Kiev Problems...

[Fedzilla_Bob]

I got a Kiev as a birthday present and my first roll of film from it was developed today. I have light leaks and what appears to be a sluggish shutter. The rangefinder appears to be off at infinity and just OK at near distances.

I have found the Kiev Survival Site and Rick Oleson's sketches. But, I'm looking for a little confirmation from those who are experienced with Kiev's and their problems.

I have attached images to show what I'm seeing in my negatives. Try not to mind the dust. I'm assuming that the top of the frame was originally at the bottom of the camera when the shots were taken.

last item - who has had their Kiev sent off to Oleg's care? What did you think?

 

[captainslack]

Yeah, it's got problems. Sorry to hear that. Nothing a good trip to Oleg's health spa won't fix.

Love your sig quote, BTW. 😀

 

[Fedzilla_Bob]

Love your sig quote, BTW. 😀

Yeah - some mornings that's the song that gets me going.

Other days - "All Along the Watchtower"

🙂

 

[Fedzilla_Bob]

OK, I'm insane - I've decided to go in. I'm printing out intsructions from Rick Oleseon and the Kiev Survival site.

Time to get out the welding goggles and start up the "Jacobs Ladder" along with the "VanDerGraffe Generator." The task will also call for some mad cackling and an assistant named "Igor." (That's pronounced "eyegore")

Let me check my health insurance first 😉

 

[ruben]

Hi Bob,
Considering your situation and all Kievs now for sale I can propose you this one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/KIEV-4A-camera-...QcategoryZ30028QQtcZphotoQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

The seller, altough I never bought from him only by chance, was considered as reputable by the Russian Camera user forum of Best Stuff, now dead. The price looks very good. The year of production good as well.

It is not a bad idea to fix yourself your problematic Kiev, having another one besides, to learn, to remember how parts should work, and as a good back up if you are not successful. If I am not wrong, you have a problem with the curtains syncronization or engaging, but Russ Pinchbeck will be happy to to give his much more authoritative opinion.

The rangefinder distance metering is a more easy fix, but not the easiest for a person opening a Kiev for the first time. Any way, the KSS has all the necessary info about it. The curtains problem may be harder.

Cheers,
Ruben

 

[wotalegend]

I have bought several items from kubanoid, and found him to be reliable and honest with his descriptions.

 

[w3rk5]

Good luck on your Kiev Bob. The Kiev Survival Site helped me take care of my Kiev 4a issues. Study the instructions well before you start anything.

 

[Fedzilla_Bob]

The rangefinder distance metering is a more easy fix, but not the easiest for a person opening a Kiev for the first time. Any way, the KSS has all the necessary info about it. The curtains problem may be harder.

Cheers,
Ruben

Kubanoid's shipping costs are better than most.

I won't be buying another camera just now. I've already ordered a new skin from Aki-Asahi. I'll be getting a new take-up spool from Alex soon enough.

Good luck on your Kiev Bob. The Kiev Survival Site helped me take care of my Kiev 4a issues. Study the instructions well before you start anything.

Thanks! Yeah, I've printed them out to review along with Rock Oleson's Contax IIa Shutter adjustment diagrams. I have two camera sealing projects (Yashicas) to complete before I get to the Kiev.

I guess I'll be shooting with the FED3 for a week or so while the other projects go on. 🙂

 

[rpinchbeck]

If you get lost in the details of this job, you can always drop me a line.

Cheers,

Russ Pinchbeck

 

[Fedzilla_Bob]

Hey Russ! Thanks. I will if I get hung up.