cmedin
Well-known
So what are these, dressed up Zorki 2s?
I still like the green one...
I still like the green one...
mac_wt
Cameras are like bunnies
CVBLZ4 said:
To be fair: that seller has some pretty clean original Fed's and Zorki's in his shop, like this . I guess he just sells what people want to buy. At least his cameras look like they have a quality finish unlike some other crudely repainted cameras you can find on Ebay.
reagan
hey, they're only Zorkis
I wasn't commenting on the seller at all. Just a pun about the John Deere green camera. Which, BTW, also doesn't bear the Leica name, as far as I can see.mac_wt said:
The quality of work of many of these repaints can't be denied. The same guys who crank out the swastika-coated weak forgeries also produce some beautifully done repaints with their original marks, FED & Zorki . I have one. (click Zorki.1d in my sig)
cmedin
Well-known
I see Mean Green (gen John vonDeere edition) is back on the 'bay. 
Wife keeps telling me it's so hideous I should buy it... seen mixed reviews about the seller (moscowphoto) though.
Wife keeps telling me it's so hideous I should buy it... seen mixed reviews about the seller (moscowphoto) though.
John Robertson
Well-known
People who make these things should be taken away and shot, as for the people who encourage these idiots -----------------------------------------------------bang!!
Dralowid
Michael
We must keep this thread running...
Presumably these very rare green and gold cameras were made in advance as exclusive own brand products to be sold in Harrods of Knightsbridge after the fall of the UK to the Axis powers?
Michael
Presumably these very rare green and gold cameras were made in advance as exclusive own brand products to be sold in Harrods of Knightsbridge after the fall of the UK to the Axis powers?
Michael
cmedin
Well-known
You at least have to hand it to the green camera seller; he's not got any Leica logos on it and is making no weird claims as to how special the camera is. I figure it's a nice condition Zorki C (which I learned today that he uses those a basis for these 'specials') with a somewhat strange paintjob. What blows my mind is the amount of time and effort put into something that he can't possibly be making a large profit on considering what they sell for.
ZeissFan
Veteran
You know what's ironic? There is a degree of workmanship evident in both of these cameras. Instead of making fakes, why not put that same effort into making a premium version of the original camera -- which might have more value than the fake.
But I suppose a thief is a thief, and it's hard to break old habits.
But I suppose a thief is a thief, and it's hard to break old habits.
landsknechte
Well-known
Dralowid said:
I thought that was the specially pimped out Hermann Göring version.
Feanor
Registered User
I love it!!!
I love it!!!
What's bad about? I'm mean, nobody's going to be fooled that it's authentic, even without the disclaimer. The thing: the art work. It looks really well done and has more "stuff" than most.
Would I buyt one? No, but I won't speculate about those who might. Most wouldn't be neo-Nazis, mostly just lovers of really good graffiti.
I love it!!!
landsknechte said:Found this listing on eBay. The seller is honest enough to admit it's a fake, but I thought that y'all might get a good laugh out of this:
What's bad about? I'm mean, nobody's going to be fooled that it's authentic, even without the disclaimer. The thing: the art work. It looks really well done and has more "stuff" than most.
Would I buyt one? No, but I won't speculate about those who might. Most wouldn't be neo-Nazis, mostly just lovers of really good graffiti.
rbiemer
Unabashed Amateur
I like this red one!
I have said before that I think if the repainters could work with someone like Oleg and offer an "a la carte" FSU camera, there's a small but viable market for these things.
Black Zorki 3m with aubergine leather for me, please!
Rob
I have said before that I think if the repainters could work with someone like Oleg and offer an "a la carte" FSU camera, there's a small but viable market for these things.
Black Zorki 3m with aubergine leather for me, please!
Rob
Nando
Well-known
I got one of these painted FSU's but its a not a Leica-fake. It is true Zorki, it is absolutely gorgeous and I love it. Save for the intermittent light leaks at slower speeds and being off at close-focus, the camera works nicely - it will be going to the doctor soon for a tune-up.
