Contax/Kiev prisms: interchangeable?

[Grytpype]

Just bought a Contax II from a certain auction site. The viewfinder prism is defunct: it looks rather as though it has shattered or separated at the 45° face at the viewfinder end, so you can see the RF image clearly, but nothing straight-through. Are the Kiev prisms directly interchangeable? The shape of the prism block at the left-hand end was a little different in a 1974 Kiev 4a I overhauled.

Steve.

 

[sevo]

The Kiev 4 and Kiev 2/3 prism blocks are slightly different in shape, but the former will fit the latter and vice versa, so I'd expect them to be module compatible with the Contax II/III too - but you won't be able to cement bits from one to the other.

If the end prism is not damaged, but only has separated, I've successfully reattached them with Canada balsam (only if you have patience, it takes upwards of half a year to cure to a degree where it won't shear off again in use) and UV curing cyanoacrylate.

 

[Grytpype]

Thanks, sevo, that was quick! I'll look out for a rough Kiev then. I think the glass is shattered, because when I look from the front there are visible striations at the damaged surface. I've taken the top casting off and there is nothing loose, but I guess it would be held together by the metal cover cemented to the top of the prism here.

Steve.

 

[varjag]

Yes, they are interchangeable.

 

[Grytpype]

Thanks. I hope I can find a Kiev rough enough for me to scrap with a clear conscience. I'm a sucker for a lost cause, and if I buy anything that looks vaguely repairable I am liable to end up deciding to fix that too!