Kiev II, True Contax Copy, 1951

Description

Russian Early Kiev II Rangefinder, Contax II Copy.

The Kiev II is a true Contax II copy and was in production at Arsenal factory in Kiev in 1950-1956. Kiev II is practically identical to the prewar Contax II – it even features a stabilizing foot on the bottom plate.

Small quantities of Kievs were made in 1947-1949, those cameras are very hard to find and they are technically not classified as Kiev II.

This Kiev II was made in 1951. The Kiev engraving is of the early type – in Cyrillic only.

The Kiev II is becoming increasingly hard to find, especially the early models.

Technical Characteristics

Kiev II Body:

• Shutter Speeds:  B, 1/2 – 1/1250
• Shutter Type:  Focal plane, metal/leather curtains, vertical movement
• Rangefinder Base: 90mm
• Viewfinder Magnification: 0.9x
• Film Type: 35mm film in standard cassettes
• Self-timer: 9 to 15 seconds
• Lens Mount: Contax Rangefinder Bayonet. Internal and external bayonets fully compatible with Contax II, III, IIa, IIIa
• Body Finish: Chrome, Leather covering

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

• Focal length: 50 mm
• Aperture: F2, settings from 2 to 22
• Angle of Coverage: 45deg
• Focusing: 0.9 m – Infinity
• Filter size: M40.5×0.5
• Optical Design: 6 elements in 3 groups, click to see drawing
• Optical registration (back focus): 31.85 +/- 0.02 mm
• Mount: Contax Rangefinder Bayonet (Internal). Fits all Kievs, Contax II, III, IIa, IIIa

The camera comes with a metal lens cap and take-up spool.

The Kiev II is much less common than its successors – Kiev IIa and 4a. It is a good user and a desirable and attractive collectible camera.