Kiev 4M

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thomfaust

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I just recently recieved my first Kiev, a Kiev 4M as a gift. What Im asking about is the infinity lock on the focus ring. I was using the camera, and now all of a sudden the lock won't undo, so I can't change the cameras point of focus. Could anyone give me some ideas on what to do? is it possible to fix this problem on my own, or should I take the camera to a shop? Any help is much appreciated. Thanks.
 
As you look at the camera from the front, a couple of milimetres from the lens mount at approx "2 O'clock" there is a little peg, move this away from the lens and focus should free (it's spring-loaded so keep hold of it 'til the lens is away fro infinity).

The corresponding peg on the little focussing wheel should release lens , if it doesn't there may be a problem.
 
Have you tried pulling up the lever (about 1-2pm when looking down at the lens)? Pull the lever up & see if the focus unlocks...

-edit- It seems a few people beat me to it... Good luck!
 
If the button located adjacent to the focus wheel doesn't unlock the lens, check the little tab just above and to the right of the lens (as you look at the camera from the front). Push it up and see if it disengages the lock. If that works but the button doesn't, something is probably wrong with the focus lock mechanism. You can tape the tab in the up position to use the camera until getting it repaired (if necessary).
 
😀 Great minds think alike.


Reminds me of a joke: How many photographers does it take to focus a Kiev?😀
 
Are you focussing with the lens itself, or using the little serrated wheel ? If using the wheel, infinity release button should be operated automatically; this is assuming a 50mm lens.
 
Ive tried all that, my point is that the focus is locked, but the tab is not popping up, and the little button by the lens is stuck as far away from the lens as it can go.
 
Welcome to the forum Thomfaust. Seems we missed the part of your post that mentions you have been using the camera 🙄 sorry about that.

Out of curiosity, which lens are you using ?
 
well I took the whole front plate off and took out the focus ring/lens mount and fixed the problem. I dont quite know what was wrong, but the lock was stuck on the gears at an odd place. the only problem now is how to get the faceplate back on...
 
Ducky said:
I use a Jupiter 8 on my Kiev with good results. I also have a Helios 103 but prefer the look of the Jupiter. It's f2.0 vs f1.8 and that's too close to matter. I haven't used either enough yet to judge sharpness.
Click to expand...

Helios 103 more sharpness and have more contrast
 
Tair-11A said:
Helios 103 more sharpness and have more contrast
Click to expand...

Maybe with your copies , but mine show the Jupiter 8 has the edge for sharpness. The last roll of B&W with the J-8 almost knocked my socks off .
I suspect like may others the individual quality of each lens varies.
I`m settled on the J-8 and J-12 for use with my Kiev.
John
 
Ah yeah, this is the j-8. Im still a little new to kievs so I wasn't sure. glad its worked out for you so far giovatony, hopefully it will do the same for me!
 
Thinking about the OP`s focus lock problem, I wonder if the lens was attached with the focus lock not being in the infinity position?
John
 
well it was locked not in the infinity position which was weird. the lock engaged on the focus ring in the camera body at a weird spot. I can't figure out why that happened. but taking it apart and putting it back together worked pretty well
 
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