First Time with a Zorki 1C

[comp_wiz101]

After passing up a Zorki 1C at a flea market , I couldn't help but start researching it on the internet.... and I knew that I had to get a hold of one!
So, three weeks later, I run across the very same camera... Sold!
The RF was out of alignment and the lens focus was stiff and gummy, so after a little bit of work, it was ready.
I cut the leader of a roll of Wal-Mart re-branded Agfa film (High-Definition 400) and ran it through.
I have to say that I am quite pleased with the results, the 50mm Industar 22 is quite sharp. That said, I am posting a picture from said camera, and I any of you don't mind, I'd like some opinions on it. I haven't done any photoshopping, just scanned and posted. As I am still starting out in photography, any opinions would be great.

 

[comp_wiz101]

Thanks, I understand what you mean. I did fire that wide-open, so that doesn't exactly lend it to sharpness. Unfortunately, when I had gone through this roll my work had prevented me from seeing much daylight : ) .
I do have an indoor flash shot (relatively short range), although it isn't exactly a picture you'd call "art". Would a posting of that help?

 

[comp_wiz101]

Well, if anyone is interested, here's a flash photo off that roll.... rather boring picture, but it turned out. It was also handy to check the flash sync.
P.S. After running that roll through, I found that the RF was not as aligned as exactly as I wanted.. I still had to tweak the infinity adjustment a little.

 

[je2a3]

Hi comp_wiz101,

Are you sure it's a Zorki 1C not a 2C because the older Zorkis don't have flash synch unless yours was modified. I see some audio test equipment on that work table, are you into audio/DIY too?

FSU cameras are fun...I'm trying to fix a Zorki 1d in my work bench right now.

Enjoy the camera!

 

[comp_wiz101]

Good point. I just looked a little closer at the descriptions, and it looks like this is a Zorki C, not a 1c.. ooops. Mine does not have the self-timer, so it must be the Zorki C.
Yes, one of my other hobbies is electronics, including audio gear. I especially go for the old tube gear... I guess that fits the age for the rest of my stuff 🙂
Either way, any thoughts on how the picture turned out?

 

[je2a3]

Yes, one of my other hobbies is electronics, including audio gear. I especially go for the old tube gear... I guess that fits the age for the rest of my stuff 🙂

Likewise, SE and triodes. WRT the pics, I think you can fine tune the RF adjustment since you can usually get much sharper images from FSU stuff.

 

[comp_wiz101]

Yes, after I ran through that roll I double-checked the RF, and I readjusted it. (It was a little off)

 

[wclavey]

So, comp_wiz101... are you the above-referenced (in the photo) W6UBP? If so, welcome from another ham (WB2SVF), a fellow-RF'er, and a fellow FSU'er (Zorki 4). I am always amazed at how often these hobbies travel together (amateur radio, photography, audio) ... it must be something genetic. I wouldn't be surprised if you told me you also did astronomy or model railroading ... Welcome. I really like this place and all the people I have interacted with.

 

[comp_wiz101]

That's funny... I'm haven't gotten my licence yet (I'm looking at VE7YJA), but I am working on it. I've also built some tube radios (Regeneratives), and restored some others. I've realigned my Hammerlund HQ-140X, and I need to restore my Johnson Ranger Viking. I also collect old Military Radios... Command sets, etc.
I did some model railroading for a while (My father did it first), and I some of my first photographs with an SLR were astrophotography! I do have to try to split a lot of time between them all, seeing as I'm only 17! The QSL card in the picture is one I found at a swap meet for a few cents, and I figured it would be neat to look up in some of my old callbooks.
Hmm.. as for genetics... my father was a Ham years ago in the 40s-50s, and my grandmother was an avid photographer. I was saddened to hear about the wonderful equipment that was lost after she had died. (Leicas, Voigtlanders, Pentaxes, etc.)
I think you might be onto something there.....

73 (Heh),
Kiel

 

[phototone]

I too am a "tube" audio hi-fi enthusiast. I have lots of vintage vacuum tube audio amplifiers and preamps and have restored them and use them all. I also was into model railroads as a young man. (I'm old now). I am also into antique and classic cars. In addition to my interest in classic rangefinder cameras, I also like and use classic wooden view cameras, and medium format equipment.

 

[comp_wiz101]

Old gear has a lot more character. Last night I finished cleaning and algining my first Argus C3... I've loaded it with some B&W and I think it'll be fun to try out.

 

[wclavey]

My wife calls it the "geek gene" and you can recognize the phenotype as a person, usually a male, who has more than 3 of these hobbies: photography (especially old cameras), ham radio, model railroading, astronomy, audio equipment collecting, computer programming. There are probably a few others that need to be added, but she has been "out of the market" for 28 years... I have to agree with her that most of my longest term firends have fallen into that category (as does my son...). I think that there are certainly variations on it - - my son and I are both partial to MF and small LF (4x5) but my son is not keen on RFs like I am.

 

[je2a3]

It's nice to know there are a couple of tube audio enthusiasts in this forum.

Happy listening! [aside from shooting....]



Joseph