ARAX 60 MLU (c. 2002–?)

It clicks like a tank hatch sealing — heavy, deliberate, and built to outlive trends.

Overview

The ARAX-60 MLU isn’t some rediscovered relic from the Cold War attic — it’s a deliberate resurrection. Hand-built in Kyiv by ARAX (AraxFoto), the last camera manufacturer standing in Ukraine, this medium format SLR is a rebirth of the old Kiev-60 platform, but with the rough edges sanded down and the weak points reinforced. Think of it as what the Kiev should’ve been: all-metal, all-mechanical, and upgraded where it counted. It’s not trying to win beauty contests, but if you value raw reliability and the tactile satisfaction of a camera that feels like it was forged rather than assembled, the ARAX 60 MLU earns its keep.

It’s a 6x6 cm medium format workhorse, designed for 120 film, and built around the widely supported Pentacon Six (P6) lens mount — a huge plus for anyone who’s scoured eBay for Contax or Zeiss glass. The “MLU” in the name isn’t marketing fluff; it’s a real mirror lock-up system, a thoughtful upgrade over the original Kiev design, giving photographers more control in long exposures or macro work. And unlike many Eastern Bloc relics, this one comes from the factory with meaningful improvements: a flocked interior to reduce internal reflections, a brighter focusing screen with split-image and microprism aids, and a shutter mechanism that’s been gone over with care to extend its life.

But let’s be real — it’s not subtle. Owners report it looks and feels “huge and a bit cumbersome,” and at 1085g for the body alone (1505g with the TTL pentaprism), it’s no pocket companion. The shutter’s “hefty and satisfying clunk” is music to some ears, but it’s also undeniably noisy — not the camera you’d sneak into a quiet ceremony. And while the body is entirely mechanical (no batteries needed), the optional TTL pentaprism finder brings in an uncoupled light meter that’s functional but fiddly, requiring manual input via three separate knobs for ISO, aperture, and reading. It turns on momentarily, then shuts off — efficient, maybe, but not exactly intuitive.

Still, the consensus among those who’ve used it leans positive. One reviewer summed it up: “I really like this one but it do still have some problems.” That’s the honest truth of the ARAX 60 MLU — it’s not perfect, but it’s a lot of camera for the effort.

Specifications

Key Features

Mirror Lock-Up (MLU) – Finally Done Right

One of the standout upgrades on the ARAX 60 MLU is the mirror lock-up system — a feature conspicuously absent or poorly implemented on many Kiev-60s. Here, it’s a dedicated button on the right side of the body, and a new upgraded MLU system is installed on models ordered with the feature. This isn’t just for show; it lets you lock the mirror up before exposure, eliminating vibration in critical long exposures or macro shots. It’s a pro-level touch on a camera that otherwise wears its utilitarian roots on its sleeve.

Focusing Screen & Viewfinder Flexibility

The focusing screen is brighter and cleaner than the original Kiev’s, with interchangeable inserts that include a split-image rangefinder and microprism collar — a huge help for manual focus accuracy. And because the viewfinder is changeable, you can swap between a waist-level finder for low-angle work or a TTL pentaprism for eye-level shooting. The TTL version even includes an uncoupled light meter, though as one reviewer noted, it’s “a bit cumbersome” — you have to manually set ISO and aperture, then read the exposure value from a separate knob. It works, but it’s not seamless.

Reinforced Mechanics, Flocked Interior

ARAX didn’t just repaint the Kiev — they went under the hood. The film advance and shutter mechanisms are upgraded, with the shutter rebuilt to improve reliability and lifespan. Any known deficiencies in the basic Kiev design are addressed through reinforcement or replacement. Inside, the camera body is flocked with light-absorbing fabric on the top and bottom to reduce internal reflections and flaring — a thoughtful detail that shows this isn’t just a cosmetic refresh.

The SE Version – Customization for Connoisseurs

For those who want more than just function, there’s the SE version — a made-to-order kit that lets you personalize your ARAX. Options include a black metal finish, crocodile leather covering, custom engraving, and a choice of focusing screen. It’s not just a camera; it’s a statement piece for collectors who appreciate hand-built craftsmanship in an age of mass production.

Historical Context

ARAX has been producing upgraded versions of older Ukrainian cameras since around 2002, stepping into the void left by the collapse of Soviet-era manufacturing. The ARAX-60 MLU was created as a more reliable alternative to the Pentacon Six, which has long been plagued by film winding and frame overlap issues. It also stands in contrast to its direct predecessor, the Kiev-60, which, while rugged, was notoriously inconsistent in build quality and prone to mechanical failures.

Compared to other medium format SLRs of its lineage — like the Exakta 66 or even the Bronica — the ARAX doesn’t reinvent the wheel. Instead, it refines it. By addressing known weaknesses and offering modernized features like MLU and improved screens, ARAX carved out a niche for photographers who wanted the P6 mount’s lens ecosystem without the gamble of buying a used Kiev. It’s a camera built by enthusiasts, for enthusiasts — with Gevorg Vartanyan, one of the last craftsmen still building custom medium format cameras, playing a key role in its production.

Collectibility & Value

As of 2014, the ARAX 60 MLU was priced at $285 for the body only — a remarkable value for a hand-upgraded, all-metal medium format SLR. A full kit with the waist-level finder, TTL prism, and ARAX 80mm f/2.8 lens went for $449. One forum user noted that a new ARAX 60 MLU with lens, both finders, bag, and a full year’s warranty cost about the same as a used 1970s Bronica EC with a 75mm f/2.8 lens — but without the Bronica’s prism. That kind of value proposition made the ARAX an attractive alternative for budget-conscious medium format shooters.

However, it’s not without flaws. The most commonly reported issue — inherited from the Kiev-60 — is inconsistency at the fastest shutter speeds. One reviewer confirmed: “It’s not uncommon that the Kiev 60 can have some problems with fastest shutter speeds. This can give uneven exposures or in some cases a very inaccurate shutter speeds at 1/500 and 1/1000. I also have this problem on this camera.” This isn’t a dealbreaker, but it’s a known risk. And while the body is solid, the black paint is said to chip “somewhat easily” — a small but noticeable flaw for collectors.

Still, the thumbs-up list is long: solid build, mirror lock-up, changeable viewfinders, and exceptional value. The downsides? No auto-return mirror (the mirror stays up until you cock the shutter), some residual internal reflection despite flocking, and that loud, clunky operation. But for those who prioritize reliability and modularity over silence and polish, the ARAX 60 MLU remains a compelling option — especially if you can find one already serviced.

eBay Listings

ARAX 60 MLU Carl Zeiss MC Sonnar 2.8 180mm & MC Biometar 2.8

$1,580

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Service Manuals & Schematics

• Owner's Manual — archive.org
• Owner's Manual — archive.org

Related Models

• ARAX 645
• Asahi Pentax Pentax 67 (1990-1999)