I got mine from Yuri at Fedka and he had several Zorkies and Feds available that are painted by these craftsmen but not dressed up as fake Leicas. I like the "a la carte" idea. Perhaps service through Fedka or Oleg where we can get our existing FSU's customized the way we want. I think that would be really neat.
I got mine from Yuri at Fedka and he had several Zorkies and Feds available that are painted by these craftsmen but not dressed up as fake Leicas. I like the "a la carte" idea. Perhaps service through Fedka or Oleg where we can get our existing FSU's customized the way we want. I think that would be really neat.
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Andy Aitken
Registered Loser
Ah, now that is nice. Good to see those painting skills aren't being entirely wasted.
dee
Well-known
Iv'e got it !
Well I have deelicious , deelectable , 3x Zorki S versions and 3x Zorki 1 versions .[ theZ Ss are not marked '' Leica '' , though all I 22s are ''Elmars '']
I found that my Asdee ''connected '' with the Leica II , which is so rare - but I could never afford a real one .
So I bought one Zorki S '' 1936 Olympic '' just 'cos it looked kinda funky - I really could not care less about the Nazi / Nasty stuff ., and was totally ignorant about ex-USSR cameras anyway but my autistc stuff can't resolve Russian lettering , and it likes ''new'' , so this seemed a camera that I could cope with . Also two standard black ''Leicas ''whic later proved to be Fed 1 g .
You know what ?
The Z S is silky smooth , and quiet , the thick glossy black and new matt chrome lense is a dream - even on my Leica IIIc - and my autism demands ''several '' to kind of reinforce and ground me in the noise . [ cheaper than the equivalent Leica II s !! ]
Hence the triples .
The chrome is new matt finish , the black thick and resistant to wear , the covering is either new vinyl or a nextell mattish overpaint - the blinds seem to be new , the engraving is exquisite .
He also has a Zorki - Zorki in the same finish advertised . If it's as good as my OTT cameras , it's an acceptable bargain - get one .
Amazingly , contrary to the dire warnings I received about rubbish cameras cosmetically prettied , every one , given minor differences of noise and smoothness , is a deelight to USE , unlike some other original cameras and lenses I have bought .
The ugly duckling Zorki S is really transformed by the re-imagining . They have laser made round inserts at the front and a panel on the back in rather naff cream plastic , which I have replaced with Leather - and Red or Black Leica dots - compounding the felony ! But that's the joy of Leicalikes - i can mess around with them 'cos there is no originality to worry about !
Since then , in an attack of guilt and curiosity , [ and a really successful e-bay sale ! ] I have bought a restored Fed 1 / Zorki 1 / Zorki S / Zorki 2s - and the dee's orientation with the Russian script IS seriously dee sturbing / dee's orientating - but they are no smoother and quieter than those i call my little indulgences - and swastikas can be gently blacked out with little dee ficulty !
This incidentally , this was not so of the two rather less well made and painted standard black Leica II copies from moscow photo [ Mika ] - which I sent to be OLeged 'cos I liked them and reckoned that if I sent them back , I would probably have the same problem with others . Now they are as good but NOT BETTER ! . But serious brassing is the order of the day - but I just touch them up with satin black Revell Acrylic !! I try not to think of the ultimate cost, but no where near the cost of a genuine black Leica II !
i call them mika - mouse cameras ... groan ! I love 'em 'cos they are a finger to the entire Leica mystique / ethos !
Anarchy Rules - and i have compromised '' i '' dentity problems too , so I kinda like unwanted camera being made usefull and attractive again .
incidentally , since over indulging in the wicked pretenders , I now have two lovely 1933 1st/2nd batch black Leica IIs with a wonderfull patina - so i can be a purist too .. but I am almost scared to use them in case I break or lose them - the pretenders perfornm almost as well and i have no worries about taking them out whatsoever .
As for value ... I have been trying to think of a totally remade new 1930s style camera which I could buy for £ 60 ZS or £70 Z1 including shipping ... which is a deelight to use , focuses superbly , winds beautifully , and is a joy to behold ... I can't ... but I am sure that someone will !
In case you are thinking that I am some rich dee luded/ dee mented crazzeeee they were ALL funded by selling off old 60s toys on e-bay which other crazies were happy to pay silly prices for - so it's recycling !
