"KIEV" resembles "KNEB" in Roman letters. The Arsenal logo is found on various cameras and lenses. The first two digits of serial numbers indicate the year of manufacture. Kiev Arsenal manufactured many clones of German and Japanese cameras, the Kiev 35A being a clone of the Minox 35EL.
Exxell AutomaticName variant of the Kiev 35A. It was sold for a short time in 1993 in Germany and them Minox had a court injunction to stop distribution. Kiev 35A (KNEB 35A)KOPCAP f2.8 35mm lens automatic exposure a Minox 35EL copy. Known light leak problems, even with later production samples requiring the inside of the film chamber to be matt black painted. Minox had a similar problem with the first production of the Minox 35EL but recalled and replaced the cameras.
Light leaks with the Kiev 35A is not the only problem. When the cameras work they are brilliant, but getting a good sample can be hard work. Reported faults include:-
The finish is a dark greenish brown and has a textured, easier to grip, surface than the Minox 35EL/AL/GL/PL cameras. Listed price new is 175USD (September 2005) but can be found under 40USD. Ebay 2004/08/08 17.12GBP (box), *2004/08/12 27.50USD (box)
Kiev 35a Camera Specifications:
LinksKiev Cameras http://www.kievcamera.com/camera.php?ID=4 |