Zorki 2C rangefinder cleaning?

[mcgrattan]

Hi,

I have a Zorki 2C, which I really love using. It's probably my favourite 'user' FSU rangefinder. The body is nicely compact and I don't mind the two-window design [although a good 50mm accessory finder would be nice], mine also has a super smooth shutter and wind action.

However, the rangefinder window [rather than the viewfinder] is a little blurry. As far as I'm aware, there's no diopter adjustment as on later models, but is there any way to clean the glass and make it as clear as possible?

thanks

Matt

 

[wolves3012]

Removing and cleaning the four (2 back, 2 front) round windows and cleaning both sides will help. I'd advise leaving the beam-splitter (behind the front, right window as looking at the camera front) alone since it's pretty delicate. You'll probably have to re-adjust the RF vertical after replacing the front, left (as looking from the front) again.

 

[mcgrattan]

Thanks. Do I need to remove the top plate to get at these, or do they just unscrew? thanks

Matt

 

[mcgrattan]

Don't worry. I just found:

http://cameras.alfredklomp.com/zorkis/repair2/

So, it looks like they just screw off. Mine are very tightly fixed, so I may need to take some pliers to them.

 

[wolves3012]

Pliers will damage the bezels. Use either the correct wrench or try some rubber matting placed over them. If you must use pliers, cover the jaws with plastic tubing, electrical tape or something similar. It's quite usual for them to be tight...

 

[mcgrattan]

Yeah, I'd use electrical tape. Thanks for the advice.

 

[ZorkiKat]

...and don't squeeze the pliers too hard. The bezels can be easily deformed. If they seem too tight, inject a small amount of alcohol first (in case some form of varnish-like sealant was used). If this doesn't work and the bezels refuse to budge because of stuck dirt, corrosion, or age, inject instead with some oil. You'd have to wait a few hours or even days to loosen the works.

Jay