Are Kiev cameras any good?
Like many thing in the world of Kiev cameras, the answer is a definite “yes” and “no”. Here are the “safe” answers. When they are working properly, Kiev cameras can be excellent. The Kiev medium format cameras are capable of producing very good results that will look great when compared with almost all 35mm work simply due to their larger film area. They are even capable of producing images that many people would say are on par with those produced by other name brand camera systems that cost thousands of dollars more. Also, Kiev lenses are usually quite good and are really cheap when compared with other medium format lenses. That’s the “yes” side of the answer. On the “no” side of the answer is this: In the paragraph above, please note the part about “when they are working properly”. Kievs have developed a reputation for being pieces of junk. Many people would not touch a Kiev with a 100 foot pole. The root of the problem is “creative quality control” at the factory where these cameras
