased At:   Goodwill Thrift Stor

Similar Products Used:   Nikon FM
Nikon F2

Type of photography:   Outdoor

Overall Rating:

Value Rating:

Submitted by McOuter a Beginner

Date Reviewed: January 24, 2004

Strengths:    Rock solid "old fashion" camera that worths its price. Perfect for those who doesn't need automatisms like autofocus, autoexposure or even a motorized film feed.

Weaknesses:    Maybe a little "too classic" camera for a beginner. The exposimeter tends to overexpose a half stop. That issue could be easily corrected for shooting slides or even ignored if shooting negative film, but it could be a real headache.

Bottom Line:

A nice cheap 35mm single lens reflex camera compatible with Nikon AI and AI-S lenses. It comes with an Arsat 50mm f/2-16 lens, which performs well. Exposimeter needs a LR544 6V battery (or equivalent). It could be a great second body for Nikon users.

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Duration Product Used:   2-5 years

Price Paid:    $70.00

Purchased At:   www.anya-of-odessa.c

Similar Products Used:   Canon EOS 3000.

Type of photography:   Outdoor

Reviews 1 - 2 (2 Reviews Total)

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