Yet another Kiev 4 problem

[optikhit]

My Kiev 4 seems having a serious problem in the focusing system. After I changed shutter speed for several times, the focusing system refuse to work in 3m to infinity, whereas in 1m-3m it works OK. I don't know how it becomes like this. Is the problem really serious?

 

[optikhit]

Hi again,

(Sorry - didn't make it up to Harbin - just got as far as Beijing).

It sounds like another issue with your Kiev.

With a 35mm Jupiter lens, the tension on the RF cam focussing tightens on my Kiev IVa dramatically. Here's the Kiev I use:

http://www.luxcamera.co.uk/pages/Antiqua/Kiev IVa/IVa.htm

When I disassembled the top plates, and removed the front plate, the rangefinder system on the right of the photographer's side of the camera is composed of a system of windows which glide over one another. I cleaned the surfaces and lubricated anything that was moving and the cam now moves sweetly when focussing the lens.

Perhaps if yours is stuck at 1m-3m, then either an internal linkage has seized up or something has got in the way, perhaps grit or hardened grease. I wonder if removing the lens cam, triggering the shutter and resetting the shutter speeds help at all? Perhaps one of the more seasoned Kiev players will be able to help.

Good luck.

Hi, Dear friend RJ. Glad to hear you again.
How about the visit to Beijing? Perhaps it is not the best season in Beijing in March.
Yeah, it is a problem of my Kiev, yet another Kiev 4 not that Kiev 4M.
It seems that problem I can't handle myself. I should have someone to repair it.

Remembered your website. Great photos in it. I will learn from that. Thanks a lot!

 

[Stu W]

Try loosening the 2 screws that secure the front chrome trim plate, the ones next to the rangefinder window below the wind-on knob. If they are the wrong screws or are too long they will bind the rangefinder. Stu

 

[nzeeman]

similar thing happened to me. i couldnt do anything without disassembl so i followed instructions from kiev survival site. its not easy but if you take care of all the parts you remove it will be easy reassembling it. problem with my camera was in the screw which is used to hold rotating part for right window. i am totaly retarded for jobs like this but with detailed help on kiev survival site http://www3.telus.net/public/rpnchbck/ i succeded so it will be probably easy to you also. u can disassemble it and then take a photos of ur cam and uplaod them here so i can help u with repairing.(also you can come to msn messenger and i will help you in real-time.)

 

[optikhit]

Thank you my friends for your kindness and help. Today I will send my two Kiev4 to Beijing and have someone to repair and CLA them. I think it should be an efficient way but need a little money....

Thank you again, if next time I will try myself!!

BTW: my post number should be more than 150, but why it reduced?! LOL