Street Shootin' Zorki-4

[cbass]

The Zorki-4 arrived from the Ukraine this morning. This was bought on eBay mostly for the nice Jupiter-8 lens it was sporting. I didn't have any plans to actually shoot with this unit, but now that it's here and seeing that it readily accepts the Jupiter-12 which won't fit on my FED-2, well.....I think I've got myself a nice little street shooter! 😉

This is a "b" model but has engravings on the body and shutter speed dial. Aside from some usual wear marks and a bit of mangled nylon covering next to the lens mount this camera is in decent shape and everything works, even the slow speeds (I think). I'll put in a plug for eBay seller "confdntart" who provided a good buying experience.

Unfortunately the Zorki doesn't have a takeup spool. Anyone out there in RFF land have an extra spool that they'd be willing to part with?

 

[reagan]

Nice looking Z4 indeed. The Jupiter 12 looks right at home on there. I also purchased a Z4 from confdntart not long ago at a fairly decent price. We exchanged serveral emails back and forth and I found him very friendly open and quick to respond. I'd definately do business with him again.

Sorry I don't have an extra take up spool for you. But I'll tell you something else I don't have... engravings and strap lugs!! 🙁 I was instantly jealous. I've heard of guys fabricating take up spools so you might spin a search here in the Russian Made... forum and see what you can find. Or if you don't mind doing the wait-for-mail thing again, Alex-photo advertises spools for Zorki...etc.

Aki can set you up with a nice "lugless" replacement cover if you can neatly modify a couple of small holes in it for the lugs.

Any way, you did good. Think you'll enjoy the little nugget... I sure do mine!

 

[tedwhite]

I have the 4K, no lugs, but it does have a take up spool. I tried to fit it into a FED2 carry case but no dice, tripod mount location is different. My Kiev 4AM carry case lines up, but the Russian seller installed a 3/8" to 1/4" reducer bush. Very thoughtful of him. However, I can't figure out how to get it out. Zorki, of course, is a 3/8" tripod mount.

So I took a 3/8" 3/4" long bolt and screwed it into the tripod mount. Then I noticed my 15.6 volt cordless drill came with a 15.6 volt vertical lamp. Attached to the lamp, for some strange reason, was a sturdy wrist strap. I removed it from the lamp, shoved the 3/8" bolt through the eye of the wrist strap and bingo!

Now I can carry my Zorki without fear of it slipping out of my hand.

A bit bizarre looking, but in America, so is the Zorki I suspect.

Question. Zorki has Jupiter 8 50/2. What is the filter size? I want to order a lens hood as these lenses are prone to flair.

Ted

 

[back alley]

40.5mm

joe

 

[tedwhite]

Joe, you're a national treasure, thanks. Just got the camera and have been shooting away from the sun. After a few hours looking through the Bessa R's viewfinder, switching to the Zorki's is akin to switching from a current Broadway play to reading Chekhov.

TW

 

[tedwhite]

CBASS: Zorki take-up spools are $4.00 at Alex-photo on ebay.

 

[cacs88]

You may want to check with the seller that you're getting a take-up spool for Zorki 4 specifically, and not the Zorki 1. My Z4 and Z3M seem to be fussier than the others with their take-up spools. I can mix between them but never with the others.

henry

 

[cbass]

Ted, CVB & Henry, thanks for the tips!

 

[kiev4a]

If the J-12 won't fit the FED 2 there's something amiss in the FED 2 body. My guess is the rangefinder arm is a little out of alignment. Any LTM J12 should fit a FED 2