Kiev III (a) flash sync but cyrilic name

Hi to all.

I saw a very nicely preserved Kiev III with:
- Flash sync (should point to IIIa)
- Cyrlic name plate (should point to III)
- "A" above the serial number (should point to III)

All the above conclusions are made based on information found on Sovietcams website.

What do you think of this? Was the body swapped with the one from a later Kiev camera?

The photo is from the seller's listing.

Hi, no that seems to be original. According to Princelle who discusses Kiev IIIa, 1955 - 1959, variant 'Engraved Kiev only in cyrillic' I also have one with the same engraving as yours.

Cheers,

Steve

Thanks. This one has serial number from 53 year. Tempting :) Interesting that soviet cams doesn't have this model variant listed.

I would be a bit suspicious if it has a 1953 serial number as the camera was not flash synchronised then. I just spotted a 1958 one on Ebay with no flash synch! Trouble is it is so easy to swap top plates etc., around between cameras..

Steve

Can't it be a modification made at the factory at the demand of the buyer, before buying, or after?

Jacques.