Kiev 4A (Type 1) Rangefinder camera (No reserve price)

Offered from a private collection:
KIEV 4A camera, the Russian equivalent of the Zeiss Contax II.
Externally in exceptionally beautiful condition.

This is a rangefinder camera; the camera features a built-in, coupled rangefinder.
Using an optical-mechanical system, focusing is done in the viewfinder by moving the lens with the focus wheel on top of the camera and overlaying two parallel images visible in the center of the viewfinder. When the images coincide, the subject is in focus. Be careful that the middle finger does not cover the metering/viewfinder window.

At the top right of the camera sits the combined wind-on and shutter-release button, which can also be used to set the shutter speeds (1/2 to 1/250 + B) by lifting the button.
After a short back-and-forth movement, the shutter button is blocked to prevent accidental recordings.
After unlocking by pressing the release button again and aligning the red dots exactly opposite each other (photo 21), the shutter can then be cocked and the shot taken.
The camera features a metal horizontal sliding shutter.

NOTE: The reliability of the longer shutter speeds in particular should be questioned, which is not unusual for a camera of this age. The functionality of the camera cannot be guaranteed with regard to the shutter; a maintenance service is recommended.

The camera is equipped with an interchangeable lens of very high quality and a fast aperture; the Jupiter-8M, 2/50, based on the Zeiss Sonnar 2/50 from the Zeiss Contax II.
By pressing the tab (see photo 10) and turning the lens clockwise until the red markings are opposite each other, the lens can be removed. Attach and lock in the reverse order. (Bayonet mount). The lens is equipped with a Heliopan UV filter.

History
The Kiev rangefinder camera is directly based on the Zeiss Contax II and III.
Moreover, many experts don’t call it a copy, but a continuation or "clone". After World War II, the Soviet Union took the full Contax production lines, machines, blueprints, and even technicians from Dresden to the Arsenal factory in Kyiv as part of the German reparations.
The very first Kiev models (from 1947) were assembled with original Zeiss components made in Germany. Some early specimens even had the Contax logo still under the new Kiev nameplate.
Shared technology: The Kyiv kept the Contax's complex features, such as the vertical metal leaf shutter and the unique double bayonet mount.
Lens compatibility: The Russian Jupiter lenses (such as the Jupiter-8) are directly based on the Zeiss Sonnar designs and are fully interchangeable with original Contax cameras.
Quality progression: the quality of the early Kievs (the 1940s and 1950s) is virtually identical to the pre-war Zeiss quality. In later models (such as the Kiev 4M from the 1980s) quality declined due to wear of the original machines.

The Jupiter 2/50 lens, (Zeiss Sonnar 2/50) is a legendary vintage 50mm f/2.0 prime lens known for its sharpness and unique image rendering, especially valued by collectors and enthusiasts of analog photography. This lens was originally introduced in 1932 for the Contax I rangefinder cameras.
Main Features
Optical Design: The lens is based on the Sonnar design by Dr. Ludwig Bertele from 1929, refined in 1931 to seven elements in three groups. This design was known at the time for its high speed without compromising contrast, a major advantage in an era before anti-reflective coatings.
Image quality: Users and reviewers praise the lens for its 'classic' image rendering, with a pleasant, soft bokeh at wide-open aperture and respectable sharpness at smaller apertures. It delivers images with the characteristic 'Zeiss 3D look' and nice color saturation, even in uncoated versions.
Mounting: The lens has a Contax RF (Rangefinder) bayonet mount and can be used with adapters on modern cameras, such as Leica M-mount or mirrorless systems.

Film format: 35 mm ('small image'); 36 negatives of 24 x 36 mm.

Camera dimensions: 15 x 8.5 x 7.5 cm
Weight: 707 grams.

The camera will be delivered in its original accessory bag and will be carefully packaged, sent by registered mail, insured and traceable.