Flash for Zorki 4k

[TurtleSoup]

Hello all
I apologize in advance if this topic was discussed previously .So i received my Zorki 4k today with a Jupiter f2/50 lens plus a f2.8/28 lens ,And i would like to have some recommandations for flash units which can be used with it,I read around that any flash with a pc adapter should work ,I have a pc flash cable but i must admit since im a complete newbie to the Analogue world i have no idea what should i be looking for,I prefer not to spend that much of money over it ,Prefer to save that for extra lenses in the future .
So any hints about brands and models which can be found on ebay for example ( 2nd hand naturally ) will be much welcomed and apreciated
Thanks a bunch

Eitan

 

[wolves3012]

Firstly, welcome to RFF. Your question would have been better posted in the FSU sub-forum, which is specifically for the russian FED/Zorki/Kiev etc but I can give you an answer.

One thing people will probably tell you: many RF users rarely or never use flash.

A lot depends on what you want from a flash gun. A rangefinder doesn't have any inherent "special needs" as far as flash is concerned. For the 4K you will need one with a PC-cord or you can buy an adapter that fits onto the camera shoe and has the lead coming out of it, to plug into the socket. Other than that, any flash ought to work fine. Make sure you set the synchroniser to "X" on the camera (for electronic flash guns) - on the 4K it's adjustable, to cope with various types of flash, including flash bulbs. When you get a gun, take off the lens, connect it up and fire it into the lens-mount (with no film in the camera) by tripping the shutter. Make sure you get to see the whole film-frame and no part of the shutter blinds. Any visible blind means the sync is not adjusted correctly. Also, remember the 4K can synchronise speeds up to 1/30 and no faster.

Stick with a reputable brand and you're unlikely to go wrong. Names like Vivitar, Sunpak and so on come to mind. You probably won't have to pay much at all for a second-hand one. Beyond that, think about whether you want (or need) features like bounce-heads, adjustable-power and a choice of auto settings etc. Most of that is personal taste but an auto setting saves a great deal of effort and few guns don't have some auto features nowadays. There is no point in buying the "dedicated" type for a 4K, although there is no penalty for using one on it if you choose - it simply won't be able to set the camera! A TTL-type gun will not work on auto either, there's no sensor in the 4K.

 

[ronnies]

One other thing to remember is the 4K has a 'cold shoe' that is an all metal accessory shoe. This will fire any 'hot shoe' flash you fit to it as soon as it makes contact with the flash. If you want to mount a 'hot shoe' flash on the camera you'll need to isolate the foot with insulating tape.

Ronnie