Contax/Kiev lubrication advice needed.

[Grytpype]

I'm rebuilding a Kiev 4A which has clearly suffered major water damage. I have stripped the shutter mechanism completely; de-rusted, cleaned and polished every component possible, and I'm about ready to start re-assembling it, but I'm uncertain where, if anywhere, I should use grease rather than oil.

There were signs of grease on parts of the transport mechanism, but not much evidence of the original lubricants in the shutter mechanism except on the brass (or bronze?) bush which forms the bearing for the vertical-axis bevel-gear, where there was some congealed lubricant which looked as though it might once have been grease.

I'm always nervous about using grease in a shutter in case it slows the thing down too much, and I've put so much work into this project already (practicing for when/if I can afford a 'real' Contax!) that I can't risk getting it wrong at this stage.

Does anyone have any information on where to grease, or advice on what sort of grease to use?

Thanks, Steve.

[Dralowid]

Visit the great Kiev Survival Site

http://www3.telus.net/public/rpnchbck/

Learn about yak string and bear grease and your Kiev or Contax will spring back to life...with a bit of luck. My Kiev II did.

I don't know the author but this is one of the best camera repair sites I know and would like to congratulate them on their work and the way it is presented.

Michael
(if only there was something similar for Contax I!)

[Grytpype]

Yes, I agree, Michael. It's an excellent site, and I followed his instructions for separating the main parts of the camera, but I'm in areas now where all available instructions (including Peter Tooke's very useful Contax Repair Manual) tell you not to go! Not going there wasn't an option in the case of this camera, because it was so rusty it was seized solid. In spite of this the parts have cleaned up pretty well.

I may have to make a guess at the lubrication, but I can't be the first to have stripped the mechanism down to the chassis (can I?), and I'd like to get it right first time. I've enjoyed taking it apart, but I'm hoping not to have to do it again any time soon!

Steve.

[Spyderman]

Steve, I admire your courage. I've CLAed some Kievs, but never needed to dive that deep. If I found a rusty Kiev, I would probably just leave it for parts and buy another.

Regarding grease I can not recommend a particular product, but in general it is important that the grease won't separate into liquid oil and a thicker substance and that it won't outgas and dry. It also shouldn't get thicker in temperatures below 0°C.

[Dralowid]

I'm am no expert but I'd start dry and clean. Then at leat you don't have to go backwards...

But would I take my advice? Doubt it.

Michael