Goop in my Kiev 4

[cmedin]

Well, I broke out the Kiev 4 from its closet prison recently, and all seemed well in the world. However, going shooting today I noticed some dark goop intruding in the viewfinder; it looked vaguely reminiscent to brown-ish window tint and seemed to seep down about 1/4 or so from the top.

First off, any idea what it is?

Second, should I decide to send it off for a CLA (unless I decide to tear into it myself which is a possibility), what's currently the most reputable shop?


thanks!

 

[Valkir1987]

I'm thinking of two options; there might be a piece of black paper to prevent light leaks blocking the way of the rangefinder. Or something in the long prism has damaged, there might be a place where one prism is glued to another, and between this two prisms is a coating which functions like a half mirror. A replacement prism is the option then. For a CLA you can sent your camera to Oleg (okvintagecamera.com) or Fedka.

 

[cmedin]

Thanks, I'll shoot Oleg an email. Don't really have the time to dive into it myself right now since I'm focusing on getting my darkroom setup so I'll let him figure it out. 🙂