[morzh]

Joybird,

Thanks.

I was actually able to disassemble and fix the pot; it was stuck due to the rear half (the switch) getting loose and jamming the shaft. Hence the bad resistance reading - the wiper would not travel to the far end of the element.

I took it apart, DeoxITed it, put a dab of Lithium/WD40, assembled back - the regulator works just fine and the switch works too.

The worst part was the desoldering it - the Zenit companion uses very tight assembly. Had to remove the dial.

Now to restoring the electrolythic - you convinced me.
I have some good 56uF 400V ones, with a high ripple; this can be used in place of 40uF ones, and two in series - for 20uF. Have a very hi-ripple cap for 1000uF/25V, but I have to see if this one can be used for 200uF one.