My name is Keith and I'm a FSU camera addict :)

Z

ZorkiFan

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Seriously, I have only known about Russian rangefinders for about 2 weeks, and just had to try one out. After reading some on other websites, and lots here, I ordered one from Yuri at fedka.

(At first I wanted a Zorki 6 but decided I wanted the slow speeds, now I feel like Heck, why not get one of each, or several of each. :)

I got it Monday, (Zorki 4K with an I-50) , and was I ever pleased. The one I ordered had a J-8 on it, and he sent me an e-mail saying that he didn't have a j-8 that was as nice as I ordered, but he had a rigid I-50 that was nice. He also gave me 25 dollars off on the camera. I was a bit worried, as I haven't heard as many good comments about it as the J-8. I took a few shots and got the film back, and I'm very pleased.

The Camera is in almost brand new condition, with the exception of a bit of wear on the printed lettering, as usual with the 4K. I can still see them fine. I found the lettering template that one of the members made up, and I will mark at least the spots, I can use the template to tell which speed is where (actually I already remember for the most part.) .The never ready is also in really good shape, and doesn't smell as bad as I expected. (I smoke, so I may just not notice) Also his website didn't say it came with a case or a lens cap, but it has both. Also I was suprised that it has 1/4-20 threads in the camera and the case stud.

I had forgotten about the diopter correction till most of the roll was gone, and then I dialed it in, and wow what a difference. I have used SLR's for years, and didn't see how a rangefinder could be as sharp, but rangefinders work really good , maybe better than slr's.

I used a digital camera as a meter for the first shot I took (indoors, in very low light) and it came out good. Then, thinking I could go outside without a meter,
and I found out I need some practice, but that is ok. I have learned more about exposure in the time I have been reading the archives here, and my little test roll, than I have in thirty years with metered cameras. Actually using sunny 16 and the zone system, you don't really even need a meter.

If I can figure this forum software out, I'll put a picture of it up here.

Now, I also need a fed 2 to keep the Zorki company at night. Naw, the wife will never believe that one.

:) :cool:
 
Real conversation, earlier today -

Old friend (female): "why do you have so many Russian cameras?".
Me: (stating the obvious) "Because you have to have one of each!".

The FED 2 is essential - but once you have one, you'll need a FED 1... and a Kiev :D

Welcome home Keith!

Cheers, Ian
 
Jocko said:
Real conversation, earlier today -

Old friend (female): "why do you have so many Russian cameras?".
Me: (stating the obvious) "Because you have to have one of each!".

The FED 2 is essential - but once you have one, you'll need a FED 1... and a Kiev :D

Welcome home Keith!

Cheers, Ian
Click to expand...
Could not agree more, It starts with a Zorki 4, then a Fed 2. A Kiev is usually next (a 4 or 4m). I skipped on the Fed 1. I went with one of those later German Fed copies: the Leica IIIF :D

Start posting some shots.
 
kmack said:
Could not agree more, It starts with a Zorki 4, then a Fed 2. A Kiev is usually next (a 4 or 4m). I skipped on the Fed 1. I went with one of those later German Fed copies: the Leica IIIF :D

Start posting some shots.
Click to expand...

Ordered the scanner today Kevin! Shots of Old Female friend etc follow shortly!

Cheers, Ian

PS - between you and me, I don't think Barnack ever quite caught that unique Fed quality!


Edit: That should have been "perpetually young and beautiful female friend". I didn't know you could type whilst being hit about the head, did you?
 
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kmack said:
Hello Keith.
Go hardcore and get yourself a Kiev.
Click to expand...

If any Kiev is "hardcore", how would you term a black Kiev IIa, lizard embossed ?

Greetings for you

Welcome to Keith !

Ruben
 
This is the first shot off the roll and the first one outside.

All I had here was superia 800 other than 100asa and I wanted speed to shoot inside so they are bad, plus I was just shooting to test the camera I really didn't look hard for subjects :)
 

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Looks good!
I think the rigid I-50 is underestimated.
Maybe because a lot of people think it is ugly or slow.
It is a bit on the slow side, but ugly- u decide!
I got a silver one. I CLA`d it and it is doing a very nice and smooth job!

Thanks.

Robert
 
I was suprised how well they came out.

If there is one thing they could have changed on the design is to put the aperture numbers on the top of the ring rather than the front. LOL I guess it is a self portrait lens. :)

It is kind of slow, but actually it is faster than most zoom lenses for SLR's A fast pro zoom is just a f2.8. Nikon's kit zoom is a blazing f3.3-f5.6. The kit lens takes pretty smooth pictures too.

I love the bokeh of the I-50. I cant say about flare yet, but carefull composition will usually cure flare. If it becomes a problem I'll make one of the alcohol bottle hoods that someone has on their website.
 
Edit: That should have been "perpetually young and beautiful female friend". I didn't know you could type whilst being hit about the head, did you?[/QUOTE]

Ian - did she hit you with the camera or just her fists?

Welcome Keith - I too started with a Zorki 4 and it's been a long and whacky journey. I have enjoyed every moment. I think the I-50 is underrated too, but it is quite ugly.
 
lushd said:
Edit: That should have been "perpetually young and beautiful female friend". I didn't know you could type whilst being hit about the head, did you?
Click to expand...

Ian - did she hit you with the camera or just her fists?

Welcome Keith - I too started with a Zorki 4 and it's been a long and whacky journey. I have enjoyed every moment. I think the I-50 is underrated too, but it is quite ugly.[/QUOTE]

Just the bottle Donald. Fortunately i was able to synchronise my ducking with her swings, so it was all right! Generally :D

Ian
 
Welcome!

my first was Zorki 3C,

After you get your fed 2 dont forget to get a Fed 3 and a russian brick Fed5 with I-61 :)
and a medium format TLR Lubitel 166

all the best!
 
I must admit, I too am a junkie... I just got a zorki 1 and it is a damned nice camera... I like it better than my Fed2 or my zorki 3m... hmmm Keiv... a whole new mount to collect lenses in... evil!
 
Yep, the Zorki.4 has been the first step on the slippery slope for many, myself included. The 4 lured me in and once I held that Bad Boy in my hands, I just couldn't turn away. I don't have a rigid I.50, but IMO, the black ones don't look bad on the larger body Zorki.4 like yours. But I can't say I have any complaints against any of the FSU lenses I have so far. I don't have any FEDs or Kievs (though I've been often tempted) ... the Zorkis have served me quite well. I'm sure you'll enjoy yours as well.
 
Robert Vote said:
Looks good!
I think the rigid I-50 is underestimated.
Maybe because a lot of people think it is ugly or slow.
It is a bit on the slow side, but ugly- u decide!
I got a silver one. I CLA`d it and it is doing a very nice and smooth job!

Thanks.

Robert
Click to expand...


Robert

You can jazz up the rigid I-50 by placing leatherette (design of your choice) around its big fat bare waist Put lizard skin, ostrich skin, or even cat fur! :D
Got the idea from the old 9cm Leitz Elmar which sports a similar trim on its mounting grip.

http://jay.fedka.com/index_files/Page521.htm

The I-50 is an excellent lens by all means.
 

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