How to repair a Kiev 4 film rewind button

[pescod]

Hi all,

I'm new on the rangefinder world even if I using other cameras from a long time. I bought via ebay a used Kiev 4 but unfortunatly the film rewind button is dropped and now I have the film inside (also I used an old film to build a spool) and I cannot open and rewind the film.
I have the the film rewind button and the little tension spring but I don't know how I can repair.

Someone have any idea? 😕 I would not spend more than I send to buy the camera 😀

thanks

 

[pshinkaw]

I don't think you can repair this one without removing the back first. Unless you can release the clutch with a small stick, you may have to open the camera in a changing bag in order to save the film.

I believe the button is held on with a compression/expansion fitting from inside the back/bottom. I once fixed one of these by using a TINY drop of epoxy inside of the button. That camer is still producing fine photos from another photographer on Photo-Net. However, without seeing exactly where your button came off, it's hard for me to give you real specific advice.

-Paul

 

[ErnestoJL]

Pescod: As Paul said, you have to remove the back prior to try anything else. For this (also as Paul posted) use a changing bag, to unlock the back and remove film without the risk of losts. Hopefully your Kiev 4 does not have the take up spool fixed to the camera, so it will pop out as soon as the back is removed in total darkness. Then you can easily rewind the film manually. If luck is not in your side, and the take up spool is fixed to the camera, it´ll be more complicated to remove the film completely from it, but its possible, however you face the risk of scratching the sensitized side of the film, so be carefull and work slowly and gently.
Once film is saved, the button can be either replaced or repaired. If possible, get another Kiev 4 body and just exchange back plates or replace the button assembly. The travelling distance for the button is 2.45 mm (in my Kiev which was made in ´66, cameras made on different years may be different). To make the complete piece again is not complicated but you require the help of a watchmaker´s lathe (and perhaps the operator also). This part does not requiere extreme accuracy, but is tiny enough to require some care when turning it.
Note: the camera production date is expressed in years and are the two first figures of the serial numbers: eg. 66xxxxxx means 1966)
Best regards and good luck.
Ernesto.