Fed-3a vs. Zorki-5b

[Diomedes]

I have a chance to purchase a nice Fed 3a or Zorki-5b on my local antiquity market. I would like to use it with my J8 for available light photography. On the one side there are more speeds and dimmer viewfinder, and on the second side there is a longer rf base and nicer viewfinder…

I haven’t decided yet. :bang:

 

[ZorkiKat]

Get both!

 

[jody]

Get both!

I agree its only money.

 

[fidget]

Yeah, both!
But if only one, I believe that the Zorki5 is a bottom loader.
Maybe buy the one which is in the best condition, that could make a big difference.
They're both nice.
Dave.....

 

[Diomedes]

I would like to, but I've promised myself that I’ll put my GAS on control (at least) :angel: .

Last month I bought a beautiful classic Exakta VX1000 and couple of lenses for it under the especially strong GAS attack. The various camera bodies (and corpses) and lenses of all known and unknown mounts are virtually occupied every part of my bedroom. Every time I’ve seen a nice Kiev rf somewhere, I have to turn my head off.

I like the Z-5, it is the Zorki which gives me the most Leica M-3 like 'feel'.

I’m becoming slightly fond to Zorki-5 under the Jay’s indoctrination

 

[brachal]

I'm not familiar with the Zorki, but the Fed 3 is a very nice camera. I vote for the Fed.

 

[nikola]

Leica M-3 like 'feel'.

there's no such thing

Kolacko is a really nice man to deal with, i bought from him beautiful Fed3b in perfect/new condition.

I prefer vulcanite over plastic/vinyl (Fed3/Z5)... and Fed is easier to load, better (more retro) look, has a timer, and slow speeds.... also it comes with better/more interesting lens (I26m)

just go and see this one, painted by w3rk5

 

[nzeeman]

i have fed 3 (i got it for present) and its too big for my taste so i never use it. i search for a long time for zorki 5 or zorki 6. so i recommend z5 in this case (smaller, longer rf length, prettier).

 

[ZorkiKat]

There's another issue with Zorki-5 concerned with winding the shutter without a lens on the camera.

It's the #5 post at the "Zorki-5" thread here:
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=412977#post412977

Jay

 

[w3rk5]

I've never checked out the Zorki 5 before but I love my FED 3a. It's my "go to" camera.

just go and see this one, painted by w3rk5

Thanks nikola.

 

[raid]

there's no such thing

Kolacko is a really nice man to deal with, i bought from him beautiful Fed3b in perfect/new condition.

I prefer vulcanite over plastic/vinyl (Fed3/Z5)... and Fed is easier to load, better (more retro) look, has a timer, and slow speeds.... also it comes with better/more interesting lens (I26m)

just go and see this one, painted by w3rk5

I have to agree with nikola here. There is no such thing as "M3-like" for any FSU camera. In fact, many Leica users will tell you that few or none of the M cameras are "M3-like".

Raid

 

[ZorkiKat]

I have to agree with nikola here. There is no such thing as "M3-like" for any FSU camera. In fact, many Leica users will tell you that few or none of the M cameras are "M3-like".

Raid

Nikola has taken my original statement off context. My original statement, from another Zorki-5 thread in this section read:

I like the Z-5, it is the Zorki which gives me the most Leica M-3 like 'feel'.

I am a Leica user and have an M3. From the standpoint of one who has used M3s and a lot of Zorki cameras, the Z-5 does indeed come out as the most "M3-like" amongst all the Zorki. Whilst the Z-5 is indeed worlds apart from the M3 in overall precision, mechanical, and build features, it does have the same size, height, weight, mass, and body shape (oval, no sharp corners) which makes this camera have the same 'feel' in the hands as the Leica M3.

If one were to look for a Zorki which has the closest to the M3 when held, the Z-5 would be it. From a distance, or at a quick glance, the Z-5 does look like an M3

Jay

 

[vanyagor]

Get both!

I wish we had markets like that over here!

 

[Diomedes]

Thank you all for your suggestions. I've finally decided and bought the Z-5b. It looks very nice but needs some CLA. I’ve read on the other post about Zorki-5 cameras (http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=30959) that the shutter should not be cocked without any lens on the camera. I understand that the RF sensor mustn’t stay extended out of the lens mount during cocking the shutter. I would like to clean and lube all the gears and test the shutter visually. Since I must to remove the camera from the body shell to gain access to the gear set and the shutter, can I hold the RF sensor pushed with my finger while cocking the shutter?

I’ve got oil for sewing machines. Is it good enough for lubrication or I’ll have to find some synthetic grease?

Regards,
Vjeko