Any 'Commemorative' users here?

[ddejohn]

I'm talking about those 'refurbished' Zorki Yura copies on ebay. They're advertised as copies, and I read on commiecams that these are beautifully made cameras, and elsewhere that they're junk.

Anybody here use these things? As far as I know, they're remanufactured Zorkis and FEDs. Do an ebay search for "Russian Leica copy". I did a search here, but wasn't able to find anything directly relating to these cameras.

Just wondering if it's worth it to pick one of these up, or get a real Zorki and have a CLA done...

Cheers!

 

[wolves3012]

I don't have personal experience of these but from what I've read they are often made from cameras that were too scruffy to have value as-is or from parts taken from more than one "scrap" body. As such, I'd avoid one that didn't come with some sort of warranty or returns possibility.

To be honest, if you want the experience of a Zorki or FED, why not get a genuine, unmolested one? Still can be something of a lottery to get a good one but probably far less so than something that's been messed about with. Whatever you go for, unless it comes from a reputable seller and with warranty (i.e. higher-priced) you're gambling and you need to factor in the possible price of repairs or service.

Saying all of the above, a good, serviced Zorki or FED can work beautifully well and be a joy to use.

EDIT: I see it's your first post - welcome to RFF. Don't be afraid to ask anything you need to know, we don't (usually) bite!

 

[David Hughes]

Hi,

The answer is something along the lines of yes and no.

If you live somewhere where Zorkis and FEDs are dirt cheap because no one wants them and you know what you are doing and have the tools and a workshop then it would be a simple matter to acquire a dozen of so of the same model and strip them all down and then measure everything and re-assemble a few good ones. Then test them and away we go.

We've been doing this with old cars for years and computers once upon a time.

The trouble is, we don't know who is doing it and what their standards are. And there may be several people doing it, to add to the confusion. Just look at all of them advertising on ebay from overseas.

So I can't really advise you but I can, at least, warn you. And who knows? They could be perfectly good ones.

The alternative is to buy from Oleg, et al, and get him to check the thing, or buy a good looking one and get it checked by a repairer you know and trust.

Anyway, welcome aboard; I'll wish you luck in your venture.

Regards, David

 

[ddejohn]

Thanks for the replies, and the welcomes.

What was going through my head was that if there was a Zorki/Leica copy out there that was new production/refurbished, wouldn't it be more reliable and better made than something that's 50 years old?

Anyway, I've been all over the internet the last few days trying to decide whether I want a Zorki 1c or something completely different. I'm interested in the Zorki 6, but hate the design. I've looked at Kiev, but don't like the prices or the designs of those cameras either. I've looked at the Seagull 205 because of it's RF/VF, and even the Yashica Electro 35. I really don't know where to start.

Anyway, this is a great forum, and I've got a lot more reading to do.

Cheers!

 

[rfaspen]

Well, of the cameras you listed, the Electro35 will probably give you the nicest images with the least learning curve. The Zorki 1c is a neat camera and fun to hold/use, but you need to learn how to use it effectively. Zorki 6 is easier to use. Both Zorkis allow different lenses and both Zorkis need to be checked carefully for function (may need clean/repair). The Kiev is neat, but I don't use mine because its hard to hold. Some people love it. I don't know about the Seagull. Don't have one of those.

It's good to ask questions and look around at rangefinders before settling on that first one. Yes, it will be your *first* one if you happen to take to rangefinders. Most people either like the rangefinder way and get more than one camera, or they don't, and they get rid of their first rangefinder. Ask around the remainder of this forum and you'll learn a lot about a wide range of cameras. They're all different, but some will likely appeal to your needs and style. Personally, I like too many of them.

Welcome to RFF.

 

[wolves3012]

What was going through my head was that if there was a Zorki/Leica copy out there that was new production/refurbished, wouldn't it be more reliable and better made than something that's 50 years old?

There are no new-production Zorkis, the last model 1 (not that it was called that) rolled out of the factory in 1956. The problem with the "refurbished" and Leica-copy ones is that you really don't know who refurbished them and what they did. If they took several parts cameras and made one single whole one from the best bits, it's not good practice because some parts are hand-fitted to the individual body (or lens). If they took one apart and replaced any damaged parts (if they can get the parts, which isn't too likely now) then it still needs adjustment. Besides, whichever approach is taken, the time required to do the job properly outweighs the commercial price they can be sold at.

You may get lucky and get one that is working properly - or you may not. In the case of repainted, tarted-up, supposedly limited-edition ones or Leica-copy varieties, the cosmetics is what gives the appeal of a carefully crafted masterpiece and the insides can be a dog - and often are. Unfortunately, shiny paint and fancy lettering don't make it work.

 

[ddejohn]

Was afraid of such. I wonder what that guy was talking about on commiecams...

Anyway. Looking at the Hi-matic F on ebay right now... So many options... Yashica Lynx...

Ugh.

 

[David Hughes]

Hi,

In your shoes I'd only buy the Zorki 1c to get the feel of a 30's design camera on the cheap. That's not derogatory, btw, just factual.

The other way to get the feel of a 1930's camera is to buy a Leica from that period (expensive) and then put a film through it (same price as the Zorki film) and then (probably) get it repaired and brought up to specification (very expensive). That's my experience and I've owned and used far too many Leicas in the last 40 to 50 years.

On the other hand, there's the FED copies of the Leica model II which were made in the 50's and so are not so old, plus they have coated lenses (good ones) and, although what you get will be a matter or luck (just like old Leicas) when you get them repaired and checked you'll find OLeg is far, far cheaper but just as good as (say) British repairers. Plus Oleg doesn't tell you shutter blinds have to be individually made at a cost of 150 quid...

The Zorki is a slight improvement on the FED 1 and the same applies to it that I mentioned for the Leicas and FEDs, in other words, they are all old and second-hand and may need a bit of work. Above all you should regard them as a fun project and not get too serious. They'll turn out decent photo's for you but are a bit of a hair shirt at times.

I've both Leica II's and FEDs and once they've had the treatment they feel and behave exactly the same. But the Leica lens is uncoated and the ex-USSR ones are coated. Remember; Leica dear, FED and Zorki cheap.

And if you just want to know what it's like owning and using a range-finder then every maker did one at some time; Ricohs are cheap, Canon and Nikon are dear and Olympus are somewhere in the middle. There's all sorts of styles with different metering etc and they'll all have weird problems sooner or later like light seals, battery compatibility and so on..

Plus you should know that on ebay a lot of sellers think cameras that are not SLR's are all range-finders. Even the ones called something FF for "Fixed Focus" like the APS Canon IXUS FF. And especially the Olympus Trip 35...

So do the research, draw up a list and happy bidding.

Regards, David