Zorki 6 or Kiev 3b?

Which one would you choose?
Which do you prefer when it comes to:
- the viewfinder
- build
- controls
- other?

wrote:
Which one would you choose?
Which do you prefer when it comes to:
- the viewfinder
- build
- controls
- other?


This is "almost" the classic Leica Vs. Contax debate again.

The "almost" is because, while the Kiev is a nearly perfect Contax
clone/successor (some argue that it IS the Contax) the Zorki 6 is quite
an evolution of the screw mount Leicas.

My own take?

The advantages & disadvantages of the Zorki 6 are as follow:
+ Wide based rangefinder (compared to Leica original) = accurate focussing
+ Leica style ergonomics
+ Film advance lever
+ Wider selection of available lenses (including the current
Cosina/Voigtländers)
- No slow shutter speeds between 1/30 and B - this would rule out the
Zorki 6 for my use and why I prefer the Zorki 3 & 4, despite the fact
that the rangefinders have narrower bases.

The advantages & disadvantages of the Kiev:
+ Wide rangefinder base
+ Bayonnet lens mount (though I find it fiddly and actually slower to
use than a screw mount. YMMV
+ Probably more durable and reliable
- Zeiss-Ikon ergonomics. Some love it, most hate it. The main reason why
the Leica was more successful, even though the Contax was technically
superior and had better lenses (both the Kiev & Zorki use excellent
Zeiss designed lenses).
- Fewer available lenses (while Cosina/Voigtländer does make Contax
mount models, they are rarer and more expensive)

Summary: The Kiev is great if you feel comfortable with its ergonomics
and don't want to buy extra lenses like super-wides, ect.

The Zorki is *in my opinion* a better user, but I'd go for a model which
offers slow shutter speeds.

You might consider my own Soviet favorite: The rarer and more expensive
Leningrad. Think Leica M with a built-in spring motor drive...

Have fun!

Chris

Thanks for your input, folks!
I am glad I asked.

On 25 Jan 2005 15:58:53 -0800, wrote:

Which one would you choose?
Which do you prefer when it comes to:
- the viewfinder
about the same
- build
The Z5 and 6 are lighter than the Kiev but not by much. Its more a
matter of the aluminum lens. The Z5/6 are made from a unique 2 piece
casting. The 6 has a modern style hinged back while the Kiev
maintained the drop off back its whole life. Too easy to loose the
take up spool.
- controls
The Kiev4AM is the only one thats better than the Z6 in the way of
controls (shutters i.e.) Both should only change shutter speeds when
wound and only the 6 has a lever advance.
- other?
The Kiev has 1/2 to 1/1250 sec range while the Z-6 is 1/25 to 1/500
plus a funny 4 second exposure setting by using the self timer set to
B.

THOM