The Kiev 4a is a well known Russian (Ukrainian to be politically correct) Contax II copy. This was a long running production model - with some slight changes Arsenal factory in Kiev produced it from 1958 to 1980. Kiev-4a is very similar to its predecessor - Kiev IIa, it introduced some cosmetic changes. The lens was also modernized - the aperture dial was engraved on both sides of the lens, so the setting is visible regardless of the lens position. The aperture dial has stop-click settings. And, of course, the name was changed to Jupiter-8M. All these changes made the proven Contax design more convenient to use.

There were two major Kiev-4a variations - the original Kiev-4a (1958 - c.1974) and the Kiev-4a type 2 (c.1974 -1 980). In the Kiev-4a type 2 the Arsenal engineers finally admitted that the top speed of the shutter was seldom as fast as 1/1250, and a more realistic 1/1000 was engraved as a top speed. The last model, Kiev-4m, was in production from 1980 to mid-80's.

This Kiev-4a was made in 1977. It is a type 2 model.

Technical Characteristics

Kiev-4a Body

Lens: Jupiter-8M, 50/2, CZJ Sonnar Copy

The camera is in GOOD+ condition, clean and attractive, the viewfinder is clear and sharp. The lens is also clear and clean with a few dust specks inside (minor and will not affect image quality). The shutter and self-timer are working properly.

The camera comes with a plastic lenscap.

As well as any Soviet Contax copy, the Kiev-4a is a rugged and precision camera, equipped with a great lens. It is capable of taking advantage of modern films, and is simply a great fun to use.