Kiev 35A

Not a bad little camera considering the horror stories I've heard about it. I is basically* the same as the Minox EL which I also have, but somehow, ironically, it does not seem to feel quite as fragile as the Minox. *Please note, I said "basically the same", the backs, for example are not interchangeable so I would not get one as a source of spare parts for the Minox. For all intents and purposes it seems as good as the Minox, but I am not sure if the lens is as sharp, I can't really tell on a 4"x6" print. I also have a Contax T, the original one with the rangefinder. Neither the Minox or the Kiev can compare in quality and fit and finish. Likewise if you compare it to a Rollei 35 or many other heavier more solid built compact 35 cameras. (I seem to be working my way backwards from the Contax to Minox to Kiev as my collecting budget dwindles.)

Can be found for $20 - $40, used or even new. Very small, light and pleasant to use. Because it isn't expensive you can simply put it in your pocket and not worry about it.

The only quirky thing about the one I have is that the lens door must be completely and truely open and the struts locked in place, otherwise when the shutter is tripped it will click and the meter will shut off as it should but the shutter will not actually trip. I understand the production quality control on these cameras can vary greatly so that some cameras will have no problems and others may be plagued with problems. The one I have was made in 1993 and appeared to be unused. It also came with an inspection paper of some sort which was apparently signed by someone in the factory.

Rollei 35, Rollei 35 LED, Olympus XA and XA2,Minox EL, Contax T

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I have had two of these cameras. The first was a disaster, refusing to function after the first film. I binned it. The second - well, the shutter and meter both worked this time, but the light leaks were horrendous. So, out came the matt black paint (anyone who has owned a Russian camera has at least one tin to counteract light leaks and flare) and 3 coats later, in went the first serious roll of film. OK, there were still problems. Lesson 1: The manual warns against taking pictures when the meter goes off the bottom end of the scale, but not the top. Only shoot if the meter is within the range in the viewfinder. Lesson 2: Pressing the shutter button does indeed take a picture, but may not enable film advance (!) Always press the shutter button twice. Lesson 3: be prepared for negatives of a way higher quality than you'd expect for the price. The lens is a gem. This camera is the antithesis of easy-to-use. It doesn't have a rangefinder, let alone autofocus, and the meter has a small range, but you look at the quality of the pictures, think of the way it slips into your pocket, and suddenly it all makes sense. A classic camera.

High quality lens, size, convenience, laughable price.

Quality of manufacture, meter range, light leaks

Many

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I had heard nothing but bad about this sweet little camera;light leaks, poor fit,eats batteries,typical Russian junk blah, blah, blah...Mine exhibits none of the "problems" and it amazes me how excellent my photos consistently turn out using this mighty-mite of a point & shoot. I carry it with me more than I carry my Oly Epic. Is it better than the Oly? No, not hardly. Is it more fun? Yeah, lots more fun, and definitely more chic.

Accurate light meter Really small Really simple Terrific optics

I admit, the quality control and sophistication is lacking, but so far I have experienced not one negative with my Kiev35a.

Various Olympus point n shoots.

Never needed service on any of my Russian/Soviet/Ukranian cameras. I have seen many service providers listed on the net, however.

Above average Lens given the small package size. THe meter is relative accurate. +/- 1stop. THe build quality is typical russian. The fit and finish is not as refined as other Asian / German imports. Overall it is a cool little camera. How many camera have the same size and cost so little and take decent pictures. The German version cost $$$ more and still subject to some of the problem this camera has. As long as one keeps in mine that focus is purely gustimate. and higher f is REQUIRE to take a good picture. I got lucky, mine don't leak but I can see by the fit and finish how it can leak very easily. As always, Using any commie cameras require extra care.

* Price * Above Average Optics * Size

* poor Fit and finish * Lack Focusing

Minox

That's funny. Get one from a reputable dealer and a good exchange policy.