Zorki 1 questions

[MarkoKovacevic]

I'm about to buy one from Fedka.

VF question: How is the VF on this, and do you find it easy to switch between the focusing and taking windows?

And also, I have a Jupiter 8 chrome lens. Should I buy the Zorki 1 with the I-22 collapsable just because it goes so well with the camera, or save $30 and just stick the Jupiter on it? I'm a student so moneys a bit tight.

 

[wolves3012]

The finder is small and squinty but you soon get used to it and it's not that bad to use. Switching windows is also something you'll get used to pretty quickly.

As for an I-22, it does make the camera very pocketable. The Jupiter is a nice lens but it adds to the overall size quite a bit - it also partially blocks the finder view. If you can afford it, go for the I-22 then you'll have a choice. When you want pocket-size, use the I-22. If you have a bag, put the Jupiter on.

 

[MarkoKovacevic]

If I change to the Jupiter lens, will the focusing still be correct? Does the J8 really block the finder view? I'll probably go for the I-22, though its around $50 more with it.

 

[Spider67]

If you have a J 8 why not buy a Zorki 4 or 4K instead? They are newer and cheaper. Also if you want the VF/RF experience you could buy a Zorki C - it's a bit of an ugly duckling - but usually they are cheaper than the Zorki 1 and include the I 22.
But if you have the yearning for a Zorki one because of its look and feel and can get one from a reputable seller then follow your heart. I 22 are easily and cheaply available on the bay and you can buy one later when youn have saved up the money for it.

 

[mh2000]

I would get the I-22 with the camera if is cheaper than getting the lens separately. It's a good lens and makes the camera pocketable. The J8 obscure a bit of the VF, but it isn't that bad IMO. I don't really think my Leica IIIc has a better VF/RF... takes some getting used to, but you can do it. Having no parralax correction is the tricky part when you shoot close in. Good luck!

 

[wolves3012]

If I change to the Jupiter lens, will the focusing still be correct? Does the J8 really block the finder view? I'll probably go for the I-22, though its around $50 more with it.

The focussing should still be fine, provided the body was set up correctly and the Jupiter likewise (early bodies aren't always spot on, the lenses were matched to them). Later bodies should not be a problem.

Yes, the J-8 *will* block the finder view, as will almost anything other than the collapsible lenses. The bottom, right-hand corner gets cut off. It's not hard to figure what you're really shooting but it does slow you down a fraction. If you use an external finder that'll solve it but again, it adds to the size.

 

[MarkoKovacevic]

If you have a J 8 why not buy a Zorki 4 or 4K instead? They are newer and cheaper. Also if you want the VF/RF experience you could buy a Zorki C - it's a bit of an ugly duckling - but usually they are cheaper than the Zorki 1 and include the I 22.
But if you have the yearning for a Zorki one because of its look and feel and can get one from a reputable seller then follow your heart. I 22 are easily and cheaply available on the bay and you can buy one later when youn have saved up the money for it.

Yeah, I'm after the 1 for the look and feel mainly.

It's so tempting to go and buy it, but then I think of the ultrawide nikon lens i'm saving for! I guess the nikon lens could wait some more...

 

[reagan]

IMHO, there's another big difference in the J.8 & I.22 and that's the balance / feel, especially on the smaller body Zorki.1. I shoot most of the time with wider J.12 or Orion.15 on the Zorki.1 and still, the J.8 feels quite a bit heavier to me. Maybe it's just tricked my brain; "it looks heavier so it must be heavier". In any case, I can't remember the last time I put a J.8 on a Zorki.1. (I also have a collapsible Summar that I use on the Ones when I need 50mm.)

And P.S. - The size, feel & VF/RF of the Zorki.1 & 4 are, in my hands, a totally different shooting experience in every way. I prefer the smaller Zorki.1. But that's me.

 

[shadowfox]

I use a Jupiter-12 with the finder on mine. I for one really like the separation between the RF and VF because the RF is magnified to afford easier and more accurate focusing.

You do need to be careful about parallax error when using external viewfinders, though.

 

[payasam]

If I had a good 50mm, I wouldn't buy another. You might consider what wolves3012 says about an accessory finder. To my mind, a Zorki 1 with a SBOOI would be close to ideal. Keep in mind Will's warning about parallax.

 

[David Hughes]

Hmmmm, the Zorki 1 and the Industar 22 or 50 look right together. The Jupiter-8 is great but better on (say) a FED 2 or M2. It mostly a question of scale.

Assuming you're looking at it for pleasure, rather than serious use, then the I-22 and I-50 are perfectly respectable lenses (coated or uncoated) but will benefit from a lens hood. If anything, getting the right hood will be the hardest part. Spun aluminium 36mm slip-ons look right on the Industars and are cheap and plentful but have a bad habit of slipping off or off-centre.

The Jupiter-8 may be easier to fit with a hood (40½mm screw in) and you've a wide choice of new ones. Perhaps the best are made for the Leica with vents but in the economy Chinese version.

BTW, some J-8's rotate as you focus and some don't. Also, getting to the aperture control tab with a hood on the Industars can be a pita.

Hope this helps.

Regards, David

PS this is your first? Beware, they get addictive and you'll end up with all the others eventually: so no real worries about which one you start with, imo.

 

[payasam]

As I am not bothered about what is historically right or what looks right, I used my Zorki 1 with a Jupiter 3. Managed well enough, though I had an accessory turret finder (not the FSU one). I'd have preferred a slower speed, but 1/20 sec. was mostly good enough for low light work with ASA 400 film.