Kiev 4
The Kiev 4 is a Soviet 35mm coupled-rangefinder camera produced at the Arsenal factory in Kiev, with a design lineage derived from the pre-war Zeiss Contax. It uses a Contax-type bayonet mount and sits in the mid-century rangefinder category, positioned as a general-purpose 35mm system camera during its long Soviet production run.
At UK auction in recent years the Kiev 4 has been a low-ticket rangefinder, with hammer prices ranging from around £35 to £150 and a typical result landing near £80. As of 2026, value is strongly condition-led: clean, working bodies with a responsive shutter and accurate rangefinder sell for noticeably more than cosmetically tired examples, and most saleroom results reflect wholesale levels rather than retail asking prices.
Sales History
Prices shown are UK auction hammer results — the wholesale level achieved in the saleroom. Neither buyer’s nor seller’s commission is included. Dealer and retail asking prices are typically higher.
Prices updated: January 2025
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| Jan 2025 | £151 | Chiswick Auctions | |
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Auction: Photographica (Lot 190) Title: A Chrome Kiev 4 Contax Copy Outfit.
Description:
A Chrome Kiev 4 Contax Copy Outfit. Comprising body #7515477 (shutter firing) with 50mm f2 Jupiter 8M lens, a chrome 85mm f2 Jupiter 9 and a chrome ... read more |
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| Jan 2025 | £113 | Chiswick Auctions | |
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Auction: Photographica (Lot 195) Title: Kiev 4 Rangefinder Outfit.
Description:
Kiev 4 Rangefinder Outfit. Comprising a Kiev 4 body (shutter firing, signs of light use) with a 50mm f2 Jupiter 8M, 3.5cm f2.8 Jupiter 12 and a 135mm ... read more |
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| Aug 2024 | £35 | Special Auction Services | |
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Auction: TWO DAY: Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 552) Title: A Kiev 4 Rangefinder Camera
Description:
A Kiev 4 Rangefinder Camera, shutter working, light cell responsive, self timer working, rangefinder working, body G, with Jupiter 8M 50mm f/2 lens, |
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| Jun 2024 | £50 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Auction (Lot 170) Title: A Kiev 4 Rangefinder Camera Outfit
Description:
silver, serial number 7510880, body G, shutter not working, with Jupiter-8M f/2 50mm lens, barrel VG, optics G, light cleaning marks, and a |
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| Jun 2024 | £12 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Auction (Lot 162) Title: A Kiev 4 Rangefinder Camera
Description:
silver, serial number 7810558, body G, shutter working but speeds not accurate, with Jupiter-8M f/2 50mm lens, barrel VG, optics F-G, light cleaning |
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| Jan 2021 | £99 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Cameras, Scientific & Collectables (Lot 359) Title: A Kiev 4 Rangefinder Camera
Description:
chrome, serial number 7815033, with Jupiter-9 f/2 85mm lens, serial number N7406974, body, G, shutter sticks on slow speeds, lens, VG-E, lens (Qty: 1) |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Kiev 4 worth today?
Recent UK auction hammer prices have run from about £35 to £150, with most working examples selling for roughly £80 depending on cosmetics and shutter condition.
How much does a Kiev 4 sell for at auction?
Saleroom results in the UK have clustered between £35 and £150, so a clean, functional body typically sells for a price in the middle of that band.
Is the Kiev 4 a good value 35mm rangefinder?
Relative to other Contax-derived rangefinders its price is modest, which is why buyers often see it as a value entry point into the Contax bayonet system, provided the shutter and rangefinder check out.
Does the meterless Kiev 4A sell for more or less?
The 4A variant omits the selenium meter, and at this price level the two versions tend to trade in a similar range, with condition mattering more than the meter itself.