ZORKI 1D REVIEW/OVERVIEW and ?What NOT to do with a FED/ZORKI 1? and how to use bulb?

hyunkseo

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hey guys... i would like to ask you guys what NOT to do with a ZORKI /FED-1

i know that, don't ever touch the shutter dial until it's wound...

... but excessive paranoia is unwarranted there - you may waste film or lose your photo opportunity, but if you are reasonably gentle, you will not permanently damage the camera. If the camera is healthy, you'll expose the next frame or two at random time if you prematurely switch times, if the shutter is sticky, you may have to open it to reset - but that is the worst that will happen, unless you apply force when it does not want to wind on.
 
the bulb (usually 'b') shutter speed is chosen by setting the dial to 'z' (first letter of the russian equivalent for 'bulb' I'd guess). It means the shutter stays open for as long as you hold the release depressed. you can do long time exposures with that (usually with a cable release attached and on a tripod).

what else?

1) don't touch the shutter curtains
2) don't leave it exposed to sunlight without the lens cap on (the sun can burn small holes into the curtains)
3) don't get too frustrated when first loading film :) (there are various resources on the net explaining how it's done)

and most importantly:
4) don't put on the shelf - use it!

Have fun,
Thomas

p.s.: nice video
 
thank you very much guys for the comments and tips!

i figured out the Z thing :)

and I have a question for a function.. what is this B lever right next to the shutter? Thanks!
 
I think you're talking about the rewind lock. You have to set it to 'B' before rewinding the film. And don't forget to set it back afterwards.
 
ok thanks guys. and i have ONEEE more question... sorry i am being a hassle.



for horizontal rangefinder calibration, which should i use for distance?? Thanks!
 
You want the bottom setup. The measurement given on the lens is the distance to the film, not to any part of the lens.
 
i know that, don't ever touch the shutter dial until it's wound...
anything else?
For a Zorki 1 this isn't true unless you're very careless and force it between certain speeds. For some russian cameras it is true, so it's a good habit not to alter it uncocked. It's a bit pointless anyway, you can't really tell what speed you're setting unless it's cocked. Just don't ever try to force the dial around, it won't go between 'B' and 1/500th, either way around.

'B' or 'Z' (not sure about russina but it's for zeit in german, meaning 'time'), as you've figured, holds the shutter open for as long as the button is held down. You can also use a locking cable-release to do it for you (better option anyway).
 
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