zorki 4: is it THAT problem?

[pinkarmy]

my newly-bought Zorki 4 has curtain problem...any advice?
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[breathstealer]

Have a look at how the curtains move with the lens off, it should be pretty obvious if one of them isn't moving quite right. Once you've determined the problem it should be easier to find info online on how to fix it yourself, or you could take it to a professional - looks like you're in Hong Kong, repairs are quite cheap here 🙂

 

[special.foto]

Before you throw yourself into spending money to fix it, try tensioning the curtains properly, and then see the results. As breathstealer said, it should be easier to find online a "how to".

 

[fanshaw]

Re-tensioning the curtains is not the answer if the problem is dirt and congealed grease in the mechanism.

 

[NorpA]

I agree with you Fanshaw, I'd suggest to clean and relube before touching the curtains tension.

 

[wolves3012]

Looking at the shots, it appears the curtains are stalling or slowing at a particular point. That doesn't point to a curtain tension problem, it points to a CLA being needed. We have our very own sticky on this very camera (shameless plug!) at the top of the FSU sub-forum, or you can take it to a repairman.

If the tension was wrong, there'd be either capping or a gradual exposure variation across the frame (or both), not a step-change.

 

[pinkarmy]

thanks for all the advices above...i am not going to spend money on it, just try to see if i could "improve" its performance, well i could always use it the "LOMO way"--telling people this is some kind of "suprise factor"...;D

that said, i uploaded a video clip of the curtain actions:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDhIVemzOlU
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[wolves3012]

thanks for all the advices above...i am not going to spend money on it, just try to see if i could "improve" its performance, well i could always use it the "LOMO way"--telling people this is some kind of "suprise factor"...;D

that said, i uploaded a video clip of the curtain actions:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDhIVemzOlU
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The video clip confirms what I thought, I doubt very much that the tension is responsible for that problem. If you're willing to try a DIY-CLA, it's not that hard to do. Have a read through the sticky and see if you're up to it. That looks a nice Z-4 too, it'd be good to see it working as intended.

 

[pinkarmy]

If you're willing to try a DIY-CLA, it's not that hard to do. Have a read through the sticky and see if you're up to it. That looks a nice Z-4 too, it'd be good to see it working as intended.

Thanks for the advise!
i will read the sticky...great details (but lengthy...😀)
i like this camera and it feels good to see it works too