Problem is that Kiev Krazee has eaten up all of the Dinky toy fiunding , so I can't buy the Zorki version ! OOPS !
But I am proven , diagnosed , registered crazy , which kinda means I have nothing to lose in the reality stakes !
Quite liberating really !
dee
Well I have deelicious , deelectable , 3x Zorki S versions and 3x Zorki 1 versions .[ theZ Ss are not marked '' Leica '' , though all I 22s are ''Elmars '']
I found that my Asdee ''connected '' with the Leica II , which is so rare - but I could never afford a real one .
So I bought one Zorki S '' 1936 Olympic '' just 'cos it looked kinda funky - I really could not care less about the Nazi / Nasty stuff ., and was totally ignorant about ex-USSR cameras anyway but my autistc stuff can't resolve Russian lettering , and it likes ''new'' , so this seemed a camera that I could cope with . Also two standard black ''Leicas ''whic later proved to be Fed 1 g .
You know what ?
The Z S is silky smooth , and quiet , the thick glossy black and new matt chrome lense is a dream - even on my Leica IIIc - and my autism demands ''several '' to kind of reinforce and ground me in the noise . [ cheaper than the equivalent Leica II s !! ]
Hence the triples .
The chrome is new matt finish , the black thick and resistant to wear , the covering is either new vinyl or a nextell mattish overpaint - the blinds seem to be new , the engraving is exquisite .
He also has a Zorki - Zorki in the same finish advertised . If it's as good as my OTT cameras , it's an acceptable bargain - get one .
Amazingly , contrary to the dire warnings I received about rubbish cameras cosmetically prettied , every one , given minor differences of noise and smoothness , is a deelight to USE , unlike some other original cameras and lenses I have bought .
The ugly duckling Zorki S is really transformed by the re-imagining . They have laser made round inserts at the front and a panel on the back in rather naff cream plastic , which I have replaced with Leather - and Red or Black Leica dots - compounding the felony ! But that's the joy of Leicalikes - i can mess around with them 'cos there is no originality to worry about !
Since then , in an attack of guilt and curiosity , [ and a really successful e-bay sale ! ] I have bought a restored Fed 1 / Zorki 1 / Zorki S / Zorki 2s - and the dee's orientation with the Russian script IS seriously dee sturbing / dee's orientating - but they are no smoother and quieter than those i call my little indulgences - and swastikas can be gently blacked out with little dee ficulty !
This incidentally , this was not so of the two rather less well made and painted standard black Leica II copies from moscow photo [ Mika ] - which I sent to be OLeged 'cos I liked them and reckoned that if I sent them back , I would probably have the same problem with others . Now they are as good but NOT BETTER ! . But serious brassing is the order of the day - but I just touch them up with satin black Revell Acrylic !! I try not to think of the ultimate cost, but no where near the cost of a genuine black Leica II !
i call them mika - mouse cameras ... groan ! I love 'em 'cos they are a finger to the entire Leica mystique / ethos !
Anarchy Rules - and i have compromised '' i '' dentity problems too , so I kinda like unwanted camera being made usefull and attractive again .
incidentally , since over indulging in the wicked pretenders , I now have two lovely 1933 1st/2nd batch black Leica IIs with a wonderfull patina - so i can be a purist too .. but I am almost scared to use them in case I break or lose them - the pretenders perfornm almost as well and i have no worries about taking them out whatsoever .
As for value ... I have been trying to think of a totally remade new 1930s style camera which I could buy for £ 60 ZS or £70 Z1 including shipping ... which is a deelight to use , focuses superbly , winds beautifully , and is a joy to behold ... I can't ... but I am sure that someone will !
In case you are thinking that I am some rich dee luded/ dee mented crazzeeee they were ALL funded by selling off old 60s toys on e-bay which other crazies were happy to pay silly prices for - so it's recycling !
Problem is that Kiev Krazee has eaten up all of the Dinky toy fiunding , so I can't buy the Zorki version ! OOPS !
But I am proven , diagnosed , registered crazy , which kinda means I have nothing to lose in the reality stakes !
Quite liberating really !
dee