Zorki C Shutter and Lens

[darin3200]

Hi,
I recently bought a Zorki C and remember reading something on this forum that it is damaging to the old russian cameras to have the shutter cocked for long periods of time. I was wondering what would be the longest time I should have the shutter cocked?

The collapseable lens that is also on the camera has a focusing ring that is slightly difficult to move. Are there any ways that I could lubricate this to make it move more smoothly?

Thanks,
Darin

 

[xayraa33]

it is best to leave the shutter uncocked if you not going to use the camera for a great lenght of time, but I have left cameras wound for weeks with no harm.
try some isopropanol alcohol 99 % (rubbing alcohol) on the visible threads of the focusing helical and move the focus back and forth, clean exposed threads with a rag after. apply a tiny bit of lithium grease on the threads afterwards. this will help with the focus smoothness problem.

 

[xayraa33]

I forgot to mention to do all that with the lens off the camera body, so be sure to unscrew the lens from the camera before you start.

 

[reagan]

Agreed with xayraa33. I've inadvertantly left them cocked for several days with no apparent effects. But I try to remember to just take a grab shot or fire the shutter with lens cap on when I know I'm finished for the day. I may not pick that camera up again for a few weeks, so... I play it safe and fire the shutter at anything - or nothing.

However, if you read around RFF very much (especially here in the Russian Made... section) you see that on Zorkis and many other cameras, changing shutter speeds BEFORE you wind the film can jam the shutter. So it is pretty important to get in the habit of ALWAYS knowing or thinking about whether the shutter is cocked or not. It's more for this reason, before it goes in the bag, I fire the shutter. I don't want to pull it out of the bag later for a hurried shot and assuming the shutter is cocked, try to change shutter speeds. 🙁 I may waste a few frames just to "uncock" the shutter, but I'd rather do that than work on unjamming a shutter. When I pick up a gun, I assume it's loaded. When I pick up a camera, I assume it needs to be wound/cocked.

And welcome to RFF. Enjoy the Zorki C! Post some photos in your gallery here when you get time. xayraa33's comments on cleaning/lubing the lens should get you in good shape. If it still isn't to your liking, the collapsables aren't too hard to take apart for closer attention and reassemble.

 

[Nickfed]

I don't think having the shutter cocked is a problem. I'm sure I have done it at some time and didn't suffer from it.

If you remove the long screw in the base, beside the infinity mark, you can screw the lens assembly out, clean the threads and lube it. The thread is multi-start and you have a one-in-four chance of getting it together right first time. You will be left in no doubt when it is correct. The infinity lock clicks in just a tad before the lens is screwed right down.

I used Sil-Glyde grease. It doesn't creep and you wouldn't want anything lighter.

 

[darin3200]

Thanks for all the help and advice. I will be getting some lithium grease tomorrow and cleaning and lubricating the lens.

 

[darin3200]

I got the lens off, cleaned the thread and got the luricant on. It was a little bit of a pain to get the lens screwed back in right, but now it works like a charm 🙂
Thanks