What is this dial?

[Gerry M]

I just acquired an early (1958) Zorki 4. I'm wondering what is the purpose of the outer dial around the shutter speed dial? The slow speeds all work and are set by the inner dial. In the pic, it is set at 25. Maybe a reminder? Any help is appreciated.
I've had Zorki 3 & 3M, also 4K. I don't remember this dial on other FSU's that I have had.

Thanks,

Gerry

 

[Keith]

I think you push it down and turn it when you rewind the film ... I may be wrong, but there is a similar arrangement on a Fed from memory. 🙂

 

[Livesteamer]

Is it for flash sync timing?

Joe

 

[Keith]

Is it for flash sync timing?

Joe

Oh yes ... sorry I was looking at the wrong dial! 😱

That is flash sync speed I think.

 

[kpembo]

Flash sync delay

Flash sync delay

The outer dial around the shutter speed dial/knob is a flash sync delay dial. It was used with flash bulbs, which require a slight delay compared to electronic flash.

 

[Gerry M]

Thanks all for your input. I don't have plans for using flash, so I'll ignore it.

 

[Dez]

Set it to 0 for electronic flash.

Cheers,
Dez

 

[wolves3012]

You'll find the equivalent dial on the Zorki C, 2C, 3C, 4 and 4K. As said, it's to set the synchroniser for different types of flash. Later Models are marked only with an X (electronic) and M (flash-bulb) but earlier ones are marked in milliseconds. Strictly, it's not a delay but an advance - how far in advance of fully-open curtains the flash fires. For electronic flash use 0 or X, whichever is marked.

FEDs don't have the adjustable synchroniser that Zorkis do. For them, flash-sync is correct at 1/25 (or 1/30) and at no other speed - not even 'B'. Zorkis sync correctly at any speed from 1/25 (or 1/30) and slower - including 'B'.

 

[nanthor]

Looks like you have one of the nicer early ones (though not the first 3 years) that has the nicely indented and paint filled numerals. Nice workmanship for a relatively inexpensive camera.

 

[Ron (Netherlands)]

Looks like you have one of the nicer early ones (though not the first 3 years)

eh? didn't they start in 1956?

 

[Gerry M]

This was produced in 1958. And yes, it is very nice.