atelier7
Well-known
Hi,
I'm interested in getting a FSU camera but I don't know where to begin.
Which ones are Leica copies and which are Contax copies? What are the advantages/disadvantages of each?
Right now, all I know is I like the fairly "modern" yet "retro" look of the Kiev 4 AM.
Any reviews about how this camera?
I'm interested in getting a FSU camera but I don't know where to begin.
Which ones are Leica copies and which are Contax copies? What are the advantages/disadvantages of each?
Right now, all I know is I like the fairly "modern" yet "retro" look of the Kiev 4 AM.
Any reviews about how this camera?
rbiemer
Unabashed Amateur
Welcome to this osession!
the forum here is a pretty good place to start from and I would suggest this site as well:commie cameras
and:Jim Blazik's site .
The Kiev 35mm cameras are Contax derived and the FEDs and Zorkis are Leica derived.
You can,t go wrong with either as they are(if working correctly) each capable of taking great photos. It is more a question of which works best for you.
There is a thread here about good dealers and that is worth the time to find and read!
Just leave some for the rest of us
Rob
the forum here is a pretty good place to start from and I would suggest this site as well:commie cameras
and:Jim Blazik's site .
The Kiev 35mm cameras are Contax derived and the FEDs and Zorkis are Leica derived.
You can,t go wrong with either as they are(if working correctly) each capable of taking great photos. It is more a question of which works best for you.
There is a thread here about good dealers and that is worth the time to find and read!
Just leave some for the rest of us
Rob
GeneW
Veteran
Atelier, you'll get some good replies here on RFF. There are many of us who enjoy FSU cams and lenses.
The FED's and Zorki's are LTM mount cameras and the Kiev's are Contax mount. I've stuck with the LTM-mount models mainly because I didn't want to deal with another system of lens mounts. I'm not one of the more experienced FSU users, but I've owned a FED-2, Zorki 4K, and Zorki 3M. The 3M is my fav. I use it with a Jupiter 8.
Gene
The FED's and Zorki's are LTM mount cameras and the Kiev's are Contax mount. I've stuck with the LTM-mount models mainly because I didn't want to deal with another system of lens mounts. I'm not one of the more experienced FSU users, but I've owned a FED-2, Zorki 4K, and Zorki 3M. The 3M is my fav. I use it with a Jupiter 8.
Gene
rbiemer
Unabashed Amateur
Gene,
Have you got your Zorki back from the health spa yet?
Have you got your Zorki back from the health spa yet?
GeneW
Veteran
No, dammit! Oleg has finished his work, but I think Zork stopped in a vodka bar on the way home and forgot about time ...rbiemer said:
Gene
rbiemer
Unabashed Amateur
ouch. I hope it gets to you soon!
kiev4a
Well-known
Good shooters among the Russian Leica Copies are the Zorki 3M, Zorki 4 and 4K, Zorki 6 and FED 2-5.
The Zorki 1s and FED 1s look more like early Leicas but you are more likely to encounter mechanical problems and hardened shutter curtains. And they are bottom loaders as is the Zorki 5.
The Zorki 3 and 3M are among the best-looking but they also are old enough to have problems. I would stay away from the Z3 with the slow speed dial on the front because they are known for problems. A lot of people like the FED 2 but the viewfinder is a little dim for my tastes.
A Zorki 4K is a good bet because they are relatively new and have an advance lever instead of a knob. The Zorki 6 is a great little camera if you find a good one -- it is the only Soviet rangefinder with a hinged back.
If it were me I would start with a FED 5. You can find them virtually new in the box -- less chance of problems. Some folks bad-mouth them but they are cheap and usually work. And there are a ton of Leica thread mount lenses that will fit them.
The Kievs are Contax-based and can take great pictures but they are more complicated mechanically and it has been my experience that you often end up buying several before you find one that works properly. They also are a lot more difficult to fix than the Leica copies (at least that's my experience).
The Zorki 1s and FED 1s look more like early Leicas but you are more likely to encounter mechanical problems and hardened shutter curtains. And they are bottom loaders as is the Zorki 5.
The Zorki 3 and 3M are among the best-looking but they also are old enough to have problems. I would stay away from the Z3 with the slow speed dial on the front because they are known for problems. A lot of people like the FED 2 but the viewfinder is a little dim for my tastes.
