Best Zorki 1?

[kiev4a]

Some time back, when I started collecting, I read somewhere that the Zorki 1D model was supposed to one of the most reliable of the Z1 series. The 1D has the serial number on the back of the cametra rather than the top but has the Leica style shutter speeds (1/100 rather than 1/125). It also is the first model with an accent strip around the lens mount. The long flat spring on the bottom of the shutter crate also was replace by a short one. Mine was produced about 1954. The 1Ds are the last model with a 7-digit SN.

Anyway, my experience seems to back up the claims of the reliability of the 1D. I have examples of all the different Z1 models and my 1D has worked smoothly from the day it was received over two years ago -- no cla, no curtain replacement.

Could be that I just lucked out but it might be something to consider if you are looking for a Leica II copy.

 

[captainslack]

I hope so!! I just finalized a trade with another RFF member for a 1D + some other stuff for an SLR body + lens that I have.. I've been GASing for one of these for awhile. Since before I got my FED 2d, in fact. Can't wait to get it!

Since we're on the subject, how to you work around the differences in the shutter speeds on the Zorki 1 vs. the Western standard speeds? Do you compensate somehow or just shoot with the closest approximate speed to what's on your light meter?

 

[pshinkaw]

My best one of five is a 1D as well. It came with shutter pinholes so I had to get the curtains replaced. It has an engarevd logo top. I do have a 1C Zorki-Zorki (dual engraved logo top) but is in need of a little cleaning ang and lube before I try it out. The Zorki-Zorki costs a bit more because of us collectors, but it is still a bagain. ($50 for the Zorki-Zorki vs $25 for the 1D) including lenses.

-Paul

 

[kiev4a]

I just guesstimate on the exposure. If the meter says 1/125 at f8. I'll probably shoot at 1/100 between f8 and f11. I'm usually shooting with color neg film or TX and there's enough latitude in those films a half stop isn't going to make or break a picture.

 

[kiev4a]

My best one of five is a 1D as well. It came with shutter pinholes so I had to get the curtains replaced. It has an engraevd logo top. I do have a 1C Zorki-Zorki (dual engraved logo top) but is in need of a little cleaning ang and lube before I try it out. The Zorki-Zorki costs a bit more because of us collectors, but it is still a bagain. ($50 for the Zorki-Zorki vs $25 for the 1D) including lenses.

-Paul

The Zorki Zorki 1C (also made as a 1B) tends to be smoother operating and have a better finish but usually seem to require more tuning. I've never replaced the curtains on a 1D but I've been told the short spring makes the project easier than on the long spring models. The smoothest Z1 I have is a 1B but with the darn soft bodies you have to be more careful handling them.

The last model, the 1E, with modern shutter speeds, seems to have more problems than the 1D -- at least the examples I have. A Russian once told me the best cameras were made before 1954. He said Stalin (who died in 1953) had an incentive program "if you made bad cameras, you got shot!" I have never been able to decide if he was kidding.🙂

 

[captainslack]

A Russian once told me the best cameras were made before 1954. He said Stalin (who died in 1953) had an incentive program "if you made bad cameras, you got shot!" I have never been able to decide if he was kidding.🙂

With ol' Joe, it was best not to test his sense of "humor". 🙄

 

[reagan]

He said Stalin (who died in 1953) had an incentive program "if you made bad cameras, you got shot!" I have never been able to decide if he was kidding.

Thank God my wife doesn't say, "If you take bad photo, you get shot!"

 

[reagan]

Okay, allow me to bump this once to get some id info. So the Zorki-Zorki 1C has dual-engraved top, S/N on top, made for export (with "Made in USSR" on top) no accent strip around lens mount, has old shutter speeds (Z, 20, 30, 40, 60, 100, 200, 500). If any of this is in error, feel free to jump in... or if you know any other identifying traits, I'd appreciate the input.

I just recieved one as described above that was simply advertised as "Zorki-Zorki" and just guessed from the pics it was a 1C, but could be wrong.

Anyone know the production years for these? Can any info be drawn from the S/N?