Cameras that were modernized on Kiev 88 base
Great feature of Kiev 88 / 688 and HARTBLEI 1008 / 1006 cameras is modularity. Instead of Kiev 60 / 456 camera, Kiev 88 / 688 and HARTBLEI 1008 / 1006 are modular cameras with interchangeable film backs and viewfinders. Photographer can build own camera, exactly for own professional needs.
One of the drawbacks of original Kiev 88 camera is a considerable dynamic impact in the result of simultaneous actuation of the mirror and shutter. These results in camera shake at the moment of exposure and thus in a blurred picture. It is especially important at macrophotography.
The other weak points of this camera are: a limited use of interchangeable lenses (only with K88 mount); a rigid shutter release; light-colored metal shutter curtains which can create flares inside the camera and impure picture quality; absence of a tripod plate that frequently is a reason of camera mechanisms breaking.
The base model of the Kiev 88 camera, offered by Hartblei, is completely reassembled and adjusted inner modification of the camera Kiev 88, made by Kiev Arsenal plant.
HARTBLEI is a trademark of cameras, which are compatible with HASSELBLAD (except lenses). The distinction between Kiev and HARTBLEI models consists only that HARTBLEI camera is compatible with HASSELBLAD on the mechanics of body and film magazines. In all the rest they are identical.
Hartblei Company offers the all camera bodies are coated internally with light-absorbing material, which effectively prevents extraneous light from reaching the negative and reducing its contrast values. The black curtains of the shutter absorb any stray light and prevent dazzles inside the camera. Tripod plate on the camera bottom improves reliability of the shutter speed mechanism. Numerous other changes and improvements are made (for example, a new braking mechanism which essentially increases the camera's life) making these cameras much better than ordinary Kiev 88.
Hartblei Company makes several basic versions of the camera on Kiev 88 base:
| Camera | Compatibility | Lens mount | Mirror lock-up |
| Kiev 88 | K88 | ||
| Kiev 88 M | K88 |  |
|
| Kiev 688 | P6 (twist-and-lock type) | ||
| Kiev 688 M | P6 (twist-and-lock type) | |
|
| Kiev 88 CM | P6 (breech-lock type) | ||
| Kiev 88 CM MLU | P6 (breech-lock type) | |
|
| HARTBLEI 1008 | Hasselblad compatible | K88 | |
| HARTBLEI 1008 M | Hasselblad compatible | K88 | |
| HARTBLEI 1006 | Hasselblad compatible | P6 (twist-and-lock type) | |
| HARTBLEI 1006 M | Hasselblad compatible | P6 (twist-and-lock type) | |
The distinctive feature of the Master model (marked "M") for Kiev and HARTBLEI cameras is a capability of mirror control during the shooting. It allows to lock-up the mirror before releasing the shutter by pressing the mirror release lever. The mirror control mechanism allows avoiding undesirable impact from mirror actuation with a shutter release and thus improving image sharpness.
