steveniphoto
Well-known
I currently own a FED4 as a rangefinder and am pretty happy with it EXCEPT for its size. It's both bigger and heavier than my OM-1 and as big/heavy as my SRT 102 so i was thinking of getting another FSU rangefinder..
anyone have any suggestions? i was thinking of getting the zorki 5 or 6 but how big is it compared to the FED4? if its the same size/weight then i'll have to pass on them.
i was also thinking of the FED1 or the zorki 1 as they are clearly smaller. i dont mind trimming the leaders as ive done it before with my friends leica ii but a lot of people ive seen post dont recommend them.
suggestions?
anyone have any suggestions? i was thinking of getting the zorki 5 or 6 but how big is it compared to the FED4? if its the same size/weight then i'll have to pass on them.
i was also thinking of the FED1 or the zorki 1 as they are clearly smaller. i dont mind trimming the leaders as ive done it before with my friends leica ii but a lot of people ive seen post dont recommend them.
suggestions?
konicaman
konicaman
The Zorki 2S (C) especially with a collapsible lens is a rather small packet. They are quite common and rather inexpensive - and with strap lugs (if that matters to you, at least it does to me). Small viewfinder compared to the FED 4, but so have the 1s. Zorki 6 is a bit smaller than a FED4 and has a more modern feel to it and a larger viewfinder than the 2C. I have both the 2S and the Z6 and they both seem rather stable.
ray*j*gun
Veteran
I second this and the Fed 2 in general is one of the most reliable of the FSU's
steveniphoto
Well-known
ok i'll take a look into the zorki and FED2 thanks guys. i was browsing fedka and noticed that they dont have any of the zorki 2 in my price range so i might have to wait a little and see what pops up. i dont really trust ebay too much with older cameras.
konicaman
konicaman
Oh yes - forgot about the FED2. If you get one of those you should consider a model with an elevated accessory shoe, as you will not be able to use a turret finder (if you need one) otherwise.
wolves3012
Veteran
First off, you mention the weight of the FED 4. Although there's some variation between models, all the usual FSUs are metal-bodied and they are all relatively heavy. Also, you have a light meter and slow speeds on your FED 4 that you'll lose with the other suggested models.
The FED/Zorki 1 are smaller but not that much lighter. With a collapsible lens, they do fit a large ish pocket though, unlike the FED 4. Downsides are squinty VF/RF (but not unusable by any means) and lack of slower speeds.
The Zorki 5 and 6 are smaller than your FED 4 and have much nicer VFs. The FED 2 does have a reputation for reliability and it has the wide-base RF (as do the Z-5/Z-6).
If you're really wanting to go a fair bit smaller, I'd opt for a late Zorki 1. Just don't expect it to be half the weight and take a meter (if you use one).
The FED/Zorki 1 are smaller but not that much lighter. With a collapsible lens, they do fit a large ish pocket though, unlike the FED 4. Downsides are squinty VF/RF (but not unusable by any means) and lack of slower speeds.
The Zorki 5 and 6 are smaller than your FED 4 and have much nicer VFs. The FED 2 does have a reputation for reliability and it has the wide-base RF (as do the Z-5/Z-6).
If you're really wanting to go a fair bit smaller, I'd opt for a late Zorki 1. Just don't expect it to be half the weight and take a meter (if you use one).
steveniphoto
Well-known
weight isnt so much of an issue just thought i would mention it haha. yeah i decided on getting a zorki 1 or 2 at this point just waiting to get paid so i can buy it thanks.
reagan
hey, they're only Zorkis
Good call. The Ones are my favorites. And older is better, IMHO. When you get to looking, FYI ...
- Zorki.1c offers eight speeds of Z, 20, 30, 40, 60, 100, 200 and 500.
- Newer Zorki.1d, only six shutter speeds of B, 25, 50, 100, 250 and 500.