Kiev 4A frame spacing question

V

Vendee

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I've just got my first rangefinder, a Kiev 4A with Jupiter 8 lens. I put my first roll through it (HP5+) and I'm really pleased with the results, particularly how the contrasty lens produces shots with a retro feel.

I had problems holding the camera at first until the "Contax hold" was explained to me (thanks Stevebrot). The only problem I have now is irregular frame spacing. I know that this is a known problem on these cameras. At least on mine I'm not getting overlapping frames. I get about 10mm spacing between frames on the first half of the roll and then, more or less normal spacing for the remainder of the roll.

Does this indicate a tension problem on the take up spool? I've read about adjusting a clutch on the take up side somewhere. Do I try and fix it or just live with it? I can probably live with the loss of frames from a roll but I do sometimes scan my negs and with the large gap, I have to reposition the film in the holder after each scan. Thanks in advance.
 
giovanegian said:
Hello Vendee,

did you already read this thread?
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=65607

Cheers
Click to expand...

Thanks for pointing me in the right direction. Using the pictures in that thread, I was able to strip down the takeup spool fork assembly, clean it and re tension it. Unfortunately, the spacing is still out. I need to reduce the pressure on the spring to allow the fork to slip a little but too little tension and the screw starts to work loose.

I think I'm probably asking too much of an old model to give perfect spacing like a modern camera. As long as I don't get overlapping frames, I'll just live with it. Thanks again.
 
I have the same problem with my Kiev 4a. It starts out the roll with more space than necessary between frames, then it tends to even out mid-way through the roll.

You get used to it. :)

I'm sure you'll enjoy using your Kiev 4a. It's a great camera.
 
Cameras I've used with uneven frame spacing:

The new Bessa III

Bronica RF645

Zeiss Ikon

Hasselblad 500CM

Interestingly my Kiev ll is almost perfect! :D
 
I have recently bought a Pentacon Six and a Pentasix, both medium format cams and found, by trial, how important the tension of the film when loaded, is for the frame-spacing. Allthough i never had any frame-spacing problems with my own Kiev-4, uneven but never overlapping, i wonder if some of the problems with overlapping frames in Kiev-4 cams could be related to improper tension of the film.
 
When I had a Kiev II I used an empty film canister (with bottom removed) around the take-up spool. Absolutely perfect spacing. Experienced the same problem as you if I didn't use the canister.
 
kievspool.jpg


From rick oleson's site.

I made two. I didnt use copper wire but a pair of small screws to keep the canister cap in place. Works well and not spacing issue.
 
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