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