My Zorki-4 hates the cold

M

Muller

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May 8, 2006
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I found out that my Zorki-4 doesn't like shooting in the slow range when the temps average about 30 deg F. Shutter speeds were considerably slower, with 1/4 sec. hanging for almost two seconds. After being warmed up in doors, everything ran fine.

Anyone else find the same issue using an FSU camera in the cold?
 
Temperatures here are much too high for the time of year, on average about 9 C (48 F). so everything works as it should...
If I am in the cold, I always try to keep my cams warm under my jacket before taking a shot....
 
I've had the same problem with a Leica IIIc in freezing temperatures, while carrying it around my neck. Now I carry my cameras under my coat or in an insulated bag. No problems since then.
 
I was considering a CLA since I don't know when this one had it last.

I tried using some hand warmers in it's bag, the kind that heat up when exposed to air. Turns out they had expired about four years ago and only lasted about 10 minutes, and not the 7 hours claimed on the package.
 
I have had the same problem with both Leica SM cameras and a Canon P. A good CLA fixed them. Old dried up lube and dirt can do that to a camera. A couple of degrees below freezing is not really cold and should not cause a camera in good condition to do that.

Bob
 
I think this has been raised before. Since Russian winters can be notoriously cold, I think everyone (myself included) thinks the cameras ought to cope well. Whether this is true or not, a slow-running slow-speed escapement sounds like it's well due for CLA.
 
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