My Russian Camera Page - Kiev 4am and FED-5
kiev 4am, fed-5, russian cameras, before fall, soviet union, e-bay, rangefinders, production history, modern design, arsenal factory, point and shoot, photographer, nothing automatic, light meter, slr, medium format, zenit
Kiev 4am and FED-5




I've recently done extensive research into Russian cameras, particularly those manufactured before the fall of the former Soviet Union. As a matter of fact, I recently purchased, at very reasonable prices (on e-Bay), a Kiev and a FED. Both of these rangefinders are, in my opinion, built like tanks!

These cameras have an amazing production history, although the models I purchsed were of a more modern design, a Kiev 4am and a FED-5. I haven't received my FED, yet, but here's a photo of my actual Kiev 4am, it was manufactured in 1983 at the Arsenal factory.

Kiev 4am Russian Ranefinder Camera

Keep in mind, these cameras are not for your average "point and shoot" photographer, as there is absolutely nothing automatic about them (hooray)! My Kiev 4am doesn't even have a light meter, but the FED-5 does.

I'm an old photographer from way back, and needed no instructions, although the manual was printed in Russian, anyway).

More Info on Russian Cameras


Other Russian cameras I'm looking into are versions of the Kiev, an SLR and medium format, as well as some SLR models of the Zenit.

- copyright 2004-05 info4net.com -
Special thanks to my dear, departed, friend FinnBear for his Soviet Insignia