Contax developments/prototypes?

[iangreenhalgh1]

I've been reading about Contax and Kiev cameras recently and keep finding mention of various prototypes and developments that never entered large scale production, but details of such are sparse.

I found this on Marco Cavina's site:



And a tiny bit of info about the never mass produced Kiev-TTL:



Or course, there is also the Kiev 5 which did make it into production:



So, what info do people have about prototypes and developments of the Contax/Kiev?

[themoleman342]

One of the more noteworthy developments for the Kiev 5 was the REKORD-4 0.9/52mm lens: http://www.sovietcams.com/index.php?-1615255436

[iangreenhalgh1]

Indeed, shame they didn't mass produce them in quantity like they did with other lenses.



Intimidating looking combo

This picture of a late Kiev shows clearly the developments made to the wind and rewind knobs:



Albeit, that's a rare one with black painted top plate.

[Attila]

[iangreenhalgh1]

Yes, and think of the size and weight compared to a Sonnar 1.5/50 or J-3.