kiev 4 shutter gap

[Disaster_Area]

I have a keiv 4 that has a slight shutter problem. Every once in a while when I cock the shutter a gap appears in between the two shutter curtains. It only seems to happen about once every 20 times or so, I havent noticed a pattern in which shutter speeds are more prone. Any suggestions?

 

[Phantomas]

CLA.



Kiev 4 is an old camera and like any old camera it would be prone to problems due to age. Shutter problem is the most common one because shutter is the heaviest working mechanism in a camera. Without sufficient maintenance in the past 5 decades such issues will appear once in a while.

In your case it's obvious that the shutter needs to be cleaned, oiled and readjusted. That's all, not very complicated for a pro (it's pretty much given that basic CLA will fix your problem) but can be complicated for someone not at home with tiny mechanism fixing.

I'm not sure what it is over in your parts, but $50-100 will probably fix this issue (and tune many other parts and make camera fresh and lovely!). If you're a camera pro and want to get in it I can probably look up more info in a russian rangefinder manual, but otherwise - CLA.

 

[januaryman]

The Kiev's a tough one to tackle yourself. There are threads about this fact. Not for the faint hearted.

 

[Disaster_Area]

gotcha... hmm.. that's disappointing, I bought the camera from Fedka and haven't run more than 3 rolls of film through it. I thought he does a full CLA before selling any of his camera's. I thought it might be something simple, like a loose screw somewhere 🙁

 

[Phantomas]

I just checked the schematics of Kiev - there's nothing you can do quick-fix type. It's a definite CLA. Looking at it, unless you have prior experience, don't go pocking around with a screwdriver, it's not that simple.

If that Fedka person performed prior CLA I would expect he'd specify it, as it adds value. Can't blame him either, camera probably functioned decent then and just decided to fail after a few rolls.
Contact him, explain the situation nicely (coz it's not his fault) and see what he suggests. CLA shouldn't cost that much either, and they'll tune other parts and give you some warranty.

 

[Disaster_Area]

sounds like a plan