Bought another B prefix s/n Kiev 3

Hi,

I just bought another 'rare' Kiev 3 with s/n B 543224.My other one has a s/n B 542683. How often do you see such a camera? I feel these may be as rare as a no-name Contax, or even rarer.

Cheers,

Kievuser

It must be rare comparing to "A" serial numbers, but certainly not THAT rare overall.
I have one B541139 (original box and passport). Well, I thought it was rare, but after reading your posting realized it is not:-)

Less than 6,000 no-name Kievs were made, and they are considered 'rare'. But the total production of Kiev III in 1954 must be less than 10,000 cameras for the 4 digit numbering, and much less than half were B prefix cameras. I have two doesn't make them common, but I am lucky.:-))

Hello Zhang,

Can you tell us if the film selector is like a german one with 'DIN' ? I own a 1954 kiev 3 with s/n A54XXXXX with that uncommon film selector.

Best,
jed

Hi jed,

My four 1954 Kiev III all have GOST on the meter selector, but I have seen a 1954 Kiev III with DIN numbers.
I only noticed that the arrow on the re-wind nob is slant on one of the B prefix K-3. Perhaps these cameras are with some minor defects?

Cheers,

Zhang

Hi all,
I have a Kiev III with:
- s/n A 511347
- selector with DIN
- AND the selector writes "F:" 22,16…
- FEATHERS on the arrow of the rewinding knob.

My other Kiev IIIa :
- s/n 5814964
- selector with GOST
- no "F" before 22,16…
- NO feathers on the arrow.

I do'nt know if this can help ?…

Regards,
Michel.

Thanks Michel. I see that mass production of Kiev III started in 1951, not as stated before in 1952. The 'b'prefix still remains a mystery as well as production numbers of each year.

Hello Zhang,

I realise my camera s/n is pretty close to yours : A542771

See :



I don't know the meaning of the A or B prefix. But I'm still searching 'A' may be stands for 'plant crew A' ?
Best,
Jed

A bit fuzzy, I apologies. See the 'DIN' film selector (same camera):

DIN meters are parts from zeiss ikon jena or dresden factory ( also give cameras with top plates from east germany ). various parts were sent from both factory, according down the red army from jena, including the drawings and part of machines, to arsenal for the kiev 3.
there is little data from this time. it is difficult to figure out. i think it has with this 3 factories to be done, because this camera is no original arsenal.

the drawings could have been a problem for these deviations. they came in german with russian translation.
another question: the first name was wolga (1946 in a drawing). when did the name kiew?

regards
mike

Hello Jed,

Yes, they are very close, only 88 cameras apart. 88 is a very good number for Chinese.
Your assumption for team A,and B might be right.

Cheers,

Zhang

quote:

---

Originally posted by jed

Hello Zhang,

I realise my camera s/n is pretty close to yours : A542771

...I don't know the meaning of the A or B prefix. But I'm still searching 'A' may be stands for 'plant crew A' ?
Best,
Jed

---

Hello all,

I also believe 'DIN' meter is of German manufacture. I hardly imagine the Soviets producing meters with 'DIN' printed. But I have no proof.
'Wolga' was a nice name
I'm sure we'll find in the near future some new explanations !

All the best,
Jed

DIN = Deutsche Industrie Normen = German industrial standards

http://www.cedricfan.sivut.ws/Juhani's%20website%20ORIGINAALIT/

juhani, not quite correct.

Deutsches Institut fьr Normen = German Institute for Standarts

regards

for info:

mine is "A 531870" whith DIN, too...

Hello,

We may need a 'database' where everyone can quote camera s/n, s/n prefix, front plate and so on !

Best,
jed

Again I ask your opinion of value...

I have been offered a Kiev-3 from 1954 and meter is not working as usual, but otherwise OK & pretty good cosmetically, and with case. Is 70 USD too much for one?

http://www.cedricfan.sivut.ws/Juhani's%20website%20ORIGINAALIT/

Hello,

That's what I paid for my 1954 Kiev 3 but the meter is ok.
I own Kiev 3 and also a Kiev 3A : both meters are ok and accurate. I think a dead meter will decrease the value of the camera.

best,
Jed

Yea, that's about the price of it without shipping.. I've seen the Kiev 3 with working meters as Jed said between $65 and $110, without working meter you can offer $50 no more...

Vlad

Mine arrived today:
A 540554 (nice early 554 serial)
And meter is in DIN







http://www.cedricfan.sivut.ws/Juhani's%20website%20ORIGINAALIT/