Erratic shutter on Zorki 3-C

[Rui Morais de Sousa]

Hello everybody,
I am seeking some advice from some knowledgeable people on FSU cameras, as I am novice in that matter.
I have seen some excellent articles around here, so I believe that you can help. Thank you very much in advance!
I just got a "new" (to me) Kiev 4a with J-8M (both 1980), and a Zorki 3-C, with J-8 (both 1956). I haven't yet run some film through them. I am trying to get familiar with the cameras instead, as the Kiev is somewhat unfamiliar with it's Contax grip. So far as I can judge, the Kiev seems to be fully functional, and I hope not to be surprised with light leaks, or spacing troubles, or some other things some of you talk about...
On the other hand, I have encountered some erratic shutter behaving on the Zorki (this camera and shutter type is more familiar to me, as I own some M Leicas). I cannot say that it does not work correctly, I say that it is not consistent. The slow shutter speeds sound rather accurate and make me no worries. It is the faster speeds that sometimes sound too fast...
And instead of B, I often get a fast shutter speed. The same happens sometimes to 1/ 25 (flash synchronisation). Let's say: I can shoot five or six times with no problem, and then it fails again for two or three times. I could say that 1/50 or 1/100 also usually sound like 1/250. The faster speeds are even harder to tell apart (I know it is not always easy, but on a fine tuned Leica I can usually distinguish them).
With the help of the excellent articles (Mr Wolves, for example) that people post on this forum, I am tempted to try to repair it myself (some tips on the right tools? I can't get them here, would have to order, or wait until I go to Lisbon)
Somehow, I have the feeling that the problem could be on the shutter disengaging ring and/or release button... Does that make sense to you?
If I "rock" (sorry, can't find a better word) a little the shutter setting knob before releasing the shutter, I get a much more consistent and accurate shooting rate.
So my question to you is, where do you think I should start looking for the solution, where do you think the trouble can be?
Just needing cleaning and lubrication?
The camera shows signs of use, but not abuse, although I guess that it stood a long time without working.
Thank you very much for any help.
Rui

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[wolves3012]

From what you describe I'd start looking at the second-curtain release arm. When you pop the top cover off, look for the crescent-shaped arm around the speed-selector. It's supposed to be pressed inwards and downwards by a small spring. Check that when you press the release button that this arm does move downwards. Check also that the spring is not displaced. The Zorki 4/4K "HOW TO" can be used as a guide since the Zorki 3C is the same as a regular Zorki 4 but without the self-timer. You can find photos in there of the release arm.

 

[Rui Morais de Sousa]

Thank you very much Mr Wolves. As a matter of fact I have been already looking at your excellent notes on the 4/4k, also in pdf form. I even started dismantling the winding knob, but after loosening the small screw and the frame counter screw, I couldn't go any further. The knob just didn't want to come out, and I was afraid of forcing it too much, as I thought that maybe I would also have to turn it anti-, or clockwise, or whatever... So I thought it was better to ask first...
I will look again at your instructions, and see what I can do.
If you don't mind I will ask further questions, if it should be the case...
Thank you also for your nice begginner's guide on FSU cameras. That's exactly were I started! (I had never had FSU cameras in my hand!).
Let me tell you that I am amazed about these cameras: I am now convinced that, if they are correctly adjusted, they can be very interesting pieces of equipment. I really like their style, and the 3-C finder is great (I only miss the bright lines from Leica...).
I really hope that I manage to make them work properly.
Thank you for your kindness and time.
Cheers,
Rui
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