Zorki 4K shutter problems

[Jaguar68]

Hi,

I've recently picked up a cheap 1977 Zorki 4K from eBay as an entry into the world of rangefinder cameras. However, the camera has a problem with the shutter. The film advance lever moves, as if to wind the film on but the shutter advances only as far as to show the metal joining strips (about 6mm).
Also I've noticed that the bottom of the shutter speed knob sits approximately 1mm above the shutter speed dial. Is this normal?

Is it possible that the shutter problem can be cured easily? Is it worth having the camera cla'd or do I have a new FSU paperweight?

Regards

John

 

[AndersG]

The Zorki 4K like most (all?) other FED and Zorki rangefinder cameras with slow speeds (below 1/30 or 1/25) have a somewhat sensitive shutter mechanism that will (at least) go into a poorly defined state if you move the shutter speed knob when the shutter isn't wound. I'm not quite sure how to get it back in sync. if the knob has been moved. Someone else can hopefully provide some recovery actions to try. In any case: don't force anything!

At each shutter speed the shutter speed knob should fall into a well defined dent - it might be that yours is not in a dent if it rides high (which again could point to an out of synchronization problem). There are no intermediate speeds.

Cheers,
Anders

 

[wolves3012]

It's possible someone has tangled up the slow-speed mechanics by setting the shutter speed before winding. You may have to take the top plate off to sort it out but before you do anything so drastic, try this: first, do NOT force anything (as said above). Wind the shutter as far as you can, stop when you encounter resistance. Now, lift the speed dial and turn it clockwise as far as you can (remember - NO force so stop if it doesn't want to go further). Drop it into the last slot you can feel. Carry on trying to wind and keep repeating these steps if possible. If it works, you'll end up with a cocked shutter and a set speed of 1/30th. Fire the shutter and it should be back to normal.

If it simply won't wind by following the steps above, the top plate will have to be removed to find the problem. There are instructions in the "HOW TO - CLA" sticky at the top of this sub-forum, if you fancy attempting this yourself. Otherwise, it's a repair-shop job and likely to cost far more than the camera is worth, I'm afraid.

 

[Jaguar68]

Hmmm, I've managed to free the shutter, although I'm not quite sue how. Now the camera has another problem, I can't select any shutter speeds. When lifting the dial up the shaft is immovable.

I think I'm going to give up with this one, although I do have a nice Jupiter 8 lens now.

Regards

John

 

[wolves3012]

Hmmm, I've managed to free the shutter, although I'm not quite sue how. Now the camera has another problem, I can't select any shutter speeds. When lifting the dial up the shaft is immovable.

This pretty much confirms the likely problem - the slow-speed escapement is messed up. Probably not actually broken, just that the internal parts are mis-positioned now.

 

[Ko.Fe.]

Welcome to RFF forum and RF club.
What a painful entry!

Looks like camera for repairs now and was sold to you in not working condition.

Check local classifieds here for working one and where are some sellers on e-bay who sell FSU RFs after CLA.