Performing CPR on my Zorki's

[Shadesofgrey]

Hi All. Anyone know what height/distance the film pressure plate should be. I’m assuming there is a measurement for this? I now have 4 Zorki’s (I know, sad ain’t I :bang: ) and I was working on one the other day (setting film 28.8mm film/flange distance) when I thought about the amount of pressure that the film plate puts on the film; don’t know what made me think of that? 😕 Anyway: I took the backs of my Zorki’s to measure the height of the film plate and guess what, all are different. The range of measurement (from film plate to camera back) go’s from 6mm up to 10mm! Anyone offer a reason and or corrective measure, if needed of course. And! If the Zorki is a ‘Copy’ of the ‘Leica’ why is the film flange distance 28.8mm and not 27.8mm? Wife thinks I need to get out more but how can I when my beloved Zorki’s lay in bits! 😱

Take care

B.

 

[Jocko]

Hallo B.

I'm sure someone helpful will arrive shortly, but in the meantime, may I ask if all these Zorki's are the same type? There were significant - if subtle - variations in size between successive models which could explain some apparent differences. for example, if memory serves, the pressure plate on the Zorki 6 is noticably higher than on a 4...

Incidentally, although always described as a Leica copy, the Zorki began as a copy of the FED, a camera of legendary (some would say mythical) mechanical exactitude 😀 This explains much!

If 4 Zorkis = Sad, 8 Zorkis = Happy

Good Luck!, Ian

 

[Evgeny S]

28.8 mm is the standard distance of LTM (M39) mount and 27.8 mm is the distance of Leica M-mount.

 

[ZorkiKat]

28.8 mm is the standard distance of LTM (M39) mount and 27.8 mm is the distance of Leica M-mount.

Reason why Leitz did that was to allow LTM (screw mount) lenses to be used via a 1mm thick adapter on the M-series Leica. Leitz were considerate enough to think about the many lenses which Leica users already had- and allow these users to shoot with their existing lenses on their "new" (at least in 1954 when there weren't too many M lenses yet other than the 50 and 90) bajonet M-mount cameras.

If only makers today were as thoughtful as Leitz were then 😀

Jay

 

[pshinkaw]

I would use a plus or minus 0.02mm tolerance on the flange to film distance. It's really tough to get it closer than that.

-Paul

 

[Shadesofgrey]

Thanks Guys. I learn something new every day: guess that's what makes life so much fun; that, and a roll of film. 🙂
Take care

B.