New (to Me) 1950 Zorki, and a PITA Problem!

[Glen851]

Hey everyone. I just received a really nice Zorki serial number 527xx dates from 1950. It was overhauled complete with new shutter curtains. The camera and lens are really clean and everything seems to work great, EXCEPT......
The standard, modern Kodak and Ilford film cassettes are a PITA to load and remove! I had this same problem with my 1953 FED 1g. I had to carefully file the camera's inside film chamber to get the cassette to fit.
On this Zorki, once I was able to press (force!) The cassette in, and finally engage the rewind and fit, I needed pliers to remove it, and in the process, careful as I was, I ended up ruining the cassette and film!

Other than carefully filing, and avoiding having the metal filings invade the shutter mechanism, does anyone have a more "practical and/or elegant solution?

In all my searches regarding these older, bottom loading cameras, I haven't read of this problem.

Thanks for any comments, Glen

 

[mpaniagua]

umm I've used Zorki and Zorki C camearas and haven't had this problem. Not sure if cameras where modified before I got them but have been using regular Ilford and Kodak cassetes (as well as black plastic re loadable ones). Had to remove bottom plate and hit a little against my palm so film would drop, but nothing serious, mostly for convenience.

Had you tried with soviet cassettes?

Regards

Marcelo

 

[mpaniagua]

Also, be sure to cut the film lead properly. I had that issue on my firs Zorky and film cassette got stuck (film lead was too short). It should be aroun 10cm (perhaps a bit shorter).

Regards

Marcelo

 

[Glen851]

Thanks Marcelo. I am aware of the proper way to cut and load the Barnack style camera. I bought one of the Leica O series, with the little portrait emblem on the back. Loved the camera, hated having to cover the lens to wind the shutter! Sold it a few years ago. I much prefer these cameras, except for this problem!

 

[Steve M.]

You might try looking into the canister area w/ a strong light to see if anything is pushed in or otherwise obstructing things. I had an early Zorki bottom loader that Oleg had put strap lugs on, and the lugs hit the film canister on the camera internally where the back of the lugs protruded inside the film chamber. Never could get that camera sorted out.

 

[Glen851]

Well after 15 minutes with a fine half-round needle file, carefully removing metal from the edge which obstructed/retained the film cassette's lip, I have a nice workable camera!