Arsenal Kiev 3A
The Arsenal Kiev 3A is a Contax RF-mount film rangefinder camera, introduced in 1955. Leica camera price index →
Reference maintained by Thomas Boots
General
- Mount
- Contax RF
- Release Year
- 1955
- Type
- Film
- Model Number
- Unknown
- Serial Range
- Unknown, year-coded serial practice and production details vary
Dimensions
Viewfinder & Shutter
- Framelines
- None, combined rangefinder/viewfinder with a fixed 50 mm field; accessory finders required for other focal lengths
- Shutter Speeds
- 1/2 s to 1/1250 s, B
- Shutter Type
- Metal
Features
- Hot Shoe
- No
- Tripod Socket
- Yes
- Self Timer
- Yes
- Flash Sync
- 1/25 s
Kiev 3A
The Arsenal Kiev 3A is the flash-synchronized development of the Kiev III. It retains the tall uncoupled selenium meter, Contax RF bayonet, long-base rangefinder and metal shutter while adding a factory flash connection [1][2].
The accessory shoe remains cold, so flash units require a cord connection. The meter reading is not mechanically coupled to the exposure controls. Electronic flash operation is limited to 1/25 second or slower.
History
Development and Launch
Collector references place the Kiev 3A introduction around 1955 or 1956. It paralleled the Kiev 2A, providing the same synchronized system with the addition of the tall selenium meter [1][2].
Production Evolution
The model was produced during the second half of the 1950s before the lower-profile Kiev 4 meter design replaced it. Logo and small hardware changes occurred during the transition [1].
Special Variants
Kiev IIIA is an accepted alternative rendering of Kiev 3A. Logo languages and export engravings belong in metadata.
Collector Notes
Confirm the original flash terminal and tall meter housing. Inspect the selenium cell, calculator dial, shutter ribbons, self timer and rangefinder. Meter response does not guarantee accurate readings.
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