Zorki-5 minor CLA / removing top cover

[patrickhh]

Hi,

I got a Zorki-5, second model, where I need to remove the top cover for cleaning the RF and lubricating the gears.
Is there any detailed instruction on how to remove the top cover? I googled around but the only link I found, http://muj.proit.cz/roman/z6disass/ doesn't exist anymore. archive.org found the text but not the images.

TIA
Patrick

 

[wolves3012]

Search the forum - there was a thread about dismantling the Zorki 6; removing the top cover of a Zorki 5 is exactly the same. I did also once find a page on the net for how to do it, I'll have a hunt for it. It's not difficult actually, except for removing the nut around the shutter button! That can be a pain...

 

[fidget]

I remember a nice set of instructions too, although I can't find them right now.
As wolves says, the collar round the release button can be a problem to get off.

If you decide to have a go without finding instructions, be aware that this collar has a left hand thread. When it's too tight, removing it can cause damage to the gear train and ratchet in the winding mechanism.

Dave

 

[patrickhh]

Thank you.
I managed to get the top plate off, with the help of these instructions
http://www.monopix.co.uk/otherstuff/zorkiservice.shtml
which were written for a Zorki-6, though.

Now I hope that I manage to put it all together again 😉

 

[wolves3012]

There are two fiddly bits when reassembling:

First, refitting the dipotre lever. It's a spring-loaded assembly and the easiest way to get it right is to poke something blunt into the eyepiece hole in the top plate to hold the correction lens from springing back. Fiddly...

Second, refitting the spring for the winder lever. Personally I've hooked the end over the internal post, then hooked the lever onto it by winding it backwards with the lever not engaged - this is pretty awkward to do. I see the advice on the link you posted suggests the reverse, hooking the lever first. Whatever works for you but you may find it tries your patience!

Good luck anyway. The Zorki 5 is a nice camera - simple and reliable.

 

[patrickhh]

I got the camera back together again with no problem! The winder lever required some fiddling to be put back in place with the spring, but with a bit of patience it was OK.

seems like this camera is a nice model for easy tinkering. Perhaps I will be brave enough to dismantle it further, because the winding gears are very "crunchy" and need some lubrication.

 

[wolves3012]

I got the camera back together again with no problem! The winder lever required some fiddling to be put back in place with the spring, but with a bit of patience it was OK.

seems like this camera is a nice model for easy tinkering. Perhaps I will be brave enough to dismantle it further, because the winding gears are very "crunchy" and need some lubrication.

Crunchy gears are a common problem on a Zorki 5. I cleaned, re-lubed and adjusted mine and it's tranformed them. It's now very light and smooth with just the "zip-zip" sound of the ratchets. Well worth doing.

 

[patrickhh]

BTW: This camera looks really clean and robust under its hood.
I think that I like it. 😎