Get another zorki?

[shadowfox]

For those in the US, Eddie Smolov is also a good choice for FSU camera repairs. Heck, he fixed my Contax IIIa's shutter.

Reagan, it's good to see you around, pastor 🙂

Having now a zorki 1, I tend to agree with you, they are little darlings.

 

[blacknoise]

You could have a crack at fixing it, it depends how broken it is 😛

I managed to fix mine with the stickied CLA guide on this forum. If I can do it, I'm pretty sure you could 🙂

 

[MarkoKovacevic]

Hi
Can you be more specific about the shutter problem? It may be a simple fix - or not - and that will help you to decide..
Joao

The main metal film sprocket, has a pin under it, after firing the shutter, the pins do not match up and i cannot wind or cock the shutter.

 

[wolves3012]

The main metal film sprocket, has a pin under it, after firing the shutter, the pins do not match up and i cannot wind or cock the shutter.

I can think of several reasons for that, none of them simple or quick fixes, sadly...

 

[MarkoKovacevic]

I can think of several reasons for that, none of them simple or quick fixes, sadly...

So I should just give up on that camera then? It wasn't very reliable before anyways

 

[ItsReallyDarren]

Doesn't sound like the Zorki has been very good to you. You could put it on the back burner for the time being, deal with it a later day.

In the meantime if you get the desire for a second body beyond the XA you could pick up a FSU rangefinder from a reputable seller. A few have already been named in this discussion. That way if you decide its still not for you, you always have the option of selling it with the history of where you got it from. It definetly helps keep the value of the camera.

 

[wolves3012]

So I should just give up on that camera then? It wasn't very reliable before anyways

Unfortunately, it's not a high-value camera where you could justify repair costs. If you can't or don't want to fix it yourself then it's not really worth it.

Out of curiosity, when the shutter has been fired and the pins don't align, are they sitting on top of each other or what? Are both shutter blinds actually moving when the shutter is tripped? One thing to check: Can you wobble the lower part of the film sprocket? If so, the lower bearing is worn and needs a bushing. I've had that happen on a Zorki 1 but I wasn't willing to let it defeat me, so I made and fitted a bush. Not a simple job!

 

[MarkoKovacevic]

Unfortunately, it's not a high-value camera where you could justify repair costs. If you can't or don't want to fix it yourself then it's not really worth it.

Out of curiosity, when the shutter has been fired and the pins don't align, are they sitting on top of each other or what? Are both shutter blinds actually moving when the shutter is tripped? One thing to check: Can you wobble the lower part of the film sprocket? If so, the lower bearing is worn and needs a bushing. I've had that happen on a Zorki 1 but I wasn't willing to let it defeat me, so I made and fitted a bush. Not a simple job!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8z6ax7ITBk heres a video on the problem

 

[wolves3012]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8z6ax7ITBk heres a video on the problem

It's a little difficult to tell from that but it looks like the first curtain isn't travelling properly. A simple CLA would tell you a lot more but it depends if you're willing to attempt it!

 

[David Hughes]

Hi,

If you've had it since it was new then I'd go along with the others in saying don't waste money on a camera that you've little faith in and know to be unreliable.

But, here's the crunch, if it was an old, secondhand one then you've no ideas of what it's been through and so an overhaul might just restore your faith in it and it will probably seem like a new one to you. And the lenses etc for it are very nice (and dirt cheap).

Try pricing it's replacement too but sit down first...

Regards, David