winston_smith
Newbie
Hi everyone,
This is my first post on this forum and I have to warn you that I'm a complete newbie in (film) photography. Being nostalgic by nature, I recently bought a Zorki 4K on ebay. I paid quite a bit on it and it really seems to be in fantastic shape. I loaded it up and I already took the first shots. However, this evening I did a little "research" on Zorki 4K on the internet and I found something puzzling. Basically, all Zorki 4K are supposed to have a fixed take up spool. While I cannot open the camera now (I don't want to lose the film), I clearly remember that mine did not have a fixed one. I was even close to losing it, actually. What do you think? As I know nothing about cameras, I am little bit worried that maybe I was duped.
Thank you for your time and please excuse me for bothering you with such silly questions.
W.S.
This is my first post on this forum and I have to warn you that I'm a complete newbie in (film) photography. Being nostalgic by nature, I recently bought a Zorki 4K on ebay. I paid quite a bit on it and it really seems to be in fantastic shape. I loaded it up and I already took the first shots. However, this evening I did a little "research" on Zorki 4K on the internet and I found something puzzling. Basically, all Zorki 4K are supposed to have a fixed take up spool. While I cannot open the camera now (I don't want to lose the film), I clearly remember that mine did not have a fixed one. I was even close to losing it, actually. What do you think? As I know nothing about cameras, I am little bit worried that maybe I was duped.
Thank you for your time and please excuse me for bothering you with such silly questions.
W.S.
photobizzz
Speak of the Devil
Well I am unsure if it is removable or not but here is a PDF user manual.
http://www.pdfcameramanuals.org/russian/zorki_4k/zorki_4k.htm
Hope it helps!
http://www.pdfcameramanuals.org/russian/zorki_4k/zorki_4k.htm
Hope it helps!
winston_smith
Newbie
Hi and thank you for your help. I checked the manual earlier, but that didn't solve my dilemma. Maybe I'm just a little paranoid, but I must admit I find it hard to get over it as I lack the necessary information about these cameras.
Thank you,
W.S.
Thank you,
W.S.
bawang
Established
Hi,
I don't have a Zorki 4K, but Zorki 4 which from I learn are basically the same camera without the lever wind of 4K.
The Zorki 4's take-up spool are removable, to a point it drops out when the cover is open and some got lost as a result.
I am guessing, your 4K spool is also removable.
I don't have a Zorki 4K, but Zorki 4 which from I learn are basically the same camera without the lever wind of 4K.
The Zorki 4's take-up spool are removable, to a point it drops out when the cover is open and some got lost as a result.
I am guessing, your 4K spool is also removable.
W
wlewisiii
Guest
Only the Zorki 6 had the fixed takeup spool, IIRC. All other models had the standard LTM type removable spool.
William
William
xayraa33
rangefinder user and fancier
the zorki 4k has as fixed take up spool.
S
Stanton
Guest
Mine has a fixed take up
Mine has a fixed take up
My Zorki 4K, serial number77143***, has a fixed take up spool. Mine also has the printed, as opposed to the engraved shutter speeds. I understand that one variation of the 4k had the shutter speed dial engraved. Since the print is beginning to go, I understand the advantage of the engraving.
Oh, sweet mystery of FSU cameras.
Dave
Mine has a fixed take up
My Zorki 4K, serial number77143***, has a fixed take up spool. Mine also has the printed, as opposed to the engraved shutter speeds. I understand that one variation of the 4k had the shutter speed dial engraved. Since the print is beginning to go, I understand the advantage of the engraving.
Oh, sweet mystery of FSU cameras.
Dave
fanshaw
Well-known
The 4K certainly normally has a fixed take-up spool. Apart from the lever wind it is the other feature that distinguishes it from a Zorki-4.
JohnTF
Veteran
Am told that the Russian word for lever begins with K, well, they actually told me the word, but all I recall is the K. ;-)
Regards, John
Regards, John
sojournerphoto
Veteran
I sold one recently on ebay - I can't actually remember the take-up spool tbh, but surely it will be obvious if it works?
Mike
Mike
winston_smith
Newbie
Hi everyone and thank you so much for all your help. I have to live with the idea that I have a one of a kind Zorki 4K, it seems. 
When I'll unload the first film, I'll check more closely the take up spool and I'll post my findings here.
Thank you,
W.S.
When I'll unload the first film, I'll check more closely the take up spool and I'll post my findings here.Thank you,
W.S.
wolves3012
Veteran
The 4K should, indeed, have a fixed spool. The two I have do anyway!
konicaman
konicaman
My 4K has a fixed spool as well, but you can never be sure with these commie cams; Often they have been tampered with at the kitchen table during the long Russian winter nights. My first Zorki 4 did not have a take up spool at all. My FED 3 has a brass take up spool which is clearly homemade, and I have seen a FED 4 with a spool glued on that was almost certainly from a FP4 cartridge. Who cares as long as the spool does its job?
fanshaw
Well-known
Well, you can be pretty sure that the Zorki-4K originally had a fixed spool, because reference was made to this feature in the manual supplied with the camera.