KIEV-4M User manual

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1. SPECIFICATIONS

Type of Camera
Mechanical rangefinder camera. Designed for amateur photography, but can be used for scientific and technical
photography as well. Picture Format 24 x 36 mm. The camera accepts standard 35mm film. Loading the camera
with a 1.6 metre length of film will yield 36 exposures.

Shutter
The Kiev camera has an originally designed metal focal plane shutter with vertical traverse. Shutter Speeds
Automatically timed shutter speeds 1/2, 1/5, 1/10, 1/25, 1/50, 1/125, 1/250, 1/500, and 1/1000, plus "B" for
manually-timed long
exposures.

Lens
"Helios-103" (or "Jupiter-8M"). High quality anastigmat with high resolution. The lenses are finished with an
anti-reflection coating. Focal length = 50mm with maximum opening of 1:1.8 (or 1:2 for Jupiter-8M). Supplied
as the standard lens for the camera.

Lens Mount
Bayonet mount, similar to Contax rangefinder bayonet mount.

Viewfinder
Built-in optical viewfinder gives the field for the standard 50mm lens. Magnification, 0.8X life size.
When using other lenses of different focal lengths, the use of an auxiliary finder (i.e, "universal viewfinder") is
necessary due to the fact the image will be enlarged on the negative but not in the viewfinder.

Focusing
The camera is equipped with a long base optical rangefinder, working from 0.9 m to infinity. The long base
rangefinder provides high focusing accuracy, essential with large aperture or long focal length lenses. Focusing
is also possible with the use of the distance scale.

Self-timer
Mechanically controlled, 9-15 second exposure delay.

Exposure Metering
Built-in selenium cell exposure meter (for Kiev4M only). Reading angle is 65 to 70 degrees. Acceptable
brightness range is 4 to 16000 cd/m2. Kiev-4AM do not have a built-in exposure meter. Only manually selected
film-speed indication only.

Filters
Threaded, 40.5 x 0.7 mm.

Tripod
1/4" threaded socket.

Flash Synchronisation
1/25 or slower with electronic or bulb flash.

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2. NOMENCLATURE

The basic components of the
camera (fig.3) are: shutter, lens,
rangefinder, viewfinder, self-timer
mechanism mounted on the body,
and removable back cover.
Shutter cocking is by turning the
winding knob 10. The shutter speed
scale is engraved on the winding
knob. The scale has numbers 2, 5,
10, .... up to 1000, which stands for
1/2, 1/5, 1 / 10, .... 1 / 1000 sec.,
respectively.
Mike Butkus Digitally DN:ou=butkus.org,Date:cn=Mike2023.05.17signedButkus,email=mike@butkus.org,by16:11:02Mikeo=ButkusButkus-04'00'camera manuals,c=US The shutter mechanism is linked to
the film transport and frame
counter mechanisms.

By turning the winding knob 10, the shutter is simultaneously cocked, with the frame advance and the of the
disc counter moves up by one division. With this design, double exposures are prevented.

The shutter is released by the release button 11 or by activating the self timer release 49. The shutter release
button has a threaded hole to accommodate a shutter release cable.

Focusing consists of coinciding the second image from right
window 9 and left window 19 into one, which is made
possible by an optical compensator in the rangefinder
mechanism.

The rangefinder mechanism is connected to the lens
focusing mechanism, and thus, when the rangefinder images
coincide, the lens is focused correctly. The compensator
turns by rotating the gear wheel 34.
A distance scale 7 is engraved on the lens focusing mount,
graded from 0.9 to infinity (fig. 4). All numbers represent
distances in meters.

The lens mount is locked (and consequently, the lens) by lever 2.
The depth-of-field scale 8 is engraved on the fixed portion of the lens focus mount. This scale shows the areas
of sharpness depending on distance and chosen aperture.
Note: With the Kiev, distances are measured from the film plane to the subject.

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The rewind knob 16 is
                                                                              for rewinding exposed
                                                                         film back to its cassette.



               Fig. 4. The camera as seen from below.



The self-timer mechanism is located inside the camera body. It is started by the lever 6. Also shown in fig 3 are:
18- camera strap eyelet; 20 - flash PC cord outlet.
On the bottom of the back cover are: tripod socket 29, lock keys 28 for locking the back cover, and film rewind
index 30 (fig. 4).

