Mike Kovacs
Contax Connaisseur
You have to get the focusing mount off (Kiev survival has good guidance). Don't lose the focus mount shims!!!
What I do is use a degreaser to remove the old grease from the separated helical. I scrub the helicals with dishwashing soap and a stiff toothbrush. I go through the threads with #0000 steel wool, then dishwashing soap again. The helical should run without binding with zero lubrication. If not, steel wool again or suspect impact damage.
Finally, I repaint the engravings, then reassemble with a lightly dampened grease like Schwinn bicycle synthetic grease. If done properly, it should move as smooth as butter.
Its also worth cleaning and lightly lubricating the rangefinder mechanism. It can also bind things slightly.
What I do is use a degreaser to remove the old grease from the separated helical. I scrub the helicals with dishwashing soap and a stiff toothbrush. I go through the threads with #0000 steel wool, then dishwashing soap again. The helical should run without binding with zero lubrication. If not, steel wool again or suspect impact damage.
Finally, I repaint the engravings, then reassemble with a lightly dampened grease like Schwinn bicycle synthetic grease. If done properly, it should move as smooth as butter.
Its also worth cleaning and lightly lubricating the rangefinder mechanism. It can also bind things slightly.