A Zorki 4K is a good bet because they are relatively new and have an advance lever instead of a knob. The Zorki 6 is a great little camera if you find a good one -- it is the only Soviet rangefinder with a hinged back.
If it were me I would start with a FED 5. You can find them virtually new in the box -- less chance of problems. Some folks bad-mouth them but they are cheap and usually work. And there are a ton of Leica thread mount lenses that will fit them.
The Kievs are Contax-based and can take great pictures but they are more complicated mechanically and it has been my experience that you often end up buying several before you find one that works properly. They also are a lot more difficult to fix than the Leica copies (at least that's my experience).
K
Kin Lau
Guest
My 2 cents.
I like the Kiev's myself. Very sturdy, wide baseline and fairly good VF/RF. The slow speeds aren't always the best, but from 1/25 or 1/30 on, are quite good. There's less choice and lenses, but almost all are good, and I notice that many are cheaper than equiv LTM.
The Zorki 4K is a nice shooter also, bright VF and lever winder makes a big difference. The Fed 2 also has a wide baseline, and mine winds much better than my Zorki 4 or 2C. Of course, there's a wide choice of lenses, but there seems to be more "lemons".
So for me, I like the Kiev's better due to esthetics, focusing accuracy and easy choice of lenses.
I like the Kiev's myself. Very sturdy, wide baseline and fairly good VF/RF. The slow speeds aren't always the best, but from 1/25 or 1/30 on, are quite good. There's less choice and lenses, but almost all are good, and I notice that many are cheaper than equiv LTM.
The Zorki 4K is a nice shooter also, bright VF and lever winder makes a big difference. The Fed 2 also has a wide baseline, and mine winds much better than my Zorki 4 or 2C. Of course, there's a wide choice of lenses, but there seems to be more "lemons".
So for me, I like the Kiev's better due to esthetics, focusing accuracy and easy choice of lenses.
V
varjag
Guest
I would second the Kin's advice. Early Feds and Zorkis are nice beasts, but taking Kiev in hands just makes me alert and keen to shoot. The camera has very reassuring feel.
W
wlewisiii
Guest
Here's another vote for the Kiev. It just feels much better when using it than does any of the other ones do to me. This isn't to say they can't take good pictures, my Fed 5 does quite well, but I'd rather use my Kiev 4a anytime.
William
William
kiev4a
Well-known
The Kiev crowd is a dedicated bunch. Must be someting in the water. They have pretty much taken over the Beststuff FSU Forum. I just have never been able to keep from sticking a finger in front of that unique rangefinder window All I can say is I've had six Kievs at one time or another. Only one camera worked without any problems, right out of the package. The only Kiev type I have that works perfectly is a Contax II overhauled by Henry S.
All I can say is I've had six Kievs at one time or another. Only one camera worked without any problems, right out of the package. The only Kiev type I have that works perfectly is a Contax II overhauled by Henry S.
K
Kin Lau
Guest
I don't like focusing with the wheel, so sometimes I use my middle finger for the shutter instead of the index finger. Seems to help me keep the fingers away... but I still have to clean the finger prints off the RF window quite often
For a pocketable camera tho, you can't beat the Zorki or Fed + I-22 or I-50 collapsible. My Zorki 2C + I-22 or Leica IIIa + Elmar are great in this regard.
For a pocketable camera tho, you can't beat the Zorki or Fed + I-22 or I-50 collapsible. My Zorki 2C + I-22 or Leica IIIa + Elmar are great in this regard.
Y
yauyaursk
Guest
I am quite agree with the GeneW. Zorki 3 is my favour too~
But I think I will take Fed-2 be a start.
The dim viewfinder make a good practise on focusing, I think. I am start at this way so...
But more than that, I think you should go borrow one for a try first.
That will make you know what taste you really favour.
But I think I will take Fed-2 be a start.
The dim viewfinder make a good practise on focusing, I think. I am start at this way so...
But more than that, I think you should go borrow one for a try first.
That will make you know what taste you really favour.
atelier7
Well-known
I took the plunge!
I took the plunge!
yup yup yup! Thanks to everyone for their input.
I couldn't decide between a Fed or Zorki so ended up purchasing both!
