Zorki-1, film cassette does not fit in

[papaki]

I have a Zorki-1 with a strange problem. The film cassette does not fit in. I can use force to put it in and another more to make it sit in place, but taking it out needs pliers and with some damage to its plastic spool.
Did anyone had this problem? could it be a Zorki-1 made up from parts from different cameras that simply do not fit together well?
It is Zorki-1b from 1951.

 

[kotokot21]

I've got the same problem. Your Zorki needs some CLA to make the spool come in and out more easily.

 

[papaki]

Do you know what needs to be done? I wonder if it is worth the fuss trying to fix it myself, or getting another one. I am talking about the film cassette, not the take up spool.

 

[ForestCap]

Is the mantle of the camera deformed? I heard that pre-diecast models can be deformed even by hand strength. I've only used two zorki-1d (die cast model)

A picture will be easier for people to see what's wrong.

 

[David Hughes]

Do you know what needs to be done? I wonder if it is worth the fuss trying to fix it myself, or getting another one. I am talking about the film cassette, not the take up spool.

Hi,

Yes, it's worth getting it fixed if you like the camera and the fact that you (presumably) paid money for it, have tried it and then taken the bother to ask here, suggests to me that you'd like it done.

A FED or Zorki from that era, once checked and so on, can be a revelation as well as a pleasant surprise and a joy to use.

Regards, David

PS Oleg is, of course, the expert but he has some problems at present following a fire at his home. Even so, I'd still prefer his work to others and, of course, he has the right parts available should they be needed. If more people went to him FED and Zorki wouldn't be so high on the trolls list of targets.

 

[papaki]

Not sure if it is worth it. Sending it away for 80 euros plus shipping forth and back costs more that getting another one.
Here are a few photos of it (sorry for the softness of the wide open canon 50mm 1.4 SSC):

 

[David Hughes]

Hi,

If you get another one you might end up in just the same place and then have two U/S Zorkis...

Best to get it repaired and then you'll know it's good for a few more decades.

Regards, David

 

[papaki]

Confirmed that the shell is made from some rather soft aluminum alloy. I will keep it like this. It would be a pity and a waste of money to try bringing it back in shape.
I will keep it like that and buy another one. I love it anyway.

 

[papaki]

Hi,

If you get another one you might end up in just the same place and then have two U/S Zorkis...

Best to get it repaired and then you'll know it's good for a few more decades.

Regards, David

With a set of pliers (wire cutter actually) I have pushed outwards the shell just enough to make the film canister fall in with just a little of fiddling. It is now ready for action again and I am now happier than ever! 🙂
Before that the base plate was moving back and forth while now it fits in place solid as a rock (o.k. as an aluminum rock till next time).

 

[farlymac]

See, a little adjustment was all that was needed. Just don't love it too much, and grip it like a python, and you should be okay. Watch out for light leaks though.

From the serial number placement, I think your model is a 1B. The reason folks prefer the 1D is the strength of the cast body, and the solid feel.

PF

 

[David Hughes]

Hi,

Nice to hear of a happy ending; obviously someone loved it too much and kept too tight a grip on it in case it was stolen...

Regards, David

 

[ForestCap]

Glad you sorted it out. Yes, the bottom plate should be tight and not easily moved. Maybe someone sat on the camera, hahah, who knows. I guess not too many people sit on their Leicas.

 

[kotokot21]

Take away the lens, unscrew the screws on the chassis and take it away. Then clean everything with petrol or kerosin, don't use ethanol. Relube moving parts with silicon grease and you're done. Actually, it's not difficult.

 

[papaki]

Done that too! I had to do so anyway to check the state of the curtains. Thankfully there where no wholes.