This camera is a complete redesign of the KIEV-4. Everything has been modified except the removable back. This camera was produced from 1968 to 1973.
The top deck has been completely redesigned with a large black frame surrounding a rectangular area on the front of the camera. The left side of this area has a small clear window for the range finder in the center of a pebbled metering area . The right side has a frosted glass area in the center and a clear area for the viewfinder and range finder on the right. On the left side as viewed from the rear of the camera is a film advance lever with shutter speed dial in the center. On the raised deck just to the left of the film advance is a rectangular window. The front of this window serves as the frame counter and the rear is the metering window. In the center of the raised deck is the accessory shoe which has the serial number engraved on it. On the left is the meter dial. Since the meter dial was over the film chamber it was necessary to move the rewind lever and it is now found on the left side of the camera. The name KIEV-5 is engraved and filled with white on the top of the front black window frame.
The lens mount has been redesigned and the internal mount for the 50mm lenses has been eliminated. The external Contax mount has had a new ring placed inside it to couple the lenses to the rangefinder.
This camera is actually a contemporary of the KIEV-4(a) and was intended to be the replacement for the KIEV-4. Unfortunately, The camera was not well received and production and upgrading of the KIEV-4 continued and the KIEV-5 was soon discontinued, with the result that it is now an uncommon camera.
This camera has a brown leather case with a chrome strip over the top and around the lens cover. It has KIEV in Cyrillic block letters embossed on the lens cover.
Caution:
When changing shutter speeds, to prevent damage to the camera, the shutter must be wound first, only then can you change the speeds.
Comments: 1. Flash Synchronization: These cameras can be used with electronic flash at 1/30. However, you must immediately wind the camera to open the contacts or the flash will fire continuously. Flash bulbs will sync at 1/25.
From www.commiecameras.com
Film size: 35 mm
Image size: 24x36 mm
Body material: Metal;
Body s/n: 7200995;
Lens s/n: 721415.
Features
Lens: Jupiter-8 NB, coated, focal length - 50 mm, relative aperture - f/2.0;
Lens Mount: External Contax bayonet;
Rangefinder;
Shutter Type: Louvre Shutter;
Aperture Sizes: 2, 2.8, 4, 5.6, 8, 11, 16, 22;
Shutter Speeds: 1/2, 1/5, 1/10, 1/25, 1/50, 1/125, 1/250, 1/500, 1/1000, B;
Accessory Shoe;
Synchronizer;
Picture counter;
Lightmeter: doesn't require batteries;
Selftimer.
CONDITION
Very good cosmetic condition. Some signs of wear, but no any scratches or dents. Lens has some dust. No fungus or scratches. All mechanical parts work well. Selftimer operates as it should. Light meter works though I don't know if it is accurate. Only noticed problem is common for this type of cameras - closing curtain is bit slow, so shutter speeds will be inaccurate unless you fix this issue. We don't have time to work on this camera, so I want to sell it at lower-than-average price AS IS.
