Question: FED 2 vs. Zorki 6

[Solinar]

If you look at the shutter release of the FED 2, before the last series, it resides in a low spot on the top cover. It is located behind the forward bulge of the top cover which houses the RF window. My index finger naturally seems to cradle over the winder to rest in this spot. Pressing down on the shutter release from this position is smooth as glass.

The flat, raised top design of the top cover of the Zorki 6 puts the shutter release higher up than on the FED 2. Also, the fashionable placement of the shutter release at the center of the film winder places it towards the outer edge and results in an finger position that seems awkward. The finger is bent downward in a hook without much of rest position.

 

[je2a3]

Here's a size comparison - Zorki 1, Fed 2 and Zorki 6. As many have mentioned the Z6 is slightly taller than the Fed 2 but not as wide which accounts for the "compact feel" a lot of users have reported. The brighter VF/RF, lever wind and swing back are all pluses for the Z6. In certain ways the "feel and handling" is like a "budget Leica M". However I consider the Fed 2 to be a highpoint in Soviet mid-century industrial design. I was torn between the two that I had to have both plus others...GASp!

 

[brians]

That's a neat picture, it's like a step ladder 😀

 

[kvanderlaag]

I just purchased the Zorki 6, and when the funds transfer from my bank account to my PayPal account clears, I'll probably pick up the FED 2. I'm excited.

Thanks for all the input and help, everyone! I really appreciate that everyone seems to have a pretty good idea of what they're doing, and that they're willing to share it with me while I'm learning!

 

[Gordon Coale]

I just purchased the Zorki 6, and when the funds transfer from my bank account to my PayPal account clears, I'll probably pick up the FED 2. I'm excited.!

That's the RFF attitude -- buy them all!! You will enjoy them both.

 

[katcons]

I bought the Zorki 6 from Alex-Photo as a back-up to my Leica IIIf. NEEDED another LTM, haha!