Kiev 35A (1985–1991)

The Kiev 35A is a compact, full-frame 35mm viewfinder camera made by the Arsenal Factory in Kiev, Ukraine, from 1985 to 1991. It is widely described as a near-copy of the Minox 35 EL. It runs slightly larger than the German camera, but it is a clone. The main difference is optical: the Kiev uses a Korsar 2.8/35 lens instead of the Minotar found on the Minox.

Operation is simple. Pull down the front cover and the lens extends, revealing the battery compartment, which takes four LR-43 cells. The camera has aperture-priority automatic exposure with manual focus from 0.9m to infinity, ISO settings from 25 to 800, and flash sync at 1/30. Shutter speeds run from 1 second to 1/500.

Reputation is mixed, and the bad press is earned. The camera is known for quality-control problems. Light leaks in particular are frequently reported, and owners often advise taping the back. Lomography (Italian) took a somewhat more favorable view, noting that while it is reviewed online as having some small defects, first testing proved a pleasant surprise. The fit and finish doesn't compare to a Rollei 35 or even the Minox it copies, and the textured brown/green finish on at least one example was described as not very durable.

Some units do work well. John's Cameras and oldcamera.blog both note that despite the model's poor reputation, their example stood out with a responsive meter and functioning shutter. As a user camera, it's a gamble. As a novelty or part of a Minox 35 collection, it has genuine appeal. One owner paid $10 for theirs, and current listings hover around $57-65.