Arsenal Kiev 4
The Arsenal Kiev 4 is a Contax RF-mount film rangefinder camera, introduced in 1957. Leica camera price index →
Reference maintained by Thomas Boots
General
- Mount
- Contax RF
- Release Year
- 1957
- Type
- Film
- Model Number
- Unknown
- Serial Range
- Unknown, normally year coded; production revisions are non-uniform
Dimensions
Viewfinder & Shutter
- Framelines
- None, combined rangefinder/viewfinder with a fixed 50 mm field; accessory finders required for other focal lengths
- Shutter Speeds
- B, 1/2 s to 1/1250 s on early versions; later production may end at 1/1000 s
- Shutter Type
- Metal
Features
- Hot Shoe
- No
- Tripod Socket
- Yes
- Self Timer
- Yes
- Flash Sync
- 1/25 s
Kiev 4
The Arsenal Kiev 4 replaced the Kiev 3A as the meter-equipped model in the Contax-derived Kiev rangefinder line. It introduced a smaller and more sensitive selenium meter while retaining the dual Contax RF bayonet, long-base rangefinder and metal vertical-travel shutter [1][2].
Flash synchronization is provided through a cord terminal, with 1/25 second as the maximum electronic-flash speed. The top shoe is an accessory shoe without electrical contacts [2].
History
Development and Launch
Transitional examples are documented from 1957, with regular Kiev 4 production generally associated with 1958 onward. The model paired with the unmetered Kiev 4A [1][3].
Production Evolution
The Kiev 4 underwent numerous cosmetic and mechanical revisions. Early examples commonly retain a 1/1250 second top speed, while later versions may use a 1/1000 second scale [2][3].
Special Variants
Logo language, meter scales, top-cover details and collector type numbers should be stored as variant metadata rather than separate base entries.
Collector Notes
Date the body from the serial only after checking that the top cover and chassis belong together. Inspect the selenium meter, shutter curtains, ribbons, rangefinder, sync terminal and removable back.
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