Improving Zorki 4 VF

[fidget]

I haven't used my Zorki 4 for a couple of years. When I last did, I found that it had a few annoying features which made me prefer to use my FEDs. This is a shame, as this 69 example has been very reliable and is a handsome piece of kit.
I found that the vf gives a very wide view. If I don't ensure that the camera is square on to my composition, it can be well off to one side.
I have a hankering to use it again, so thought that I might attempt to improve some of these "features"😉
I wondered if some form of frame could be placed inside the vf to help with this? Something like a black paper mask? Anyone familiar enough with the inside of these can suggest if this is a possibility?

Dave......

 

[rxmd]

We had a discussion of Zorki frameline modifications some time ago, and Spyderman actually tried retrofitting some. I think the result was that it is possible, but only theoretically.

You can always put some black tape on the outside of the VF window for minimal invasiveness.

 

[fidget]

Yes, I found that that could work quite well, just slightly spoils the "look", but worth it if no other easy enough way to do this.

Dave.....

 

[wolves3012]

It wouldn't be too difficult to remove the top cover and add a frame to the front of the VF to give a true 50mm view. How much benefit would be in that I can't say. Adding brightline frames, as Spyderman was suggesting IIRC, would be quite a task.