Continent Wide Enterprises

Continent Wide Enterprises is proud to bring you the Kiev 88, the Ukraine's affordable medium format system camera.
About the Kiev 88 | Lenses | Accessories | About Continent Wide | Ordering Info

What is the Kiev 88?

The Kiev 88 is a medium format SLR system made by Zavod Arsenal in Kiev, Ukraine. Like system cameras by other manufacturers, there are a number of lenses and accessories for the Kiev 88. Unlike other manufacturers' cameras, the Kiev 88 is affordable.

What are the specifications?

The Kiev 88 features a focal plane shutter, like almost all 35mm SLR cameras and many of the other medium format SLRs. The shutter speeds range from 1/2 sec. to 1/1000th sec., plus B for long exposures. The shutter release button, on the front lower-right corner, is threaded for standard cable releases.

On the bottom, there are two 3/8x16 (European standard) tripod sockets. A reducing bushing is available if you frequently use a 1/4x20 (American standard) thread tripod. The two sockets accommodate a special plate for the pistol grip.

The shutter winding knob is located on the right side. On the opposite side, you'll find a hot shoe and PC socket. Both are active at the same time, so you can use on and off-camera flash without extra gadgets.

Lenses for the Kiev 88 feature automatic diaphragms. The camera automatically stops the lens down when you fire the shutter. With the TTL metered prism, you can meter at full aperture. Lenses available for the Kiev 88 range from a 30mm fish-eye to two 250mm telephotos.

Our Kiev 88 Package

Our Kiev 88 system package comes complete, ready to go. For only $499, you get:

Body with waist-level finder
80mm lens, two filters, and lens hood
6x6 12 exposure back
Polaroid proofing back
Fitted case

**Kiev 88 Lenses**
Name	Focal length	Aperture Range	Angle of View	Minimum Focus	Filter	Center/Edge Resolution (lines/mm)	Price
Zodiak	30mm	3.5 - 22	180	12 in.	Special*	60/14	$499
Mir 26	45mm	3.5 - 22	83	20 in.	82mm	45/16	$449
Mir-38	65mm	3.5 - 22	66	20 in.	72mm	42/18	$349
Volna	80mm	2.8 - 22	45	24 in.	62mm	50/20	$99
Vega	120mm	2.8 - 22	36	48 in.	62mm	50/30	$399
Kaleinar	150mm	2.8 - 16	28	71 in.	82mm	45/18	Call
Jupiter	250mm	3.5 - 22	18	138 in.	82mm	45/25
Call
Telear	250mm	5.6 - 32	18	91 in.	62mm	55/40	Call

*The 30mm Zodiak comes with special rear-mount filters; The 80mm Volna is supplied with the Kiev 88 kit.

Kiev 88 Accessories

A full complement of accessories expand the system capabilities beyond "just the basics". In addition to the wide variety of lenses, you can get a Polaroid back, 645 back, extension tubes, different finders, and more.

TTL metered prism
6x6 (12 exposure) back
645 (16 exposure) back
Polaroid film back
Extension tubes
Magnifying hood and ground glass back
Pistol grip

TTL meter prism $249

The most popular accessory for the Kiev 88 is the TTL metered prism finder. Instead of carrying a meter with your camera, you can get Through-The-Lens metering and an erect, correct image. If yor're used to working with 35mm cameras, the TTL meter prism is a must.

The TTL meter prism is very simple. A pushbutton switch turns the meter on briefly (about 15 seconds). Within the viewfinder, you'll see two LEDs. Simply match the two LEDs and you have the correct exposure.

The TTL meter prism takes three 76PX/LR-44 type batteries. Because the batteries are only used when the meter is on, they'll last quite a while.

Back to accessories Back to top

6x6 (12 exp.) Back $129

If you do a lot of shooting, you'll quickly appreciate the convenience of a second 6x6 back. Unlike 35mm cameras, you can switch film types and speeds mid-roll. Shooting black and white and want a chrome too? Take the film back off and replace it with another, loaded with chrome film. Multiple film backs quickly become indispensible.

The 6x6 back is identical to the back that is supplied with your camera. It takes 12 exposures on one roll of 120. A counter on the side of the back tells you how many shots you've taken. A convenient window indicates whether the current frame is exposed or not. There's even a reminder dial where you can set the film speed.

Back to accessories Back to top

6x4.5 (16 exp.) Back $Call

You've probably seen the ads about the "perfect format". If you want to try out the "perfect format" or simply want to get more exposures on your 120 roll, consider the 645 back. It'll give you 16 6x4.5 cm exposures on one 120 roll.

Couple it with a wide-angle lens like the 30mm or 45mm and you can take "panoramic" photos with large negatives. Enlarge without the graininess of those 35mm "panoramic" cameras.

Back to accessories Back to top

Polaroid Proofing Back $99

The Polaroid Proofing Back lets you take instant exposures with the Kiev 88. The back makes 6x6 images (of course) on 3 1/4 x 4 1/4 in film. If you're shooting chromes, a proofing back is a necessity. You can check composition, exposure, lighting, etc., before shooting the chrome.

The proofing back will take these films:

Type 669 color
Type 668 color
Type 108 color
691 overhead transparency
665 positive/negative
667 high speed b&w
664 medium contrast b&w
107C general purpose high speed b&W (coaterless)
107 general purpose high speed b&w

Back to accessories Back to top

Macro Kit $149

Macrophotography can be accomplished two ways: with extension tubes or close-up filters. Close-up filters work relatively well but to get quality images, you'll need to purchase seom pretty expensive filters.

The Kiev 88 Macro Kit consists of two extension tubes that provide magnification by moving the lens further away from the film plane. Because there's no new lenses involved, you don't have to worry about image degradation.

The two extension tubes can be used singly and coupled together. Individually, the extension tubes provide 1:2.2 and 1:1.3 magnification; coupled the magnification is 1:1. The exposure compensations are 2X, 3X, and 4X at each magnification. If you have the TTL-metered prism, exposure compensation is automatic.

Back to accessories Back to top

Pistol Grip $89

Balancing the Kiev 88 in one hand and working the controls with the other can get a bit tricky. Fortunately, the Kiev 88 pistol grip provides a large, molded handle for the camera. It mounts underneath the Kiev 88 and has a trigger, freeing your right hand from firing the shutter.

If you're shooting in situations where speed counts, the pistol grip can provide you with that added edge. Even everyday shooting will benefit from the pistol grip.

Back to accessories Back to top

Magnifying Hood and Ground Glass Back $169

Not just a chimney finder but also a 6x6 slide viewer. The ground glass back fits on the Kiev 88 in place of a film back, allowing for critical focusing on the film plane. You can use a loupe or mount the magnifying hood on the ground glass back. The magnifying hood can also be used in place of other view finders.

If you do any macro work at all, you'll find the magnifying hood and ground glass back indispensible.

Back to accessories Back to top

Kiev 88 Body $Call

Need just a camera body or want a second body for back up? You won't find a better price!

Back to accessories Back to top

Ordering Information

You can order anything we sell by calling us at 800-667-0293. We're open Monday through Friday, 9:30 to 5:00 EST. We accept VISA and MasterCard. We also carry Russian binoculars, telescopes, some 35mm cameras, and etc.

If you'd like more information, please feel free to email us or call 800-667-0293.

We export to just about any country in the world!

About Continent Wide Enterprises

Continent Wide Enterprises has many years experience with the Kiev 88. We are proud to bring the camera to you and provide the highest quality sales and service.