want to use my Zorki 4, but...

[pinkarmy]

i really want to use more of my Zorki 4--it is just so handsome
but the winding knob is quite tight, after my first (unsuccessful) roll the skin of my index finger even got scratched off.

any way to loose it a bit?

 

[David Hughes]

Hi,

It just needs a service etc. It will make a world of difference to the camera which is about 30 years old by now and in need of a little TLC, perhaps.

Regards, David

PS And please, please don't listen to people who tell you it's easy to do yourself... There's lots of posts by people who have made several attempts to repair cameras and then given up (and usually blamed the factory).

 

[wolves3012]

Hi,

It just needs a service etc. It will make a world of difference to the camera which is about 30 years old by now and in need of a little TLC, perhaps.

Regards, David

I agree, it needs some attention, it should be easy to wind on.

PS And please, please don't listen to people who tell you it's easy to do yourself... There's lots of posts by people who have made several attempts to repair cameras and then given up (and usually blamed the factory).

Actually, the Zorki 4 IS relatively easy to service, as are most of the FEDs and Zorkis. There is a CLA sticky specific to the Zorki 4/4K on here for those willing to attempt it. There is a "but" of course - you need to be comfortable working with and have access to, the tools needed and you also need a fair bit of mechanical aptitude. If you don't possess those three ingredients, it's likely to end up going badly.

 

[David Hughes]

I agree, it needs some attention, it should be easy to wind on.


Actually, the Zorki 4 IS relatively easy to service, as are most of the FEDs and Zorkis. There is a CLA sticky specific to the Zorki 4/4K on here for those willing to attempt it. There is a "but" of course - you need to be comfortable working with and have access to, the tools needed and you also need a fair bit of mechanical aptitude. If you don't possess those three ingredients, it's likely to end up going badly.

Hi,

I couldn't agree more because to people who can "see" these things it's easy but experience is needed and access to spare parts for when you break that grub screw. And, of course, the tools can be fun to make as few can be bought over the counter.

With some cameras it helps to know where the left handed screw thread is too: otherwise you wreck the things.

Regards, David

 

[pinkarmy]

so...may be a few drops of Ronsonal?

 

[wolves3012]

so...may be a few drops of Ronsonal?

Not really, all that will do is temporarily dissolve the dried-out grease and redistribute it. It'll be fine until the solvent evaporates, then you're back where you started. It needs a proper CLA, sorry.

 

[David Hughes]

so...may be a few drops of Ronsonal?

Best not. When oil etc gets old it also gets sticky and picks up every bit of dirt and grit nearby. So it has to be cleaned off completely. Dissolving it merely moves the grit into the works a little more. Then if you add oil to the mix you think all is well and start using the thing and grinding it all up. I've seen this done to larger items in my old trade and it can really screw things up to the point where repairs were impossible.

Regards, David