Zorki-4 user's checklist?

[Kalli]

So, yesterday I finally took delivery of my Zorki-4 from Oleg. I had used a Fed-5B for a couple of weeks and I'm pleasantly surprised with the build, look and feel of my "new" camera. It's an early model, admittedly (I think, it's serial number 6109827), with engraved lettering and strap eyelets. Only complaint is that the shutter speed selector seems fiddly. The viewfinder, on the other hand, seems very usable. It's decently bright and I manage to focus relatively quickly.


Enough gushing. Even despite having never made the mistake with the (borrowed) Fed I instantly managed to change shutter speeds after snapping the first photo and before advancing the film. It seems to still work and I look a lot forward to seeing the first prints.


Which brings me to what I'm trying to say. I found a user manual on line which I find a difficult read and reference quickly so I'm wondering if anyone knows of a "user checklist" with the basic, necessary information? A short list of the important dos and don'ts. Such as don't move the shutter knob between 30 and 1 for example.

The manual also doesn't seem to cover some of the markings on the camera. I mentions the shutter disengagement ring and turning it to the "n" like marking and back to the dot after unloading. But there's also a red "A" like marking which I've no idea what does.

I know this is a bit to ask (although I'd love to help compile a checklist once I know enough) but I'm both fascinated by the Zorki and a bit afraid that I'll manage to damage it. So I'll be thankful for any replies and won't rush off in a huff if the reply is RTFM 😉

 

[Spider67]

- control the shutter curtains for pinholes or areas where the curtains rubbercovering is coming loose I have two 4´s and the newer ones curtains are deteriorating.
two things you should not be too alarmed when they happen:
- you changed shutterspeed before cocking the shutter: First result it does not work properly, in many cases you cock the shutter and you set the speed correctly and it will work. You should not make a habit out of it, but you also should not get ridden by angst.
- you press the shutter and something inside the VF just moved: A common quirk get used to it when it happens some times.
- Framing with the VF is rather insecure. Compared with the smaller and a bit darker VF/RF´s of FED´s the Z 4´s VF/RF is brilliant ...except that it's difficult to guess the correct framing ("framelines are decadent comrade!") for objects not right in the middle. So sometimes the unifinder is a good alternative.
Enjoy your new camera!

 

[zuikologist]

My recommendartions would be obviously do not set shutter speed before winding on the shutter and check that the dioptre adjustment is set properly before blaming the rangefinder!

 

[wolves3012]

Don'ts: Don't change the shutter speed till you've cocked it. In honesty, unless you are fairly brutal this won't do any damage PROVIDED you don't force it when you wind on next. Wind on gently and, if you feel ANY resistance, stop! Now lift and turn the shutter speed clockwise, towards a higher speed. Repeat until it is cocked, then set the speed you want.

The "A" and "n" just indicate which direction to turn the rewind-release collar. When the dot lines up it's on advance, turning clockwise fully will put it in rewind.

Set the dioptre to what suits your eyesight and make a mental note of where the lever points in case it gets moved (happens quite easily).

 

[Kalli]

Thanks!

I'm "rushing" (well, not rushing as with my DSLR but you get it) through this roll of film to see how it turns out. Feel more confident now that I know what I need to know about the Zork'.

Don't tempt me with an external viewfinder. I was just checking for Jupiter-12s on eBay now and at the prices I saw there I can get a few 28mm lenses for my Nikon DSLR. And I'm torn which to get next 🙂