Fed 3b -- Zorki 4k

[cjbecker]

I am looking into buying one of these cameras. I have read a lot about them and come to the conclusion that they are very similar.

I have read that the fed has a smaller viewfinder but it easer to get good focus. Also read that the zorki has a larger viewfinder but harder to get good focus.

Looking at images the Fed looks to have a higher grade build to it.

Which one do you think will be the better camera.

I already have a jupiter 8 lens for the camera.

This would be my first rangefinder by the way.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Coldkennels]

Almost everyone on here will probably say you should get the Zorki 4K. I'm going to jump in and pre-empt them with a contradictory stance.

I really, really don't like the Zorki 4K. I don't own one, but I've used one, and a couple of people I know have them. The viewfinder's lovely and huge, I'll give you that, but honestly, I can't see anything else to recommend them. The rangefinder spot is almost always hard to make out, the speeds are just painted on and wear away, there's no strap lugs, it looks (and feels) much bigger than it needs to be and the rangefinder baselength's not even that large.

So if those are your two options - Fed 3b (I assume you mean the lever wind model, yes?) or Zorki 4K, I'd take the Fed. Dimmer viewfinder but clearer focus spot, actual engraved speeds, and (in my eyes at least), just better looking + feeling all round. But YMMV, and I'm sure lots of people here will disagree with me.

Plus the Fed 3 tends to come with the Industar 61 (a tessar design), while the Zorki 4K tends to come with the Jupiter 8 you already have (a sonnar design). I prefer the Jupiter 8 generally, but there are times I'd rather use an Industar, so at least it gives you a bit more choice there.

Out of interest, what's making you go for the Fed 3 over the Fed 2? If you could go without the slow speeds and the lever wind, the Fed 2 is a smaller (and more accurate) option than both the cameras you mentioned. Plus some of them even have strap lugs - a bit of a rarity in FSU-land.

 

[cjbecker]

The main reason I was thinking fed 3b (lever wind) over the 2 was because of the slower speeds. I was also just thinking, I would prefer the larger viewfinder of the fed 2 because most of the time I would be shooting in the 1/25 or 1/30 to 1/500 range anyway and would prefer being able to focusing easer, then with the fed 3, or 3b. It seems getting more images in focus is more important them getting the few shots under 1/25 1/30. Plus shooting slower then that i’m looking at motion blur anyway. 1/15 would be nice though.

Also without the slow shutter mechanism the camera would be easer to work on and more reliable.

 

[stratcat]

I can only say such decision really comes down to personal preference. I own and shoot a FED 2(a), FED 3(a) and Zorki 4 (not K) and find them all very nice cameras each with it's quirks, strenghts and weaknesses.

I'll not repeat what has already been said about strap lugs, speed dials and rangefinder baselengths, but to say I agree. I'll only say that I enjoy using them all and haven't had any difficulty getting good results (technically if not artistically) from all of them.

If both come from a reputable seller and are working alright (rangefinder alignment, particularly) I'd say you get the one you like best.

That said, my vote goes for the FED 3

 

[John Robertson]

Mine too stratcat !!
avoid the Fed 5, printed on figures on dials, and worse those on lens also wear off very quickly

 

[cjbecker]

Why is the fed3 both of your favorites?

 

[John Robertson]

Just plain works well and nice to use AND reliable as is my Fed2 which I have had for about 40 years

recently refurbished.

 

[Coldkennels]

The main reason I was thinking fed 3b (lever wind) over the 2 was because of the slower speeds. I was also just thinking, I would prefer the larger viewfinder of the fed 2 because most of the time I would be shooting in the 1/25 or 1/30 to 1/500 range anyway and would prefer being able to focusing easer, then with the fed 3, or 3b. It seems getting more images in focus is more important them getting the few shots under 1/25 1/30. Plus shooting slower then that i’m looking at motion blur anyway. 1/15 would be nice though.

Also without the slow shutter mechanism the camera would be easer to work on and more reliable.

Strange you should mention that - the last time I saw a Zorki 4K was to try and de-stick a shutter. Opening the top was a real eye-opener. I always assumed the big, bulky shape of it was wasted space - turns out there's a lot of clockwork in there. A LOT of it. Makes the Fed 2 look painfully simple in comparison.

I personally rarely use anything less than 1/30 on the cameras I own that have it. I'll only ever use them on a tripod, and most of the time I just hold the shutter open on B and f/16 for a second or two anyway. But again, YMMV.

 

[camperbc]

I too think you may want to consider the FED 2 rather than FED 3 or Zorki-4K, for all of the reasons already stated... and of course it looks SO much nicer!

