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   Most common questions about Arax photo services

TOP 10 Reasons to buy from ARAX
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

Q. Why should I trust you?

A. We have been in business since 2001, diligently working to establish a solid reputation. You can read feedback about us here, directly ask our purchasers, or use Google to find many satisfied users worldwide. Additionally, you can inquire about us on platforms such as Flickr or Facebook.

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Q. What about Duty and Tax?

A. Typically, we label every parcel as a GIFT on the customs declaration. Additionally, we include a Repair Invoice and indicate a low price to minimize custom taxes. In 90% of cases, this strategy is successful, and you will not incur any customs or state duties or taxes.

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Q. Where can I leave my feedback?

A.You can leave your feedback here or on independent platforms such as Facebook | Flickr | YouTube

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Q. How quickly do you send the parcels?

A. If a unit is available, we typically send it within 48 hours from the moment we receive your payment.

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Q. How long will it take to deliver the parcel to me?

A. The duration of parcel delivery can vary depending on several factors, including the destination country, chosen shipping method, and any customs processing times. Typically it takes 15-25 business days if it is delivered via Regular Airmail for USA, Western Europe, Asia. 10-12 business days for Express Airmail (EMS).

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Q. Do you provide a warranty?

A. Yes, of course. Here is Arax Warranty and Money-Back Guarantee.

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Q. Do you accept payment by credit card (VISA, MasterCard or American Express)?

A. Yes, we accept VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Discover/Novus, Diners Club, JCB cards, via Verifone (former 2CheckOut).

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Q. What about payment in the Euros?

A. It is not a problem. We accept it.

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Q. Do you use PayPal?

A. PayPal works with Ukraine and other former USSR countries with limitations. But we have a partners who accepts payments for us via PayPal without such restrictions.

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Q. How can I find out is my camera real ARAX or fake?

A. All ARAX cameras come with an ARAX nameplate and warranty card. Occasionally, by buyer request, we may produce ARAX cameras with the original KIEV nameplate, typically only 3-5 units per year.
To confirm the authenticity of an ARAX camera, look for the original ARAX warranty card bearing the camera's serial number and the signature of the ARAX founder.
It's worth noting that some sellers may use our pictures, descriptions, or ideas without permission. Please be aware that we are not responsible for any unauthorized use of content from our website www.araxfoto.com
Additionally, we cannot be held responsible for ARAX cameras purchased from sources other than our official website.

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Q. Why doesn't ARAX sell it's products via other regional or national distributors?

A. ARAX cameras are inherently limited production, custom-order items tailored to meet each buyer's unique requirements. Unlike higher-volume mass-produced businesses, completed cameras are not kept in inventory. This approach ensures the superior quality of our products.
Our team of skilled technicians can produce a limited quantity of ARAX cameras without compromising on quality. By eliminating intermediaries, we maintain competitive pricing, fast delivery, and outstanding customer service — all of which would otherwise incur additional costs passed on to the consumer.

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Q. Do you really send orders worldwide?

A. Yes, really. :)

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Q. When you'll made TILT/SHIFT adapter to use Nikon lens on Nikon camera?

A. Never. It is impossible even theoretically. You can put the ring between camera and lens, then tilt or shift the lens. But you'll have optical troubles. There are no optical problems when you use bigger lens on smaller camera. For example, medium format lenses on any digital cameras, or Nikon (Canon) lenses on micro 4/3 cameras.

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Q. Why you made TILT/SHIFT adapter for Canon camera but not for Nikon?

A. Nikon has a smaller working distance than Canon. There are no enough space to modify and put T/S mechanism. The lenses will not focus on infinity. You can use two separate adapters for tilt and for shift effect.

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Q. I have currently the issue of whether to buy a Pentacon Six, or a Kiev 6C/60. In your opinion what is more reliable?
I do not care about the appearance, but I need a CLEAR answer from the person who has good technical knowledge of the subject. It is mostly because people say that Kiev-6C is less reliable than the Pentacon, yet ALL of the Pentacons that I have encountered have some technical issues and they even may not be working; yet Kiev-6C I have encountered in mint condition and they all worked so far.
Is there any problem with the P6 that makes them unusable even when mint and should I worry about dried oil in the Kiev-6C if it is in mint condition?

A. The most reliable option is the Kiev-60. This is due to the progression of camera reliability as follows: Pentacon Six -> Kiev-6C -> Kiev-60 -> ARAX-60/MLU. While each camera model has its own strengths and weaknesses, technicians and engineers continually work to address the weaknesses in each iteration.
The Pentacon Six, manufactured in Germany, has historically been a solid camera with generally superior quality compared to its counterparts. However, it suffers from significant structural weaknesses in crucial mechanisms. Engineering flaws, such as a poorly constructed film transport mechanism, render many cameras prone to frame overlap issues. Additionally, repairs necessitate original spare parts that are no longer available. The Pentacon Six also features a dimly lit viewfinder and other construction shortcomings, despite boasting a reliable shutter mechanism and decent assembly quality.
The subsequent model, the Kiev-6C, produced in the USSR, represents an improvement in construction quality but falls short in materials and assembly standards.
The Kiev-60 marks the next stage in this progression. While some variants exhibit better quality than others, the overarching issue lies in the subpar materials and assembly techniques utilized. The USSR prioritized quantity over quality, resulting in numerous cameras with compromised build quality, likely aimed at simplifying repair processes.
At ARAX, our engineers and technicians are well-versed in this history, driving us to strive for superior materials and assembly standards for the Kiev-60. Through our efforts, we offer the highest quality with a comprehensive warranty at an affordable price point.
Therefore, my recommendation is to invest in the ARAX-60/MLU if budget allows; otherwise, opt for the Kiev-6C. However, I strongly advise against using the Pentacon Six due to the unavailability of spare parts and the challenges associated with long-term maintenance.

