Zorki 4 noob question(s)

Kenj8246

Kenj8246

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Just received a Zorki 4 without a takeup spool. Should I be able to test fire the shutter without this? Also, the shutter speed dial doesn't seem to be able to point at the faster speeds? I 'sorta' searched for this but the search function here mystifies me...can't tell if I've found what I wanted. 🙂

Kenny

ps The frame advance never stops turning...I understand that it is supposed to stop, indicating a new frame has been advanced and the shutter is cocked.
 
Sounds like you have a problem. The film wind should stop when the shutter is cocked and the film is advanced. And when the shutter is cocked, you should be able to change the shutter speeds.
 
It could well be that the speed dial is loose or has been re-fitted in the wrong position. ALWAYS cock the shutter before changing speeds. When cocked, can you lift and turn the dial and get different speeds? What speeds can you get that the dial will indicate and do they sound right? Being unable to set higher speeds when the slow ones work (maybe incorrectly) suggests the mechanics have been tangled up by altering the dial with the shutter un-cocked. A common problem.

The frame-counter advances one frame every time you cock the shutter but it'll roll around back to zero and start again, is this what you mean? If so, it's correct because it goes to 39 and you're unlikely to get more frames from a 36-roll. If you mean it's loose and spins freely, that is not correct. In fact, the frame counter has only 3 parts, the dial, a springy washer and the retaining screw. If they are all in place it's impossible for it not to work.

And no, you don't need a spool to test the shutter. However, if the camera works and you need a spool, you must get the right sort. There are 2 pins inside the correct one, they engage on the shaft guides. Some spools don't have those pins and will not work.
 
As best I can explain it, the shutter does not cock, as the 'winder' just keeps winding. Pretty sure this one has major problems in that area. Thanks for your replies; this is the first FSU RF that hasn't worked. And, I have several good ones that came directly from the FSU. Law of averages, maybe?

Kenny
 
1. how does the shutter curtains look, are they closed or open?
2. is the film advance knob running freely in both directions?
3. is there a black cover plate at the bottom of the camera (after you have taken off the back cover), if yes, you can screw it off by unscrewing the two screws. Underneath should be a round disk that runs agains a flat spring: can you see the disk and spring? From you description there is a chance that the disk (it is called the 'second curtain brake') might be missing. Actually more stuff might be missing but hard to say which ones.

Can you show a picture of the internals of the cam?
 
Kenj8246 said:
As best I can explain it, the shutter does not cock, as the 'winder' just keeps winding. Pretty sure this one has major problems in that area. Thanks for your replies; this is the first FSU RF that hasn't worked. And, I have several good ones that came directly from the FSU. Law of averages, maybe?

Kenny
Click to expand...

The collar around the shutter release may well still be screwed down (the film rewind position) which will decouple the wind on knob. Make sure the collar is in the up position by turning it anti-clockwise (counter clockwise for N.America)
 
Doesn't the shutter release button lock down on the Zorki 4? When locked down (push and turn) it will never cock or stop. Has caught me out once, but was it a Zorki?
 
Ron (Netherlands) said:
1. how does the shutter curtains look, are they closed or open?
2. is the film advance knob running freely in both directions?
3. is there a black cover plate at the bottom of the camera (after you have taken off the back cover), if yes, you can screw it off by unscrewing the two screws. Underneath should be a round disk that runs agains a flat spring: can you see the disk and spring? From you description there is a chance that the disk (it is called the 'second curtain brake') might be missing. Actually more stuff might be missing but hard to say which ones.

Can you show a picture of the internals of the cam?
Click to expand...

Hi, Ron. Thanks for your reply.
1. Curtains are closed.
2. I've only tried it in the required direction, so don't know.
3. Yes to the plate. I will not attempt a repair myself. Eyes are not that good, parts, i.e., screws, etc. are exceedingly small and my hands are just too large. I'm not ham-fisted but just know better than to try to fix it myself.

Kenny
 
greyelm said:
The collar around the shutter release may well still be screwed down (the film rewind position) which will decouple the wind on knob. Make sure the collar is in the up position by turning it anti-clockwise (counter clockwise for N.America)
Click to expand...

Doesn't seem to matter where that collar is...shutter just doesn't want to cock.

Kenny
 
Kudos and many thanks to Malcolm Smith (greyelm)--and anyone else who may have suggested it and I missed it--for the tip about the collar on the shutter release. As soon as I backed that off, the shutter cocked and fired successfully. Several times, in fact. 🙂

Now, I just need the missing takeup spool to arrive and I can load it up and have a proper go at it.

Kenny
 
greyelm said:
You can download a manual here : [URL="http://www.butkus.org/chinon/russian/zorki/zorki.htm"]http://www.butkus.org/chinon/russian/zorki/zorki.htm[/URL]

Always cock the shutter before changing the speed or you will cause damage.

You don't need the take up spool to test the shutter. You may be able to get a spool on eBay.
Click to expand...

I have high lighted the important info.
I always check out manuals first - but that is just me.😀
 
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