2. BASIC OPERATIONS
2.1. Loading film

Before loading, the camera should be taken from its case. Unscrew the locking screw found on the bottom of
the case, fastened to tripod socket 29 (fig.4).
To open the camera and remove the cartridge, turn the camera bottom up and pull out the lock keys 28 and twist
them (fig. 4) by half a turn against the stop as shown in fig. 5.

Then remove a back cover by moving it to a bottom of the camera (fig. 6).





     Fig. 5. Opening the locks on the back cover.          Fig.6. Removal and closing of a back cover.


Note: Don't open the camera back with the camera lens side up to avoid spilling the film cartridge and take-up
spool (if it is not built-in like in old Kiev cameras).

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Avoid loading or unloading film in bright sunlight. Do this in a shaded area, or under the cast of your own
shadow.
Install the new cartridge into the left chamber, and the take-up spool in the right chamber.
Fix the tip of the film leader into the take-up spool. The film perforations should engage into the sprocket teeth
of the transport drum (fig. 7).

Close the camera back. This has to made in reverse of the
opening sequence. Replace the back cover so that its edges
engage with the groves of the camera body. Hold the edges of
the film, push the back cover in, and turn the locking keys
against the stop and fold them back.

Make 2 blank exposures (the first two frames are on the exposed
end of the film). Turn the rewind knob 16 to the direction of its
engraved arrow to make the film taut.
Fig. 7. The camera charged by If the camera is loaded properly, turning the advance knob 10
the cartridge with the take-up will cause the rewind knob 16 to turn in the direction opposite its
spool. engraved arrow.

A stationary rewind knob will indicate either an improperly loaded film or a loosely wound film in the cartridge
or the take-up spool.
Finish the loading process by setting the frame counter disk to "0" by turning its moveable part 34 (fig. 8).

2.2. Basic shooting

The process of shooting consists of the following operations:
1. Determination of appropriate aperture and shutter speed;
1. Shutter cocking;
2. Selection of shutter speed;
3. Selection of aperture;
4. Focusing;
5. Composing;
6. Release of shutter.

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2.2.1. Determination of appropriate shutter speed and aperture

With the Kiev-4M, the appropriate shutter speed and
aperture for correct exposure can be determined through
its built-in exposure meter.
Turn film speed ring 37 so that the speed value (ROCR)
of the film in use aligns with index marker (38, figure 9).
The ROCR Soviet standard is almost the same as
ISO/ASA. If the film in use has an exposure index not
given on the scale, the index can be set between two
specified numbers (e.g., ISO 100 can be set between
ROCT 65 and 130).

Aim the camera towards the subject and open the
exposure meter cover 40 by pressing button 39 (fig. 10).

Note: Red numbers on ring 36 indicate exposure time in FULL SECONDS, and black numbers, fractions
of seconds.

Align the meter's needle 41 with the black diamond mark 43 (,) by
turning ring 36.
From the shutter speed ring 36 and aperture ring 37, choose a
shutter speed/aperture combination appropriate for the exposure.

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Fig. 10. Opening the exposure meter cover.


On the exposure meter scale 42 are the multiplier
numbers 2 and 4 ["EXPOSURE FACTOR
NUMBERS". These should be used if the needle 41 is
not able to reach the index • even
after a complete turn of ring 36 (in low light shooting
situations). The ring 36 should then be turned so that
needle 41 will point to the nearest multiplier number
mark. The correct shutter speed is obtained by
multiplying the shutter speed value read off the scale
36 with the multiplier number. (For example: A
combination of 1/60 @ f:2 is read off the scale, and
the meter needle points at "2". The shutter speed
should be multiplied by 2, and the correct shutter
speed for proper exposure should be 125 [1/60 x 2 =
1/125].





                                              Note: Close the exposure meter cover
                                               immediately after metering. The selenium cell
                                              can weaken after long exposures to bright
                                                            light! Do not subject the meter to shock.





For the meterless Kiev-4A, appropriate exposures can be determined by several methods: The best way is
through a separate exposure meter. Exposure calculators or tables (as found in film boxes) can also be used.
Visual judgement based on one's photographic experience is also useful.

