Kievs and light leaks

[Pfreddee]

Where are the most common places for light leaks in a Kiev? I think I'm looking for one in my Kiev 4AM.

Thanks to all who reply.

With best regards.

Pfreddee(Stephen)

 

[Ko.Fe.]

Киев = light leaks. I fixed my AM leaks with replacement of back's wool string.

 

[Dez]

KoFe's fix is important. This is the usual source of leaks in these cameras, and is very easy to fix. There was originally a coarse black string installed in the groove where the top of the back slots into the body. This needs to be disturbed for almost any service of the shutter, and is sometimes torn or missing. A piece of thick black wool is easy to install in this groove, and seals better that the original string which often seems to be referred to as "Yak hair" in this forum.

Cheers,
Dez

 

[sevo]

The light seal is one place - but the Kiev is actually less often deficient there than the entire bunch of neoprene sealed cameras.

In my experience the most common origin of leaks on the 4 is the metal seal for the seams between the shutter assembly, transport and body cast. That complex folded bit of thin steel does not have exactly the same shape on the 4 as on the Contax II and original Kiev illustrated in all repair handbooks, so that many repairers replace it in a wrong position, damage it or leave it out entirely after they fail to make it fit according to the book.

 

[oftheherd]

Киев = light leaks. I fixed my AM leaks with replacement of back's wool string.

Same for me. Black yarn (not yak) installed with not permanent-stick adhesive, then covered with black felt tip marker.