• What are the differences between the Kiev 88CM kit and the Kiev 88 factory upgrade kit?
• What is the Kiev 88SWC?
• How does the TTL meter work?
• How are the TTL and non-metered finders different?
• What batteries do the TTL finders use?
• What are the ISO film speed equivalents in DIN and GOST?
• How do I use 220 film in the backs?
• What does the Kiev/USA Upgrade include?
• What is included in the Kiev 60 to 645 upgrade?
• What is the difference between the Kiev 60 and the Kiev 645 cameras?
• What is the procedure for sending equipment in to us for repair, evaluation, and/or quote?
• I live in an area where I can't see or try out Kiev equipment. Is there a way that I can "rent" the equipment to try it out first?

The Kiev 88 is the basic model of the 88 series. It is available exclusively from KievUSA as a factory-upgraded kit, and of course, it carries our well-known one-year limited warranty covering all parts and labor. You might say that this upgrade takes the "Roulette" out of "Russian Roulette"! (In this case, the former Soviet Union)

The Kiev 88CBS is our newly-developed professional medium format camera. With a design influenced by the KievUSA engineering department, this camera is the ultimate weapon in a professional photographer's arsenal of photographic equipment. With mirror lockup, Zeiss lens, digital capabilities, spot metering, hand crank, lightweight materials, and a price tag under $1000, the Kiev 88CBS will truly be an industry leader...another world-class standard in medium-format technology.

The SWC designation stands for "Super Wide with Crank" and is especially appealing to Hasselblad owners who wish to shoot with a 30mm fisheye without having to pay Hassy's $6K price tag! The New Kiev A-12 back (6X6 for 120 film) is custom designed to fit KIEV cameras. Included with this kit (in addition to the new A-12 back): Kiev 88 body (w/black-colored corrugated stainless steel shutter curtains and Hand Crank), waist-level finder, strap, tripod reducing bushing, Arsat/Zodiak 30mm f/3.5 fisheye lens, FREE Kiev/USA logo bag and our Exclusive One Year Warranty.

Instructions for use of the Kiev 88 TTL metering prism finder:

1. Prism requires three (3) Maxell LR-44 batteries or equivalent.
2. Turn innermost dial (w/red arrow) to set ASA/ISO in window.
   
3. Rotate silver ring to line up maximum aperture opening of lens with arrow.
4. Depress red button with forefinger while looking through prism. Notice two red lights which will stay on for approximently 20 seconds. During this time, rotate outermost ring on the lens until both lights are on simultaneously. If just one light comes on it denotes either under- or over-exposure. When both lights are on at once (or blinking together), correct shutter speed will read in line with desired aperture on the lens ring. Set the shutter speed on camera body and shoot.

Internally, the actual penta-style prism glass is not so different between them---the main thing is that the TTL contains a strip housing LEDs and sensors which enable the metering process. This strip is located at the top of the viewing area and utilizes an amount equal to 7% of available light with which to meter.

It follows, then, that the non-metered finder is considered by some to be "brighter" since there is no light lost to the metering process as in the TTL finder. It is doubtful that this small amount is detectable at all. More accurately, those who prefer the non-metered finder do so because of the full 100% viewable area of focusing screen and because it closely replicates the Hassy NC2 in its more compact housing and slimmer design.

1. KIEV 88 TTL new style: Three Maxell LR-44 (or equivalent)
2. KIEV 88 TTL old style (has an on/off switch which was eliminated in the later model): One 6V 28PX or four SR-44
3. KIEV 60 TTL new style: Three Maxell LR-44 (or equivalent)
4. KIEV 60 TTL old style (has on/off switch which was eliminated in the later model and requires our battery adapter): Three Maxell LR-44 (or equivalent)

NOTE: GOST film speeds have recently been adjusted to coincide with ISO settings, This chart is for translating values on OLDER cameras and meters.

Click here for a printable version of this table which will be free from all of the other information on this FAQ page.

When using 220 film (24 exposures), first cover the rear inspection hole with duct tape or electrical tape to prohibit light from leaking in, then load film. Generally our customers who shoot 220 tell us that turning the film advance key 6 or 7 times insures that the first frame will be accurately set. Since there is no paper backing and, therefore, no numbering on the film itself, there is a degree of chance involved with the first frame…most photographers avoid making the first frame ‘count’. Unlike Hasseblad backs, the KIEV 88 backs DO advance after 12 frames! Simply reset the film counter to #1 after shooting 12 frames and continue shooting 12 more (1=13, 2=14, etc.).

There is no inspection or quality control done at the factory. That's why our factory-trained technicians completely inspect and upgrade EVERY camera and lens sold by us before it gets our trademark label, which is our seal of approval and your insurance against losing at “Russian Roulette”! These cameras are hand-assembled, so each one is unique unto itself. Being a fully mechanical camera, the springs and gears of each individual camera are inspected and tested. Often the spacing between frames is inconsistent and shutter speeds erratic. Also, in the case of Kiev 88, light leaks are prevented BEFORE we ship the kit. During our upgrade process, replacements are made as they are required to bring the unit up to professional tolerances and meet the stringent Kiev/USA Quality Control standards. Our technicians work with a full line of parts which enable us to repair and upgrade Kiev 88 ($360 plus shipping and handling) and Kiev 60 Kits ($260 plus shipping and handling) sent to us from the world over.

First, we modify the film aperture into a vertical rectangular 6 cm x 4.5 cm. Secondly, we replace the film advance mechanism and recalibrate to allow for 16 frames. Thirdly, we replace the film counter to count 16 frames and recalibrate that as well. Next we do a complete bench test, quality control check and a thorough C/L/A (cleaning/ lubrication/adjustment). THEN we include our exclusive One Year Warranty! All this for $325 (plus shipping and handling).

As the photo below shows, the Kiev 60 camera is a 6x6 cm (square) format taking 12 exposures on a roll of 120 film while the Kiev 645 is a 6 x 4.5 cm vertical format taking 16 exposures on each 120 roll. Otherwise these two kits are identical: both synching at 1/30th of a second (and slower), both accepting Exacta 66 and Pentacon (Carl Zeiss) lenses, and both shooting 120 film exclusively.

Please remember to include a letter with your name, address, phone/fax numbers and a brief description of the problems encountered with equipment to be evaluated. Any negatives or proof sheets WILL NOT BE RETURNED so, if you need them back, please do not include them. If you have negs or any other pertinent materials which illustrate problems and need not be returned, feel free to include them. This could expedite evaluation and possibly shorten repair time which could be reflected in the estimate! Send equipment to:

Well, we don't offer a rental program in the strict sense of the word, but Kiev's 30-day return policy might be considered as a way to try out our gear to be sure you're comfortable with it. Purchase the equipment, put it through its paces in your own working environment, and then decide. If you like it, you've paid for it and it's yours. If it's not right for you, return it and we'll refund your money less a 15% restocking fee. You could, like many who have called or written to compliment us on this policy, look at this fee as the fee for a one-month rental, and a pretty cheap rental at that. Pretty fair deal, eh?