Camera Kiev 88, Kiev 88 TTL - Instructions for use

It's the original version of the Kiev Arsenal instructions for Kiev 88 and Kiev
88 TTL cameras, written by the Kiev Arsenal and published here without
changes.

General Notes

Camera Main Units and Parts

Operating Procedure

Preparing the Camera for Loading

Magazine Loading

Preparing the Magazine for Shooting

Preparing the Camera for Shooting

Shooting

Determining the Exposure Time with the TTL viewfinder

Replacing the Power Supply Source

Unloading the Camera

Replacing the Lens

Flash Photography

Use of Light Filters

Care

General Notes
Since efforts are continually made to improve the reliability and
performance of the product, minor changes may be introduced without
special notice.
The Kiev 88 is a medium-size reflex camera with an all-metal curtain shutter
and interchangeable magazines of sizes 6x6 or 6x4.5 cm.
Full (extended) delivery kit includes: camera body, MC Arsat 80mm / f=2.8
lens with rubber lens shade, UV-1 and YG-1.4 filters, front lens cap, TTLmetered prism finder, rubber eye cup for prism finder, folding waist level
finder, plastic cap for bottom of finder when not on camera, two 6x6 cm 120
type film backs (old type), camera strap.

The camera is intended for amateur photography.

With a proper handling and care it will enable you to obtain high-quality
slides, large-size black-and-white or color pictures.
The camera is designed for use of a 61.5-mm wide imperforated roll-film
(type 120).
The camera curtain shutter offers exposure times over a range from 1/1000
to 1/2 s and manual exposure "B".
The shutter cocking mechanism is interlocked with the film transport
mechanism, thus preventing double film exposure.
The camera comes complete with lens MC Volna 3 (MC Arsat). The lens is
provided with a special multilayer antireflection coating (MC) which
upgrades the image quality and enhances its contrast due to betterintegrated transparency and reduced light dispersion.
The focal length of the lens is 80 mm, the relative aperture is 1:2.8, the
diaphragm setting limit is 22, the near focusing limit is 0.6 m.
The sharp focusing is carried out with the aid of a micro raster or a range
finder wedge arranged in the centre of the field of view and with the aid of a
ground-glass surface.
Design of the camera envisages the use of interchangeable lenses. The
lenses are fitted on a threaded bayonet. The hood-type viewfinder enables
the picture to be viewed on the ground-glass surface with or without a
magnifying lens. The field of vision of the hood-type viewfinder measures
53x53 mm. Magnification of the TTL prism finder eyepiece is 3x, the field of
vision measures 53x53 mm.
Schematic representation of the field of vision when operating with the
interchangeable viewfinders is given in the Figure:

The camera is complete (basic kit) with two interchangeable magazines of

sizes 6x6 cm, which allow to obtain 12 pictures of film type 120.
The camera is provided with a synchronizer for photographing with
electronic cable and cable less flash lamps. The camera loading consists in
fitting the magazine with the film in the camera.
The interchangeable magazines offer the opportunity for quick change in
the process of photographing from a black-and-white to a color film or to a
more or less sensitive film. The magazine may be removed from the camera
irrespective of the number of the pictures taken. Each magazine is provided
with an automatic picture counter and a film speed setting scale of the
loaded film.
The camera operates in the temperature interval from -15 to +45 C.
Before starting the photographing, please get acquainted in detail with
these Instructions and you will know all the peculiarities of use of the
camera.
Camera Main Units and Parts
1. lens
2. lens focusing ring
3. distance scale
4. depth-of-field scale
5. diaphragm and distance scale index
6. diaphragm scale
7. red dot for lens fitting
8. lens fixing screw
9. depth-of-field visual check lever
10.finder hood
11.time exposure scale index
12.shutter cocking and exposure time setting knob

13.red dot on camera for lens fitting

14.exposure scale
15.shutter with all-metal (golden or black dim) or light-tight rubberised
fabric curtain
16.camera body
17.release button
18.lens retainer button
19.finder hood button
20.flash lamp yoke
21.synchronizer plug socket
22.shoulder strap attachment button
23.tripod socket (with 3/8" or 1/4" thread - optional)
24.magazine
25.film rewinding knob
26.film exposure indicator window
27.picture counter window
28.film transport mechanism lock handle
29.shutter
30.magazine lock button
31.take-up spool
32.film speed setting scale
33.magazine transport mechanism
34.feed spool support

Preparing the Camera for Loading

Take the camera out of the case.
Insert shutter 29 as far as it will go.
Having displaced button 30 in direction of the arrow and having turned
magazine 24 as shown in the Figure, remove the magazine from the camera.
The magazine lock will open only with the shutter pushed home.

