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Kiev 4
Oct 3, 2015 17:44:12 GMT -5
Post by yashica1943 on Oct 3, 2015 17:44:12 GMT -5
I have had a good look at the Kiev 4 that I was given last month. The meter works, but the shutter is sluggish and only creeps across with a narrow slit, no matter what speed is set. The outside is quite nice and bright and the lens clear so I think that I will just keep it as a looker. I do not seem to be able to remove the lens, any tips?
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Stephen
Lifetime Member
Still collecting.......
Posts: 2,718
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Kiev 4
Oct 4, 2015 6:12:14 GMT -5
Post by Stephen on Oct 4, 2015 6:12:14 GMT -5
The lens should remove quite easily, the Contax mount Kiev used is a focusing mount on the body, coupled to the rangefinder, only the optics remove from the body, leaving the rear part behind. The lens has a visible catch on the rim, which is pressed inwards towards the body, releasing the pin that keeps the lens aligned. After the catch is released, and still pressing the catch, the lens then twists in the bayonet and releases after about a 1/3 turn. To put back just align and drop in and twist till the catch engages.
On the shutter, it needs a service. The Kiev design is very much the same as Zeiss Contax, not exactly the same, But has the same issues, they like to be used, and tend to gum up with standing un used.
There are repairers around who handle them, but also there are service repairers on the net etc from Russia, who will do the work.
It must be an experienced repairer, they are complex to service, but once done with modern lubricants, they will last a long time.
The main thing that goes are the tapes, but as you say both blinds move that is unlikely to have failed.
First work the shutter on medium speed to see if will ease up. Don't forget the Zeiss/Contax shutter moves quite slowly anyway, as the slit is far smaller than the Leica type of shutter.
It is possible to service it at home, but it is a complex camera, and not for the faint hearted.
Stephen
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Kiev 4
Oct 7, 2015 4:33:51 GMT -5
Post by yashica1943 on Oct 7, 2015 4:33:51 GMT -5
Thank you. I have found out how to release the lens. Looks quite clean. I have operated the film wind on and shutter release about 100 times and nothing has changed. I looked at ebay and a seller from The Ukraine has listed about 200 Kievs of various years all at the same time and all at around £20-£30 so it is obvious that I should keep mine and leave it as it is!
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Stephen
Lifetime Member
Still collecting.......
Posts: 2,718
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Kiev 4
Oct 7, 2015 19:46:17 GMT -5
Post by Stephen on Oct 7, 2015 19:46:17 GMT -5
Yes, if a cheaper working body is available, it must be cheaper than a full repair! Years ago it was worth the repair as they were uncommon cameras, but with the Soviet collapse, supplies are so much more easy. The Jupiter f2 standard lens on the Kiev is nearly always better made than the types for the Zorki etc., The lack of a focusing mount makes it sturdy, and made it far easier to assemble and test in the factory.
Stephen.
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Kiev 4
Oct 10, 2015 12:15:05 GMT -5
Post by philbirch on Oct 10, 2015 12:15:05 GMT -5
One seller in Ukraine is eljaybe2005 and also known as emjaybe. Mike, as he's called is a very reputable seller, I have bought 8 or 9 items from him in the last couple of years and his service is top class. Recently I had a lens arrived broken (in the post) he replaced it along with a filter and back cap and refunded my return postage.
Back to Kiev 4s, sometimes the catch will not allow the lens to come away easily, I ended up unscrewing the one on mine in order to release the lens. I think the retainer gets bent or knocked in a bit.
It is possible to take off the lens mount and make a focusing mount for your Jupiter 8 or Helios 103, to fit any mirrorless system camera. It will fit directly onto/into an m39 adaptor, I've made a couple and Lloydy's made one too. Simple enough, it'd take half an hour or so. If you don't want to display it.
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