KMZ Turret Finder - Correct placement of the prisms

[Shelley-Ann]

Hey.

I purchased a turret finder for my Kievs a while back, and I noticed that it wasn't that clean, so I unscrewed the back of it to see if I could clean it (big mistake).

Anyway, the two prisms, and the metal barrel tumbled out. I've tried to put them back in correctly, but I can't seem to.

There was an old thread here where someone gave instructions, but try as I might, I couldn't figure it out.

Does anyone know if there are visual, step by step instructions anywhere on the net?

Thanks.

 

[dll927]

This do-it-yourself thing keeps coming up on these forums, and it leaves me wondering who decided they were camera repairmen. Yes, I've also seen instructions on how to do such things.

There's an old saying that anyone who acts as his own lawyer has a fool for a client. Could this be a similar idea?

The one out on this matter is that for the most part the cameras are not expensive and can be fairly easily replaced. So there is not a great deal of risk, at least financially. But I still don't think I would try it.

 

[wolves3012]

This has been done before but here you go. The prism is called a schmidt-pechan and you'll find the arrangement illustrated nicely at:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schmidt-Pechan_prism

Just to confuse you, they show it upside down compared to the turret finder though. If you put the first piece in correctly, the metal piece goes in sideways at the top, followed by the second prism piece

These are actually a real pain to clean since it's almost impossible to get them dust-free and beware that the prisms are coated so handle with care!

 

[Shelley-Ann]

Dan:

Thank you for your advice, and the tactful comment regarding contacting Eddy Smolov.

Wolves: Thanks for the link. I actually saw that link in an earlier post (from 2008) but I was having trouble with it. The fact that the diagram in that link is upside down compared to the turret finder actually helps me quite a lot.

Both of you have been great (and one of the reasons why I really like this forum as opposed to others - They should call this place 'Rangefinderforum.com- Advice Without The Attitude.' ) While I wouldn't try fixing or cleaning my Contaxes or my Nikon D300 on my own due to the investment, I feel that the minimal investment in my turret finder can allow me to try something on my own - considering that a huge repair is not required.

 

[Deeper]

Fixed My turret finder

Fixed My turret finder

Hello all, Im new to RFF.
I had the exact problem as most of you on here. I thought I might clean my KMZ turret finder (not that it needed it really) I took of the back and the prisms and metal thing fell out... Thinking I shouldnt have done that... I turned to the net and came across this thread....
There is nothing out there on the net (that I can find to help) but with a lot of trial and error I fixed it. It works fine again now...

I do remember which way the prisms go. The real tricky bit is working out which way the smaller prism fits. The larger prism (I saw in place before it fell out) if you dont know, the larger clear surface should face out. (and be the last thing you see before you screw the cover back on) in the empty finder there is a trench like slot at the bottom, the point of the larger prism points in to this and the flat top points up.
Before you put this one in the smaller prism must go in. The two edges are not clear and a very samll face section is also not clear. On one face there are two very small metal (shiny things) on the corners. The small not clear face must face down (when in place, you cant see this face) now there should be two faces pointing out. If the metal things on the corners are faceing down, then congratulations, you are almost done!!!
Then the metal round thing drops in above the face with the metal on the corner (so you can still see the corner metal things)
Then the larger prise fits in just as described above ....

I hope this is usefull info, It would be better if I could post picture... If anyone cant understand this and really needs it I will Be happy to pull mine apart again and post photos of step by step....

 

[wolves3012]

Deeper,

Welcome to RFF. I've had my turret finder apart a couple of times to clean it (second time since I'm a picky so-and-so and it wasn't quite dust-free. If you are mad enough to take yours apart again (risking dust) and posting pics of the sequence, I'm sure a mod would sticky it - it does come up as an often-asked question.

 

[oftheherd]

This do-it-yourself thing keeps coming up on these forums, and it leaves me wondering who decided they were camera repairmen. Yes, I've also seen instructions on how to do such things.

There's an old saying that anyone who acts as his own lawyer has a fool for a client. Could this be a similar idea?

The one out on this matter is that for the most part the cameras are not expensive and can be fairly easily replaced. So there is not a great deal of risk, at least financially. But I still don't think I would try it.

I can only speak for myself, but I am definately not a camera repairman. I am also not a person of unlimited means. Therefore, there are cerain things I consider it proper for me to try on my own. I can now clean and repair IBSOR shutters. I can flush some folder's shutters. I can fix minor leather problems, such as re-glueing or re-leathering. I have replaced a faulty LCD view screen on my Sony P&S. I have made repairs to the lens mount of a 600mm mirror lens, and partially disassembled a 65mm MF lens, only to discover it was too much for me, so I put it back together until I can get a proper repair person on it. That because I am not a camera repairman. But I have saved some money nontheless.

EDIT: Welcome to RFF Deeper.

 

[vcerljds]

It's a bit late, I know but ... this is the thread that Shelley-Ann was looking for

 

[wolves3012]

It's a bit late, I know but ... this is the thread that Shelley-Ann was looking for

I'm afraid that thread didn't exist when the OP started this one. I wrote the sticky a couple of years later. Thoughtful of you though!