Kiev 4 - light leak problem?

[Whateverist]

I'm having a problem with my Kiev 4. There are red splotches in some of my shots, which look like they might be from a light leak (see attachment) - but they seem to come and go at random, and they're rarely the same size, shape or location. Most are in the bottom-right corner of the frame, and they seem to get worse on a high f-stop. However, I can sometimes shoot half a roll without a single problem.

So, what sort of leak could this be, and is it possible it's a lens problem?

 

[Sonnar Brian]

Probably a light leak coming in through the top of the camera.

Check the negatives to see if it is affecting the space in between the images.

 

[newspaperguy]

Like Brian said.
Probably around the upper sprocket shaft. Usually,
a pinch of foam at that spot will cure it.

Remember, your film is "upside-down" in the camera.

Check out the Kiev Survival Site: www3.telus.net/public/

 

[mravigna]

Could be coming through the joint between the camera and rear cover

Could be coming through the joint between the camera and rear cover

I would use a black piece of wool or felt from disposed 35mm canisters to line the groove on the camera where the cover slides in. Just fill the top and not the sides and use a bit of contact cement. You mentioned that the light appears randomly in different places on the botton of the prints. It it is mostly colored and not white and if it covers some of the sprocket holes, then its probably coming from the back of the camera, and I would bet that its coming from where to cover fits in.

 

[Whateverist]

I checked the negatives and there's an overexposed wedge-shape that bleeds outside the actual frame. It's only visible on shots taken in bright light.

I'll take a look at the survival site.

 

[mravigna]

check and see if there is a black cord seal in between camera and back cover

check and see if there is a black cord seal in between camera and back cover

I have had several kievs with this problem and its always as I previously mentioned light coming through in between the back cover and the camera. There should be black string inside that groove. It might need replacing with felt or wool as I mentioned before.

 

[acheyj]

If its the sprocket hole leak the light should be bottom left, not right (I think !). Kiev is notorious for leaks around the sprocket. Looks like maybe back lacking "yack hair" thread in the groove.
You could quickly prove this with some black tape around the backcover, then if its still there must be the sprocket holes. As others say check the survival site.

ron

 

[Whateverist]

Looks like maybe back lacking "yack hair" thread in the groove.

Sorry, "yak hair"? As in actual hair, or is that just a nickname for something else?

If this groove is the one on the body where the top of the cover connects, there's nothing there as far as I can see, just bare metal.

 

[acheyj]

Ok some time ago unkind people poking fun at the FSU cameras used the term, I wondered myself whether it really was yak hair, I think not.
It certainly needs a seal in the groove so maybe that is your problem, easily solved some black cord , heavy wool etc will do. I believe you can get proper foam sealing material as well. A couple of Kiev 4's of mine had what looked like heavy cotten or cord, dont know if it was original. When someone disassemled a Kiev the seal has to be removed to remove the crate surrounding the shutter assembly.

good luck, a properly cleaned and setup Kiev can be a joy to use. To set one up can be a nightmare. I destroyed one when learning, this site was a godsend with so many helpful users . Be warned tho they are adictive !

ron

 

[Whateverist]

I've had mine for over a year now 🙂

It really is a pleasure to use - in fact, I've been thinking of getting a 4 without the light meter, partially for the looks, partially to have a backup in case one of them gets temperamental.