Magazine Loading
CAUTION: When loading the magazine with a film take care that the number
on the paper label of the transport mechanism complies with the number on
the label glued on the magazine body.
The magazine can be loaded with the film in daylight (preferably in a
shade).
Remove shutter 29 from the magazine, lift handle 28, turn it fully counterclockwise and withdraw transport mechanism 33.

Tear off the paper label from the leader end.

Shift plate 35 through 90 deg., place the spool with the film into the seat
and reset the plate to the initial position. In this case the protruding centre
of plate 35 should enter the spool hole.
Turn handle 28 fully clockwise, shift plate 37 through 90 deg. and insert the
take-up spool into the seat. Reset plate 37 to the initial position so that its
driver would enter the spool end face slit.
Pass the film leader on the guide roller, thread it under pressure plate 36,
pass it on the second guide roller, fit the leader end in the take-up spool and
wind the leader by rotating the take-up spool. In so doing, see to it that the
leader would be wound without skewing or crumpling of its edges.
Turn handle 28 counter-clockwise. In this case pressure plate 36 will press
the leader to the table. When the magazine is properly loaded, the film
leader dark side should face the lens. Lift one of halves of knob 25 by
turning through 90 deg. and set figure "1" in picture counter window 27 by
rotating the knob in the direction reverse to the arrow.

Insert transport mechanism 33 into the magazine housing as far as it will go,
slightly turning knob 25 in the direction of the arrow. Reset knob 25 to the
initial position.
Turn handle 28 fully clockwise and after making sure that the lock has fixed
the transport mechanism, reset the handle to the initial position. Insert
shutter 29 home.
Preparing the Magazine for Shooting
Open window 38.
Lift knob 25 and rotate it in the direction of the arrow until the figure "1"
appears in window 38, which corresponds, to the first picture in the film.
Set the loaded film sensitivity value on film speed setting scale 32. For this
purpose turn the disk with the scale until the sensitivity value coincides with
the index.
CAUTION: When loading a magazine with a film make sure that figure "1" is
set in windows 27 and 38. If you fail to meet the requirements, the shots will
go superimposed in shooting.

Preparing the Camera for Shooting

Cock the shutter by turning knob 12 fully in the direction of the arrow
available on its body. Fit loaded magazine 24 on the camera catches and,
turning the magazine in the direction of the arrow, attach it to the camera
until the lock has operated.

CAUTION: Install the newly loaded magazine on the camera only with the
camera shutter cocked and magazine shutter 29 pushed home.
When installing the magazine with a partially exposed film, see to it that the
color of signals in windows 26 and 39 should be similar, otherwise a double
exposure or a picture omission may occur. The state of film and camera
shutter is determined depending on the color of signals in these windows
(ref. to the Table).
Signals
color

Window 26 (on the film

magazine)

Window 39 (on the camera

body)

White

The current frame is not

exposed

The shutter is cocked

Red

The current frame is exposed

The shutter is released

Shooting
The process of photographing consists of the following steps:

shutter cocking and film transporting;

exposure setting;

diaphragm setting;

viewing;

focusing;

shutter releasing.

Cock the shutter and transport the film by turning knob 12 fully. At the
beginning of cocking the shutter a slight increase of the force applied to the
knob is possible.

When the shutter is being cocked:

the film is automatically rewound;

the next picture number is set in window 27;

the white signals are set in windows 26 and 39;

the mirror is lowered to the operating position;

the lens diaphragm aperture is fully opened.

Set the exposure time only when the shutter is cocked by knob 12. Pull the
knob in the direction of the arrow and turn it in any direction until the
exposure time value on scale 14 coincides with index 11 arranged on the
camera housing. Lower the knob in this position so that it would be fixed.
Set the lens diaphragm by turning the ring with scale 6 until the chosen
diaphragm aperture value coincides with index 5. The scale is fixed on all
marked divisions of diaphragm apertures.
Open finder hood 10 for viewing by shifting button 19 in the direction of the
arrow. With the repeated shifting of the button the viewfinder magnifying
lens is set to the operating position.

