FED vs. Zorki

[dll927]

Does anyone have a handle on the story that Zorkis were intended to be a notch or two above FEDs? I've read on a couple or so sites that FEDs were intended to be the 'every man's' camera, while Zorkis were intended for the more sophisticated - or for export sale.

Some time ago, after aquiring a few Zorkis of various models, I decided I wanted to get some different colored bodies. So I bought three FED-2s of various colors. Almost right away, it seems those FEDs didn't fit together as well when opened for film insertion. True, it may be sample defects, but it kind of left me with the feeling they weren't as well made.

I've read myriad postings on these forums about various peoples' "favorite" models of the two brands. Was there a built-in difference?

 

[fanshaw]

I don't Zorkis were exported in great numbers until the Zorki-4 was produced. I can't see in what way the Zorkis were better than Feds. The Fed-2 is probably the best example of Soviet camera design and quality.

 

[fanshaw]

Sorry, my previous post should have read " I don't think..."

 

[ZorkiKat]

Considering the "first models" only-, Zorki-1 tend to be better than FED-1, when comparing cameras that came from the same time. In terms of finish, handling feel, and fit, a Zorki-1 will be better than its contemporary FED-1. However the better/worse comparison ends there. As shooters, a well-adjusted FED-1 will shoot as good as a well adjusted Zorki-1.

Zorki-1 tend to be closer to Leica II in terms of finish. Some Zorki-1 (middle to last runs) had metal stamped bodies which were better than what the FED-1 used. The production quality control on these Zorki also tend to be better. Parts fit well and tight, whereas equivalent parts on a FED would tend to be loose or ill-fitting and exhibit some play.

Early FED-1 (prewar) can also be quite better than some of the post war versions. The parts had better fit, and some even had details (like bevelled pulleys on the shutter drum) which were lost during the simplifcations done during the production runs. However, like the parts found in them which appear to have been custom-fit, the prewar NKVDs suffered from cross-compatibility issues- no standard register, lenses can not be interchanged, variable focus pitch, etc.