I own a FED 2 (D6) and a Zorki 4, (not 4K) and love them both. If I had to choose just one, well... it would certainly be a difficult decision, as they are both outstanding cameras, but I would likely have to go with the FED 2, just for it's smaller size, gorgeous appearance, and I believe slightly better build. (both my Zorki-4 and Fed 2 have strap lugs)

Here are a couple pics of my FED 2. I purchased it recently, in absolutely mint condition, for under $80 ea.

Glen
www.FocusOnNewfoundland.com


FED 2(D6) rangefinder with new "Gordy" wrist strap

FED 2(D6) rangefinder with Industar 26 lens

 

[fidget]

I like both. I agree with the pros and cons of each, but would add that the Zorki4K has a fastest shutter speed of 1/1000th which the Fed does not offer. I you can ever find one that works properly at this speed (or can set it up), this may a valuable plus point.

Dave

 

[fidget]

The Zorki4K has the most cheesy advance lever sound, sort of Kerrrr-plunk. I used to be very concious about this, but quite like it now.
Slow speeds can be unreliable, I've found that the first of these (1/15th) is the most variable as small differences, swamped by the longer times, are more noticeable at 1/15th.

Good luck in your choice

 

[wolves3012]

The Zorki4K has the most cheesy advance lever sound, sort of Kerrrr-plunk. I used to be very concious about this, but quite like it now.
Slow speeds can be unreliable, I've found that the first of these (1/15th) is the most variable as small differences, swamped by the longer times, are more noticeable at 1/15th.

Good luck in your choice

I'll second the opinion, the winder makes the camera sound a bit tinny and "empty", far more so than it really is.

As for the 1/15th, you're right it is the most variable speed and that's true for all the FEDs and Zorkis with slower speeds.

Principally, a lot comes down to personal preference. The 4K offers 1/100th and a brighter VF; the FED has a more contrasty but dimmer one. One other advantage the 4K has - the flash synchroniser works at ALL speeds of 1/30th and slower, even 'B'. On the FEDs, it will ONLY work at 1/30th. If you're likely to use flash much, this might be important.

If you can live with no slow speeds, I'd also suggest the FED 2 as very capable and nice - and with a longer baselength RF.

 

[Coldkennels]

One other advantage the 4K has - the flash synchroniser works at ALL speeds of 1/30th and slower, even 'B'. On the FEDs, it will ONLY work at 1/30th. If you're likely to use flash much, this might be important.

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).

 

[ray*j*gun]

The only FSU that ever worked well for me was a Fed 2. I'm sorry I sold it. I believe the Zorki 4 has all the pluses of the 4K without the clunky advance lever.
The best choice IMO if you want a Zorki 4 is the Mir which has no slow speeds and therefore is more reliable. Harder to find though.

 

[zvos1]

My vote goes to Zorki 4k, can look very sexy with griptac cover. I bought mine from Yuri from Fedka. He CLA'd it before sending it to me. It also came with new (old stock) Jupiter. Not sure how much the package cost me, I think it was more than $100 but less than $150.

 

[Coldkennels]

The best choice IMO if you want a Zorki 4 is the Mir which has no slow speeds and therefore is more reliable. Harder to find though.

Surely if you wanted a Zorki with a lever wind but no slow speeds, you'd go for the bottom-loading (and slimmer) 5 or the hinged-back 6? They're both more accurate and smaller than the Mir.

 

[Muller]

I've used both Zorki-4 and 4K, and after having the 4K's winder bind up on me I won't go that route again. I'd like to try out the Zorki-6 sometime and see how much it compares to the 4.

The main thing I don't care for the FED 3 - 5 is the size, too brick-like for my taste.

 

[David Hughes]

The only flaw to the 4K, imo, is the screen printing on the shutter speed dial. I've often wondered if the older one on the plain 4 would swop OK. Once sorted out (ie sent to Oleg to be checked etc) the 4k and the J-8 are a brilliant pair.

Just my 2d worth and I'll add a vote for th FED 2 being a nice camera.

Regards, David

 

[MV72]

I'd say FED-2 D (Big knob and double engraving) or early Zorki 4 (first version i.e. 1956 to 1959) Much better build quality, and looks than later ones. And the speed dial is engraved.

Check this link for comprehensive data of all models with details of their differences:

http://www.sovietcams.com/index.php?-394769545

Here are mine, both fully working straight out of the parcel :

 

[Penny Lane]

Surely if you wanted a Zorki with a lever wind but no slow speeds, you'd go for the bottom-loading (and slimmer) 5 or the hinged-back 6? They're both more accurate and smaller than the Mir.

Seconded. The Zorki-6 I bought a while ago is incredibly sweet. Profile is as small as a Zorki-1, which I like. It is, however, a bit more difficult to service than a FED-2, should you be inclined to doing your own CLAs.

Derk