Calibration On Viewfinder--Kiev 4A

Love-maker

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Hi, good morning everybody, I am Josh just register today, I am from Kuala Lumpur,Malaysia.

I just received my Kiev 4a + Jupiter 5omm + Jupiter 35mm + 35mm viewfinder.

I need help on the viewfinder where the yellow focusing point is not into correct position-----Horizontally no problem but as vertically, after horizontally in focus the vertical image still not align as like horizontal.--just a little bit only.

I follow a advised from one of the web site to open the screw for the front plate, and look for the viewfinder adjustment screw, but I could not make it due to the plate is very difficult to discover/take away even take off all screw, seems like some thing still hold the front plate.

I closed it back. May I know the correct way to align or calibrate the vertical viewfinder?

If not, can it still be use for focusing even the vertical image a bit our focus but horizontal is correct? (Just a little not satisfy if got a small defect)

Thank you for help. I am appreciated.

Cheers.
 
Last edited:
Hello and welcome! Your best bet to find what you need is at the Kiev Survival Site http://www3.telus.net/public/kaylalyn/ There is lots of really good information there on the care and feeding of Kievs. Enjoy - you have a good camera and lenses.

William
 
I don't think that the alignment screw would help you with vertical misalignment. The procedure is described at Kiev Survival Site linked above, but would require more thorough disassembly. I considered fixing (very slight) vertial disalignment in my 4A, but as it was only noticeable on distant light sources I decided it isn't worth the risk and effort.
 
Love-maker said:
Hi, good morning everybody, I am Josh just register today, I am from Kuala Lumpur,Malaysia.

I just received my Kiev 4a + Jupiter 5omm + Jupiter 35mm + 35mm viewfinder.

I need help on the viewfinder where the yellow focusing point is not into correct position-----Horizontally no problem but as vertically, after horizontally in focus the vertical image still not align as like horizontal.--just a little bit only.

I follow a advised from one of the web site to open the screw for the front plate, and look for the viewfinder adjustment screw, but I could not make it due to the plate is very difficult to discover/take away even take off all screw, seems like some thing still hold the front plate.

I closed it back. May I know the correct way to align or calibrate the vertical viewfinder?

If not, can it still be use for focusing even the vertical image a bit our focus but horizontal is correct? (Just a little not satisfy if got a small defect)

Thank you for help. I am appreciated.

Cheers.

My experience with kiev's vertical alignment is sometimes you can do it, sometimes you can't. With a slightly imperfection, I won't bother with it. For kiev 4a, it's eaier to take off the front plate because there is not meter on top. If you have a vertical alignment at infinity, you need to adjust it. Make sure you don't adjust it while the focus is at infinity. By trial and error, you can fix it.
 
Hi, I am back

Hi, I am back

Hi, I am Josh, and I am back, just overnight and see so many reply, I am so touching and feel excited due to helpful of the forum member from RFf\ forum. again thank you.


OK, after few advised and re-direct the web site, I am still afraid to open the front plate again cause last night I am facing a problem where front plate cant open and hang over there, risky~~and finally I managed to close back.



Anyway, as opinion from another helpful member, I decide not bother the vertical yellow viewfinder, as long as the horigontally can close, then I am happy.

Morning, I decide fix in a roll of Fujifilm to test shooting. The result is great~~
of cause, we cannot compare the quality to Carl Zeiss or latest Canon/Nikon multicoated lense; and I found that the color is so amazing.

I am not good in english, please see my photo attachment or link.


CNV000034.jpg


CNV000021.jpg


CNV000032.jpg


CNV000035.jpg


CNV000029.jpg


the photo is still sharp, MEAN, JUST FORGET ABOUT MY VERTICAL DISALIGNMENT.

Thankyou and enjoy.

p/s : I really enjoy the shooting sound and the solid feel of this camera. :D
 
Thank you for sharing your shots. Personally, I really enjoy CNV000035.jpg.

Also don't forget one of the Kiev's big secrets - those lenses are Zeiss designs. Prewar to be sure, but all are coated and the Sonnar 50/2 (ie Jupiter 8) and Biogon 35/2.8 (ie Jupiter 12) were considered two of the finest designs of the era. So it's no surprise they can still hold thier own 50+ years later.

Have fun!

William
 
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