Focus the camera with the aid of the ground-glass surface with a
microraster and a rangefinder wedge or with the aid of the distance scale by
turning ring 2 with the scale. The focusing is to be carried out only with the
shutter cocked when the mirror is in the working position and the diaphragm
is fully opened.
The depth of field is determined with the aid of the distance scale by means
of additional scale 4.
The depth of field can be visually checked by the image of the object
components on the ground-glass surface in the field of view of the
viewfinder after pressing on lever 9 fully downward. In this case the lens is
stopped down to the earlier pre-set value. When released, the lever
automatically returns to the initial position and the diaphragm is fully
opened.
The framing and focusing over, remove magazine shutter 29 and release the
camera shutter by pressing smoothly on release button 17 as far as it will
go.
When the camera shutter is being released:

the mirror automatically swings to the upper position;

the diaphragm aperture closes to the pre-set value;

the film is exposed;

the red signals are set in windows 26 and 39.

At the exposure times over 1/30 s it is recommended to carry out the

photographing from a tripod. With the use of exposure times from 1/8 to 1/2
s the release button is to be released after the complete operation of the
shutter. Tripod sockets 23 in the camera are provided with thread 3/8" (or
with 1/4" - optional).
The camera shutter can be released with the aid of a straight thread, which
is screwed into the threaded hole of release button 17.

The shooting over, fold the finder hood. For this purpose press the
viewfinder magnifying lens to cap 40 until it is fixed, fold the side walls, then
the rear wall and, while holding the rear wall, close cap 40 until it is fixed by
a lock.
Determining the Exposure Time with the TTL viewfinder
With the use of camera Kiev 88 TTL you can determine the exposure time
and the diaphragm aperture with the aid of an exposure meter built into the
prismatic viewfinder.
Advantage and convenience of the TTL measurement system lies in the
automatic control of all factors affecting the value of the exposure time. The
field of measurement of the exposure time meter is in the central part of the
viewfinder field of vision and has an oval shape (ref. to the Figure).

The exposure time meter ensures measurements in the range of brightness

of 2 to 16 000 cd/m2, in this case the film-in-use sensitivity value is taken
into account. Voltage of the power supply source is 4.5 V.
When preparing the prismatic viewfinder TTL for operation set the film
sensitivity on its calculator by turning handle 42 until the film speed value in
ISO units appears in window 43.
Set on the calculator the value of the lens speed by turning scale 45 until
the appropriate value coincides with index 46.
The lens speed means the number corresponding to the maximum relative
aperture. For example, for lens MC Volna 3 - 80mm / f=2.8 the maximum
relative aperture is 2.8.

Turn on the exposure time meter having depressed button 44. Upon its
turning-on, release the button. The exposure time meter will operate for 15

s, then it will automatically turn off. For its repeated turning-on depress the
button again. While viewing in viewfinder eyepiece 47, aim the camera on
the object so that its image would be arranged within the field of view of the
viewfinder. Depending on the brightness of the object being photographed,
in the upper part of the field of view of the viewfinder you will see the
luminescence of one of the signals:

Should the "Little light" red signal (Fig. No.1), located on the left in the field
of view of the viewfinder, be seen, slowly turn calculator ring 48 counterclockwise until the "Sufficient light'" second red signal appears.
Should the "Much light" red signal (Fig. No.2), located on the right, be seen,
turn ring 48 clockwise until the second red signal appears. With the
calculator in this position (two red signals light up, Fig. No.3), choose the
"exposure-diaphragm" pair required for photographing by using the
exposure scale and the diaphragm scale, e.g. exposure 1/30 s is opposite
diaphragm value 2.8 (ref to the Figure), 1/15 s is opposite 4, 1/8 s is
opposite 5.6, 1/2 s is opposite 11.

Set the values of exposure and diaphragm, chosen for photographing, on

the camera exposure scale and on the lens diaphragm scale.
Replacing the Power Supply Source
The battery rated for 4.5 V and sizing diameter 11.6x16.2 mm serves as a
power supply source (G13 / A76 / LR44 cell type, 3 pieces).
The serviceability of the power supply source is controlled by means of
lighting signals, which light up in the field of view of the viewfinder
eyepiece. The absence of signals with button 44 depressed is indicative of
the necessity of replacement of the power supply source.

