Kiev-19 seized shutter

Hello everyone,

I was out shooting with my Kiev-19 today when all of a sudden the shutter became stuck after firing. The camera cannot be cocked, or fired at the moment. The mirror is also stuck in the upright position, but can be moved to it's lowered position via a lever inside the body, and then the camera can be fired. When the camera is fired in this manner the mirror returns to it's upright position and is stuck. The shutter is also nowhere to be seen anywhere during this. Hopefully someone has some information for me on this issue, as this was my only working 35mm camera it was working fine up until this happened.

Thank you!

I'm not familiar with the Kiev-19, but I've had a similar problem with other 35mm cameras in which the mirror has stuck upright. Check the mirror bumper foam to make sure it has not started to deteriorate and become sticky. If so, replacing the foam is easy (I've used the felt from a 35mm film cartridge in a pinch, held on with rubber cement applied with a toothpick) and will solve the problem.

Terry Christian said:

I'm not familiar with the Kiev-19, but I've had a similar problem with other 35mm cameras in which the mirror has stuck upright. Check the mirror bumper foam to make sure it has not started to deteriorate and become sticky. If so, replacing the foam is easy (I've used the felt from a 35mm film cartridge in a pinch, held on with rubber cement applied with a toothpick) and will solve the problem.

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Do you think this could still be a solution if the shutter isn't moving? I do not believe the mirror is getting stuck, it seems to be something more with the shutter. I will look in to this

Have read posts on other forums suggesting that the quality of the materials wasn't great on these. Weak metal levers that can bend over time. Repair would probably cost more than its worth unless there are sentimental reasons.

There is a reason Leicas,Nikons and Canons just keep going. The high quality of metals and other materials and quality control, which also has a cost. My experience with cameras is that buying cheap is more expensive in the long run. I have had some of my Leica cameras for over fifty years. Finally decided that they need a cla. All in all, much cheaper than a less expensive, poorly made camera.
The good news is that many quality cameras of all formats can be bought for a tiny fraction of their original cost. I bought a replacement for my Nikormat (meter died) for way less than a $100 from a reputable dealer. High quality construction, built like a tank. For bargains just stay away from the big bay when dealing with anything that has a moving part.