Help Kiev 4- baseplate stuck ?

[dee]

Just opened my Kiev 4 from Oleg , which , along with my Kiev 4m , is in fine condition . The helios for the K4m seems to be new !
BUT i can't get the baseplate off .
Luckily , I have a working K 4m to compare - there is catch on the left , film insert side , which is activated when the catch is operated .
i can feel no resistanc to this left hand catch - though the right hand one is releasing.
I suspect that something is adrift with the l/h catch - any ideas ?
Having sent one camera back [ to another dealer ] and with Oleg's reputation , I am a little put out about this .
Thanks new-to-Kiev
dee

 

[Xmas]

dee
It is send it back time, e-mail dealer first, if you are lucky he will send a replacement back, and instructions.
The back lock should be on a keyed shaft and is held in place with a screw, if the screw was loose it just might have locked when assembled sufficiently tighly to now fail to release.
I can see ways to release it but thay all involve damage to the back, dont try force... e.g. drilling a small hole...
Noel

 

[dee]

Oleg says it might be stuck 'cos he used some glue , but it does not feel as if the catch is doing anything - what if i break it before I send it back ?
OK , I will force it - but will tell Oleg that if it breaks - it's coming home to him !

 

[Xmas]

dee
Force wont necessarily work, because it risks damage to the body casting latch point, a small hole in the back can be plugged afterwards, or you can get a replacement back.
Oleg should only have used a weak thread locking compound or nail varnish across a surface, this should not have obtained your symptom.
Noel

 

[dee]

Oleg said - force it off - and it's OK now - just sticky from new light trap material .