Heath
Classic Camera Collector
I just won a Zorki-4 on eb*y. Now I can't wait to get my hands on this baby. It has a J-8 lens. Got it for a reasonable amount too. $36 AUD. Is there anything I should watch out for with this camera?
Thanks in advance.
Heath
Thanks in advance.
Heath
bmattock
Veteran
The sudden urge to invade Budapest? Just kidding.
K
Kin Lau
Guest
The Russian RF chant: "Never change shutter speeds before winding". Maybe Natalia can record that one for us 
ChrisN
Striving
So that was you! That was the 4K you snagged - congratulations! You weren't interested in either of the other two? I almost bid for the Zorki 4 and the 2c, but decided I really didn't need any other Comrades for the Mir at this stage.
Have fun with it and be careful of the warnings about not changing shutter speeds before cocking the shutter!
All the best.
Chris
Have fun with it and be careful of the warnings about not changing shutter speeds before cocking the shutter!
All the best.
Chris
kiev4a
Well-known
The shutter speeds are painted on the 4K--not engraved. Be careful not to rub 'em off.
Heath
Classic Camera Collector
ChrisN said:
Yup, it was me. I was watching the others but decided to only go for one. I have been spending too much time on eb*y lately (if that is possible) and winning quite a few auctions. I will need another bookcase soon to put my cameras on.
Heath
photodog
Well-known
I got a Zorki 4 last month for $35
I got a Zorki 4 last month for $35
I got bought a Zorki 4 last month with a Jupiter 8 to see what the fuss is about with the Russian cameras. I already have a Jupiter 12 which I use with my old M4-2.
Here's what I don't like: the focus on the lens is smooth but a little loose, no play but too easy to change by mistake. Same problem with aperture ring. A few cleaning marks on the front element which is to be expected. The major complaint is that the shutter release is at times sluggish and the shutter doesn't appear to have much tension and is a bit slow in travel across the film plane.
Do I have a bad camera? Should I attempt a relube of the lens? Should I try to fix the shutter? Having paid only $35, I have little to lose. I am open to suggestions.
I got a Zorki 4 last month for $35
I got bought a Zorki 4 last month with a Jupiter 8 to see what the fuss is about with the Russian cameras. I already have a Jupiter 12 which I use with my old M4-2.
Here's what I don't like: the focus on the lens is smooth but a little loose, no play but too easy to change by mistake. Same problem with aperture ring. A few cleaning marks on the front element which is to be expected. The major complaint is that the shutter release is at times sluggish and the shutter doesn't appear to have much tension and is a bit slow in travel across the film plane.
Do I have a bad camera? Should I attempt a relube of the lens? Should I try to fix the shutter? Having paid only $35, I have little to lose. I am open to suggestions.
P
pshinkaw
Guest
I suggest you disassemble the lens barrel (the optical unit comes out as a unit) and CLA the focusing helical. There are low volatility lubes availabel at electronic/computer shops. Most people use a white lithium grease, but if you have exceptional looseness problems there is also a clear gel lube at Radio Shack which is much thicker. I have never had to use it on a lens, but it should add quite a bit of stiffness to the movement.
I do not recommend lubing the lens diaphragm unless you want to actually remove the iris leaves and put them back in. In that case, the Radio Shack gel lube placed ONLY ON THE PINS, will both hold them in place during reassembly and make the movement a lot stiffer.
Be careful with the headless set screws. They tend to be brittle and break apart at the slots quite easily.
-Paul
I do not recommend lubing the lens diaphragm unless you want to actually remove the iris leaves and put them back in. In that case, the Radio Shack gel lube placed ONLY ON THE PINS, will both hold them in place during reassembly and make the movement a lot stiffer.
Be careful with the headless set screws. They tend to be brittle and break apart at the slots quite easily.
-Paul
2maneekameras
home on the rangefinder
I have a 1957 Zorki4 with engraved shutter speeds and little raised bezels around the vf and rf windows. I use a J8 and J12(thanks sockeyed). I haven't had any problems with shutter speeds on this camera. I paid USD23. I like this camera. The exit window of the vf is the same size as the one on my M3, but it is 1:1 more than the Leica. Someday I'll post a picture of the two side-by-side.