I purchased the Kievs I wrote about: models 88 and 60. The 88 is non-TTL
and certification stamps in the manual indicate it was made in 1992. The
certification page of the 60 is untouched. Neither camera has seen much
use. The original owner said he bought both cameras in 1996 during his
Navy days. I found a folded receipt from Kiev USA in the model 88 box.
I've run a roll of film through the 60 and it came out well.
I haven't run a roll through the 88 yet, but it seems to be intact. I've
read all the warnings about not turning this knob or that, lest part X
break and turn the camera into a paperweight. Cocking the shutter for the
first time was a bit nerve wracking. It gives one the impression, by touch
and sound, that the parts are trying to eat themselves. I've read the
[poorly translated] manual and think I understand how to load the
magazine, but I'm going to read some website howto pages before I attempt
it. I found a roll of Kodak TMX 120 in the magazine when I opened it for
inspection.
I think my 1st order of business is testing the 88 and maybe buying a TTL
prism for it. Conventional wisdom among some Kiev-ophiles says 1991 was
the zenith of Kiev Arsenal quality control problems, but I have my fingers
crossed. If 1991 was the worst, that means 1992 was better. Right?
