Kiev 15

This is one of the strangest cameras in the world. It is a Leicaflex copy in its diecast body design but it has a shutter like no other camera. Kiev 10, and 15 were a shutter priority auto exposure SLR with an unusual semi rotary focal plane shutter. When the shutter is released, the first blade set rotates by helical spring (below) and the second blade set covers the aperture by the same manner. At high shutter speeds, the first and second blades create a triangular slit. The viewfinder is slightly angled to provide sufficient room needed for the shutter unit. Shutter speeds range from ½ to 1/1000 sec. plus B.

In Kiev 15, the shutter assembly is secured inside the diecast body like a gate dropped in front of a castle, a somewhat overkill design. The mechanism is a bit bulky, and as it's drawn here in their repair manual, it looks like the plans for heavy machinery in a cement factory. You do see intricacy in the mirror mechanism (looks like Leicaflex), and use of ball bearings around the aperture setting ring for increased sensitivity.

Not an easy Repair !