Zorki 3 / 3m worth the extra $?

[Chillibones]

Ok, Any views on this one would be appreciated.
Is a Zorki 3 or 3M worth the extra dollars over say a Zorki 1 or Fed 1?

Seems to do the same job with a higher speed choice and 'different' looks to the 1 series.

 

[rbiemer]

The Z3M is my favorite FSU camera. Primarily for the VF.
In order of importance to me, the things I like about it are:
1 the big VF.
2 good range of shutter speeds. I shoot mostly 400 speed film and having 1/1000 is very helpful.
3 strap lugs. A seemingly small thing but it makes a difference to me.
4 in my opinion, the pretty-est of all the FSU cameras.
I haven't used either a Zorki or FED 1; I don't especially like separate VF/RF and I can't really say if the higher cost of the Z3/Z3M is worth it to you. It was to me. I have no real problem with bottom loading but do like the way the later Zorkis load a bit better.
Functionally, I think the Z3 and Z4 are equivalent. Particularly if the Z4 is an early one with engraved shutter speeds and strap lugs. But the Z3 is a lot better looking--again, IMHO--and while I have both, the Z3 is the one I use most.
One other thing, since I've had my Bessa cameras, I haven't used any of my FSU cameras very much. The Bessa VFs have spoiled me with their ease of use.
As ever, a good example makes all the difference with these, I think.
Rob

 

[newspaperguy]

The Zorki 3M that I got from Oleg (okphotocameras) was one of the smoothest cameras I've ever used. (He had CLA'd it prior to the sale.)
The BIG viewfinder makes it a real user.

This is the camera that led me back to RFing.

 

[wolves3012]

I'll echo everything rbeimer has said. An early Z-4 is functionally as good (plus flash sync if you need it) but not quite as pretty. If you don't need the slow speeds and are happy with the squinty, separate windows and bottom loading of the Z-1 then don't bother. Otherwise - yes, get one!

The Z-3 commands a little more money than the 3M (rarity value mainly) and has a reputation (some say not deserved) of being more troublesome. Looks-wise, I think they are superficially similar to a Z-1 but they are bigger physically.

 

[ItsReallyDarren]

How many extra dollars are we talking about and do you feel it will be worth the expense? I have a Fed2 which I still enjoy using and considered picking up a Zorki 3 or 4 for quite some time. I never got around to it because I felt I had enough of a camera with me in a Fed2. I read about the nice viewfinder extra shutter speeds but when using the Fed I never actually felt a pressing desire for those nicer features. I stick with 100 speed film in daylight for the camera and it serves those needs very well.

If we're talking about shooting at night a lot or trouble using the smaller viewfinders of earlier Fed/Zorki cameras then a bigger viewfinder sounds nice.

The Zorki 3 also looks really good. Another reason to pick one up.

 

[fanshaw]

If you want to use the camera and need the extra shutter speeds and combined viewfinder/rangefinder window and you don't mind the extra bulk and weight compared to the original Zorki, then a Zorki-4 is very similar to the Zorki-3/3m. It is much cheaper and easier to find and it is flash synchronised. If you want an ornament then perhaps consider a 3/3m.

 

[Chillibones]

Thanks for all the replies. I guess I can't really see the Z3 being worth the extra cash, in Aussie dollars we're talking $100 or so more than the price of a good Z1 and maybe $120 more than the price of a really good Z4. The real reason for wanting one was the looks, but I use what I collect so really can't justify the extra cost. The cameras I'm keeping to use are a Z1, Fed1, Fed2 (red) and I have a Zorki 4 on its way. So I think I have all bases covered, I'll have to stop looking at the Z3, what I really should spend on is a J12 & finder and a decent lightmeter.🙂

 

[Chillibones]

Thanks for all the replies. I guess I can't really see the Z3 being worth the extra cash, in Aussie dollars we're talking $100 or so more than the price of a good Z1 and maybe $120 more than the price of a really good Z4. The real reason for wanting one was the looks, but I use what I collect so really can't justify the extra cost. The cameras I'm keeping to use are a Z1, Fed1, Fed2 (red) and I have a Zorki 4 on its way. So I think I have all bases covered, I'll have to stop looking at the Z3, what I really should spend on is a J12 & finder and a decent lightmeter.🙂

 

[MartinP]

The Zorki-4 has a rather cramped wind-on knob compared to your FED-2 (I have used both and like the FED), but the Z-3 looks like it has more room at that end of the camera, so it should be ok.

I found the larger Zorki viewfinder to have a much less contrasty r/f patch than the FED-2, but this could well be just down to different treatment over the decades.

For the wider shutter-speed range, and a wind-on lever in place of the knob, you could also look at the Z-4K and (especially) the FED-3. Unfortunately though, the later the model, the bigger the camera...

 

[Dralowid]

I've got a 3m, I bought it on impulse and have not really been dissappointed. However, as someone used to ltm Leicas it comes over too bulky. I have found it hard to become attached to it. Works fine mind after CLA and I think it is a quite good looking camera. Didn't realise it commands a premium but I'd probably swap it for an interesting pre war Fed given half the chance.

Michael

 

[zniv]

I recently acquired a Zorki 4 and a Kiev 4, both in nice clean condition. I was particulary surprised by the quality of the Z4 viewfinder, which is bright and very nice to focus, better than that of my Kiev 4 and much better than a FED 2 I once had. Is the finder of the Z3 of the same, or maybe better quality? Because this could be my only reason to get a further LTM rangefinder.

regards

 

[wolves3012]

I recently acquired a Zorki 4 and a Kiev 4, both in nice clean condition. I was particulary surprised by the quality of the Z4 viewfinder, which is bright and very nice to focus, better than that of my Kiev 4 and much better than a FED 2 I once had. Is the finder of the Z3 of the same, or maybe better quality? Because this could be my only reason to get a further LTM rangefinder.

regards

The Z-3M has an identical VF to the Z-4.

 

[wolves3012]

I've got a 3m, I bought it on impulse and have not really been dissappointed. However, as someone used to ltm Leicas it comes over too bulky. I have found it hard to become attached to it. Works fine mind after CLA and I think it is a quite good looking camera. Didn't realise it commands a premium but I'd probably swap it for an interesting pre war Fed given half the chance.

Michael

No, no, no! You mean you want an interesting pre-war FED as well as the 3M!

Be aware that the pre-war FEDs don't have standard lens-mount threads or lens-to-film distances. Chances are you're stuck with the one lens that comes with it (assuming that one is shimmed correctly, not always the case). Mine won't accept other LTM lenses and I'm in the process of shimming the standard lens since it's not quite right. Having said that, it is a very nice camera to use and is quite well-made.

 

[Dralowid]

Fear not Wolves 3012, my FEDs are breeding.

I've been using one recently with serial number in the 8,000s. Very Leicalike and as you say well made with just a hint of having been hammered out of old shell cases. This camera has black portholes, the collimating plug in the back, kick on the viewfinder window and all that Leica stuff.

The lens is barely removable let alone intechangeable and I don't want to fiddle since, it appears to be collimated which is a bit of bonus.

Works though and makes a Zorki 3m feel like a brick.

Michael