Chris Lauritzen
(K=14949) - Comment Date 5/10/2004
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How did you know I would answer this one? lol Well here goes, I have both models and I find the K60 to be more reliable but not as convenient then the 88cm. The use of interchangable film back is nice when shooting different films or wanting to switch to Polaroid or even digital. The K60 has less moving parts which makes the camera reliable and thus better in the field. The K60 also handles better then the 88.
I would go with the K60 and not worry about changing film backs as such. Something else you might want to keep in mind is there are adapters for mounting Ziess Jenna lenses on other makes of cameras. I use my Kiev glass on my Pentax 645 with great results. Just something to think about?.
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Chris Goodman
(K=1078) - Comment Date 5/10/2004
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I understand what you are saying about the reliability and ease of use. Another question though, is the 88cm that unreliable? Even though I really respect what you say about these cameras(you have the hands on experience, I don't) I am trying to get away from the SLR genre and really dive into the medium format range.
I really want the flexability that is offered by the 88cm, but I worry that I am trading reliability for the flexability. The 88cm is a large investment for me(poor college kid) and I want to make the right decision.
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Chris Lauritzen
(K=14949) - Comment Date 5/11/2004
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The 88 is not unreliable just that is has more moving parts and in turn there is more to go wrong. One thing to realize is medium format is not the camera but the size of the film used. Image quality between the two cameras is nil meaning you can?t tell the difference.
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Chris Goodman
(K=1078) - Comment Date 5/11/2004
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Thanks Chris, makes much more sense now. My comment about the SLR was in reference to the fact that an SLR feels too comfortable in my hands(not that that's bad ;)) I think I am trying to get at the fact that I need a change or at least another option. I guess I am going to have to put lots of thought into this one.
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Matej Maceas
(K=24381) - Comment Date 5/11/2004
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I have an 88 (not CM) and so far I've had no problems with its reliability. As for growing attached to the camera, I have found the Kiev to be a very likeable chunk of steel :-)
Out of curiosity, how much do Kievs cost in the US?
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Chris Goodman
(K=1078) - Comment Date 5/11/2004
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Matej,
The only place that I have really looked is Kiev Camera because they are in Atlanta(where I live). For the 60mlu its about $350 and the for the 88cm mlu its $619. They have a 15% sale almost all the time so the price is reasonable.
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Matej Maceas
(K=24381) - Comment Date 5/11/2004
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Ehm, my Kiev 88 cost $200 (body w/waist-level finder, 2.8/90 lens, one 6x6 back, yellow-green filter).
Have a look at these sites:
http://www.wiese-fototechnik.de/e/etop_1.htm
http://www.sovietcamera.com.ua/products/medium/medium.shtml
http://www.leicashop.com/en/
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Chris Lauritzen
(K=14949) - Comment Date 5/11/2004
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www.araxfoto.com They are worth the extra cost.
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Chris Goodman
(K=1078) - Comment Date 5/11/2004
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Just looking at those Arax modifications makes me want to buy one right now. And to think I was going to spend a lot of money on a camera I would have problems with. With the Arax I feel like I could get a Hassy grade camera at 1/4 the price. It's beginning to look like I am going to be using this for work so I might invest the extra money.
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Chris Lauritzen
(K=14949) - Comment Date 5/13/2004
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I ahve heard noting but good reports about them.. Here is good site for more Kiev info..
http://forums.delphiforums.com/kievreport/start
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