siracusa
Well-known
Dear all,
I have what looks like a Zorki I (C) 1951-1953 as per the descriptions on the Soviet Cams webpage: http://www.sovietcams.com/index.php?-1795780876
I had bought the camera only for its lens, an Industar 22, knowing that it had a shutter fault. However, the camera body looks in lovely condition and appears to have had little use so I wondered whether anybody might have any insights into what might be the cause of the problem.
The shutter seems to fire at only one speed, which I'd guess is around 1/500, irrespective of what I set the shutter speed dial to.
The only exception to this is Z. Sometimes Z fires at full speed, but sometimes it operates as it should. Z appears more likely to operate as it should if I press the shutter release slowly and gently; a firm press seems more likely to have it firing at full speed. There are exceptions to this both ways, though... Z probably fires as it should around 70% of the time. As for the other speeds: there is never any variation; always full speed.
I've never opened a camera before and as a non-expert it seems that for me to open this would likely just damage it further. I wondered whether it is something simple that might be solved by adjusting the tension screws, or whether it is more complex, like a problem with the shutter release, in which case I will have to decide whether it is worth sending off for a CLA that will likely cost more than the camera is worth (it's not as if I actually need another body, either). On the other hand, to attempt to repair it myself might help me gain a better understanding of the mechanics of cameras. Would such a repair be feasible and fairly straightforward, or completely unadvised as likely to cause more damage - I apprehensive about doing things if I lack the appropriate skills and make things worse...the sum of my mechanical expertise is being an excellent repairer of lawnmowers, which is a very, very different matter
.
Thanks in advance,
David
I have what looks like a Zorki I (C) 1951-1953 as per the descriptions on the Soviet Cams webpage: http://www.sovietcams.com/index.php?-1795780876
I had bought the camera only for its lens, an Industar 22, knowing that it had a shutter fault. However, the camera body looks in lovely condition and appears to have had little use so I wondered whether anybody might have any insights into what might be the cause of the problem.
The shutter seems to fire at only one speed, which I'd guess is around 1/500, irrespective of what I set the shutter speed dial to.
The only exception to this is Z. Sometimes Z fires at full speed, but sometimes it operates as it should. Z appears more likely to operate as it should if I press the shutter release slowly and gently; a firm press seems more likely to have it firing at full speed. There are exceptions to this both ways, though... Z probably fires as it should around 70% of the time. As for the other speeds: there is never any variation; always full speed.
I've never opened a camera before and as a non-expert it seems that for me to open this would likely just damage it further. I wondered whether it is something simple that might be solved by adjusting the tension screws, or whether it is more complex, like a problem with the shutter release, in which case I will have to decide whether it is worth sending off for a CLA that will likely cost more than the camera is worth (it's not as if I actually need another body, either). On the other hand, to attempt to repair it myself might help me gain a better understanding of the mechanics of cameras. Would such a repair be feasible and fairly straightforward, or completely unadvised as likely to cause more damage - I apprehensive about doing things if I lack the appropriate skills and make things worse...the sum of my mechanical expertise is being an excellent repairer of lawnmowers, which is a very, very different matter
.Thanks in advance,
David
john neal
fallor ergo sum
It is a common problem with these cameras, and revolves around the relationship between the elements of the shutter speed setting system. There are two springs that need to be correclty balanced - the large leaf spring on the bottom plate and a smaller wire spring inside the top housing. These ensure that the rotating shaft engages with the pawl on the speed selector and releases the 2nd curtain at the right point.
Add to the spring pressure the elements of potential wear, mechanical damage and alignment, and you have an interesting problem to resolve. I believe it is mostly seen on cameras that have recently had the curtains replaced as the drag / weight of the new curtains upsets the relationship. Ostensibly, t his is a fairly straightforward thing to fix, but the odd one is a real pain to set up (much worse than an old Leica). I have had one camera that I just could not correct - it is currently with Oleg to get it back in working order. Have a hunt around the web for instructions (they are out there - check the Fed survival site for one) and have a go, you might be lucky and fix it in 30 minutes.
Good luck - if you can't fix it, Oleg will be happy to help at (usually) quite modest cost, and a working camera is worth the effort
Add to the spring pressure the elements of potential wear, mechanical damage and alignment, and you have an interesting problem to resolve. I believe it is mostly seen on cameras that have recently had the curtains replaced as the drag / weight of the new curtains upsets the relationship. Ostensibly, t his is a fairly straightforward thing to fix, but the odd one is a real pain to set up (much worse than an old Leica). I have had one camera that I just could not correct - it is currently with Oleg to get it back in working order. Have a hunt around the web for instructions (they are out there - check the Fed survival site for one) and have a go, you might be lucky and fix it in 30 minutes.
Good luck - if you can't fix it, Oleg will be happy to help at (usually) quite modest cost, and a working camera is worth the effort
siracusa
Well-known
Dear John,
Thank you for this. It is interesting that you mention the shutter curtains, as here is the only thing about the appearance of the camera body that looks less than excellent. The curtains look lovely, but when the shutter is cocked there are what look like very faint signs of a couple of light wrinkles, so I guess the curtains may have been adjusted or replaced, or simply that this has upset the relationship you describe.
From what you say, it makes sense to send it to Oleg. The grip I'm not so keen on, but aside from that it is rather lovely, and the most solid feeling Fed or Zorki I've had.
Thanks again,
David
Thank you for this. It is interesting that you mention the shutter curtains, as here is the only thing about the appearance of the camera body that looks less than excellent. The curtains look lovely, but when the shutter is cocked there are what look like very faint signs of a couple of light wrinkles, so I guess the curtains may have been adjusted or replaced, or simply that this has upset the relationship you describe.
From what you say, it makes sense to send it to Oleg. The grip I'm not so keen on, but aside from that it is rather lovely, and the most solid feeling Fed or Zorki I've had.
Thanks again,
David
David Hughes
David Hughes
Hi,
My 2d worth is to agree and say send it to Oleg. Excellent service and blinds and so on available.
Regards, David
My 2d worth is to agree and say send it to Oleg. Excellent service and blinds and so on available.
Regards, David
siracusa
Well-known
Thank you, David - Oleg it is! It makes sense to leave things to those who know what they are doing rather than to add to the world's population of cameras ruined by well-intentioned botching.
Best, David
Best, David
David Hughes
David Hughes
I'll drink to that. Regards, David
john neal
fallor ergo sum
I just heard from Oleg, my camera is ready and the cost is under US$25 for the repair - I don't think you can argue with that!