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Q. Some comparisons of the Arax 60 with the Pentacon Six?

Answer by Bruce Kowal. 1) In cold weather, the rear door of Pentacon Six camera will buckle, causing light leaks. The solution is to use black electricians tape across the back. This causes the leather covering to peel off when removing the tape.
2) The closing mechanism for the Pentacon Six is a vertical slide. This slide has a horizontal latch which can accidentally open the back. Again, the solution is to apply black electricians tape.
3) The Arax 60 performs well in frigid temperatures, and is securely locked. There is no danger of accidentally opening. The Arax 60 is the most consistently reliable medium format camera that is available for use in any weather condition. Ugly and heavy, but like a good friend, always by your side.
The Arsenal lenses are superb. When shooting at f/8 and above, they are the equal to any CZJ lens. I use the f/3.5 45mm Mir-26 almost exclusively. It is just fine. (Just be careful not to screw in filters too tightly, as the workmanship of the threads is poor).

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Q. What is the difference between ARAX-CM and ARAX-CM/MLU?

A. The MLU (Mirror Lock-Up) function only. MLU operates independently of the shutter button. You can lift the mirror separately without using the shutter release. When you push the shutter release, the mirror lifts up automatically as usual. This feature eliminates any vibration caused by the mirror movement when doing macro photography or when working with long focal length lenses.

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Q. Some photographers using a MLU camera could use a MLU cancel function. If photographer change the mind, he could turn the lever and reset the mirror down Have you ever made such or similar modification for any of your ARAX-60/MLU ?

A. We never made the MLU-off function because of less reliability of construction. The MLU return mechanism make the shutter unit weaker because of much more treatment into camera mechanisms. Our priority is reliability. That is why not use MLU-return construction.

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Q. Is the black metal shutter will provide better accuracy and no banding/uneven exposure in Salyut or Kiev-88 cameras?

A. The cooper like red metallic shutter curtain on Salyut/Kiev was made from titanium composition to have most lightweight curtain. The light curtain has less inertia, that is why moves better than the heavy one cloth. It is very thin, that is why easy to tear and noisy. For best working - the metallic (titanium) shutter is better. Especially for high speeds.
But for mass manufacturing and mass using, the cloth curtain is easy to deal with. Also, the cloth/rubber curtain moving depends from ambient temperature, because shutter curtain unwound and wound on a coil inside of camera body.
The black painting of curtain is not good idea. Any painting peels off and clogs the shutter mechanism.
In other word, the best shutter curtain for Salyut/Kiev-88 cameras is metallic (titanium).
There are no metallic shutter curtain for Kiev-60 cameras, and never was done.

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Q. I have noticed that the Kiev factory has closed down. Does this mean that the available Arax camera will be used or new?

A.Factory closed, but cameras are new which was stored on warehouse. ARAX cameras are brand new, never used and with full warranty worldwide.

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Q. Do you modify Kiev-88 cameras or film backs to make them compatible with Hasselblad?

A. No. It is not so good idea to mix accessories with moving parts of different cameras. The correct, high quality operation of the camera is guaranteed ONLY if you use the film backs of the original manufacturer. You can use only the viewfinders on Hasselblad. There has no moving parts and fully compatible with Hasselblad.

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Q. Do your lenses fits to Hasselblad camera body?

A. No. Any of our or Kiev lenses not fits to any Hasselblad camera body.

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Q. What is the price of the manuals in English?

A. For our clients we send all instructions for free.

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Q. Can you send a parcel to Japan?

A. Yes. We send parcels to most countries in the world, including Japan, Australia, Brasilia etc. Here is the list of the countries where we send our parcels to. If you did not find your country - just ask us about it.

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Q. How much does this shipment cost?

A. Here are the shipment costs…

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Q. How can I save shipment cost?

A. You can save money for shipping, buying more than one item at once. We'll combine the shipping.

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Q. Inform me please about your hours of operation.

A. Hours of operation for support, sales and shipping: Monday — Friday 10AM — 6PM. Our time zone is GMT+2 (Kiev, Ukraine, Europe).

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Q. Can you repair any cameras other than those produced by ARSENAL?

A. No, sorry. We repair the Kiev medium format cameras only.

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Q. How can I repair KIEV 88 camera's body?

A. Just ship it via regular airmail to us, we will repair it and send it back to you. You will have to pay for the shipping and repairing.

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Q. Could you exchange my old camera SALYUT for a new ARAX one?

A. No, sorry.

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Q. Why haven't I received the answer from you yet?

A.We respond to all emails during 1 business days.
Most likely you have written the wrong returning email completing the e-mail form. Or your\provider's spam-guard rejects emails from us. Please try again from another e-mail. Use the different sender email. Different, not same, another email.
If you use an email address with a Microsoft domain such as @live.com, @outlook, @msn, @hotmail, etc. you can have troubles receiving the emails from us. They have special email spam defender which is worse than others. Please use another email for communication with us.


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