Zorki 4 - a couple of questions

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joey

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Hi,

I decided to buy a RF. I have never owned one or maybe I did, I can’t remember now if it was the RF. My parents
bought me a small Orion – which was soviet made camera – in late 80’s.
After reading this forum and your suggestions, I decided to buy Zorki 4 with Jupiter 8 lens. I also know that one has to be careful when buying soviet made cameras because often there maybe few defects in them and many sellers do not service the cameras or know how to service them.

My questions:

Have I made the right decision with my choice? Is there a better soviet made RF camera? By better I mean – reliable and respected by the community.

Could you please recommend a retailer or a dealer who’s selling the cameras? I have been warned, it could be a gamble buying soviet made cameras on eBay.

Thanks
 
9-16 Hi,nice camera,good choice.Get it with a Jupiter 8 lens,nice glass.Two good dealers are FEDKA here in the states,or,OLEG overseas.I would look for a model with the engraved #'s not the painted on.Good Luck,you've come to the right place for advice.These guys know FSU's. Robin
 
Hi Joey - take this as its meant - my opinion. Others will weigh in with differing views for sure. I think you've made an excellent choice. The Z4 is easy to use, reliable an sort of cool looking. The Soviet designs did improve - there is a good case for the Zorki 6 and the FED 2 as being even more user friendly. I have all of them but I use the Z4 most.

As to sellers, let me be the first to say that if you want cast iron guarantee of a functioning camera that will last you a long time go to Oleg (he's a member here) at

http://www.okvintagecamera.com/

You will pay more than you will on Ebay but you get a perfect item, recently serviced. Also I recommend the Jupiter 8 50mm lens as your starter lens.

Over to the others!
 
Hey Joey,
I've had a FED 5V (my first FSU) and a Zorki 4. The FED was ok and worked very well, but the Zorki 4 was a whole different beast.

What amazes me with the Zorki 4 is the 1:1 RF/VF, the quietness of the shutter, the heft and the relatively diminutive size. The downside IMHO is the fact that they have been out of production for years, and the film winding can be hard on the fingers. There is a built-in diopter which is excellent. Actually, the Zorki 4 was responsible for my getting a CV Bessa R3A.

As for sellers, I got mine from Alex Photo. I had a bad experience, but many other people here have had good experiences with him. I've also dealt with Grizzlybear, with much success. Apparently, the very best is Oleg Khalyavin of OK Vintage Photo...He even does CLA's. If I ever needed to buy another I would go to him. You might also find some in the classifieds.

Kent
 
Joey,
Welcome to RFF! I don't own a Zorki4 but the J-8 lens is my main 50mm lens.
I can also highly reccomend Oleg! One thing about buying things from him: I have had pretty good results by simply emailing him and asking about specific items--something like:
"Dear Oleg,
I am looking for...do you have one you can sell me?"
I get a response quickly and proceed from there. It seems like he has lots more stuff than what he's got listed on the site.
$187 is expensive for a Z4, I think.
One basic important thing to remember about FSU (Former Soviet Union) cameras is to cock the shutter(advance the film) before changing speeds. There may be a few exceptions to this but I find it easier(and safer) to apply this "rule" to all my FSU cameras.
Oh, and one other thing: you will see the word/abbreviation/acrnym G.A.S.--in various spellings--around here and just so you know, it means
Gear Aquisition Syndrome .
Some thing to be aware of.
Again, welcome!
Rob
 
joey ~ looks like you're headed in a good direction [imho]. Keep trying on Oleg's site. Hands down great place to get a very enjoyable Zorki. And yeah, again imho, $187 is waaaaay out of the ballpark. You'd be paying for some special insignia which won't improve your shots at all. I realize prices are going up a little, but geez Louise, for that much, I would think Oleg could set you up with several models.

I might throw in a plug for the Zorki.3M as well... a very popular camera. It's minus the flash sync, but otherwise has the features of the Zorki.4. There is a picture of mine linked in my sig. Good luck. Let us know how it works out.
 
IMHO, the Zorki 3M is the best FSU LTM RF (don't even need to spell complete words😀 ). If you can get one once , just buy it! I sold mine last week ... it was in perfect condition (everythiing spot on) and I kinda regret it ... c'est la vie. But, as a consolation, I bought a Kiev 2 to forget my Z3M.

The Zorki 4 is a great camera, you can't get wong with a camera like that: it is very steady and well built. But you could consider the Z 4K, as it has the advance lever. But it's the only difference with the Z 4K. BTW, choose a Z4 with engraved shutter speed numbers. I can't remember exactly when the numbers started to be painted but I think it is in 1965 ... some experts in this forum could easily confirm (or not) this.

There are several good sellers on eBay and beyond: Fedka, of course; DVDtechnik is a good one, I've never had problem with them and the cameras were always in superb condition (I bought my Z3M from them). On eBay, I know that Sellertreasure can have true beauties ...etc. I recommend also Confdntart. As a rule, I never buy from a seller who is rated under 99.4% (except if I can see that the negative feedbacks aren't deserved).
And of course Alexphoto! :angel:
 
Last edited:
The Zorki 4 is an amazing camera if you get it at the right price. Here in the UK they go for £20 so $40 would seem right for the US. Marc's advice on the 4K is spot on, that lever wind makes a surprising difference to your photo taking pleasure. 😀

One tip I discovered many years ago: as soon as you get the camera, put it on a tripod or some firm surface, get out your tape measure and shoot a film at maximum aperture on a series of distances, focussing by rangefinder. For each image, note the measured distance with the tape and the distance setting on the lens. If the two disagree, make a second shot with the lens set to the tape measurement. Get the shots processed and blow up the central portion as far as is practical to check the accuracy of the rangefinder.

Ideally you'll find that rangefinder and scale focussing are identical. If not, this test will show you which is rigt. If the rangefinder's correct but the lens is out, that probably isn't a problem. If it's the other way round, you need the rangefinder fixed. If they're both out, you're in trouble!

😱
 
Zorki 4 definitely is a great camera. But only if you don't wear glasses (or can compensate the diopter adjustment and shoot w/o glasses).
The advance lever on Z4 K seems rather ugly. I prefer the Z4. But it's completely up to you. But remember there are no Z4 K with engraved shutter speeds...

No need to shoot a film to test the rangefinder accuracy and lens working distance. Read here http://rick_oleson.tripod.com/index-123.html
 
Spyderman said:
But remember there are no Z4 K with engraved shutter speeds...
[/url]
Click to expand...

My first Z4K has engraved shutter speeds 😛
I guess it's due to repair and part substitution, but I was really lucky with that one. Otherwise, Spyder's right.
Marc
 
Marc-A. said:
BTW, I just got, 5 min ago, a reply from Alexphoto ... funny coincidence. I should erase the "angry" part of my previous post.
Marc
Click to expand...

He's probably reading this forum too. 😀
 
While reading comments, opinions and general informations on FSU's, I decided I want to buy the Kiev RF too. It's good to know these cameras are very affordable.
There have been some interesting reviews on these cameras. In particular, about its built quality, inclusion of lightmeter and advance lever, as well as quality lenses available for these cameras. The only is that I don't know which one to buy. Should it be 4/4A/4M or 4AM?
 
At last I was able to access Oleg's website connecting to it via proxy. There's not Zorki-4 or Kiev -4a for sale, unfortunately.

Has anyone bought anything from fedka.com or moscowphoto on eBay?
 
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