Fed 3b -- Zorki 4k

Coldkennels said:
Do you mean it won't fire the flash or it just doesn't time it right? I just tried a flash out on an empty Fed 5, and it certainly fires at all speeds between 1sec and 1/30... obviously there's no way to see if it's doing it at the right point, but I don't see why it wouldn't be (fully open shutter and all that).
Click to expand...
The Zorki used a "proper" flash synchroniser on the Zorki C, 2C, 3C, 4 and 4K. This gives the correct flash-sync on every speed from 1/30th downwards. On the Zorki 5 and 6, they fitted a simpler mechanism with X and FP sockets but these cameras have no slower speeds, only 'B' (also true for the C and 2C but their synchroniser is still adjustable).

FED used a simpler mechanism that only guarantees the full frame to be open at 1/30th and at no other speed, not even 'B'. Try it on your FED 5 with a flashgun - just aim it into the lens-mount with the lens removed. You'll see a portion of the shutter curtains if it's not on 1/30th, proving it's not fully open. That is exactly the way to see if it's firing at the right point. That's why 1/30th is marked in red on the speed dial on many or even most FEDs.
 
Last edited:
Well I ended up getting a fed 2a, summitar, fed 2.8 5cm, and a jupiter 8. Was only planning on getting a camera and 1 lens.
 
cjbecker said:
Well I ended up getting a fed 2a, summitar, fed 2.8 5cm, and a jupiter 8. Was only planning on getting a camera and 1 lens.
Click to expand...

Welcome to the club but I ought to warn you that you're now doomed and will have to get a Leica from 1939 or so for the Summitar. ;-)

Regards, David
 
cjbecker said:
Well I ended up getting a fed 2a, summitar, fed 2.8 5cm, and a jupiter 8. Was only planning on getting a camera and 1 lens.
Click to expand...
Congratulations! Do you have it in your hands yet? If so, what do you make of it?

wolves3012 said:
FED used a simpler mechanism that only guarantees the full frame to be open at 1/30th and at no other speed, not even 'B'. Try it on your FED 5 with a flashgun - just aim it into the lens-mount with the lens removed. You'll see a portion of the shutter curtains if it's not on 1/30th, proving it's not fully open. That is exactly the way to see if it's firing at the right point. That's why 1/30th is marked in red on the speed dial on many or even most FEDs.
Click to expand...

Bloody hell. I'm now blind, but you're completely right. Never knew that. Does that flash sync test work on all shutter types? Also, how does the sync work on Kievs - is that a 1/30 only arrangement again?
 
Coldkennels said:
Bloody hell. I'm now blind, but you're completely right. Never knew that. Does that flash sync test work on all shutter types? Also, how does the sync work on Kievs - is that a 1/30 only arrangement again?
Click to expand...
It'll work on any focal-plane shutter. I'm not quite sure about leaf-type but probably you should not see anything of the leaves on those. Hint: use a low-power setting on the flash or use a diffuser, piece of paper etc so as not to blind yourself 😀 Best not to look through the shutter at the flashgun either 😱

Based purely on my Kiev 4A, yes the Kiev works properly at all speeds 1/25th and slower, including 'B'.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom