Reply to Early KIEV III (also see "Another Addict"

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[quote]Hi Brian and everyone,

I also made a mistake about the serial number on the ZK lens on my early KIEV III. I didn't see the last number because the white paint was completely gone, so instead of No. 0147, it is actually No. 01474. So this lens has a later number than your 1948 lens. This lens is also a rigid lens and I can't be sure that it is original to the camera, but it may be.

Here is a link to some photos of the KIEV III that I have that I believe is from 1947 or 1948.

http://www.nightphoto.com/1947.html

As you can see, when the front plate is removed, the backside shows the original CONTAX stamped logo. This is a feature of some of the early KIEV production when they were still using front plates and other parts that were produced in Germany.

Also there is a small impressed number on the lower right corner of the lens mount plate. I believe this also denotes a CONTAX part. In addition, this camera has many, if not all parts that are of CONTAX production.

Here is a link to a great article about these transitional cameras (which I believe your 1948 KIEV III is, also):

http://www.zeisshistorica.org/sample.html

I have also been told that if you take the meter housing apart, the date that it was assembled is written in pencil on one of the interior parts. Since my camera doesn't have a serial number, this would be interesting to do, but since I have not taken a meter housing apart yet, it will have to wait until I a have done it on a different KIEV III.

Let me know if you have any questions about this camera or want some more photos.

Regards, Bill

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