I BIN on ebay for a Fed 3b (dark blue, comes with "macro" rings and hood)
and a Zorki 4k with black J8.
hmmm, i just noticed in the picture that part of the markings on the shutter dial are worn off! sigh!
anyhow, here comes the hard part - the wait!
initially, i had changed my mind about buying old camera bodies and
was intending to buy a new bessa r and look for a J8 lens with it. However, while searching for a J8 the bug bit really badly and i ended up going for an FSU body instead.
i just hope they work as well as the sellers claim! Otherwise, i'm even further away from getting a decent rangefinder that i can use.
I took the plunge!
yup yup yup! Thanks to everyone for their input.
I couldn't decide between a Fed or Zorki so ended up purchasing both!
I BIN on ebay for a Fed 3b (dark blue, comes with "macro" rings and hood)
and a Zorki 4k with black J8.
hmmm, i just noticed in the picture that part of the markings on the shutter dial are worn off! sigh!
anyhow, here comes the hard part - the wait!
initially, i had changed my mind about buying old camera bodies and
was intending to buy a new bessa r and look for a J8 lens with it. However, while searching for a J8 the bug bit really badly and i ended up going for an FSU body instead.
i just hope they work as well as the sellers claim! Otherwise, i'm even further away from getting a decent rangefinder that i can use.
kmack
do your job, then let go
Hey Kids, Why not Collect all Three!
Why not they're cheap enough, emerge yourself in your obsessions.
Why not they're cheap enough, emerge yourself in your obsessions.
atelier7
Well-known
erm, that's what i did kmack - i've got a zorki, fed and kiev making its way to aus!
T
tedwhite
Guest
atelier: You did the right thing. You can't really assess Russian cameras until you have all three. I just bought a FED 2 (arrived) and a Kiev 4AM (not yet arrived), and I will soon be searching for a Zorki 4K or 6. Have fun.
Ted
Ted
atelier7
Well-known
That's what I figured too, Ted. Everyone had a different favourite FSU shooter... so I thought i'd get all 3. It's frustrating waiting for it though.
I'm already looking at getting new coverings for the Zorki 4k from aki asahi. Anyone has recommendations on what skin would go well?
I'm already looking at getting new coverings for the Zorki 4k from aki asahi. Anyone has recommendations on what skin would go well?
reagan
hey, they're only Zorkis
atelier7 -
Welcome aboard. I'm still a rookie to FSU's myself with one Zorki 4 in hand and another 3M in route. I don't think you'll be disappointed. I've been completely satisfied with the sharpness and quality of the J8. My Zorki came in good shape and I can easily see it giving me great service for years to come.
I too purchased one of asahi's coverings. It arrived this week, and though I haven't jumped in to install yet, it certainly looks like good quality. I went with the Screwmount Leica Emboss. However the original covering on my Zorki is in perfect condition, so... though I'm not that crazy about it's looks... I'm not in a rush to change out. One of these days... and I'm sure the new cover will really spiff it up.
Anyway, have fun with 'em. Try not to worry the postman too much while you wait! Download necessary owner's manuals to prep yourself. And oh yeah... read a lot of RFF!
Welcome aboard. I'm still a rookie to FSU's myself with one Zorki 4 in hand and another 3M in route. I don't think you'll be disappointed. I've been completely satisfied with the sharpness and quality of the J8. My Zorki came in good shape and I can easily see it giving me great service for years to come.
I too purchased one of asahi's coverings. It arrived this week, and though I haven't jumped in to install yet, it certainly looks like good quality. I went with the Screwmount Leica Emboss. However the original covering on my Zorki is in perfect condition, so... though I'm not that crazy about it's looks... I'm not in a rush to change out. One of these days... and I'm sure the new cover will really spiff it up.
Anyway, have fun with 'em. Try not to worry the postman too much while you wait! Download necessary owner's manuals to prep yourself. And oh yeah... read a lot of RFF!
einolu
Well-known
the only russian camera that I honestly like is the zorki 1 with the collaspible industar, that lens is perfect. Never really saw what all the fuss about the jupiter 8 was. It has the industar 22 beat by 1.5 stops but I always liked the look the industar gave photos.
ps: never tried the zorki 3, does it have the same finder as the zorki 4? I tried the zorki 4 (actually MIR, but same thing) and hated that I couldnt see the edge of the frame. I always loved the look of the zorki 3/4 though.
ps: never tried the zorki 3, does it have the same finder as the zorki 4? I tried the zorki 4 (actually MIR, but same thing) and hated that I couldnt see the edge of the frame. I always loved the look of the zorki 3/4 though.