Is the Kiev 88 less reliable than the Kiev 60?
The general concensus on this seems to be that, yes, the Kiev 88 is more prone to problems than the Kiev 60. The more complex gearing of the Kiev 88 which is needed to give the interchangeable film magazine design, requires a greater degree of precision to be implemented correctly. Precision is something that the factory which makes Kiev cameras seems to be lacking at times. The Kiev 60 uses a simpler design, giving up the interchangeable film backs. Simpler design means easier to manufacture and in theory, less prone to breaking down. That said, some Kiev 88’s have been known to go for many many years giving problem-free service. Some Kiev 60’s are dead on delivery. I don’t think it is fair to say that ALL Kiev 60’s are more reliable than ALL Kiev 88’s. With either camera, it can still very much be luck of the draw.
