MarkoKovacevic
Well-known
My zorkis shutter is totally busted, which leaves me looking for another one.
I'm thinking either the 1 or the 4.
The 1 looks better [like a Leica] but I have to look through separate screens to compose/focus, which i dont have to do with the 4, but it just looks better.
I'll be buying from Fedka, does anyone know if they test/CLA the cameras?
I'm thinking either the 1 or the 4.
The 1 looks better [like a Leica] but I have to look through separate screens to compose/focus, which i dont have to do with the 4, but it just looks better.
I'll be buying from Fedka, does anyone know if they test/CLA the cameras?
Pickett Wilson
Veteran
Well, do you want to look good, or shoot photos? 
Seriously, you'll probably be happier with the Zorki 4.
Seriously, you'll probably be happier with the Zorki 4.
MarkoKovacevic
Well-known
I was very happy with my zorki 4, apart from the slow speeds not working at times. I preferred it over my Nikon F5 for simple street and people shooting actually.
Pickett Wilson
Veteran
I have botht the Zorki 3C and 4. They both have good finders when you get a clean one.
MarkoKovacevic
Well-known
Its a bit confusing as they dont have framelines and you have to look all around the frame to find out whats in your shot lol but it makes it fun
Rhodes
Time Lord
I got from the classifieds a Zorky 4k and I love using it. The viewfinder is incredible bright. Easy to focus with it!
pschauss
Well-known
Since the Zorkii 1 is a bottom loader you will have less trouble with light leaks. Also, since the rangefinder window is magnified more than the viewfinder your focusing will be more accurate with a Zorkii 1 than with a 4. I found that it is quite easy to get used to switching your eye between the rangefinder window and the viewfinder. You would have to do that anyway if you used anything other than a 50 mm lens.
BigOwl
Member
I have had both Z-1 and Z-4 and agree that the Z-1 looks cooler, but the Z-4 has features that make it a better choice in my opinion. It has flash synch. and a self-timer and a removable back that makes film loading easier. I bought my Z-4 from Fedka and it has worked flawlessly for the two years I have had it.
dazedgonebye
Veteran
Zorki 6.
I know it wasn't one of the options. Good viewfinder, wide baseline. Swing open back and a crank advance.
Undervalued.
I know it wasn't one of the options. Good viewfinder, wide baseline. Swing open back and a crank advance.
Undervalued.
hks3sgte
Established
Another vote for the Zorki 6. Really great camera. The viewfinder is not as big as the Zorki 4 but it is still a nice finder. It would be the perfect camera if it had the Zorki 4 viewfinder with the slow speeds.
cysasam
Established
Zorki 4 is my recommendation
kievman
Kievman
The 4 or the 6, both have their good points and bad points The 6 has stiff shutter release unlike the 4 , but I see daysgoneby has a soft release adapter for his 6 . Hey does that adapter really soften the shutter release on the Zorki 6? -Michael
Tarzak
Well-known
Zorki 3 or 3m.
Best of both choices in one camera.
Best of both choices in one camera.
fanshaw
Well-known
One thing that hasn't been mentioned is size. The Z1 is considerably smaller than the Z4, particularly with the standard collapsible Industar-22 lens.
Tim Tomic
Tim Tomic
Ive got the Zorki 1. Absolutely love the pseudo-leica! Cant be happier and I honestly do not see the seperate Viewfinder/Rangefinder and issue at all. Again, Fedka.com rocks!
Cheers, Tim.
Cheers, Tim.
wolves3012
Veteran
A nice Zorki 1 is a joy to use, small and pocketable and the Leica charm (well, almost!). The 4, on the other hand, offers self-timer, flash-sync (works properly at all speeds from 1/30 downwards) and a big, bright, combined 1:1 (approx) finder and a full set of shutter speeds. If it comes with the usual Jupter 8 you also get a nice fast lens. Take your pick!
Have a look at the Selecting-an-FSU sticky thread too, you may find you like something else more. The Zorki 6 has been suggested and I also think that's a good choice. You could also do what a few of us have: get several models! GAS GAS GAS
Have a look at the Selecting-an-FSU sticky thread too, you may find you like something else more. The Zorki 6 has been suggested and I also think that's a good choice. You could also do what a few of us have: get several models! GAS GAS GAS
dazedgonebye
Veteran
It improves things a bit. The release is stiff, but I find it usable and overcome by the camera's better features.
julio1fer
Well-known
It depends on what you are looking for.
For looks and size - Zorki 1. The separate RF is actually an improvement lost in later models. Much easier to focus accurately, and you have to change your eye position to a finder in any case, unless you are using a 50. Bottom loading is something you'll have to get used to. No flash.
For slow speeds, heft, and overall capability - Zorki 4 (or 4k, which has a crank, thereby solving one of the -4 problems, stiff wind).
For overall ease of use - Zorki 6 (Note: release is not stiff, at least in my example).
If you can get by without the slow speeds, go for a Zorki 6. It incorporates all the issues the Russians learned from previous models.
For looks and size - Zorki 1. The separate RF is actually an improvement lost in later models. Much easier to focus accurately, and you have to change your eye position to a finder in any case, unless you are using a 50. Bottom loading is something you'll have to get used to. No flash.
For slow speeds, heft, and overall capability - Zorki 4 (or 4k, which has a crank, thereby solving one of the -4 problems, stiff wind).
For overall ease of use - Zorki 6 (Note: release is not stiff, at least in my example).
If you can get by without the slow speeds, go for a Zorki 6. It incorporates all the issues the Russians learned from previous models.
MarkoKovacevic
Well-known
For the Zorki 1, will I have to cut the film in order to load it?
Whateverist
Well-known
Yep. Once you get the cut right it's pretty easy to load though.