balky 4k shutter

[exaktamoment]

I have a Zorki 4 and a 4K. There seems to be a difference in the way the collar around the shutter release button works between the two. The '4' has markings on the top of the camera that are engraved (or stamped) into the metal - the 4K has no markings - nor is there any trace of any paint where there might have been markings in the past that 'wore off'. Anyway, for the second time now, I find myself with a camera on my hands that refuses to operate properly. I shot a roll of film in the 4k, rewound it (turned the collar clockwise, with the shutter cocked) and subsequent to that, I cannot get the shutter to operate properly. I have turned the collar every which way but loose but I just can't cock the shutter - I can depress the release and move the arm all the way around to the stop - but as soon as I release the shutter release button, I can no longer move the cocking arm. I thought it might be the position of the shutter release itself (in relation to the collar) but that doesn't seem to make any difference in operation.

Anybody got any ideas??

Lou

zorki 4k (jupiter8), zorki 4 (industar61), fed2 (industar26m)

 

[exaktamoment]

greyhoundman,

Could you, perhaps, suggest another way to get this file? Or maybe just the appropriate page? I have been trying to download this pdf for more than an hour and the 2.99 meg file wants to take 5 hours at the current transfer rate. I am on a T1, so I'm guessing that the source is either a) buried with traffic or b) on very limited bandwidth or c) both.

Lou

 

[exaktamoment]

Thanks. I'm so frustrated by this - thank goodness I have my 4 as a backup. I have lately taken to shooting 'candids' using the 'sunny f16' rule with the lens at the hyperfocal (infinity mark set at f16 on the focussing scale). The only thing I am left with is the requirement to set the shutter properly for what I think the light level is - so far, I've been pretty good, although I have a tendency to underexpose when the subject is in shadow. I have been having so much fun with this ( and God, I LOVE russian glass ) that I am really anxious to get this camera back on-line. So thanks, again.

Lou

 

[exaktamoment]

Just as an aside to anyone that might be interested - I fiddled with the 4k enought that I began to suspect the issue may have had something to do with the fact that the shutter was, in fact, still cocked after the re-wind. I got the shutter working again by turning the shutter speed setting knob and releasing the tension on 'something' inside the camera - I could hear it - it sounded like the selftimer going off as I turned the setting. I wound it on and fired it and there it was. So - lesson learned - DO NOT REWIND FILM WITH THE SHUTTER COCKEd in a 4k.

Further aside to anyone else that might be interested ... I just acquired a FED-2. What a nice camera!! The feel is so much different than the Zorki. It feels 'tighter', somehow, and of higher quality. It's probably just me, but I really like this camera. I am in the process of shooting the first roll of film - it has an Industar 26w (or is it 'm' - I forget) - it seems a nice lens. We shall see. If I get anything worth repeating, I'll put it in my gallery (currently vacant).

Lou