Focusing with a Kiev

[manfromh]

So I have a Kiev-4a with a Jupiter-8m. It seems to be in good shape, but i havent used it yet. Using the focus wheel seems so slow, so can if I just turn the lens to focus? Or will it damage something? May seem like a stupid question, but i just want to be sure.

And another thing. Is it just me or is it always hard to put back the back of the camera. First time i took it off, to see the shutter and whatever, it took me about an hour to get it back. Next time it was only 5 minutes. I had to press it very hard to get it in right place.

 

[colyn]

So I have a Kiev-4a with a Jupiter-8m. It seems to be in good shape, but i havent used it yet. Using the focus wheel seems so slow, so can if I just turn the lens to focus? Or will it damage something? May seem like a stupid question, but i just want to be sure.

You can focus by turning the lens without causing damage. Just remember not to hold it in such a way as to block the view/rangefinder windows..

And another thing. Is it just me or is it always hard to put back the back of the camera. First time i took it off, to see the shutter and whatever, it took me about an hour to get it back. Next time it was only 5 minutes. I had to press it very hard to get it in right place.

Replacing the back should be easy. Take a look at it to see if it is bent or has been damaged. The locking lugs may have been bent inward by a previous owner to make the back fit tighter because of a light leak. Check them to see if they are bent.

 

[dexdog]

focusing turning the lens is OK, as long as you depress the locking lever adjacent to the wheel. I find that focusing with the lens works best with non-collapsible lenses. Also, on anything but a 50mm lens, you will have to focus with the lens to prevent damaging the wheel.

The backs can be a bit tricky, normally because the take-up spool is not centered correctly.

 

[VinceC]

On the back, make sure both lock "keys" are completely opening when removing or putting it back on. This is a weird operation, but if you've ever used a Nikon F (one a very common camera), it's pretty normal.

You can focus with the wheel or the lens barrel. In practice, it works best to focus with the lens. You can then fine-tune with the wheel while the camera is up to your eye (you can also shoot one-handed if climbing around for a better angle).

 

[manfromh]

Its easy to lock the right key, but the left key seems not to move. But i practiced a few times. Half the times it didnt turn much, but other times it turned without any problems. So maybe i misaligned something when putting the back on. So i guess its okay now. Thanks.

 

[Ash]

I've found that I focus roughly with the lens barrel (depress the focus button, then turn the lens as to not damage mechanism), then focus delicately with the wheel.

Closing the back is tricky on mine, but hold it at 45degrees (top down, back outwards) and the take-up spool sits a little nicer to close, and then the locking mech is easier on the bottom