Arsenal Kiev II
The Arsenal Kiev II is a Contax RF-mount film rangefinder camera, introduced in 1950. Leica camera price index →
Reference maintained by Thomas Boots
General
- Mount
- Contax RF
- Release Year
- 1950
- 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
- None
Kiev II
The Arsenal Kiev II is the unmetered Soviet continuation of the prewar Contax II. It uses the Contax RF internal and external bayonets, a combined long-base rangefinder/viewfinder and a vertical-travel metal focal-plane shutter [1][2].
Regular production is generally associated with about 1950 onward, although rare limited cameras dated 1947 to 1949 are known. LeicaLensList separates those earliest transitional bodies into the Kiev (1947) archival profile [1].
History
Development and Launch
The Kiev program grew from transferred Zeiss Ikon Contax tooling, parts and production knowledge after the Second World War. The Kiev II carried the unmetered Contax II layout into Soviet manufacture [1][2].
Production Evolution
Early production may contain German components, while later bodies increasingly use Arsenal-made parts. Markings, coverings and small control details changed during the production period [1].
Special Variants
Very early 1947 to 1949 cameras are scarce transitional objects and are not representative of ordinary Kiev II production. Finish and engraving differences should be stored as variant metadata.
Collector Notes
Collectors should check shutter ribbons and curtains, rangefinder contrast, focusing-wheel operation, back fit and serial consistency. Mixed parts are common after decades of servicing, so originality requires more than a matching external appearance.
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