Zorki-4 repair?

[steve-d]

Can anyone recommend a repair shop for this model Zorki-4? I have one (SN 62xxxxx) and it needs attention. Actually, it worked fine until I forgot I hid it under my jacket in the car. I didn't want to temp someone to break into my car and take it. Upon arriving home I forgot it was under my jacket. I grabbed the jacket and sure enough the camera tumbled out to the ground. Damage to the top at a corner and to the bottom along the edge.

I really don't know if it is worth fixing or just get another and use this for parts? Somehow, I obtained a Zorki-4k (crank film advance) and it is available as a parts donor, but I don't know if the parts are interchangeable.

Oh well, I'm getting older and forgetting the camera under the jacket is par for the course.

Thanks for any insight.

Steve

 

[steve-d]

 

[BernardL]

So there is cosmetic damage. What you do not mention is whether some functionality is degraded. If it works, why not use it? Leica fanboys are so proud of "brassing".

 

[Mos6502]

If it's just a dent, I wouldn't bother. A repairman would charge far more than the camera is worth and realistically you'd need an undented donor camera to get a top plate from. Consider it Wabi-Sabi.

 

[WoodallP]

If it's just a dent, I wouldn't bother. A repairman would charge far more than the camera is worth and realistically you'd need an undented donor camera to get a top plate from. Consider it Wabi-Sabi.

I second this, if it is the only problem; any repair would cost twice as much as the camera is worth. Then keep an eye out for a non-working Zorki 4 of the same era and swap the top plate (and back but that is easier) yourself. Of course you would have to live with the shame of having the wrong serial number 🙂

 

[steve-d]

Yes, it still works fine. I hate to be reminded of my foibles (stupidity) of forgetting about it.

You're right about he cost of repair as the shipping cost would be about $20+ each way.

Unfortunately, as far as being a conversation piece, it loses its significance as a fairly nice 63yo camera. I'll probably just toss it to the back of my shelf and use another camera. It solves all of the above probs!!!

steve

 

[santino]

As long as you don‘t throw it in the bin… It is not a rare model and I personally would just use it as it is. Isn‘t it tough as nails since you still can shoot with it? That would be a good conversation starter.

 

[WoodallP]

As long as you don‘t throw it in the bin… It is not a rare model and I personally would just use it as it is. Isn‘t it tough as nails since you still can shoot with it? That would be a good conversation starter.

And even if things don’t work and you don’t want to pay for repairs, still don’t throw them in the bin. Someone needs screws and parts. Small metric slot head screws can be used in a multitude of old cameras.