What are Kiev Cameras?

Kiev cameras are produced by the state-run factory Arsenal in Kiev, Ukraine. They are fully-mechanical, fully-manual, big, heavy, funny-smelling medium format cameras. Why use a Kiev? There are several reasons. The first and foremost reason that people get into Kiev cameras is that they're cheap. Really cheap. You can get a brand new interchangeable-lens, interchangeable-back medium format SLR kit with lens, metered finder, and a couple film backs for around $500. The second reason is that they have one of the largest systems of lenses and accessories available for any camera in the world. In addition to the large line of lenses, finders, backs, and accessories manufactured by Arsenal, P-6 mount Kievs can be used with lenses made by Carl Zeiss Jena, Schneider-Kreuznach, Pentacon, and others. Some Kiev cameras are also compatible with Hasselblad finders and film backs. Kiev manufactures quite a few types of cameras, but I will focus on the medium format SLR offerings because they tend to be type most people are interested in.