"New" Zorki 6

[thawkins]

Just received a "new" Zorki 6 from Fedka. Wow, beautifully clean camera..........other than handling and storage marks, it looks new.
I own a Zorki C so I know there are pitfalls to purchasing comrad cameras from the evil empire. Here are the pitfalls I encountered this afternoon. I mounted an Industar 22 lens with no problems, a Jupiter 3 would turn about a half turn and then bind solidly and go no farther; almost like it has different threads. The Jupiter 12 mounts ok but has a slight binding moment once per turn and occasionally something makes a click and the rangefinder decouples. All three of the lens fits with no problems on the older Zorki.
Have any of you experienced these events with a 6? Otherwise I am pleased and impressed with the fit and finish compared to the other Zorki I have.
Comments..........ideas??

 

[Ko.Fe.]

Open back door with J-12 mounted, while on B and open shutter, rotate focus ring, observe. Common problem with J-12 on FSU LTM RF - J-12 focus cam is not aligned with RF plate on RF arm. Common cure - bend RF arm.

 

[farlymac]

Lord help me, but I won another Zorki-6 today. Anyway, I've found that there can be very small damage to the threads on lenses that you normally cannot detect by looking at them. And it doesn't take much dirt piling up in the valleys to get them to start binding.

Take a pin, and completely travel all the thread length (on both lens and camera) with it to dislodge any debris. Then don't be afraid to somewhat force the issue when screwing on the lens. The mount on the body is harder than the threads on the lens, so it helps to reform any dings as you work it back and forth a little at a time. With each turn, you can see it travel just a bit further than the time before.

Other than the fact my previous Zorki-6 was mangled by the person I bought it from, I really had a good time using it, and always planned on replacing it. It feels right in my hands, works great with the I-26m, and the adjustable viewfinder focus is something to appreciate.

Good luck!

PF

 

[thawkins]

Lord help me, but I won another Zorki-6 today. Anyway, I've found that there can be very small damage to the threads on lenses that you normally cannot detect by looking at them. And it doesn't take much dirt piling up in the valleys to get them to start binding.

Take a pin, and completely travel all the thread length (on both lens and camera) with it to dislodge any debris. Then don't be afraid to somewhat force the issue when screwing on the lens. The mount on the body is harder than the threads on the lens, so it helps to reform any dings as you work it back and forth a little at a time. With each turn, you can see it travel just a bit further than the time before.

Other than the fact my previous Zorki-6 was mangled by the person I bought it from, I really had a good time using it, and always planned on replacing it. It feels right in my hands, works great with the I-22, and the adjustable viewfinder focus is something to appreciate.

Good luck!

PF

I really like the adjustable viewfinder also. I can use the camera without glasses. I cleaned the threads of the mount and the lens without helping the situation any and am reluctant to force the threads. I may try it again.

 

[David Hughes]

Hi,

I'll put my money on thread damage and add that it may not be the mount but could be the lenses' threads. Often one combination will work and another won't but it is easily cured. Most repairers can simply and easily clean M & F threads and then it should be OK. If you mix and match lenses then I'd get all bodies and all lenses checked and dealt with, if necessary.

It happens to all makes and is not a problem confined to the USSR because miss-handling or damage by previous owners is probably behind it. And people do like taking things to bits, especially when they think it easy...

Regards, David

PS FWIW, the repair is as simple (usually) as screwing a lens into a body only the lens goes into a tool and the body needs another tool screwed into it. And I said, most repair shops should have such a tool and ones for the M42 or Praktica thread.

 

[farlymac]

The newer Zorki-6 arrived today, and I'll be putting it through the inspection process later, but so far it looks good. Wider slot on the take-up spool, better condition on the chrome, and no evidence of capping after a quick look. Hmm, I might just be in the market for some Soviet lenses again. And Red Oktober approaches.

PF