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A silly purchase: Menopta 1.8/53mm
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PostPosted: Wed Jan 11, 2012 8:47 pm    Post subject: A silly purchase: Menopta 1.8/53mm Reply with quote

I always found this lens to be intriguing. The Menopta is essentially a Helios 103 with a different name. It was made for two years in 1993 and '94 as a special series, apparently as an alternative to the Jupiter 8s, for overhauled kiev rangefinders. Arsenal had ceased production on its contax copies in 1986-87 so it's interesting that this lens was made 6 years after. Perhaps they were just reconditioning old left-over parts?

The silly thing is I don't own a Kiev Rolling Eyes Time to get buying!

Some people actually report the Menopta being better than the average Helios 103. I have my doubts. Still fun though!

Anyone have any experience?


PostPosted: Wed Jan 11, 2012 10:17 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Laughing No I never see any locally, if you buy a KIEV try to buy KIEV III that is Contax I have two of them both like Swiss watch, more accurate than my genuine Contax Wink later KIEVs are cheap , most of them slow above 1/125 they are not maintained well. Need a bit luck to get a good working one.


PostPosted: Thu Jan 12, 2012 12:37 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I've inquired at Fedka here in the U.S. I specifically requested a pre-1970s meterless Kiev 4. I don't mind spending a little more for a sure-to-work CLA'ed cam. We'll see...


PostPosted: Tue Jan 24, 2012 3:54 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

My request at Fedka was successful. Yuri had a 1960 Kiev 4a and the matching Jupiter 8 with a "P" coating symbol.

Everything should be with me by the end of the week. Very Happy


PostPosted: Sat Jan 28, 2012 9:10 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I got everything on the same day. What a beautiful combo. The optical quality of the later Helios 103 combined with the build quality of a 1960 Kiev 4a.



PostPosted: Sat Jan 28, 2012 11:05 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

themoleman342 wrote:
I got everything on the same day. What a beautiful combo. The optical quality of the later Helios 103 combined with the build quality of a 1960 Kiev 4a.

This is my everyday shooting combo, the Kiev 4m and Helios 103. Very Happy