Zorki 6 door catch misery

[Jocko]

I've always sung the praises of the Zorki 6, but this could be the end of a beautiful friendship.

The hinged rear door on mine keeps popping open - I've lost the last four films. It happened yesterday and now again today. The problem is that the bar which slides up and down in the catch is extremely mobile and loosened by the slightest jolt. I've tightened the screws, which made for some improvement, but it still sprang open! :bang:

Is this an endemic problem? Should there be some sort of spring to hold it tight? Otherwise all I can think of is covering the lock with tape for that lovely Holga look!

Any comments or advice recieved with pathetic gratitude!

 

[Jocko]

I'll try to open it up and have a look!

 

[Jocko]

Thank you David!

I can't make the lower screw budge - I couldn't yesterday, when I tried to tighten it - but there's absolutely no sign of any sort of spring. Maybe there never was one - it would explain why the camera was in such good condition! Oh dear.....

 

[Jocko]

I'll do just that! Right away!

 

[Screwy]

I dont have a zorki 6 but I,m led to believe that the Zenit 3M latch is the same ? If so there is no spring just a strip of metal , If the Zorki is the same just bend it some what so that it is curved and check that the actually hook on the catch isnt damaged

I would post a pic but the battery,s in my digicam are dead 🙄



Paul

 

[Nickfed]

Don't bother chasing after a spring. There isn't one. And yes, the problem is endemic.
I used to routinely put a piece of gaffer tape over the lock.
The Zorki-6 is distinguished and even praised as the only FSU RF with a swing door. It doesn't mean that it was actually a good idea and the praise was misplaced..

 

[DaveP]

I just pulled the screws on mine to look, didnt see a spring. Looks like all that is needed is to bend the pull tab a little for resistance.................

 

[Jocko]

First, Thank You Everyone!

The WD40 worked like a dream (of course) and I bent the bar. It's now very much more secure, but I'll always tape in future.

I think I prefer bottom loaders..... ah well. I suppose its another step upwards on the FSU learning curve! Thank you once again!