Will a 1930s uncoated Elmar lens work with a Zorki 1?

[nintendo64lad]

Will a late 1930s uncoated Elmar lens work with a Zorki 1 in regards to correct rangefinder composing?

I know Industar 10s don't work properly when using a rangefinder to merge the images together on a Zorki 1

 

[ray*j*gun]

I use an uncoated Fed collapsible (Elmar copy) on my Leica IIIa with no issues. There is a lot of info in this group as relates to pitch etc. with FSU vs German cameras but I have not found problems assuming the lens is collimated to focus correctly on the LTM format.

I would try a roll and see what you get,

 

[CameraQuest]

Will a late 1930s uncoated Elmar lens work with a Zorki 1 in regards to correct rangefinder composing?

I know Industar 10s don't work properly when using a rangefinder to merge the images together on a Zorki 1

It may not be a standardized lens mount, being that early.

but then, Zorki's are not a standardized lens mount either ....

 

[Coldkennels]

The major benefit of the Zorki and FED is that you can calibrate them easily for both close focus and infinity - so assuming the 1930s Elmar is an LTM standard one and not one of the earliest pre-Standard ones, it should be easy to get your Zorki to focus it correctly.

You'll need a 1m testing "range" - a long tape measure plus a perfectly upright focus chart (I've always used a thick hardback book with a sharp, well-defined and contrasty front cover), something visible out the window that's over a mile away (a full moon works well), a 1mm flat-blade screwdriver, and possibly some small pliers with something wrapped over the jaws to protect the camera's rangefinder cam.

Check and calibrate the infinity focus first, then check and calibrate the close focus end, and then go back to the start and re-do infinity. You might have to go backwards and forwards a few times, but eventually the Zorki will be calibrated for true LTM lenses instead of Soviet ones.

 

[David Hughes]

I presumable the Leitz lens will be marked if standardised with a zero.

The real problem may be that the Zorki has been worked on by a DIYer that's the internet and forums for you...


Regards, David

 

[Ko.Fe.]

Will a late 1930s uncoated Elmar lens work with a Zorki 1 in regards to correct rangefinder composing?

I know Industar 10s don't work properly when using a rangefinder to merge the images together on a Zorki 1

You been answered about Elmar.

I could only add what your statement about Zorki 1 and Industar 10 a.k.a. FED 50 is false.

 

[Ko.Fe.]

but then, Zorki's are not a standardized lens mount either ....

Depends. Zorki are. Prewar FED ain't.
In USSR, standard was known as GOST.
Prewar FED and lenses were not under GOST for how it is called. Flange distance. Zorki were made under this GOST. On different factory and after war.
Industar-10 are after war version of FED-50. Also made under standard/GOST.

 

[Mr_Flibble]

I presumable the Leitz lens will be marked if standardised with a zero.

The OP says it is a late 30s Elmar, those would no longer be marked with an "0" though.

It should work and focus on a Zorki I, just don't force anything while mounting the lens. How accurately it would actually focus is another matter. The deviation in lens registration distance would be most noticeable at wide apertures and short focus distances.

 

[David Hughes]

The OP says it is a late 30s Elmar, those would no longer be marked with an "0" though.

It should work and focus on a Zorki I, just don't force anything while mounting the lens. How accurately it would actually focus is another matter. The deviation in lens registration distance would be most noticable at wide apertures and short focus distances.

Well, yes and no; there is a well known problem with 1939's Leicas but I didn't want to complicate matters. A lot of them were cannibalised as a result of shortages during the 2nd World War and so some strange combinations turn up.

The real answer is to check the Zorki's RF coupling and adjust if necessary and then test the camera with the lens and a roll of film and a tape measure. Or persuade a technician to do it.

Regards, David

PS Ko.fe is right, I think, about Zorki's having standardised lenses. I have yet to see a Zorki body with a plug in the back and a hole in the pressure plate but lots of Leicas and FEDs show this as proof that the lenses were matched to the bodies before standardisation...

GOST is the Soviet version of the BSI or ASA etc.

 

[Dralowid]

The simple answer is yes it should if neither lens nor camera has been messed about.

Try and see.

A 'late' '30s Elmar should be standardised
A Zorki 1 should be standardised (early Feds weren't)

 

[nintendo64lad]

You been answered about Elmar.

I could only add what your statement about Zorki 1 and Industar 10 a.k.a. FED 50 is false.

I have two Zorki 1s which I have tried to use with two prewar industar 10s and the rangefinder lags behind the actual place it should be while merging the image compared to other lenses. It technically works but not really.

 

[David Hughes]

The early FED lenses, meaning the Industar 10, were meant for the pre-war FEDs but due to enemy action in invading the USSR they carried on using them into the 50's. And used them out of sequence...

Zorki cameras. except for the "FED 1948 Zorki", are meant to have the Industar-22 and so on.

Given the difference in design, focal length etc it might be best not to mix things.

Regards, David

PS I have often wondered if the early FED lenses were all made by VOOMP and delivered as a bulk order; that would explain a lot.