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2.2.2. Cocking shutter

Turn the advance knob 10 clockwise (fig. 3)

2.2.3. Selecting shutter speed

Shutter speed selection is done through the
knob 10 as follows:
Raise the knob 10 by the edges (fig. 13),
and turn it so that the black dot on the top
plate points to the number of the chosen
shutter speed, and lower the knob back.
The advance knob should be turned
clockwise before changing shutter speeds.
In this state, the shutter speed can be set
more correctly. The shutter speed can be
set with the shutter either cocked or fired.
However, it is recommended that the
shutter speed be changed with the shutter
cocked.

If an exposure longer than 1/2 second is necessary, the knob's black point should be set against "B". The shutter
will remain open as long as the shutter button is pressed, and will close only upon release.
2.2.4. Setting the aperture

The aperture can be selected by turning ring 23 (fig. 3) and aligning the chosen aperture number against the
index mark. The setting should be done before focusing the lens.

2.2.5. Focusing

Adjusting the rangefinder image and focusing are
made simultaneously by turning the moveable part of
the gear focus wheel 48 (fig. 3 & 13)
It is recommended (especially when shooting at short
distances) to coincide the two images seen through
the rangefinder window, on the centre of the focus
field patch, rather than the edges. It will ensure more
precise focusing (fig. 14).

In situations when the use of the rangefinder is
impractical (e.g., fast-moving objects, objects without
sharp contours, or dim light shooting), focusing can
be done by using the distance scale 20 (fig. 13 & 15).

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Shooting without the rangefinder (visual estimation of distances) can be done successfully only at small
apertures, i.e., when focus errors are compensated by depth of field.

2.2.6. Composing

Composing the image with a 50mm lens is done through the built-in viewfinder. The limits of the field of view
as what would be on the film is seen throught the eyepiece.
The universal viewfinder (or other accessory viewfinders) has to be used with lenses of other focal lengths.

2.2.7. Shutter release




                         The shutter is fired by pressing the shutter release button 11 (fig.3 &
                                 16).
                                           It is necessary to press the button smoothly and gently, so as not to
                                 jerk the camera during exposure.

                       To prevent blurred pictures, the camera must be used with a tripod
                                 (or any suitable support) and a cable release 50 for exposures longer
                              than 1/25 sec.

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Using the Self timer


                                        Turn the lever 6 counter clockwise against the stop
                                                          (fig. 17).
                                            Note: Do not, by any means, turn the self-timer
                                                 lever further than the pin. When turning, do not
                                                press it against the camera body to prevent
                                            deformation of the lever and block the pin. When
                                               twisted to the left, the self-timer will appear to have
                                            a short start and shutter will not fire.

                                      The self-timer delay is between 9 to 15 seconds. It
                                                           is recommended to first set the shutter speed, and
                                             then the self-timer. During the self timer's run, do
                                              not change shutter speeds. This can damage the
                                                     shutter.



2.3. Rewinding film




                               When the frame counter reads "36", it means that the
                                            film has reached its end. Stop further shooting and
                                        unload the camera (for cartridge to cartridge film
                                              loading).

                                       Note: With film lengths shorter than 1.6 metres, the
                                            film end is indicated by an increased resistance in
                                       winding with the winding knob 10 (fig. 3)

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Hold the camera with the left hand, cap the lens, turn the
lock of back cover 28 and install it opposite red index 30
(fig. 18), and turn the rewind knob 16 (fig. 3) to the
direction of its engraved arrow (fig. 18).
Turn the rewind knob until a slight resistance is felt, and
finally gone, indicating that the film has been pulled back
in to its cartridge.

Then, remove the back cover to take out the cartridge.
Before closing the camera, it is recommended to examine
its interiors, and check for dust, bits of film and dirt, and
remove these with a blower brush.

4. FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY

The camera has a mechanism to synchronise its shutter with flash. Before using flash with the camera, it is
recommended to study carefully these instructions.
For mounting flash directly on the camera, there is an accessory shoe 15 and a PC plug outlet 20 (fig. 3). For
mounting the flash on the body of the camera there is a accessory shoe 15 and a plug socket 20 (fig. 3). It can be
used the flash units with PC cord connector or with "hot shoe" cordless connection.
Flash exposures should only be done at shutter speeds from 1/25 to 1/2 second. The contacts of the
synchronization circuit are closed with a fired shutter ("connected"), and when the shutter is cocked, the circuit
is open ("off"). It is important to turn the flash on (if connected to the camera) only AFTER cocking the camera,
or the flash will fire spontaneously. Cock the shutter immediately or turn off the flash after shooting.
Note: Connect the flash only with the flash switched off, or a cocked shutter.

5. INTERCHANGEABLE LENSES

The camera is designed to take in other
lenses with [Kiev] bayonet mounts (lens
specifications are given in the table). The
standard lens supplied with the camera is
mostly "Helios-103", F=50mm, 1:1.8, but
may be replaced with "Jupiter-3", F=50mm
1:1.5, or "Jupiter-8", F=50mm, 1:2. These
standard lenses are mounted on the internal
ring of the focusing mechanism. All the
other lenses mount on the external
bayonet, with their respective depth of
field scales engraved on their fixed barrels.

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When replacing the standard lens with
lenses of other focal lengths, the standard
lens must first be removed with the focusing
mount set at "infinity", and press the spring
fastener (fig.19). Turn the lens clockwise
until the red ledge below it aligns with the
red dots on the focus mount and camera
body to loosen, and pull out.

Note: Mounting the standard lens the
reverse sequence.

Each lens, except the "Jupiter-3" and "Jupiter8" has its own focusing mechanism, distance, and depth of field
scales. All lenses focus through the aid of the camera's rangefinder.

Before mounting a lens, remove its rear cap. Both the camera's focusing mount and the lens have to be set at
infinity. Put the lens on the bayonet so that the red dot on the lens barrel and the red dot on the camera body
coincide. Push in lens and turn counter clockwise until the latch engages and the locks the lens.
Lens is mounted correctly if focusing wheel 47 (fig. 3) turns when lens is turned for focusing.
The lens is removed in a reverse sequence. Set the lens to infinity first, press the lens lock release found near the
lens barrel's mount, and turn lens counter clockwise until it disengages with the camera body.
With lenses other than the standard 50 mm, the shot should be composed through the aid of the universal or an
auxiliary finder 54. The finder can be mounted on the accessory shoe 15 (fig. 20).

# of item Lens name Focal length in sm.
at fig. 18

1 Jupiter - 1 13.5

2 Jupiter - 9 8.5

3 Jupiter - 12 3.5

4 Jupiter - 3 5.0

- Helios-103 5.0

Relative aperture Resolution in lines in mm,
center/edge of frame

1:4 ?

1: 2 30/18

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1: 2.8 36/ 18

1: 1.5 30/14

1:1.8 55/28

Non-standard lenses are focused by
turning their respective front focusing
barrels, NOT the focus wheel 47 on the
body (fig. 3)

6. CAMERA & LENSES CARE TIPS
Store the camera in a cool, dry place. In humid environments, store the camera inside its
leather case to keep out dust, moisture, and salt.

Note: In tropical climates, it is better to store the camera separately from its leather case. The leather case molds
quickly in tropical climates, and will cause the camera to mould as well. Storing the camera in a sealed vinyl
plastic bag with some desiccants (Silica gel, dry rice, etc) will give the it more protection.
If the camera had been exposed to rain or mist, or after shooting near the sea, wipe the camera with a soft, clean
cloth. Don't leave the camera in an excessively hot place. Don't apply excessive force during operation. Do not
subject the camera to strong shock or impact (especially the Kiev-4).
As mentioned earlier, the lenses have antireflection coated surfaces. Because of its extreme thinness, this
coating can be easily abraded with improper wiping or cleaning. To protect the antireflection coatings, the lens
surface has to be protected from contamination so that cleaning is less often. Attaching a colorless "Skylight"
1A or UV filter on the lens can give it ample protection. Being colorless, these filters can be permanently left on
the lens. The filter will absorb the brunt of contamination, and are easier to clean. Easier and cheaper to replace
too, if damaged. Protect the lens from, and do not store it in, a damp environment. Dampness can cause spotting
and molding, which will damage the coating.

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