Contemplating Adjusting Zorki 1 Close Focus

[Bradd Cluckey]

Hello all,

This is my first post here (although I've lurked for some time) and it concerns a Zorki 1c purchased in the classifieds here on RFF. I love this little thing. It appears though that I made a newbie mistake. I removed the lens (an I-22) and screwed it back on while it was locked at infinity. Since doing this the close focus has been off, between three and six inches closer than what I am focusing on to be exact.

It seems that adjusting the rangefinder coupling head is the right thing to do in this situation. I found the instructions for doing so here: http://jay.fedka.com/index_files/Page422.htm . Is this something a person relatively new to rangefinders should attempt? It seems straightforeward enough, but I am afraid of damaging the camera. Who here has performed said surgery? What were your experiences?

I also realize that the adjustment of the coupling head may effect the settings of the rangefinder itself and necessitate adjustment there, so any input on this procedure would also be much appreciated.

I don't want to bite off more than I can chew with the adjustment, but I don't want to send it to Russia either.

Thanks in advance for your help folks,

Bradd.

P.S. If I am totally off base as to the cause of my problem any other suggestions are welcome.

 

[ZorkiKat]

Who here has performed said surgery?

I have 😀

First off, the lens changing you did isn't likely to upset the focus calibration. It can with some specimens, but generally, the sensor tip is held tight enough to prevent from being upset with just one or a couple bad mounting actions. Perhaps if it's done all the time, the focus sensor tip will lose its position.

It could be that your camera was already off when you got it. Were you able to test the camera before you noted that the sensor tip was knocked out? Are you basing your results on actual negatives or photos?

Before you do any more adjustment, did you check if the lens mount flange is exactly at 28,8mm from the film plane?

There's also the possibility of having a lens which is not properly shimmed to work at 28,8mm. Not considerable. From experience, almost all the I-22 and I-50 I found with Zorki are within the correct working range.

It's relatively simple to do. Have the needed tools on hand- a sturdy tripod, a wall target, tape measure and a pair of small needle-nosed pliers. Line the pliers with tape or heat-shrink rubber tube.

When gripping the focus sensor tip, take care not to leave tool marks or burrs. The metal used for this part is rather hard. Before turning check if the tip is fixed in place with a screw. Some have this, some are held by friction alone.

Do the turning in very very small increments. Often the adjustment needed is very small.

The camera's back must be exactly at 1 metre from the target. After making the adjustment, see if the lens' focus reads 1 metre. If it does, check if the RF lines up at infinity. If it doesn't adjust the focus setting screw. Then check for 1 metre again. This should be done over and over until both infinity and 1 metre are calibrated. It also helps if you work near an open window where an infinity target can be sighted.

 

[Bradd Cluckey]

Tanks alot Zorki Kat,

The adjustments were not difficult at all. I turned the rangefinder head a bit down and on the test frames I just developed I can read the print on a yogurt container with a loupe. Nice and sharp. It seems, as far as I can tell the infinity focus did not move while adjusting and the test shots back that up too. Thanks a million for your reply and your site!

Super cute kitty by the way.

Cheers,
Bradd.