Kiev 4 sticky focusing

denishr · 11-13-2004

I have a nice Kiev 4 (the one with the meter, late model), which has an annoying problem, though - the focusing sticks a bit on the extreme position - i.e. on extreme close and extreme far distances. When focusing closer than 1,15 meters or further than 10 meters, the geared "teeth" begin to feel - i.e. instead of smooth movement without any resistance, the wheel (or the lens, it's the same whichever way I focus) starts to "grind", and I can feel each individual "tooth" as I turn the wheel, and turning it becomes progressively more difficult the last few degrees...
I've opened my other Kiev (model 4A), and know how to do that (i.e. remove front plate).
However, I haven't opened this one. Is the procedure of removing the front plate the same (7 screws, one hidden beneath leatherette on the side of the lens)? What should I check for this "sticky focus" problem? Lens mount or just the focusing wheel gear meshing?
The problem appears with all lenses: I know that other lenses besides its Jupiter 8 or Helios 103 will focus with more resistance (as is indeed the case with my Jupiter 12). So, it's not the problem of non-"normal" (50mm) lens. The problem manifests itself even with no lens mounted...
Any suggestions? It's a nice camera, meter is working and accurate, and in fact it looks almost brand new - and also produces nice photos

It's just that this problem irritates me a bit, and being "screwdriver-happy", my fingers itch to open this beast

Attached is a photo of my Kiev 4...

Denis

Brian Sweeney · 11-14-2004

My S2 was like this; really dry and rough. I followed the instructions from the SP repair manual: take the helical off and soak in Gasoline. No Lubricants of any kind after that, as per the manual. Worked Great, it is very smooth now. I also cleaned the gears that I could get at; very light use of oil on the gears as per the manual.

If that does not work, it could be damaged gears OR that the helical needs to be repositioned.

denishr · 11-14-2004

Thanks, Brian...
I've opened it this morning, but there was nothing really I could do. I couldn't get the top off (it has lightmeter on top), and I didn't want to try my luck. It works OK, it's just that the focusing is a bit stiff in those two extreme positions... I can use it as it is, until I find a set of instructions detailing the disassembly. Maybe I should try to take off the lens mount and see what's there...

Denis

Brian Sweeney · 11-14-2004

My "Plan B" with the Nikons for a quick fix was to set the Shutter on "T" to open the shutter and to apply Ronsonol (few dropes) into the back of the helical and work the helical. I dabbed up Dirt and grime coming to the back of the helical with a Q-Tip. It worked well for hlicals that had been "oiled", which dried and gathered dirt.

denishr · 11-14-2004

Well, I opened it again - actually, I just removed the front panel again, and tried to remove the lens mount together with helicoid. I unscrewed the 4 screws, and the lens mount loosened, but wouldn't come off. So, instead of forcing anything, I tightened the screws back, and it's a bit better now. The lens mount screws were screwed a bit too tight, it seems, so the gears move a bit better now. Good enough for Government work

Denis

Roman · 11-14-2004

Denis,
do you know the Russiancamera Forum at
http://www.beststuff.com/forum/index.php?f=25
?
At the 'Text Resources' there is some info on taking apart the Kiev, and member Russ Pinchbeck is really knowledgeable and helpful when it comes to Kievs...

Roman

denishr · 11-15-2004

Thanks Roman for the link. Yes, I know the forum, and I've searched there already.
However, as I said, I managed to make things a bit better, so now it works better than before...
Now I have to adjust the meter - seems it shows a bit more than it should...
Denis