Kiev 4am wobbly lens mount, wobbly focus dial..

[akptc]

A Kiev 4am that I got on eBay for an all-around carry camera just arrived from Ukraine - with a wobbly lens (Helios 103) mount. Never had a Kiev before and am trying to figure out if this is a "home repair" thing or do I need to shell out some bucks for a pro.

The part of the mount that holds the flat spring-like mechanism which clicks when the lens is mounted seems to be loose. There are no screws to tighten that I can see. Has anyone had an opportunity to deal with this issue? I guess I am looking for a pointer to a "how to fix your Kiev 4am" website or some advice based on your personal experience.

Also, the focus dial wheel located over the rangefinder window on the RH side is a bit wobbly & crooked, kind of like a car wheel that's mounted off-center.

The camera is otherwise a looker, is quite easy to operate, and every mechanism seems to work, so I am trying to figure out whether to put it on the shelf or try to fix it (if these things are worth worrying about).

Some pics of the camera:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...1&from=R8&satitle=7571894583&category0=&fvi=1

Thanks for any and all advice,

 

[Sonnar Brian]

I've taken apart Nikon S-Mount helicals, not a Kiev.

Is the entire mount, including external bayonet, wobbly? If so, there are probably screws under the front bezel.

If it is just the inner portion of the helical, not much you can do about it.

 

[akptc]

There is some play between the lens and the bayonet, and between the bayonet and the camera body. I am afraid that the ext diameter of the lens mount is a bit too small (through wear) to fit tightly.

Is the way to take the mount apart by unscrewing the little silver screws on the front plate?

 

[Mister_Hat]

I'll second Daniel's suggestion to run a roll of film through it before worrying too much about the fit on the lens mount. Likely the mount wasn't tightened down completely when the camera was re-assembled from the paint job.

 

[Mike Kovacs]

Its probably the bayonet claws on the lens - a little careful bending in the right spot fixes that easily. Kiev Survival had clear instructions.

 

[akptc]

Its probably the bayonet claws on the lens - a little careful bending in the right spot fixes that easily. Kiev Survival had clear instructions.

- Any idea when the site may be back up? I juts tried kievsurvivalsite.com but it's not up yet.

 

[rpinchbeck]

- Any idea when the site may be back up? I juts tried kievsurvivalsite.com but it's not up yet.

Kiev Survival Site Greetings everyone!

My new web account has been activated as of 2 days ago. First step in getting everything back in order. Next step is to identify the level of web hosting I will need and get it signed up so I can get the Kiev Survival Site back.

Tell you guys what, I've copied The Kiev Survival Site up to the free space that is available with my web account. It's the same sort of gig that I previously had set up but under a different account. I'll make this available for the next week or so until my real space is set up properly.
Have a go at: http://www3.telus.net/public/rpnchbck/index.html

Enjoy my friends!

Russ Pinchbeck
Kiev Survival Site
Calgary, Alberta
Canada

 

[rpinchbeck]

Its probably the bayonet claws on the lens - a little careful bending in the right spot fixes that easily. Kiev Survival had clear instructions.

Here's the link to the temporary location of the exact fix:
http://www3.telus.net/public/rpnchbck/loose inner lens mount.html

Cheers!

Russ Pinchbeck
Kiev Survival Site

 

[back alley]

that was a nice thing to do russ! 🙂

glad to see you up & around...

joe

 

[wyk_penguin]

Hurray!! The Kiev Survival Site is back!!!

I can start working on my jupiter 9 now. Just hoped that there was an article for relubing the aperture ring.

 

[darkkavenger]

Yay! Some good news with the beginning of this new year. Thanks for bringing your site up again!

 

[akptc]

Here's the link to the temporary location of the exact fix:
http://www3.telus.net/public/rpnchbck/loose inner lens mount.html

Cheers!

Russ Pinchbeck
Kiev Survival Site

Hurray! I was about to mail the camera back to its homeland (it works but the wobbly lens is starting to drive me nuts) but now will try to fix it instead. Thanks a bunch!

 

[claidemore]

I had the exact same problems with a Kiev 4, loose mount, wobbly focus wheel. Followed directions on Russ's website and everything is AOK now. The single screw holding the focus wheel had backed right off. Friction, excellent design, and luck was holding the wheel in place. Removed the front plate, tightened the screw, and voila!

Very glad to see Kiev Survival Site back up again!