I recently acquired this Kiev 19 with a Helios 81N. Everything appeared to be functioning well on initial inspection, but after shooting and developing a roll, this was the only picture to come out; the rest of the roll was blank. I tested the camera once more without film, could find nothing wrong, thought the film itself was bad, so shot another roll. After rewinding the second roll, I kept playing with the camera; everything was functioning fine, but eventually the shutter curtain failed to open.
The shutter curtain on the Kiev 19 seems to open and close properly on slower speeds, but fails to open on higher ones. Occasionally, it does open. It seemed operational when I first received the camera, but I guess it was playing a trick on me. I tried to find some repair instructions, but had no luck. It probably just needs a CLA to clear the problem, so I do have someone that can do that; however, the seller of the camera is kindly sending a replacement camera, so fingers crossed that one will work.
The Kiev 19 uses the Nikon F-mount, so I tried the Helios 81N it came with on my FM10. It's a solidly built lens. Happy with the photos from it. Will post them soon.
Kiev 19
Helios 81N
Kodak Gold 200
Home Developed Unicolor/Argentix
Pakon F135 Scan
Tags: Kiev 19 Helios 81N Kodak Gold 200 home developed Unicolor Press Kit Argentix.ca C-41 Powder Kit Pakon F135
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Quick test of my Kiev 19 replacement, loaded with expired Kodak GC/Ultramax 400. The curtain on this one opens and closes at all speeds.
I also received my order of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and washing soda, so with instant coffee and salt, I now have all the ingredients to try some caffenol development.
Kiev 19
Helios 81N
Kodak GC/Ultramax 400, expired
Unicolor/Argentix development
Pakon F135
Tags: Kiev 19 Helios 81N camera test Kodak GC/Ultramax 400 expired film caffenol ingredients instant coffee iodized salt ascorbic acid vitamin C washing soda
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Kiev 19
Helios 81N
Kodak Gold 200
Unicolor/Argentix
Pakon F135
Tags: cabbage leafy veggies gardening Kiev 19 Helios 81N Kodak Gold 200 home developed Unicolor Press Kit Pakon F135 Argentix.ca C-41 Powder Kit
© All Rights Reserved
Kiev 19
Helios 81N
Kodak Gold 200
Unicolor/Argentix
Pakon F135
Tags: lettuce leafy green veggies gardening Kiev 19 Helios 81N Kodak Gold 200 Unicolor Press Kit Argentix.ca C-41 Powder Kit home developed Pakon F135
© All Rights Reserved
Kiev 19
Helios 81N
Kodak Gold 200
Unicolor/Argentix
Pakon F135
Tags: lettuce leafy green veggies gardening Kiev 19 Helios 81N Kodak Gold 200 Unicolor Press Kit Argentix.ca C-41 Powder Kit home developed Pakon F135
© All Rights Reserved