To replace or install the power supply source, unscrew cap 49 and, observing
the polarity ("+" of the power supply source should be arranged from the
end of the cap on which the "+" symbol is engraved), install it into the seat.
Unloading the Camera
The shooting can last until figure "12" appears in the picture counter
window, indicating that the film has been fully used. After this fully insert
magazine shutter 29 and remove the magazine from the camera. Lift knob
25 and rotate it in the direction of the arrow until the film has been rewound
on the take-up spool. The rewinding should be carried out smoothly, without
seizure. Otherwise it is essential to stop the rewinding, extract the transport
mechanism as it is indicated below and eliminate the cause of the film
seizure. Check that the film rewinding is over by looking into window 38. Lift
and turn handle 29 fully clockwise.
Remove transport mechanism 33 from the magazine. Turn plate 37, remove
the spool with exposed film and glue the leader with a paper label.
Reset the spool into the seat and return plate 37 to the initial position,
Install the transport mechanism into the magazine and close the magazine
lock.

Replacing the Lens

Design of the camera envisages the use of interchangeable lenses.
To remove the lens, depress button 18, turn the lens fully counter-clockwise
and detach it. When fitting the lens on the camera, match red dot 7 on its
base with red dot 13 on the camera ring. Insert the lens and turn it
clockwise until it is locked.

The following interchangeable lenses and converters are produced for the
Kiev 88 camera:

Zodiak 8 - 30mm / f=3.5 fish-eye

Arsat - 30mm / f=3.5 fish-eye

MC Arsat - 30mm / f=3.5 fish-eye

Mir 26 - 45mm / f=3.5

MC Arsat - 45mm / f=3.5

MC PCS Arsat - 45mm / f=3.5 shift

MC PCS Arsat - 55mm / f=4.5 shift

Mir 38 - 65mm / f=3.5

MC PCS Arsat - 65mm / f=3.5 shift

MC Volna 3 (MC Arsat) - 80mm / f=2.8

MC Vega 28 - 120mm / f=2.8

Kaleinar 3 - 150mm / f=2.8

MC Telear 5 - 250mm / f=5.6

Jupiter 36 - 250mm / f=3.5

MC APO Arsat Macro - 500mm / f=5.6

Arsat - 600mm / f=8 mirror

MC Arsat - 1.4x teleconverter

MC K-6 - 2x teleconverter

Flash Photography
The camera incorporates a synchronizer, which ensures a synchronous
operation of the shutter with electronic flash lamps. In case of

photographing with a cable less flash lamp it should be mounted in yoke 20.
Connection of the flash lamp with cable is effected via plug socket 21.

When photographing with electronic flash lamps, the synchronization is

ensured at the exposure of 1/30 s and over.
The photographing with flash lamps is to be carried out in accordance with
the directions for use supplied with them.
When the flash lamp is connected via plug socket 21, insert the screw-plate
(available in the set) into yoke 20.
Use of Light Filters
The camera set includes the light filters with a M62x0.75 thread used as
attachments screwed into the front part of the lens mount.
The UV-1x achromatic light filter is colorless and is used for weakening the
effect of ultraviolet rays, e.g. when photographing in high mountains or
when using a color film.
The YG-1.4x light filter is yellow-green, light one, improves the reproduction
of tonal values of multicolored objects on the highly sensitive photographic
materials with only insignificant loss of their sensitivity. On the mediumsensitive photographic materials the practically correct reproduction of tonal
values of multicolored objects is obtained.
Care
Protect the camera from dust, moisture, snow, harmful vapors, jerks, jolting,
impacts and sharp temperature variations.
Handle the camera with care, do not exert the excessive efforts in handling
it, keep the camera clean.
Do not remove the lens without an utmost necessity since this may result in
dirt and dust getting into the camera.
Clean the camera regularly. Remove the dust from its external and internal
surfaces with a soft brush or blow off the dust with the aid of a rubber bulb.
Thoroughly protect the optical components from getting dusty or dirty, try to

avoid touching them with fingers. Protect the camera shutter curtains from
mechanical damage as they are made of very thin metallic foil.
Store the camera in the case, close the lens with a cap.
Having brought the camera from the frosty weather into the warm premises,
do not open it immediately, let it become gradually warmed up in the case
for 2-3 h.
When some defects or faults have been discovered, do not carry out the
repair on your own.