Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/11/03
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]on 11/3/00 12:10 AM, Leica Users digest at owner-leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us wrote: > [Leica] russian cameras My impression, from handling Feds and Zorkis at camera shows is that Zorkis are much better. However, I own a Kiev IVA and use it in situations where I don't want to carry my LTM Leicas. MIne is a 1969 model--its a VERY nicely made camera that gives me good results. The camera with 35, 50, & 85 Jupiter lenses cost me less than $200. (The camera w/50 & 35 from Ebay and the 85 from a LUGer. Granted, the Contax mount lenses aren't compatible with Leicas,but they're cheaper than LTM Russian lenses. Besides, many German & Japanese LTM lenses will noy fit Russian LTM cameras because of problems with the RF cam. If you do opt for a Kiev, the quqlity seems to have gone way downhill a on post 1970 models. The earlier they're made, the closer they are to a real Contax. - -- Bob Marvin